This Early Bird Winter Sale features price cuts across ALL merchandise—hoodies, tees, hats, jackets, bags, and more. Whether you’re cheering from the stands, supporting school events, or simply showing community pride around town, now is the best time to pick up high-quality Bearcats gear at discounted prices.

Shopping through the official Bedford Bearcats store also does more than update your wardrobe: every purchase directly supports the Bedford Bearcats. Proceeds from the sale help fund programs, activities, and opportunities for students throughout the district. Your order makes a difference!

With holiday shipping delays always looming this time of year, ordering early ensures your items arrive on time—and at a great price. These deals are only available for a short period, so be sure to browse the store and take advantage of the savings while they last.

Don’t miss your chance to save big, shop local, and support Bedford students all at once.

The post Early Black Friday Savings Are Here for Bedford Bearcats Fans first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

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.

The post Bedford City School District Employees Vote No Confidence in Superintendent first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

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.