Centennial Schools Superintendent Candidate Speaks Out

WARMINSTER, PA — The Centennial School District's top choice for its next superintendent was expected to address the public at a community forum on Thursday night.

But when the Bucks County Intermediate Unit issued a press release naming the main candidate to replace retiring Centennial Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden, former Central Bucks Schools Superintendent Abram Lucabaugh touted what his leadership would bring to the district.

"Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education in the lives of students," Lucabaugh said. "I want every one of our students in Centennial to discover their potential and rise far beyond what they thought possible. I want our families to know our schools are places of safety, support, and growth, and that their children are leaving our schools ready to make a difference in a world that needs them. Finally, I want our community to be proud of our school district, and believe in our teachers, our staff, and our administration as they work to make the lives and experiences of our students extraordinary."

Concerned Citizens of the Centennial School District was planning to "peacefully protest" the Meet & Greet with Lucabaugh on Thursday night at the Log College Middle School.

In addition to introductory remarks from Lucabaugh, the community forum was expected to have a question-and-answer period facilitated by Mark Hoffman, executive director of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, which conducted the superintendent search.

Concerned Citizens of the Centennial School District "strongly oppose" the hiring of Lucabaugh to replace Bedden, who is retiring once his five-year contract expires at the end of June.

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.

Concerned Citizens of Centennial School District urges the school board to reject Lucabaugh’s candidacy and to recommit to a transparent search for a superintendent who embodies educational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and equity.

Lucabaugh, in his statement, outlined plans for several community forums. He has stressed a "shared commitment to do whatever it takes."

"To ensure every child receives the education they deserve, I am asking for your help. In the months ahead, I will host forums with the purpose of listening intently, learning your priorities, and engaging in honest conversations," he stated. "I want to know what is important to our students, our families, our employees, and our community. I want to know what we are doing well, where we can grow, and what we must consider as we move forward. Most importantly, I want to get to know as many of you as possible, hear your stories, and build the relationships that will lead to positive outcomes for the young men and women we serve."

Lucabaugh said he is excited to begin his next chapter and help lead Centennial's success.

Next Tuesday, the school board will vote on his employment agreement. Lucabaugh needs five votes from the nine-member board.

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