TEMPERANCE - The career path that Ted Magrum took to become administrative chief of Bedford Public Schools isn't typical for most school superintendents.
Mr. Magrum came to the school district in 2001 after he worked as controller for the Dayton operations of an industrial safety solutions firm. With degrees in accounting and business, he had been geared for a career in business.
The decision to change careers and go into education came on the heels of the company consolidating operations in Houston.
Before getting the position of assistant superintendent of finance and operations, the only education experience in Mr. Magrum's resume was teaching business classes at a community college.
Mr. Magrum, 57, who was promoted last week to superintendent of the 5,200-student school district, said he has been comfortable with all facets of school district operations in the assistant superintendent position. He said he has been putting in extra time at the schools to get to know the academic side of the district.
"I recognized that I need to learn more about the curriculum and academics. I am getting out to the buildings, visiting classes, and talking to teachers to find out what is going on in the buildings in the district," he said.One of three finalists for the position, Mr. Magrum was the unanimous choice of the seven-member board at the end of the second round of interviews.
Board President Shawna Smith said she was impressed with his presentation at the final interview, in part because he was the only candidate to provide a plan for the district's next two years.
"He is absolutely the best person to have in this position, especially in this financial climate. This is the person who we need to lead the district," Mrs. Smith said.
A native of Neapolis in western Lucas County, Mr. Magrum graduated from Anthony Wayne High School. He obtained a bachelor's degree in accounting from Bowling Green State University.
As the new superintendent, Mr. Magrum will be confronted with the challenges of guiding the district through state budget cuts.
The recently approved state fiscal budget included a $165 cut in per-student funding. School districts are also being warned to expect an additional $127 per student payment reduction.
"We fortunately are a high achieving school with [test] scores that consistently exceed the county and state average. We want to improve on that," Mr. Magrum said. "We need to maintain the high quality of education that our community has come to expect. But with the financial situation that is going to be a big challenge."
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