Mr. Stephen L. Bedford has been assigned as community superintendent for the Montgomery Blair, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, and Northwood clusters effective on August 9, 2004. He currently serves as community superintendent for the Damascus, Gaithersburg, Col. Zadok Magruder, and Watkins Mill clusters.

The assignment was made by Dr. Frieda K. Lacey, deputy superintendent of schools, with the approval of the superintendent of schools.

The administrative change follows the assignment of Mr. Walt Gibson, formerly community superintendent for the Blair, Einstein, Kennedy, and Northwood clusters, to acting director of the Department of Student Services.

Mr. Bedford's experience as a community superintendent with an established track record addresses the requests of community members to provide continuity at the community superintendent level. In addition, Mr. Bedford has been a school leader in the downcounty area, serving as principal at Col. E. Brooke Lee Middle School in Silver Spring for five years, and is very familiar with the goals of the community he will be serving.

“I believe that Mr. Bedford is the ideal person to fulfill the role of community superintendent for the schools in the downcounty area,” said Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent of schools. “It is worth noting that Mr. Bedford called me to express his interest in the open position and to state his personal and professional dedication to the long-term stability and success of the down county schools.”

The community also requested increased administrative capacity, especially during this first year of full implementation of the Downcounty Consortium. An additional performance director will be appointed to assist Mr. Bedford as he works with principals, staff, students, and the community to serve their needs. Other community superintendents are assisted by one performance director.

Ms. Linda Ferrell, currently performance director for the Damascus, Gaithersburg, Col. Zadok Magruder, and Watkins Mill clusters, has been named acting community superintendent for these clusters. A permanent appointment for this position is expected by the end of September.