Bedford superintendent outlines calendar changes, new state school ratings and smartphone concerns
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Summary
Superintendent Mr. Daffair announced calendar adjustments because of winter weather, summarized Bedford County’s first results under Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework (listing five schools ‘off track’ and four rated ‘distinguished’), and flagged student health concerns linked to smartphone use.
Superintendent Mr. Daffair told the Bedford County School Board on Dec. 11 that winter weather prompted calendar changes and that the district will publish school-level accountability results in upcoming meetings. "Friday, December 19 marks the last day of the first semester," he said, and added that "School will be closed on Friday, December 12" because of a National Weather Service advisory.
Mr. Daffair briefed the board on the Commonwealth’s new School Performance and Support Framework, which groups schools into four performance categories. "We have 5 schools considered off track: Bedford Elementary, Bedford Primary, Huddleston Elementary, Veil Elementary, and Stewartsville Elementary," he said, and noted that four schools received a rating of "distinguished," listing Thomas Jefferson Elementary and the district’s high schools among them.
The superintendent said the division is fully accredited under the state standards of quality and that staff will provide school-level reports in future meetings to explain how the district will address gaps and build on strengths. "We look forward to having this data to reach even greater performance levels next year," he said.
Mr. Daffair also discussed nonacademic readiness and student health. He flagged concerns tied to smartphone use — citing resources his office will post — and told the board the district would share links on tips to reduce harmful effects and on how to clean devices. "Research says that 1 in 6 cell phones contain or carry E coli bacteria," he said, emphasizing hygiene and strategies to limit screen time to support sleep, focus and memory.
He closed by welcoming newly seated board members Jordan Cars (District 1) and Jill Dobson (starting Jan. 1) and offered public thanks to outgoing Chairman Marcus Hill for eight years of service.
The board did not take additional action on accountability ratings during the meeting; Mr. Daffair said more detailed school-level reports will follow at subsequent meetings.