Voters in Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood Village, and Walton Hills will select members of the Bedford City School District Board of Education on Tuesday, Nov. 4. As part of The Bedford Tribune’s nonpartisan election coverage, all candidates were invited to complete a survey to share information about their background, priorities, and goals for the district.

Background and Experience

Chris Callender is an educator with extensive experience in teaching, administration, and community programming. Through his work in education and leadership roles, he has seen how access to quality instruction, dedicated educators, and strong support systems can transform students’ lives. He hopes to bring that experience and perspective to the Bedford City School District Board of Education.

Why He’s Running

Callender says he is running because he believes in the power of public education to strengthen both individuals and communities. His goal is to help ensure that every child in Bedford receives the best possible educational experience. He is motivated by a commitment to students and families and wants to foster an environment where teachers feel supported, students feel valued, and schools are places where excellence and equity thrive.

He also aims to strengthen partnerships among schools, families, and community organizations to better address academic growth, social-emotional health, and career readiness.

Key Challenges and Priorities

Callender identifies several major challenges facing the district:

  • Academic Achievement: Raising performance across all grade levels by ensuring every student has access to high-quality instruction, early interventions, and strong college and career preparation.
  • Staffing and Support: Recruiting and retaining excellent educators by providing professional development, instructional resources, and collaborative planning time.
  • Student Safety and Well-being: Expanding mental health resources, effective discipline policies, and support systems to ensure every student feels secure and valued.
  • Funding and Resource Allocation: Maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency to ensure resources directly support classrooms and technology needs.

Supporting Teachers, Staff, and Students

Callender believes the board can strengthen morale by fostering a culture of respect, trust, and recognition. He supports ensuring that teachers and staff have a voice in decision-making, access to professional development, and opportunities for collaboration. He emphasizes that a positive school culture starts with leadership that values and empowers its people.

Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency

For Callender, transparency begins with communication. He supports regular public financial updates and encourages community feedback to build confidence in how taxpayer funds are used. He also advocates for long-term financial planning to address facility maintenance, technology investments, and enrollment shifts—ensuring the district remains proactive rather than reactive.

Collaboration Across Communities

Callender envisions strengthening relationships among Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood Village, and Walton Hills through partnerships and shared initiatives with local governments, businesses, faith-based groups, and civic organizations. He supports mentorship programs, job-shadowing experiences, and service-learning projects that bring students and residents together.

He also wants to celebrate district pride by hosting events, student showcases, and recognition programs that highlight community and academic achievements.

Engaging Parents and Guardians

Callender emphasizes that parents and guardians should play an active, inclusive role in decision-making. He supports outreach that reflects the district’s diversity, ensures families feel informed and welcome, and promotes collaboration between home and school. He views family engagement as a shared responsibility for student success.

Defining Student Success

Callender defines success as the development of well-rounded, capable, and compassionate graduates. He believes student success extends beyond academics to include critical thinking, communication, character, and civic responsibility. For him, the goal is for every Bedford graduate to be confident, capable, and prepared for life after school.

Closing Message

Callender says he is committed to maintaining high academic standards while fostering safe, inclusive, and engaging schools where every child can thrive. He brings a balanced approach rooted in leadership, collaboration, and practical problem-solving—focused on creating a future where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Contact: callenderforbedfordschools@gmail.com