submitted by Jason Shaffer, Bedford School Superintendent
Between physical education, team practices, and games, securing access to gymnasium space in Bedford is a challenge. And even if you do have a gym scheduled for use, it’s still not a guarantee that it’s available.
“I’ve coached enough youth programs to know that just because someone says the gym is open, it doesn’t mean it’s open,” said Jeremy Nally, a physical education teacher and head football coach at Bedford CSD.
Addressing the shortage and quality of gymnasium space at BCSD is a key part of the $11.5 million general obligation bond referendum voters will consider approving on Tuesday, November 4.
Bedford is home to two gyms. The district’s primary gym was built in the 1980s and has a seating capacity of 600, which is the smallest among Corner Conference schools. Primary gyms in the conference have an average capacity of 831. For secondary gyms, the average is 407. “When that gym was built, I was one of the first teams to play in there,” Kenny Weed, the district’s athletic director, said of Bedford’s primary gym. “It’s outdated compared to many gyms. There’s really only one entrance if you want to get up and go to the bathroom or to the concession stand.” Weed, who coached basketball for three decades, said he would like to see an updated facility in his hometown that provides more space for education during the school day, along with practices after school and tournaments on weekends.
“You go to other gyms and they’re nice gyms,” Weed said. “There’s a lot of room for players, coaches, and fans. I’d like to see it updated for the community and to better ourselves.” Bedford’s second gym will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2026 and seats only 150. The venue is often used as a multipurpose space due to its size and safety concerns.
When asked about the secondary gym, sophomore Nolan Drake said he recalls playing there when younger and being concerned about brick walls and steel beams near the court. “I remember smashing into the walls and stuff like that,” Drake said. “There’s a brick wall right next to the sideline, so that’s pretty dangerous.”
If at least 60% of voters support the bond measure, BCSD will move ahead with plans to build a new 800-seat competition gym at the Bedford Secondary School campus. Coaches and students believe the new space would quickly become a source of pride and provide more opportunities for the community’s youth.
Bond referendum projects would improve accessibility and safety at BCSD.
“You don’t see it a lot where you get new things in a small town,” said junior Quentin Dalton. “I feel like that would be a big change for the community. And even if I don’t play in it, it would be awesome to see other people play in it and have a good time.”
“We have such a great community here, and we strive to get everyone to come together and create a family here,” said sophomore Sydney Strong. “A new gym would help us do that by getting us into one big neutral space where they feel like they’re a part of something.”
A portion of the proposed bond’s funds would also be used to construct a new loading dock at the secondary school. The addition would allow BCSD to address ongoing challenges with delivery trucks blocking the school’s parking lot and entrance, and creating disruptions.
“A week or two ago, one of the trucks backed in and hit my vehicle while it was in the parking lot,” Weed said. “It’s a safety issue for kids with trucks pulling in, kids coming to school, and it blocks things out there.”
The tax impact of an approved bond issue would be $2.70 per year on every $1,000 of taxable property value (not assessed value).
For a $150,000 home, this would be equivalent to approximately $179 per year. Based on the average assessed value per acre of agricultural property, the annual impact would be approximately $2.43 in Taylor County, $1.67 in Ringgold County, and $3.10 in Page County.
BCSD has a cumulative levy rate of $10.93 per $1,000 of taxable value, which is the lowest rate among Corner Conference and neighboring districts.
A community meeting is being hosted by the district at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, at the secondary school. A presentation will be provided by Superintendent Jason Shaffer and time will be allotted for questions. More bond-related information is available at www.bedfordreferendum.org.
“We hope everyone will take some time to join us for a discussion about the referendum,” said Shaffer. “This will be a chance to learn how the projects would benefit our students and schools, and ask any questions you might have. We want everyone to feel informed and involved as we move closer to election day.”