Forum To Introduce New Superintendent To Central Bucks Community

DOYLESTOWN, PA — One day before his official appointment as the new superintendent of the Central Bucks School District, the school board will officially introduce Dr. Steven Yanni to the community during a public forum on Monday, May 13.

The forum begins at 6 p.m. at Central Bucks High School West, 375 West Court Street, Doylestown.
The event will also be live streamed and recorded on the school district’s website.

In addition to introductory remarks from Yanni, the forum will include student performances and a question-and-answer session with the incoming superintendent facilitated by Dr. Mark Hoffman, executive director of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit.

Yanni is coming to Central Bucks with more than two decades of teaching and leadership experience, including in his current role as superintendent of the Lower Merion School District in Montgomery County. Prior to that, Yanni served as superintendent in the Upper Dublin School District, also in Montgomery County, from 2018 to 2023, and the New Hope-Solebury School District from 2015 to 2018.

“The board is very excited and pleased to introduce Dr. Yanni to our community," said Karen Smith, the president of the Central Bucks School Board. "We believe his substantial experience as a superintendent will be invaluable to us in Central Bucks and look forward to his leadership
as we continue to work to create a bright future for all our students."

Smith added, "Finding someone for this important position with Dr. Yanni’s extensive level of knowledge, proven track record of expanding and advancing educational offerings, and dedication to putting students first, ensures our district’s ability to continue to offer the highest level of quality education.”

The school board is expected to formalize an employment agreement with Yanni at its public meeting on Tuesday, May 14. That meeting will also take place at Central Bucks West High School beginning at 7 p.m.

"As a superintendent, Dr. Yanni has exhibited a deep commitment to cultivating inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive and to the power of collaboration among parents, guardians, educators, and community stakeholders to ensure equitable access to high-quality education and ample opportunities for success," according to a statement from the school board announcing the impending appointment.

Under his leadership, several districts have implemented pioneering initiatives supporting personalized learning, structured literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education, and project-based learning. Yanni has also been a driving force behind efforts to improve access to technology and expand career readiness programs, empowering students to make informed decisions about their post-graduation paths.

"I consider it both an honor and privilege to be chosen to serve as the next superintendent of the Central Bucks School District," said Yanni. "In this role, I will remain unwavering in my commitment to equipping every student with the essential academic and problem-solving skills needed for personal growth, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning in a district that focuses on academic excellence, empowerment, and innovative educational practices.”

Yanni, who lives in Bucks County, will maintain his role in Lower Merion through the end of the school year, according to the Ardmore-Merion-Wynnewood Patch.

Yanni replaces Dr. Abram Lucabaugh who served as superintendent of the district from August 2021 to November 2023. Lucabaugh was a 17-year employee of the district when he was appointed to the district's top administrative post. He had previously served as the high school principal at Central Bucks East.

In January, the school board appointed retired West Chester Superintendent Dr. Jim Scanlon as interim superintendent of schools while it searched for a replacement for Lucabaugh.