SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Public Schools (SPS) announced that director Melissa Bedford will be resigning from her position effective August 14, 2024.
In a press release sent out to media Tuesday afternoon, SPS said Bedford will be relocating to pursue other opportunities with her family.
SPS said the board will have 90 days from Bedford's resignation date to appoint her replacement. According to state law, the newly appointed director will be part of the SPS Board of Directors until November 2025.
If they want to continue in the role, SPS said they will need to run during the November 2025 primary and general election to fulfill Bedford's remaining term, which will expire in November 2027.
SPS said they will share information on the application and interview process soon.
"Serving as a school board member has been an immense honor and a deeply rewarding experience," Bedford wrote in a letter to other SPS Board members on Tuesday, "One of the reasons I ran to serve was to bring an educator’s voice to the table and I hope the community feels I achieved that goal during my time on the board. I will forever hold in my heart the connections I made with the students, staff, and families throughout District 81. From school visits to policy decisions, budget discussions to graduation, Spokane Public Schools will always be a meaningful part of my journey. I am grateful for the trust the community placed in me and for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals."
To read the full letter from Bedford to the board members, click this link.
