Centennial School District — Transcript
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Student Activities and Achievements
Community and Employee Recognition
Student Protest and Board Accountability
Title IX Legal Counsel Approval
Fiscal Management and Transparency
Policy Revisions and Adoption
Legislative and Educational Updates
Votes (1)
Approval of Title IX Legal Counsel and Services
Dissent: Mr. Martin
Moved by Mr. Saddowski [01:18:22] · Seconded by Unknown [01:18:29]
The board discussed the engagement of Raphael Pupio LLP and Grand River Solutions Incorporated to represent the district in a Title IX matter. Key points of debate included the selection of firms from outside the county, the absence of a 'not-to-exceed' clause in the contracts, and a specific contract clause requiring the district to advance funds exceeding $5,000 without further board approval. Administration clarified that Title IX protocols necessitate immediate action with independent counsel, making traditional RFP processes and spending caps unfeasible due to legal deadlines and the unknown scope of investigations. It was also noted that the district's primary legal firm recommended these external firms to ensure objectivity, with a focus on 'supportive measures' for students, though federal lawsuits could follow if initial decisions are disputed.
Notable Quotes (5)
I have always when we have numerous law firms in Bucks County are both political parties. So, it's not a political issue and I I I certainly believe that we have confident attorneys located in Bucks County so that we can keep our tax dollars at least if not in the district in the county without going to media where the one firm is and the other one I have no idea because it doesn't say where it is.
neither of these contracts, although they have a an amount per hour, do not have a not to exceed number. And almost every legal contract that I like to engage in, you have a not to exceed number so that if it gets too high, they must come back and ask for more money and explain why they're doing what they're doing.
So in these situations where there is a title n the district is on a clock. We do not have the luxury of going out to RFP. It's not the way Title 9 works. We can't go through an RFP process.
Once a family requests Title 9 rights, we have to follow through with it. and the and the longer we hold up, the longer we the the more we open ourselves up to not not giving [clears throat] families their due process.
If costs and/or expenses, including the cost of legal representation, should reasonably expected to exceed $5,000, the district shall advance the funds to GRS or to GRS's designate. That's nothing more than an open-ended spending that they can do without any I know you'll be watching it. I know that very well. But it's just it's not good contract for the district.
Ordinances & Resolutions (12)
State law requiring specific notification procedures when a weapon or replica is found on school campus.
A Senate Bill requiring referendums for all property tax increases, currently sitting in committee.
District policy undergoing changes to comply with Act 44 regarding weapon notifications.
District policy updated with new thresholds for purchases due to CPI increase.
District policy updated with new thresholds for purchases due to CPI increase.
District policy presented for adoption.
District policy presented for adoption.
District policy presented for adoption.
District policy presented for adoption.
District policy presented for adoption.
Federal law requiring the district to engage independent counsel for an investigation into a complaint.
Federal grant award for which the district entered into a use of funds agreement with Bucks County Intermediate Unit.