BEDFORD COUNTY Schools Superintendent Dr. Tammy Garrett planned the town hall-style meetings because she understood the importance of listening to parents and hearing their concerns. She hoped the four meetings would help her to better understand what is important to parents, how the parents feel the schools are doing, and what could make the school system better.
Dr. Garrett’s assessment of the town hall meetings was positive. “It was time well-spent. I discovered things I didn’t know about but could change.”
The first change is around the dress code. It came to light that different schools interpret and enforce the dress code differently. This is being addressed in two ways. First, Assistant Superintendent Tim Harwell is working with principals at all of the schools to make sure there is consistent enforcement of the existing dress code currently and through the end of the year. Second, after hearing feedback from parents and Dr. Garrett’s newly formed Student Advisory Councils, recommendations for modifying the dress code beginning in the 2022-2023 school year are being submitted to the Bedford County School Board to vote on. Once the changes are approved, parents will have ample time to understand and apply the new dress codes.
The first change is around the dress code. It came to light that different schools interpret and enforce the dress code differently. This is being addressed in two ways. First, Assistant Superintendent Tim Harwell is working with principals at all of the schools to make sure there is consistent enforcement of the existing dress code currently and through the end of the year. Second, after hearing feedback from parents and Dr. Garrett’s newly formed Student Advisory Councils, recommendations for modifying the dress code beginning in the 2022-2023 school year are being submitted to the Bedford County School Board to vote on. Once the changes are approved, parents will have ample time to understand and apply the new dress codes.
With Dr. Garrett’s one-year anniversary as superintendent of schools coming in March, she responded to the question of what has made the greatest impact on her in Bedford County. Her appreciation of the overwhelming welcome she received from all corners of the community has been incredible. She sees the professionalism and focus of the school board coming together to work for the good of the community. Additionally, the teachers, staff, and administration demonstrate their dedication and passion for educating the children of Bedford County every day. She is incredibly grateful she was placed in this district.
From increasing CTE (Career and Technical Education) opportunities, the new elementary basketball league, building a new school (with no tax increase!), and working to develop a facility plan to address both short and long-term maintenance and capital improvements, Dr. Garrett can see the future is bright for residents of Bedford County.
Community members who wish to support the schools have a variety of opportunities to be mentors, volunteers, share ideas, or serve on committees. There are also some paid opportunities for tutoring in reading, math, or science as well as bus driving. Community members who would like to participate in any way should contact their local school or reach out to the human resources department at the Bedford County Schools office. -GN
