Board approves YMCA facilities agreement, secures dedicated student dressing rooms and moves fifth‑grade camp

The Bedford Public Schools Board approved a revised facilities use agreement with the YMCA that the board said strengthens protections for student athletes and locks in a three‑year camp arrangement for elementary fifth‑grade students.

Board members said language was added to guarantee that Bedford student athletes will have exclusive access to a dedicated dressing room, restroom and shower area before and after competitions. That change was a direct response to concerns raised at the prior meeting about privacy and student supervision.

The agreement also moves fifth‑grade camp from Camp Machindo to Camp Store under a three‑year pricing arrangement. Board discussion and superintendent comments listed the per‑student rates as $275 in year one, $285 in year two and $300 in year three — a capped increase the board described as approximately a 3.5% annual cap compared with historically higher increases at Camp Machindo. Officials said Camp Store offers improved ADA compliance, newer facilities, air conditioning and an included horseback‑riding program at no added cost to families.

Todd moved approval of the YMCA facilities use agreement; the motion passed by roll call with Amy Bissell, Paul, Todd, Megan, Griffin, Lisa and Sher voting yes.

Board members emphasized that the district will continue to ensure that no student is excluded from trips due to inability to pay, and that the YMCA had been responsive in negotiations to address concerns raised at a prior meeting. The board said the revised agreement is stronger and better protects students’ needs while capping future cost increases for the camp arrangement.

The board’s action reinstates the item for a final vote after technical changes were made to the contract language and price schedule.