BEDFORD – The Bedford City School District Board of Education much choose an applicant for the unexpired term of board member Barbara A. Patterson, who sadly passed away and thus left her seat vacant February 7.
The board will begin interviewing candidates soon and must name a replacement within 30 days of the vacancy. The newly appointed member will serve until Dec. 30, 2023. If the appointed member desires to continue serving, he or she must run during the November 2023 general election.
Mrs. Barbara A. Patterson was appointed to the Board in 2002 and subsequently elected in 2003. Cassandra Johnson, Ph.D., interim superintendent of schools, stated that Mrs. Patterson served as president of the board in 2008, 2010, 2015, 2019, and 2021. She was vice president in 2005, 2007, and 2018, and 2020. A career educator, Mrs. Patterson retired in 2009 after more than 39 years as a teacher and administrator. Mrs. Patterson was a past-president of the Ohio School Boards Association’s Black Caucus, a position that she held for 6 years. This organization promotes public awareness of issues relating to racial diversity in schools and equity in education to enhance the academic achievement of Ohio’s students. The Bearcat family is appreciative of Mrs. Patterson for her 20 years of service and dedication to the Bedford City School District.
According to Ohio law, people serving on Ohio school boards must be at least 18 years old, district residents and registered voters. Mrs. Eva Boyington, board president, said the board will review all applications and conduct interviews for selected candidates.
A decision regarding appointment of an individual to fill the vacant seat will be made at the Board’s March 3, 2022 meeting.
Bedford City School District serves approximately 3,100 students in six buildings in the cities of Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood Village and Walton Hills.
