Dana T. Bedden
Dana T. Bedden (born September 27, 1966) is an American educator and former school superintendent with a career in educational leadership spanning over three decades, including more than 22 years as a superintendent. He has held superintendent positions in several school districts, including the Irving Independent School District in Texas, Richmond Public Schools in Virginia, and the Centennial School District in Pennsylvania.
Early life and education
Bedden was born on September 27, 1966, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He served in the United States Army Reserve, receiving an honorable discharge as a former enlisted service member and commissioned officer.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences from the University of Florida, a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Pennsylvania State University, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), which he earned in 2006. His dissertation was titled "Public School Law: Student Search and Seizure in K-12 Public Schools."
Bedden has also completed executive certificates from the Leadership Institute for Superintendents at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education, the Strategic Leadership in Education program at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, and an Education Finance certificate from Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy. He undertook post-doctoral studies in School Business Leadership at Wilkes University.
Career
Bedden began his career as a middle school teacher before advancing to roles including high school principal and director of athletics.
Superintendencies
His first superintendency was in the William Penn School District, followed by the Richmond County School System.
From 2010 to 2013, Bedden served as superintendent of the Irving Independent School District in Texas, becoming the district's first African-American superintendent. His tenure was noted for navigating financial challenges while maintaining AA+ and Aa2 BOND ratings, earning state recognition as a "five-star district" for financial management. Academically, the district saw a 13.6% increase in Advanced Placement course participation, and its graduation rate rose from 78% in 2009 to 86% in 2013.
From 2013 to 2017, Bedden served as superintendent of Richmond Public Schools in Virginia, noted as the first outsider selected for the role. His tenure focused on stabilizing the district following periods of administrative turnover. Bedden served as the superintendent of the Boyertown Area School District from 2018 to 2020, before moving to the Centennial School District.
From 2020 to 2025, Bedden served as superintendent of the Centennial School District in Pennsylvania. His tenure included leading the district through the COVID-19 pandemic. Key achievements included the district meeting 100% of Pennsylvania's Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS) performance targets for the first time in its history and a 12.7% increase in PSSA Mathematics scores between 2021 and 2024. Financially, he secured a Moody's Aa2 bond rating, resulting in over $4 million in savings through refinancing. He also implemented initiatives such as the Centennial Virtual Learning Academy and a "2x2x2" post-secondary education model. He did not seek a renewal of his contract and departed on June 30, 2025.
In July 2025, Bedden became the Chief Executive and Administrative Officer of The Village Charter School.
Other professional activities
Bedden has worked as an adjunct faculty member at Arkansas State University and the American College of Education. He is a founding instructor for the AASA Superintendent's Academy and has served on advisory boards, including for Penn State University. He has also served on the TX High Performing Schools Consortium.
Controversy
In 2017, after the board reached an agreement with Dr. Bedden to end his term two years early on June 30, 2017[9], allegations of plagiarism in his doctoral dissertation surfaced. In response to media inquiries, Virginia Tech officials, including a professor and the Vice President for University Relations, stated the dissertation had been reviewed and that no plagiarism or academic dishonesty was found.
His 2013 resignation from Irving ISD was attributed by the board to "philosophical differences."
Publications and speaking
Bedden has been a speaker and panelist at educational conferences. His publications include:
- Bedden, D. T. (2006). "Public School Law: Student Search and Seizure in K-12 Public Schools." Virginia Tech.(2003). "Teaching the Children of a New America: The Challenge of Diversity." ''Phi Delta Kappan''.
- (2012). Why partnerships between businesses and school districts create regional economic growth. SMART BUSINESS
He has authored articles on educational leadership, community engagement, and school law.
Awards and recognition
- 2009 Digital School District Survey Winner (cohort 3)
- 2011 Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Diversity Award
- 2022 Best School Award
- 2023 eSN Hero Award