Central Bucks School Board Elects New President, Vice President

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Central Bucks School Board, during a brief reorganizational meeting Monday night, voted unanimously to elect Heather Reynolds as the board's new president and Susan Gibson as its vice president.

Reynolds, a small business owner from Buckingham, served as vice president during the past year under the leadership of Gibson.

Gibson's term was punctuated by the handling of child abuse allegations at a district elementary school and the subsequent firing of a handful of district administrators, including its new superintendent of schools, over the incident.

Monday night's meeting also included the swearing in and seating of three new board members and one returning member.

Taking the oath administered by Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Judge Stephen Corr were David Comalli (Region 3), Katrina Filiatrault (Region 3) and Amanda O’Connor (Region 2).

Rejoining the board after also being sworn in by Judge Corr was Daniel Kimicata (Region 3), who continues his service after being appointed to the board in September 2024 and being elected to a four-year term in November.

The four newly-sworn board members are joining Reynolds, Gibson, Dana Foley, Rick Haring, and Karen Smith to make up the new nine-member board.

The newly reorganized Central Bucks School Board. (Central Bucks School District)

With the departure of member James Pepper - the board's only Republican who chose not to seek re-election - and with three new Democrats joining the board, Reynolds inherits a school board made up entirely of Democrats.

In accepting her new leadership role, Reynolds said "humility, integrity, transparency and respect" will continue to guide her in the year ahead and expressed gratitude for the trust that the community and the board "has placed in me to help lead our district.

"Over the last two years, I have learned that when a board is functioning well, when we stay grounded in our mission and focused on what matters, our work speaks for itself," said Reynolds. "It's steady, thoughtful, and focused and keeps the spotlight exactly where it belongs - on our students."

Reynolds also spoke about the year ahead, which promises to be a transformative one in the district.

Chief on the table will be filling key administrative roles, including the job of superintendent of schools. At its November meeting, the board voted to secure the services of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit to search for prospective candidates.

The district will also be focusing attention on the implementation of the districtwide full-day kindergarten program and continuing to move forward with its planned grade realignment set to take effect beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

"This year, we have big decisions and the implementation of large districtwide initiatives, selecting key cabinet leaders, implementing realignment and expanding full-day kindergarten to all 15 of our elementary schools, to name a few," said Reynolds. "These undoubtedly will shape the future of our district for years to come. I have every confidence that this board, working with our administration and our community, will approach them with care and collaboration."

She concluded her remarks by speaking directly to the community.

"I want you to know that I am here. And I am accessible. I welcome your thoughts, questions and hopes for our district. For the remainder of my term, I remain committed to leading with openness and respect for every corner of this district."

Returning school board member Daniel Kimicata (Region 3) is sworn in by Judge Stephen Corr. (Central Bucks School District)

Amanda O'Connor (Region 2) is sworn in by Judge Stephen Corr. (Central Bucks School Board)

David Comalli (Region 3) is sworn in by Judge Stephen Corr. (Central Bucks School District)

Katrina Filiatrault (Region 3) is sworn in by Judge Stephen Corr. (Central Bucks School Board)