Central Bucks School Board Launches Search For Next Superintendent

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Central Bucks School Board on Thursday launched its search for the district's next superintendent, promising community input into the process through online surveys and town hall meetings.

The board voted unanimously to engage the services of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit at a cost not to exceed $10,000 to facilitate a search to replace Dr. Steven Yanni, who was fired in October by the school board for his handling of child abuse allegations at the Jamison Elementary School.

The IU will be tasked with facilitating meetings with key stakeholders to determine vital issues facing the district and develop key attributes desired in a new superintendent; develop a community survey to gather community insight on key issues; develop a job posting; advertise the posting in national, state, and regional publications; and establish an online application portal.

According to the agreement with the IU, "the school board, in its sole discretion, will determine the candidates it wishes to bring in for all stages of the interview process, and the practices it will use to interview the prospective candidates."

Following the interviews, the IU will conduct background checks on the finalists. The IU will also facilitate a public forum with the community to introduce the school board's "final choice" to the community.

"More information will be shared soon regarding stakeholder input from community members, parents, staff, and students," announced board president Susan Gibson. "We anticipate gathering feedback through surveys and three regional town hall-style sessions before we begin drafting the job description for the position."

Also at Thursday night's meeting, the board voted to appoint Dr. Charles Malone as interim superintendent, effective Oct. 16. Malone had been working as a substitute superintendent since last spring, when Yanni was placed on paid leave.

"Now that we have parted ways with Dr. Yanni, Dr. Malone is no longer serving in a substitute capacity. He is formally our interim leader, and tonight's vote codifies that," said Gibson.

"We are deeply grateful to Dr. Malone for stepping forward to support the district during a challenging period and for offering his steady leadership and commitment to our students, staff, and community," said Gibson.