BEDFORD, OH – In its final session of the year on December 15, the Bedford City Council focused on the future of the city’s educational landscape and honored a long-serving member of the local government. The meeting featured major updates on the district’s construction projects and a heartfelt send-off for Ward 4 Councilman Vic Fluharty.

New Schools on the Horizon for 2027

Representatives from the school administration and the GPD Group presented a detailed timeline for the district’s ambitious facilities master plan. Construction is moving swiftly, with the new K-2 elementary building already 35% complete. Both the elementary school and the new middle school on Northfield Road are slated to welcome students in August 2027.

The high school campus is also preparing for a massive transformation. Starting in February 2026, the “North House” and the current Board of Education building will be demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art, 175,000-square-foot facility. This new building is designed to centralize grades 9–12 and reintegrate Career Tech programs back onto the main campus.

Fiscal Realities: The Decision on the Pool

A point of discussion during the update was the exclusion of a new swimming pool from the high school plans. Officials clarified that the cost of a new natatorium—exceeding $10 million—was “prohibitive” in the face of inflation and declining student interest in competitive swimming. To ensure students still have access to aquatic programs, the district will maintain its long-standing partnership with the city of Bedford Heights.

Councilman Fluharty’s Final Bow

The meeting took an emotional turn as the Council celebrated the eight-year tenure of Councilman Vic Fluharty. Colleagues praised Fluharty for his unwavering commitment to Ward 4, his passion for the local Historical Society, and his tireless support of youth sports.

Known for his quick wit, Fluharty used his final report to thank his constituents and colleagues, jokingly noting that while he is retiring from Council, he isn’t disappearing—just spending more time on the golf course.

Year-End City Business and Safety Upgrades

Before adjourning, the Council passed several key pieces of legislation:

  • Safety First: New security measures were authorized for the Ellenwood Community Center, including remote-controlled doors and intercom systems to better protect children during summer camps.
  • Infrastructure: Emergency sewer lining repairs were approved for Center Road and McKinley Street to address aging infrastructure.
  • Cybersecurity: The city adopted a new cybersecurity program to align with updated state mandates and protect municipal data.

Looking to 2026

The Council will reconvene for its 2026 Organizational Meeting on January 2 at 7:00 PM to swear in newly elected officials and set the agenda for the coming year.

Video Source: Bedford City Council Meeting – December 15, 2025