BEDFORD, OH — As reported by WKYC Studios, emotions ran high at Thursday night’s Bedford City School District board meeting, where parents and community members packed the room to demand transparency following the suspension of several high school staff members earlier this month.
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.
