Centennial School District — Transcript
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
School Bus Driver Compensation and Recruitment
District Financial Health and Bond Refinancing
Bus Patrol System Implementation
Student Engagement and Academic Progress
School Activities and Community Events
State Budget Impasse Impact on Schools
Votes (3)
Approval of Consent Agenda Items (6.1-6.12)
Dissent: Mrs. Lynch abstained on item 6.1 A and B (minutes) due to not being present at those meetings.
Moved by Mr. Godson [0:27:00] · Seconded by Mr. Hardline [0:28:47]
The consent agenda encompassed various administrative approvals including minutes from previous meetings, personnel actions (terminations, resignations, hires, leaves, change of status, mentor teachers, co-curricular clubs), renewal of MOUs with Bucks County Children and Youth and the W Institute of Graduate Studies, and acceptance of a $4,000 donation to the social workers fund. There was no significant debate on any of the items as a whole, though one member abstained on specific minute approvals due to absence.
Approval of Increase in Hourly Rate for CDL Drivers (7.1)
Dissent: Mrs. Lynch abstained, citing the need for fairness to bus aids and concerns about the deficit. Mrs. Crossen abstained, advocating for similar increases for all bus garage staff. Mr. Martin abstained, citing the proposal's incompleteness, the backdating of the effective date, and the lack of a comprehensive plan for all employees.
Moved by Mr. Godson [0:29:43] · Seconded by Mr. Ginhard [0:30:17]
This item sought to approve an hourly rate increase of $3.70 for current CDL drivers and raise the rate for newly hired drivers to $30/hour, effective October 4th, 2025. Proponents argued it was crucial for recruitment and retention to address a severe driver shortage impacting student attendance and learning. The estimated cost of $275,000 was to be offset by reduced overtime and contractor costs, with potential Bus Patrol proceeds also contributing. Opponents raised concerns about the district's deficit, fairness to other staff not receiving similar increases (e.g., bus aids, mechanics), the backdated effective date, and the lack of a comprehensive plan for all transportation staff.
Approval of Pending and Pre-Approved Bill Lists (9.2, 9.3)
Dissent: None
Moved by Mr. Hardline [0:48:47] · Seconded by Mr. Godson [0:49:03]
The Treasurer's report preceding the vote highlighted the district's financial position, including $434,000 in investment income for the year despite not receiving state funds, and a current operating deficit of $4.5 million. Special education costs were also noted as a significant expenditure.
Notable Quotes (6)
the most important part of that is the fact that the $30 an our pay will allow us to recruit. We don't have enough school bus drivers.
I don't think we brought bus patrol up or implemented it as a tool to uh to afford uh the change in rate for drivers, right? I think the change in rate for drivers is based on uh on demand, right?
I don't think however that this presentation as we currently have it is a complete uh program of how we're going to address things. If we're going to talk about recruitment, then I don't know why we're backdating the effective date of the resolution because that can have absolutely no effect on recruitment whatsoever when you backdate something before you could even implement it.
I'm supposed to be in the hospital. I have worked 41 hours just to help you folks out. So, not by us not taking off at all, we're keeping your behinds from flo from drowning.
When students are not getting to school on time, it impacts learning. When teachers are not able to instruct students because of them arriving late, it impacts learning.
Um, despite the fact that we've still yet to receive any funds from the state, we have managed to amass $434,000 in investment income so far this year.
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
Reiterates the school code regarding affirmative votes of the full board membership.
Previous agenda item related to CDL driver hourly rate increase that was nullified.
Agenda item presenting the increase in hourly rate for CDL drivers.
Renewal of memorandum of understanding for providing transportation for foster students.
Renewal of memorandum of understanding to provide services to district employees at a reduced rate.
Documents related to the district's successful bond refinancing, resulting in $1.3 million in savings.
Credit rating received by the district, contributing to favorable bond refinancing.
District plan to be used in tandem with student focus group feedback for future initiatives.
State legislation concerning educator effectiveness training.
PSBA's new half-hour television program featuring interviews on public education in Pennsylvania.