Central Bucks School District Mutually Parts Ways With PR Firm

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Central Bucks School District is mutually parting ways with the firm it hired last year to help manage communications and to focus attention back on the positives happening in the district

In July, the district contracted with Devine+Partners to manage increased requests for information from print and electronic media, develop robust content, upgrade the district’s website, and provide consultation regarding the restructuring of the district’s communications department.

The district was paying Devine $15,000 a month.

"Central Bucks has learned that a group of community members have engaged in targeted harassment of several clients and staff of Devine+Partners, threatening their association with our district in ways that are, at best caustic, and at worst, malicious and false," said the school district in a statement sent out to the district.

"Understandably, these actions have created much turmoil for Devine+Partners. Throughout this emerging situation, Devine+Partners has maintained transparency with the district about the implications they are facing in the wake of these attacks," the statement continues.

In consideration of these circumstances, Central Bucks and Devine+Partners have mutually agreed to dissolve their relationship, the statement reads.

"The district is grateful to Devine+Partners for its professional guidance over the past several months and for its assistance in finalizing the restructuring of the district’s internal communications function," the district said.

Over the past year, the school district has made headlines over administrative decisions and changes in board policies. Those decisions have included passage of a new library materials policy aimed at restricting sexual content, particularly at the elementary level, and a policy governing what teachers can and can't say in their classrooms.

In October, the ACLU-PA filed a federal complaint alleging Central Bucks has created a pattern of discrimination against LGTBQ+ students.

The complaint was filed on behalf of seven students who allege a widespread cultural of discrimination against LGTBQ+ students, particularly transfemder students.