Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Superintendent topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
School committee unanimously renews Superintendent Schwang’s contract amid public criticism and calls for delay
Summary
The Bedford Public School Committee voted 5–0 on April 6 to renew Superintendent Schwang’s contract through June 30, 2029, after public comment urging delay and others urging support; committee members said they will hold the superintendent accountable through evaluation and follow-up.
The Bedford Public School Committee voted unanimously on April 6 to approve a three-year renewal of Superintendent Schwang’s contract effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
The decision followed an extended public-comment period in which multiple speakers urged differing outcomes. An ESP and parent who works in the district’s Academic Achievement Center urged the committee to postpone the vote until a neutral review with clear metrics could be completed, arguing that the recent dissolution of the grades 6–12 student services department and mixed messaging from the superintendent’s office had caused confusion and harm to staff and students. Bedford High School student Noah Gilbertson urged the committee not to renew the contract, saying that decision-making “circle[s]” had narrowed and that morale and outcomes were suffering: “This isn’t about optics anymore. It’s about outcomes.”
Other public speakers supported the renewal. Karen Morrisy, a Bedford parent, credited the superintendent with prudent budget management and protecting special education services during the recent budget cycle and urged the committee to reappoint him.
Committee members acknowledged the public concerns raised but emphasized expectations for growth and accountability. One member said the choice to renew reflected a belief in a “growth mindset” and a desire to support the district through a period the member described as needing "healing and rebuilding." Several members said they expected the formal evaluation process and forthcoming guidance from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees to shape follow-up work.
A memo from legal counsel accompanying the draft contract noted only minor language changes and a salary adjustment from the superintendent’s current agreement; committee materials were posted in advance of the meeting.
The vote was taken by roll call and recorded as five yes, zero no. After the vote, Superintendent Schwang thanked the committee for its support, acknowledged community concerns and the need for growth, and said he remained committed to advancing the district’s strategic plan and work such as the anti-hate and bias task force.
The committee’s action completes a personnel decision the body had been expecting; members said the evaluation process and implementation of agreed-upon improvements will be topics for upcoming meetings.
