After appointment as Anne Arundel schools superintendent, Bedell stresses education as ‘pathway to economic prosperity’ – Capital Gazette

The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County unanimously appointed Mark Bedell to the place of superintendent Friday throughout a particular assembly the place he was launched to faculty and county leaders.

Bedell instructed officers a bit extra about himself. He began by thanking his household — three kids and spouse Robyn — for the sacrifices they’ve made to permit him to pursue his desires.

He stated he’s considered one of eight siblings, born when his mom was 16. He has skilled trauma and neglect, and when he talks to college students he tells them education is what might help them overcome something.

“Education is the pathway to economic prosperity,” Bedell stated.

Bedell stated he needs the varsity district of extra that 83,000 college students to be among the finest within the nation.

To join with college students, Bedell stated he plans to go to athletic occasions, host conferences with small teams at schools and maintain assemblies as superintendent.

When he shares his experiences with college students, Bedell says he encourages them not to use their life circumstances as a crutch. No matter what, college students ought to come to faculty and put of their finest effort. And as paid staff, it’s up to educators to discover the “gift” in each child.

“I think the biggest key to being successful with students who may be on the brink of checking out is to show them your own vulnerabilities,” he stated.

When it comes to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, laws handed in 2021 that may improve education funding within the state by $3.8 billion over 10 years, Bedell stated he’s excited for the enlargement of early childhood education, which can guarantee extra college students have a basis in studying and math to construct on.

“If you don’t have universal early childhood then that means some kids are getting left out,” he stated.

Bedell has a doctorate in academic management from Nova Southeastern University. He earned a bachelor’s diploma in historical past from Fisk University, the place he additionally performed basketball, and has a grasp’s diploma in academic management and administration from Tennessee State University.

Several politicians additionally attended Friday’s contract approval and signing occasion at Anne Arundel County Public Schools headquarters in Annapolis, together with County Executive Steuart Pittman, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley and Del. Mike Rogers.

The system introduced final week that Bedell was the board’s best choice for the place. A Rochester, New York native, Bedell has spent the previous six years as superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools, and earlier than that he was an administrator in Baltimore County Public Schools.

Bedell’s time period begins July 1 and ends June 30, 2026, in accordance to the newly authorized contract. In a letter to the Kansas City neighborhood shared final week, Bedell stated his resignation from the Missouri district will probably be efficient August 5.

Bedell’s wage will begin at $305,000 yearly. Bedell’s contract says the board will contribute $22,000 yearly to a retirement plan, and may contribute one other $10,000 yearly after analysis. He may even obtain $850 every month to cowl the price of a car, upkeep and gasoline.

The phrases are comparable to these of George Arlotto, who’s leaving the district on the finish of this month after eight years as superintendent.

Arlotto’s 2018 contract began at $269,000 yearly, plus $20,000 towards retirement plans and the identical $10,000 choice. He additionally obtained $750 every month to cowl the price of a car and associated bills.

An performing superintendent will serve between July 1 and August 8 as Bedell adjustments jobs, AACPS stated in a media launch Friday.