Bedford County officials plan three meetings regarding superintendent

By Annie McCallum

Published: November 21, 2008

Bedford County Schools officials plan to hold three public meetings to solicit community feedback on what people want in a new superintendent.

 
Meeting dates and times
- Where: Staunton River High School library
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 2
- Where: Jefferson Forest High School auditorium
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 3
- Where: Liberty High School auditorium
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 4
- For more information visit http://www.bedford.k12.va.us/

“We’re reaching out to the public,” said Ryan Edwards, school spokesman. “We are giv-ing the taxpayers, parents and the community as a whole the first chance to provide us input on who they feel is the type of person best suited to take over.”

Superintendent James Blevins, who has been at the division’s helm since 1998, will retire June 30. His replacement is expected to be hired in early 2009.

The school division has con-tracted with the firm Ray and Associates to search for a super-intendent, but before applica-tions are collected officials will find out what residents want.

“It’s very important for the people of Bedford County to have their chance to make their opinions known about who is the best person to come in and lead their children,” Edwards said.

Edwards said after the meet-ing Ray and Associates will likely gather data to see what type of candidates would be best suited for the job and will then solicit and select applications.

Edwards said information about the meetings and a survey should be on the schools’ Web site in the coming days.