Bedford County schools report improved state scores but warn of enrollment and funding pressures

Bedford County’s director of schools, Dr. Garrett, told the county commission the school district posted improved state report-card results, with several schools earning A or B grades and Cascade High School scoring at the top level in several categories.

"So our goal is to hit exemplary," Dr. Garrett said, summarizing district performance trends and noting that several schools are now listed as reward schools. She highlighted Cascade High School’s achievement: "Cascade High School scored a level 5... only 27 high schools statewide scored in that category."

At the same time, Garrett said enrollment is down by about 230 students compared with last year and that federal funding has declined over successive years, putting budgetary pressure on operations. "We are down about 230 students from last year," she said, and added the district must meet a state-mandated teacher-salary minimum that will raise local personnel costs.

Looking ahead, Garrett said the district’s 5- and 10-year plan anticipates the need for a new high school at a site the district already owns, but she cautioned it could be 15 years before funding makes a project feasible. She also said voucher applications (about 139 applications referenced) redirect funds away from the public system and complicate both enrollment projections and budget planning.

The director recommended planning and finance discussions with the commission to address pay increases required by state law and any long-term facility needs, and commissioners asked the district to work with the county during the upcoming budget season.

The commission received the report and did not take an action item on school construction during the meeting.