By a unanimous vote (9-0) Thursday afternoon, during a special called meeting, Bedford County Board of Education moved to hire Tim Harwell as school superintendent, effective June 1, 2026.
TSBA Attorney Chuck Cagle, who joined the meeting via Zoom, told the board that state statute does not require that they do a search for a new superintendent.
So hiring was in their hands. And all 9 board members said yes.
Several school board members said such searches, as was done 5 years ago, can now cost upward of $15,000.
In addition, several board members said they don't believe they could find anyone with Harwell's experience, integrity and decidication to Bedford County education. He's been an educator, principal, supervisor and lastly, assistant superintendent, serving this community for 26 years.
Harwell was given a lot of praise and thanks for having stayed with the school system after placing second in their hiring process for superintendent 5 years ago.
BC School Superintendent Tammy Garrett announced recently that she will be retiring, effective June 1, 2026, when her current contract ends. Harwell will take over the office on June 2, 2026, according to the school system.
More in the T-G later.
