The following information was submitted as a press release by Trish Duncan, Bedford Education Association President.

Bedford, OH – November 20, 2025 – “The Bedford Education Association has no confidence in the vision, leadership, and direction of Superintendent Cassandra Johnson. Events over the past several years have solidified the need for a change in leadership.” That was the resolution presented at the Bedford Board of Education meeting Thursday following a unanimous vote by the Bedford Education Association (BEA) Executive Board on Monday. The full BEA membership voted on October 23 to authorize the Executive Board to take this action if it became necessary. This is the first time the Association has ever voted “No Confidence” in the administration.

“We understand the enormity of this vote and did not arrive at the decision hastily,” said BEA President Trish Duncan. “Our Association wants nothing more than to work together with Dr. Johnson to deliver the high-quality education our students deserve, but the lack of support and visibility from Dr. Johnson central office have been profoundly disappointing. It is unfortunate that Dr. Johnson chooses to ignore the history of this excellent school district that was built in a spirit of successful collaboration with BEA.”

This vote is not intended as a lack of confidence in our teachers, other district staff, our students, or our entire community, who the members of BEA vehemently support. The vote of No Confidence is prompted by the continued over-the-top disciplinary actions
against Bedford educators, numerous contract violations, as well as many situations leading to fruitless labor-management discussions, all of which take valuable time away from BEA members’ most important focus: student learning.

“A number of staff have expressed to me their interest to move districts, retire or just quit due to the stressful and unprofessional work environment created by Dr. Johnson’s leadership, as well as the constant fear that the slightest honest mistake will lead to
months-long investigations and ultimate ‘resign or be terminated’ outcome,” added Duncan. “The disconnect and lack of support from the superintendent coupled with an anxiety-ridden workplace is disheartening to our staff and distracting from our mission of meeting students’ needs.”

“The actions and decisions of this superintendent have led to an all-time low in staff morale and have undermined the quality of working and learning conditions in the district. These conditions are not sustainable if we are to continue to deliver the highest
quality instruction to the students of this community,” Duncan said. “It is time for a change.”

ABOUT BEA
**The Bedford Education Association represents 270 teachers and other licensed professionals of the Bedford City School District. BEA educators are dedicated professionals who are deeply invested in the Bedford community and are committed to providing the best education possible for the students they serve every day.