Bedford's new interim superintendent wants to improve morale in district

10/4/2012

TEMPERANCE -- During his first Board of Education meeting today, Jon White, the Bedford Public Schools' new interim superintendent, said he would work to improve morale in the financially strapped district, which has implemented layoffs and pay cuts in recent years in an effort to bring its budget into balance.

Mr. White, who has previously served as the district's superintendent, was hired to replace Ted Magrum, who retired. He will serve for the 2012-13 year, with a district plan to have a new, permanent superintendent onboard by the start of the 2013-14 school year.

He said his top priority was to restore staff and community morale, and that he would take "a high-visibility role" and spend much time in district buildings observing and talking to employees.

Also at the meeting, the school board recognized Nancy Brancheau and Kate Schmus, two lunchroom aides at Temperance Road Elementary School, who recently averted a potential tragedy by using the Heimlich maneuver on a girl choking on a piece of hot dog. The women were praised for their quick thinking and fast action.