The meeting came just days after a student walkout that saw more than 150 Bedford High School students protesting what they viewed as a lack of communication from the district. Parents voiced concerns during public comment, urging school officials to explain the circumstances surrounding the allegations of “serious misconduct” that led to the administrative leaves.

Superintendent Dr. Cassandra Jackson told attendees she was unable to discuss the matter publicly on the advice of legal counsel, citing the ongoing investigation. Her comments acknowledged the frustration and speculation that have spread throughout the community in the absence of details.

Some board members expressed disappointment that they had not been notified about the staff leaves before learning of them through social media. The district has since confirmed that an independent investigation is underway, though no timeline for its completion has been announced.

Toward the end of the meeting, Board Member Danielle Turner Birch introduced a motion to place Jackson on leave or request her resignation, but the motion did not advance due to the lack of a second.

The next Bedford City School District board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 6, when community members are expected to continue pressing for updates.

The post Parents Seek Answers at Bedford School Board Meeting Amid Ongoing Investigation As Reported by WKYC Studios first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The Bedford City School District will receive $466,395.14—one of the largest returns among local districts. The City of Bedford itself will receive $81,266.50, with additional surrounding municipalities also benefiting: Bedford Heights will receive $66,355.91, Walton Hills will receive $9,253.72, and Oakwood Village will see $7,745.89.

According to county officials, most of the returned funds will go to schools and local services. The county will also retain over $5 million of the surplus to support public health and human services, developmental disabilities programming, and other county functions.

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District received the second-largest return at over $3.7 million, while several other suburban school districts each received more than $1 million.

Funds are expected to be disbursed by the end of October, offering a timely boost to public budgets across the region. For Bedford and its neighboring communities, the refund represents a rare return on a necessary public expense—and a potential opportunity to reinvest in services, infrastructure, and education.

The post Bedford, Schools to Receive Funds from Cuyahoga County Reappraisal Surplus As Reported By Cleveland.com News first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

While the district has not disclosed details about the nature of the allegations or the number of employees involved, it stated that all actions are being handled in accordance with established legal and procedural guidelines. Officials emphasized that their primary focus remains on maintaining a safe and stable learning environment for students while the investigation proceeds.

The district declined to release the names of the employees involved and did not issue a statement regarding a student-led walkout that took place at Bedford High School in protest of the suspensions.

Bedford police confirmed that there are no active criminal investigations involving district employees at this time, noting that any inquiries by the Bedford City School District are strictly internal.

The post Bedford City School District Employees Placed on Leave Amid Misconduct Investigation As Reported By Cleveland 19 News first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The district showed strong growth in student progress, earning four out of five stars in the Progress category. State officials noted “significant evidence” that Bedford students exceeded expected academic growth compared to prior years.

Bedford also met state standards in Gap Closing, a measure of how well districts are reducing educational disparities among student groups, receiving three out of five stars.

However, other areas highlighted the need for improvement. The district scored just two stars in Early Literacy, with only 42.6% of third graders proficient in reading and fewer than 20% showing improvement in K–3 literacy. While 98.7% of students were promoted to fourth grade, the state emphasized that early reading skills remain a critical concern.

Graduation rates also fell short of state expectations. Bedford earned two stars in the Graduation category, with 83.3% of students graduating within four years and 87.4% within five years.

In College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness, Bedford received two stars, with just over half of students (54.1%) considered prepared for post-secondary opportunities.

The district’s Achievement score reflected similar challenges, with a Performance Index of 59.5%, translating into two stars.

Overall, Bedford’s results show promising growth in student progress but underscore ongoing challenges in literacy, achievement, and readiness for life after high school.

The post Bedford City Schools Earns Mixed Marks on State Report Card first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

It’s also important to remember to watch for stopped school buses and children walking to school. As always, be aware of your surroundings and be sure to stop for buses when required.

Preschool

2025/26 School Year Preschool Application

Central Primary

8/20 | Central’s KRA Screening | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
8/20 | Central’s Open House for 1st & 2nd Grade | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
8/21 | Central’s KRA Screening | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
8/25 | Central’s A-L Kindergarten Orientation & Open House | 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM
8/26 | Central’s M-Z Kindergarten Open House & Orientation | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Glendale Primary

8/20 | Glendale’s KRA Screening | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
8/20 | Glendale’s Open House for 1st & 2nd Grade | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
8/21 | Glendale’s KRA Screening | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
8/25 | Glendale’s A-L Kindergarten Orientation & Open House | 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM
8/26 | Glendale’s M-Z Kindergarten Open House & Orientation | 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM

