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CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
The Bedford Community School District has a proud history of instilling a lifelong passion for learning and preparing students for future success.
Our schools are classified by the Iowa Department of Education as high performing and our students exceed state averages for proficiency in math, English language arts, and science. But while we are home to high-achieving students, some of our facilities need improvement.
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, district residents will consider approving a $11.5 million general obligation bond referendum. These funds would allow us to construct a new competition gymnasium and loading dock at the secondary school.
State law requires voter approval of at least 60% in order for bond measures to pass.
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
Our Master Facilities Plan serves as the roadmap for improvements throughout Bedford CSD. Some of the notable projects we have completed in recent years include:
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Updates to the career and technical education (CTE) areas at the secondary school, ensuring students have more access to skilled trades and vocational training.
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Enhancements to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, creating a more comfortable learning environment for students and staff.
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New field lights at the athletic fields.
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Improvements to the district’s bus barn, allowing us to better protect vehicles and equipment and make the most of prior purchases.
With these improvements behind us, our focus has shifted to the next major projects identified in the Master Facilities Plan: A new competition gymnasium and loading dock at the secondary school.
The secondary gymnasium is nearly a century old and more often used by students and staff as a multipurpose space due to its age, safety concerns, and small size.
Our main gymnasium was built approximately 40 years ago, and although it has served our school district and the community well, it’s unable to accommodate 21st century learning or meet our current needs due to its limited size, capacity, and other challenges.
A new competition gymnasium with seating for 800 would offer many benefits to both the school district and our community. This includes:
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More space for physical education and other academic programming
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Scheduling flexibility that allows student athletes to avoid practicing in the early mornings and late evenings
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Opportunities to host youth tournaments and large events that provide an economic boost to Bedford
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The ability to host BHS's commencement ceremony
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Improving accessibility by having a venue that meets ADA requirements
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More parking with closer proximity to the entrances
A new loading dock at the secondary school would allow for efficient and safer deliveries. Today, delivery trucks are forced to block the school’s main entrance, and large items must navigate through the front doors and throughout the building. The loading dock would also provide direct access to the kitchen area and establish a safer route for trash removal.
A comparison of gymnasiums available at school districts in the Corner Conference and the Pride of Iowa Conference shows that we are lacking when it comes to available gym space and seating capacity.
