Bedford Superintendent Announces Retirement

As the Bedford Town Council nears the conclusion of its third town manager search in as many years, the Bedford School Board was informed Monday night it will be naming a high-ranking replacement of its own.

Longtime Bedford School Superintendent Tim Mayes announced – at Monday's school board meeting – he will be retiring as of June 30.

Mayes came to Bedford in 2001 as Assistant Superintendent for Finance. Five years later, in July 2006, he succeeded Ann Remus as Bedford School Superintendent.

In addition to thanking the school board for the opportunity to work in Bedford, noting the last 12 years were the highlight of his 40-year career in education, Mayes attributed the oft-recognized success of Bedford students to the talent and skill of Bedford administrators and staff, the high expectations of parents, and the support of the Bedford community.

In his time in Bedford, Mayes provided oversight for the construction of the Ross A. Lurgio Middle School and Bedford High School complex, the restructuring of the district from four to six schools, and the opening and phasing in of Bedford High School.

Among the many accolades earned by School Administrative Unit 25 during Mayes tenure, Bedford High School was selected as the 2013 New Hampshire Secondary School of Excellence award recipient, and Bedford was recognized by Forbes Magazine as second among United States school districts, and tops in the Northeast, in terms of “Best Schools for Your Housing Buck.” Bedford ranked third on the same list in 2011.

Following his announcement, Mayes recommended to the Bedford School Board that Assistant Superintendent Chip McGee be his successor. Mayes supported the recommendation by citing McGee's strong understanding of teaching and learning and his positive relationship with staff and administrators.

Bedford School Board Chairwoman Terry Wolf said that contract negotiations have already been initiated with McGee, and added that she expects a successful agreement to be announced soon.