First, the district has demonstrated results on its Mission, "Academic achievement, through constantly improving standards, is the district's highest priority." Students in Bedford schools perform well. It doesn't matter their background, or their ability or disability, the students typically outperform their peers throughout the state. Bedford High School students scored in the top 4 out of over 100 NH high schools on the 2010 New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP), being #1 in percent of students proficient or better in reading and science. Click here if you want to view more student performance data.
Second, the district is efficient and effective in its use of resources. Historically Bedford per pupil costs are below state averages. When compared to south central NH school districts, Bedford's per pupil costs are competitive or lower for elementary, middle and high schools as reported by the NH Department of Education. For example, Souhegan High School's (Amherst/Mt. Vernon) per pupil costs for 2009/10 was $16,442 compared to Bedford High School's $11,337 per pupil cost ... a difference of $5,105 per student. Windham's 2009/10 per pupil costs for grades 9-10 was $20,336. Bedford High School's per pupil costs in 2007/08, its first year of operation with grades 9-10, was $15,187 ... a difference of $5,149 per student. Click here if you want to view more information on NH and regional school district per pupil costs.
Third, the district is investigating a variety of ways to increase revenues and be more effective with our resources. A study committee researched and recommended additional fees for services to the school board. One result was the increase of the student parking fee at BHS to $100 this year. The district is offering an extended Kindergarten option for 2011/12, for a fee, a win-win for some families and the district as it will be tax neutral. A new study committee was recently approved to research and recommend options to utilize online learning to decrease costs and increase revenues. We anticipate that this committee may make recommendations that will shape the district for years to come.
Finally, our employees make the difference. The academic performance of our students and the efficient and effective use of resources is not by accident. It is due to the conscientious, hard work of all employees and the school board. Our schools are clean and well maintained due to the maintenance/custodial staff. Our support staff provides the assistance that enables the professional staff and administration to focus on the priorities of the district. The professional staff ... teachers and administrators ... provide the educational opportunities and direct instruction our students need to be competitive. District salaries and benefits for teachers are not competitive for teachers with 5 years of experience or less ... which represents 26% of the professional staff. For example, teachers who have 5 years of experience, a master's degree, and elect a single medical plans rank 6th in net pay out of the 20 south central NH school districts. Teachers who have 5 years of experience, a master's degree, and elect 2-person medical plans rank 10th out of the 20 south central NH school districts. For this same group, Bedford's costs for the employee are 5th least costly out of the 20 south central NH school districts! Click here if you want to view more information on south central NH school district teacher net pay and district costs.
Supporting the negotiated agreements (Articles III and V) for employees is a just reward for a job well done. Supporting Article X, a petition article, will enable contract negotiations to continue with the school board and the Bedford Education Association. I am optimistic that a reasonable agreement can be reached. Not supporting reasonable compensation/benefits for employees will erode Bedford's competitive advantage for hiring quality employees. Although this may not have an immediate impact, it most certainly will over time as our district falls further behind our regional competition.
At a time when it is easy to say no, I encourage our community to invest in its educational system and say yes. Please take the time to vote on Tuesday, March 8 in the Bedford High School gymnasium from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
