The Central Bucks Board Note
February 2022 Meetings in Review
Board of School Directors Names Two for Leadership Positions
Tara B.G. Houser Appointed Business Administrator
Tara B.G. Houser was appointed as the district's business administrator. Houser's most recent experience includes service as director of business services at the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit and director of laboratory outreach services at St. Luke’s University Health Network. She will be responsible for all financial operations of the district, including annual budget development, long-range financial planning and strategy, as well as oversight of the district's business office operations, transportation, Central Bucks Community School, and food services.
Houser will join Central Bucks' administrative team on May 2, 2022. Central Bucks' Director of Finance, Barbara Markowitz, will continue to serve as interim business administrator during the transition.
Richard Kratz Appointed Director of Teaching and Learning
The board appointed Richard Kratz, who served most recently as the district's math curriculum supervisor, to the newly created position of director of teaching and learning. Kratz, who has 26 years of teaching experience, will facilitate the development and implementation of district-wide curricula, assessment, and procedures that support the district's academic programs.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue working in the Teaching and Learning Department I have been a part of for the last 13 years here in Central Bucks School District," Kratz said, "I am excited to utilize all I have learned as a member of this department to provide leadership and support to our supervisors, coordinators, and staff,” he added.
Other Items of Note
Preliminary Budget Adopted
The board adopted a resolution for the preliminary budget for the fiscal year 2022-2023. The proposed final budget will be presented during the April 12, 2022 meeting of the board, with final budget adoption scheduled to take place during the board's June 14, 2022 meeting. Review presentations and follow progress toward the final 2022-2023 budget at www.cbsd.org/budget.
Board Approves Cyber Bullying Prevention Program
Central Bucks is implementing a Cyber Bullying Prevention Program from NOVA. This interactive program will be delivered to all fifth grade classroom this spring. More details will be made available to families in the coming weeks.
Congratulations CB Save the Music!
Superintendent Dr. Abram M. Lucabaugh took a few moments to recognize the tremendous fundraising efforts of all those who planned, executed, and supported the Central Bucks Save the Music concerts.
CB students and faculty members join together to plan and perform this annual concert event, with proceeds donated to the Save the Music program. Funds will contribute to the building and restoration of school music programs, including instruments, music technology and support services for teachers in underprivileged schools. Over a decade, Central Bucks’ Save the Music Concerts have raised more than $250,000 - including a record $50,000 this year.
Curriculum Committee Meeting - February 9
- A draft 2022-2023 school year calendar was proposed.
- Dr. Chuck Malone, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education gave a presentation on the Lunch & Learn Writing Center.
- Director of Innovation & Technology Jason Jaffe and K-12 Supervisor of Educational Technology Lindsay Smith gave a presentation on the CB Cyber Academy Pilot.
- K-12 Library Coordinator Melissa Burger provided the board with an overview of the librarian book selection process.
- Listen to the meeting. | View the agenda.
Policy Committee Meeting - February 9
Policy 816.1: Social Media
Policy 504: Employment of Classified Employees
Policy 518: Penalties for Tardiness
Policy 006.1: Attendance at Meetings via Electronic Communications
- Listen to the meeting. | View the agenda.
Operations Committee Meeting - February 23
- Joe Messmer, GKO Architects' associate and project manager, updated the board on the Lenape HVAC project.
- Discussion of the Tohickon Middle School window replacement and exterior renovation project took place.
- Capital project updates were given, both design and construction.
Finance Committee Meeting - February 23
The district's 2020-21 audit report was presented by Ron Minninger, of Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz.
Aramark's director of food services, Matt Taglieber, presented an update on district food services.
- A replacement bus bid was proposed.
- Listen to the meeting. | View the agenda.
Central Bucks School District
The members of the Central Bucks School District's Board of School Directors each represent one of nine regions in the district. Each region includes one or more municipality. While each region elects one school director, members represent the interests of the district as a whole once elected.
Regular school board meetings are generally held on the second Tuesday of the month. Download a complete list of 2022 meetings, including regular meetings and meetings of the board's committees. Download meeting agendas.
Correspondence for the Board of School Directors should be sent to Stephanie Radcliffe, Secretary to the Board, at sradcliffe@cbsd.org.
The "Central Bucks Board Note," is an e-newsletter designed to provide Central Bucks School District constituents with an overview of the work of their Board of School Directors.
Please share any feedback with Angela Linch, director of communications and community relations, at alinch@cbsd.org or by calling 267-893-2073.
Email: alinch@cbsd.org
Website: www.cbsd.org
Location: 20 Welden Drive, Doylestown, PA, USA
Phone: 267-893-2000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbschools/
Twitter: @cbsdinfo