Educational Leader | Strategic Innovator | Systems Thinker

​

Described as a visionary superintendent, he has led and/or served as a leader in diverse school systems in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, serving student populations ranging from 5,300 to 200,000 while managing budgets from $72 million up to $500 million.

 

LEADERSHIP IMPACT

Throughout his career, Dr. Bedden has established a results-oriented reputation for:

• Academic Excellence: Consistently driving substantial improvements in student achievement, graduation rates, and college readiness metrics

• Strategic Innovation: Implementing forward-thinking initiatives, including virtual learning academies, innovative career programs, and data-driven decision systems

• Fiscal Stewardship: Achieving superior financial ratings, securing favorable bond ratings, and generating budget surpluses

• Inclusive Practices Champion: Spearheading initiatives to expand educational opportunities for all students, including the adoption of board-approved equity policies

• Community Builder: Creating robust partnerships with businesses, higher education institutions, and community organizations

 

CURRENT ROLE

Since 2020, Dr. Bedden has served as Superintendent of Centennial School District (CSD) in Pennsylvania, where he has guided the district through pandemic challenges while achieving remarkable results:

• Significant academic growth with 100% of PVAAS growth measures meeting or exceeding standards

• Led significant academic gains, with PSSA Mathematics scores increasing 12.7% from 2021 to 2024

• Established innovative higher education partnerships, including merit-based scholarship programs • Secured a Moody's Aa2 bond rating, resulting in over $4M in savings through refinancing.

• Expanded social-emotional learning programs and inclusive practices

• Partnered with a third-party organization to create the district's first AI chatbot to enhance information access and transparency

• Development of a groundbreaking "2x2x2" post-secondary model creating pathways to career and college success

• Implementation of data-driven decision-making processes improves resource allocation and student outcomes

• Creation of the district's first board-approved Educational Equity Policy ,enhancing access for all students

 

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Virginia Tech

• Master's in Educational Administration, Penn State University

• Bachelor's in Exercise and Sports Sciences, University of Florida

• Professional Certifications: Georgetown University Education Finance, University of Pennsylvania Strategic Leadership in Education, Harvard University Leadership Institute for Superintendents

• Military Service: Honorable Discharge, United States Army Reserve (Enlisted and Officer)

​

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Dr. Bedden frequently shares his expertise as a keynote speaker, panelist, and writer on topics including educational equity, leadership, community engagement, and systems thinking. He serves on numerous professional boards and advisory committees, including the ATIXA K-12 Title IX Advisory Committee and the Penn State University Advisory Board. As an adjunct faculty member at multiple universities, Dr. Bedden trains the next generation of educational leaders, bringing real-world experience to academic settings.

 

LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

Dr. Bedden's approach to educational leadership centers on empowering staff, improving academic program offerings, ensuring equity of access, and supporting students' preparations to become college, career, and life-ready. His commitment to serving the whole student and implementing systems thinking has consistently elevated district performance across multiple metrics.