Central Bucks School Superintendent Removed After Report
by Dan Doyle
DOYLESTOWN, PA — Dr. Steven Yanni, superintendent of the Central Bucks School District, has been placed on administrative leave effective 5 p.m. Thursday, April 24, according to an announcement made by School Board President Susan Gibson during Thursday night’s board meeting.
In a message distributed district-wide, Gibson confirmed that Dr. Charles Malone, assistant superintendent for secondary schools, will step in as acting superintendent during Dr. Yanni’s absence.
The decision to place Dr. Yanni on leave follows the release of a 75-page investigative report by Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP). The report detailed significant allegations concerning the mistreatment of special education students within a Jamison Elementary School autistic support classroom during the previous fall. According to the findings, students were subjected to abuse, neglect, illegal restraints, and the use of aversive techniques, all in violation of state and federal laws.
Further, the report criticized district leadership, noting that mandated reporting officials at Jamison and within the district failed to properly file ChildLine reports. It also stated that reports eventually filed by Dr. Yanni were delayed, incomplete, and misleading.
The DRP investigation was initiated after a personal care assistant raised concerns regarding the treatment of students by a teacher and an educational assistant in the four-student classroom. Interviews with staff and reviews of school records corroborated the allegations.
As the district navigates this leadership transition, further updates are expected as the situation develops.