Centennial School District — Transcript
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Superintendent Appointment
School District Budget 2025-2026
Student and Staff Recognition
Planetarium Refresh Project
Votes (6)
Approval of Dr. Abraham Lucab as Superintendent
Dissent: Mr. Martin, Mrs. Crossen, Mr. Saddowski, Mrs. Lynch
Moved by Mrs. Branado [01:53:10] · Seconded by Mr. Gindhart [01:53:20]
Extensive public comment section preceding the vote, with numerous residents expressing strong opposition to Dr. Lucab's appointment, citing his controversial tenure at Central Bucks School District. Concerns included allegations of lying about past policies, accumulating significant legal fees, receiving a large severance package ('golden parachute'), and a perceived lack of transparency in the hiring process. Supporters, mainly board members, emphasized his qualifications and the need to move past media sensationalism. Board members Mrs. Lynch and Mr. Martin voiced strong opposition based on financial implications and past conduct.
Approval of Act 93 Administrators Compensation Plan
Dissent: Mr. Godson, Mr. Ghart, Dr. Maguire, Mrs. Branado
Moved by Mrs. Crossen [01:58:30] · Seconded by Mr. Martin [01:58:50]
There was no discussion on the merits of the plan itself during this portion of the meeting, only a motion to table it for further review by district professionals.
Approval of Proposed Final 2025-2026 General Fund Budget
Dissent: Mr. Martin, Mr. Saddowski, Mrs. Crossen, Mrs. Lynch
Moved by Mrs. Branado [02:01:20] · Seconded by Mr. Hardline [02:02:10]
The Finance Director presented the proposed budget, detailing a $5.8 million deficit covered by reserves, and a projected 4.5% fund balance. Concerns were raised by Mr. Martin about the low fund balance, its potential impact on the district's bond rating, and insufficient efforts to reduce expenses. Other board members sought clarification on the budget's flexibility and potential for surplus.
Approval of Huff Planetarium Upgrade (Year One)
Dissent: Mr. Martin, Mr. Gindhart
Moved by Mr. Hardline [02:27:30] · Seconded by Mr. Saddowski [02:27:40]
The item proposed funding the initial phase of the planetarium refresh. Mr. Gindhart expressed concern about the $93,750 cost given the current budget deficit, suggesting waiting for grants or donations. Mr. Gable explained that the first-year cost is for internal student use to update outdated software, with future phases for broader community engagement and revenue generation depending on external funding.
District Assessment Challenge of Tax Parcel 49-00009-043 (Tesla Lot)
Moved by Mr. Hardline [02:36:10] · Seconded by Mr. Godson [02:36:20]
The board discussed approving action to complete a tax assessment challenge initiated in 2020 for a property now occupied by a Tesla service station. This action is expected to result in an additional tax collection of $238,370 for the district.
Paving Repairs at Log College Middle School and William Tennant High School
Dissent: Mr. Martin
Moved by Mr. Hardline [02:39:50] · Seconded by Mr. Godson [02:40:00]
The board approved a bid for paving repairs at both Log College Middle School and William Tennant High School. The total cost for these repairs is $380,97. It was confirmed that this project would complete the paving needs at Log College.
Notable Quotes (13)
I ask you please for the good of Centennial, please withdraw from superintendent position.
Dr. Lucabal is not the person for the job as Centennial School District Superintendent. Those of you on the school board who are in favor of his hiring have said that he answered questions well during the interview process. Well, we had our community Q&A last Thursday. So, let's see how Dr. Luca Ballal's answers on Thursday line up with his words and actions in his past role as superintendent of Central Bucks.
This search has happened behind closed doors. The board began drafting a contract before the public was informed and without presenting any other finalists. There was no chance for parent or teacher groups to have input, which has historically happened for other searches. Why?
I worked for Central Bucks. I shared that with you before. I don't work for them anymore. I had to resign from the district due to physical symptoms of working for this man.
Not one person up here, including you, is a board member that would allow harm to come to a child.
I have listened to the lawsuit. Million dollars. I've listened to the PR firm. 144,000. I've listened to the teacher. 400,000 damages, legal fees. I've listened to the six months into a contract and got a $10,000 consulting fee. I have listened to the 700,000 buyout. I want you to know I've listened. I love this community and I vote no.
I want our professionals that our district pays for. I want HR and our finance director, I want Dr. Wilson and Mr. Greenwood to have a look at the contract. That's what they're paid for. We need them to look at it.
Are you aware of any professional financial organization that recommends a fund balance of 4%? Is this the first budget that you've ever provided for the school district that has a fund balance that low? It is.
So Mr. Mr. Greenwood, is it safe to say that our budget's a hot mess right now? We're in a difficult position, Mrs. Crossing.
If you vote no, we're going to have to have a meeting in two days because this needs to be completed by the 31st of this month or we're going to we're going to risk sanctions from PTE.
However, at a time when our budget is in the condition that it's in and we're looking at a $5.8 million deficit, the planetarium hasn't been used for the past couple of years and the cost of $93,000 to get it up and running. That seems like an awful lot of money when we're having a hard time just meeting the basics along with $7,000 a year or so to run it.
Our hope and all we're asking for is approval of year one, mostly out of the capital fund to at least get it up and running for our students internally. We have new steel standards rolling out with a much more 3D approach and hands-on science approach. This would be a great educational compliment for our kids.
The district challenged the assessment value back in 2020. Uh this is the Tesla lot that is currently before it was a vacant uh it is what? It's the Tesla building on York Road. The Tesla service station now. Right. Before then, um, it was going to be a grocery store. Before then, it was abandoned and Christmas lot. Uh, so we did not press the case until until it became more attractive to us. This is $238,000 that we don't have today that we'll be getting uh shortly.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
Library Materials Policy at Central Bucks School District, referenced during public comments regarding Dr. Lucab's past actions.
The budget document for the upcoming fiscal year, detailing revenues and expenses for the Centennial School District.
State law governing school district budget procedures, including limitations on tax increases.
Compensation plan for administrators, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
The tax parcel ID for the Tesla service station on York Road, subject to a district assessment challenge.
Request for Proposal for music instrument rentals, awarded to Music and Arts.
Timeline for the district's comprehensive plan.