Centennial Names New President, Vice President

WARMINSTER, PA —The Centennial School District said goodbye to two school board members and added their replacements during a reorganization meeting Monday night.

The school board also named a new president and a vice president.

Mary Alice Brancato was selected in a 5-4 vote as president for the next school year. Flemming Godiksen was named vice president. Mark Gindhart was appointed as assistant secretary.

School Board President Jane Lynch made some remarks about the board's accomplishments over the past year to start the meeting.

"Being a board member means you attend many meetings, and receive hundreds of emails and publications to keep us informed," Lynch said. "We cast votes that will and can change the lives of our students along with our responsibilities to our taxpayers."

A video was then shown touting what the Centennial School District provides to its students and the community.

Lynch then acknowledged the district employees, administrators, teachers and staff, coaches, custodians, and bust drivers among others along with all the volunteer groups who help the district.

Lynch said that she and Superintendent Dana Bedden worked on a daily basis to ensure that the district "runs smoothly."

"I have not worked with anyone who knows more about board policy and the state of Pennsylvania and takes his commission as superintendent seriously," Lynch said. "We never had our solicitor at the meetings because Dr. Bedden solved problems before they became issues."

Lynch said she was beginning her 17th year on the school board, including five years as president.

"It has truly been my honor and my pleasure to serve in my capacity as school director," Lynch said.

The district honored school board members Shelly Eilenberg and Michael Lydon, who lost in the Nov. 7 general election.

"It has truly been an honor to work with an amazing administrative team," Eilenberg said. She thanked Bedden, saying the district couldn't make the strides it has without him.

Lydon was also presented with a plaque for his tenure from 2021 to 2023.

He thanked the administration for its help and always said he had answers to his questions prior to the school board meetings. He asked that the new board take the time to review the agenda before school board meetings.

Two new members —Kathleen Maguire and Michael Hartline —were sworn in along with school board members Patti Crossan, Charles H. Martin, and Tony Sadowski, who won their re-election bids.

District Justice Daniel Finello Jr. mentioned Crossan's dedication to the school district and the community.

"The board must look to the future more clearly than can be expected of the average citizen and render decisions and actions which cannot always be accepted now, but which will set the right course of education for future years," Bedden said.

Bedden talked about the school board president's role and its importance to the public, administration, and school board. He said that while he and Lynch didn't always agree, they were able to find a "happy medium."

He recognized Lynch's tenure on the board and presented her with a plaque for her service as school board president.

Bedden told Patch Tuesday that while "I appreciate the kind and supportive words," he's fortunate to have a strong administrative team.