Carylwood Intermediate

8/20 | Carylwood Open House: | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Columbus Intermediate

8/20 | Columbus Open House | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Heskett Middle School

8/20 | Heskett’s Open House | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Bedford High School

8/6 | High School Senior Portrait Day- By Appointment Only | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
8/7 | High School Senior Portrait Day- By Appointment Only | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
8/12 | High School Freshmen Orientation AM Session | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
8/12 | High School Freshmen Orientation- PM Session | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
8/25 | High School Underclass Picture Day | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The post Your Essential Guide to the 2025-2026 School Year first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

When I started writing this, it was supposed to be a simple assignment—just another school project. But what I found was a family. I wasn’t a Bedford graduate. I wasn’t in the band. But I was welcomed with open arms.

Through interviews, memories, and quiet moments of reflection, I discovered what makes the Bedford Bearcat Band so powerful. It’s not just about music. It’s about legacy—about showing up, giving back, and believing in each other. I may not have worn the uniform, but I’ll always carry the spirit.

Because once you’ve felt the heartbeat of Bedford Band, you never really leave it.

Article 7 of 7 in a series

The post A Bearcat by Heart — A Personal Reflection first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Breyana Adams Hayes, Class of 2017 and current color guard director, remembers her band directors in simple terms: “Ms. Shauf was the mother. Mr. Nichols was the father.” Their balance of structure and compassion became the foundation for who she is today.

As a student-turned-staff member, Breyana now works alongside Rae Jones, bringing with her the values that were once poured into her. With the support of Ms. Browning, she transitioned into leadership and is now committed to mentoring students with the same love and discipline.

Looking ahead, Breyana is confident in Rae’s leadership and the students’ ability to carry the legacy forward. She urges current members to honor the program’s traditions but also find space to leave their own mark—because legacy isn’t static; it grows.

Article 6 of 7 in a series

The post Roots and Wings — Breyana Adams Hayes on Tradition and Transformation first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

For Rae Jones, leading the Bedford Bearcat Band isn’t just a job—it’s coming full circle. A proud graduate of the Class of 2015, she was molded by Nichols and Shauf, mentored through college, and encouraged to follow her dream of teaching music.

After earning her degree from the University of Mount Union, Rae returned to Bedford, teaching everywhere from kindergarten to high school band rooms. Her approach blends tradition with innovation, always rooted in deep empathy and resilience.

Resourceful and determined, Rae repairs instruments herself, arranges music when budgets fall short, and builds programs that reflect cultural relevance while preserving core traditions. As the first Black female head band director in school history, she’s not just making history—she’s honoring it.

Article 5 of 7 in a series

The post Coming Home — The Rise of Rae Jones first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Before becoming a triple major at Oberlin College, Sunny was just a girl walking into the Bedford band room—shy, unsure, and ready to be shaped by something greater.

Under the guidance of Mr. Nichols and Ms. Shauf, Sunny found more than music. She found herself. She filled in as a jazz drummer when no one else could, carried heavy drums without complaint, and learned to lead with quiet strength.

She describes Nichols as the “intense” motivator and Shauf as the “nurturing” encourager—two forces that together helped her grow. Today, she’s a musician, academic, and mentor, carrying forward the same values that were poured into her. Her advice for Rae Jones? “Lead with heart, and the rest will follow.”

Article 4 of 7 in a series

The post Becoming the Mentor — Sunny’s Testimony first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Kindergarten registration is handled through the district’s Final Forms system, which allows parents and guardians to complete forms and upload all required documents online. Families must create an account to begin the process, and no in-person document drop-offs are accepted. An in-person appointment is only required if the child is brand new to the district, if there has been a change in address, or if there is updated custody documentation.

For preschool enrollment, families must receive prior approval from the district’s preschool team before registering. Those interested should contact 440‑786‑3519 for guidance and next steps. A preschool registration packet is also available online for download.

The Final Forms system also serves as the platform for updating addresses or contact details, allowing families to quickly report changes and upload verification documents. The district offers virtual school tours and downloadable forms, including change of address packets and intradistrict transfer requests, to support new and returning families alike.

Parents or guardians with questions about the registration process, address updates, custody paperwork, or preschool eligibility are encouraged to call the district registrar at 440‑439‑4395.

The Bedford City School District remains committed to providing a smooth and welcoming enrollment experience as it prepares to welcome its newest learners into the classroom.

The post Kindergarten and Preschool Enrollment Now Open for Bedford Schools first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.