Superintendent Mark Bedell is pursuing a second contract to continue leading Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Maryland’s fourth-largest school system. As the district navigates contentious redistricting, budget pressures, and stalled labor negotiations, Bedell’s tenure has also witnessed notable achievements, including increased graduation rates and a reduction in chronic absenteeism.
Bedell’s time in office has been marked by significant challenges, including a three-year redistricting process, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a complete overhaul of the elementary school curriculum. In a controversial decision, the school board rejected a proposal to ban all non-governmental flags from classrooms, illustrating the contentious atmosphere surrounding educational leadership in the region.
Despite the board approving a new redistricting map in November, opposition has arisen from residents in Crofton. The newly formed nonprofit, One Crofton, has filed an appeal with the state Board of Education and hired legal representation to contest the decision. While the organization has not taken a specific stance on Bedell’s contract renewal, its president, Mike Chittenden, emphasized the need for greater transparency if the board chooses to extend his term.
“The redistricting process highlighted gaps in communication and community engagement,” Chittenden stated. “We hope the board will consider these issues in its evaluation of the system’s future direction.”
As budget discussions unfold, Bedell has proposed a $1.9 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, a 12.29% increase from his initial budget of $1.68 billion in 2023. Alongside these financial challenges, he announced an immediate hiring freeze for central and satellite office staff due to increased financial uncertainty. Negotiations with the Secretaries and Assistants Association of Anne Arundel County have reached an impasse, focusing primarily on compensation issues.
The teachers’ union has voiced criticism regarding Bedell’s proposed budget, advocating for improved cost-of-living raises. Nevertheless, he has been working to establish strong relationships with the unions representing district employees. Kristina Korona, president of the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County, expressed support for Bedell’s leadership approach. “He acknowledges areas needing improvement and values transparency,” Korona commented. “He is focused on sustainable progress rather than quick, superficial changes.”
Bedell’s ambitions for the school district are high. He aims for Anne Arundel to rank among the top school districts in the nation. Under his guidance, initiatives such as Project Graduation have been launched, providing student-centered recovery options to enhance learning opportunities. The school system has also made PSAT and AP testing free to help bridge achievement gaps.
Bedell has made a commitment to visit all 127 schools in the district, a goal he claims to be nearing completion. Student perspectives reflect his impact; Brayden Morgan, a senior at Glen Burnie High School and student member of the Board of Education, highlighted Bedell’s approachable nature. “He stands firm on his beliefs for the students, which is reassuring,” Morgan stated.
Morgan recounted an interaction where Bedell connected with high school freshmen who remembered him from previous visits. “When he shares his story with students, it makes a real impact,” he noted. Bedell’s personal journey from a challenging childhood in Rochester, New York, to his current role underscores his dedication to education and student empowerment.
The school board selected Bedell in 2022 from nearly 50 applicants after opting not to renew the contract of former superintendent George Arlotto, who served two terms. The board will decide on Bedell’s new contract by March 1, 2024, as his current contract is set to expire on June 30. Board members have praised Bedell’s performance throughout his tenure, suggesting a favorable outlook for his contract renewal, pending successful negotiations.
Bedell’s annual salary is $305,000, with an additional $22,000 contributed by the district to his retirement plan. In comparison, his previous role in Missouri earned him $282,000, while Arlotto was compensated $269,000 annually.
As Anne Arundel County Public Schools continues to face both internal and external pressures, the upcoming decision regarding Bedell’s contract renewal will be pivotal for the district’s future direction.
