Bellefonte superintendent to step down in 2024. ‘We’ve accomplished so much together’

Bellefonte Area School District will become the latest Centre County school district to begin the search for a new superintendent.

Superintendent Tammie Burnaford announced Friday in a letter to district families that she would not be seeking an extension when her contract expires on June 30, 2024.

“Accordingly, the Board of Directors will begin a search for a new superintendent in the coming months,” Burnaford wrote. “Of course, I will work hard in the interim and until my time is done as the proud superintendent of this district and community, and I will assist and help with the transition, as needed.”

Burnaford has been superintendent since 2020 after the retirement of Michelle Saylor. A former principal at Pleasant Gap Elementary, Burnaford has been with the district for 20 years. During her tenure, Burnaford has seen the district through the COVID-19 pandemic and Bellefonte Elementary building project discussions.

“We’ve accomplished so much together, and we have worked hard every day to do what’s best for our students. We have so much to be proud of as a district and community,” Burnaford wrote.

Burnaford is the fourth Centre County superintendent to announce her intention to step down since last year. Philipsburg-Osceola is currently searching for a superintendent after Gregg Paladina took a job in another district, while Bald Eagle Area and State College Area both appointed new superintendents last year.