Centennial School Board Changing Over Superintendent Hiring

WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP, PA — It will be a changing of the guard. And a changing of the board.

Some members of the Centennial School Board who approved the controversial hiring of Schools Superintendent Abram Lucabaugh will be replaced when school directors reorganize at a special Dec. 1 meeting.

School Board President Mary Alice Brancato and School Director Mark Gindhart lost their re-election bids while incumbent School Directors Jane Lynch and Flemming Godiksen retained their seats.

The Centennial School Board race focused on debate over the school board's controversial 5-4 vote to hire Lucabaugh, the former Central Bucks Schools superintendent who was given a $700,000 severance package.

The decision caused public outcry among many residents, including a citizens group.

Democratic newcomers Karen Krieger and Krista DiPaolo were elected by residents, which will give Democrats a 5-4 majority on the school board following the reorganization meeting.

Lucabaugh replaced Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden, whose contract was not renewed when it expired after five years.

Concerned Citizens of the Centennial School District "strongly opposed" the hiring of Lucabaugh. The group has cited "his troubling and costly record" of irresponsibility, discrimination, censorship, and litigation during his tenure leading the Central Bucks School District.

The Central Bucks School Board reached a more than $700,000 severance agreement with Lucabaugh that was approved by the outgoing school board in November 2023.