Jury Delivers Verdict In Equal Pay Lawsuit Against Central Bucks

DOYLESTOWN, PA — A jury on Thursday delivered a compromise verdict in favor of the plaintiffs in an employment discrimination lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court against the Central Bucks School District.

Earlier this month the case proceeded with two named plaintiffs to a new jury in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. On Thursday, the jury awarded a reduced amount compared to the plaintiffs' claims.

"While the district is encouraged that the jury found no evidence of willful misconduct, the evidence the district presented does not support any award to the plaintiffs, and the district plans to appeal the

decision," said a statement signed by members of the school board. "We maintain that employee compensation was set lawfully and fairly, based on legitimate, non-discriminatory factors, and are
committed to ensuring all employees are treated equitably and in accordance with the law."

In the lawsuit, female teachers have argued they were underpaid compared to their male colleagues. They alleged that the district violated the Equal Pay Act by placing female teachers on a lower salary scale than their male counterparts with the same experience and teaching time.

Prior to Thursday's decision, in late July 2024, a different jury was unable to reach consensus on a verdict, resulting in a hung jury. Shortly thereafter, the court decertified the class action suit initially filed in 2021 and is now proceeding with individual lawsuits.

"The current decision marks another phase in the process, and the appeal will be yet another stage," the board said in its statement.

In earlier statements, the district said it is committed to "refining and enhancing hiring practices."

In January, district administration put into effect updated guidelines for determining the initial salary of professional staff covered by the collective bargaining agreement and shared the guidelines with district administrators. The guidelines were also posted to the district's “Making Practices Public” webpage and will be further formalized through an administrative regulation.

"The district will continue to examine ways to improve processes and systems," the board said in its statement.