Centennial Superintendent Contract Vote Tabled

WARMINSTER, PA —Centennial Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden had informed the school community that he wouldn't seek renewal of its five-year contract once it expires in June.

He even sent the school board a letter about his decision. But the school board has decided to hold off on deciding about Bedden's decision.

At its meeting Tuesday night, the Centennial School Board decided to table a decision to accept Bedden's letter to the board not seeking another contract. His contract expires on June 30, 2025.

After tabling acceptance of Bedden's letter, the board also voted unanimously to table the motion to have the Bucks County Intermediate Unit start the search for a new superintendent.

School board members have clashed with Bedden at meetings throughout the tenure of School Board President Mary Alice Brancato over the past year. At one meeting, some residents called for Bedden's ouster when security was breached at the high school.

Brancato, School Board Vice President Flemming Godiksen, and Assistant Secretary Mark Gindhart wanted to accept Bedden's letter. An agenda item also called for the board to authorize the superintendent search.

But other board members balked at the move.

School board members Jane Lynch, Patti Crossan, Tony Sadowski, and Charley Martin did not attend an executive session where Bedden's contract was discussed as a personnel matter.

At the meeting Tuesday night, School Director Kathleen Maguire broke from her Republican colleagues to make the motion to table Bedden's letter.

Maguire said she wanted to talk to the superintendent first because she had thought that Bedden had wanted to retire.

The school board is expected to visit the matter at its Nov. 26 meeting.

"I'm hoping that some of the board members will look at this again and will try to negotiate a new contract with him (Bedden)," Lynch told Patch on Thursday. "I'm hoping people will reassess and consider an extension of his contract. I'm keeping my fingers crossed beyond hope."

In his decision, Bedden stated that he was "deeply proud of what we have achieved together."

He noted implementing new academic programs which have resulted in the district meeting or exceeding for the first time in over a decade 100 percent of the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System performance targets, achieving Moody's Aa2 General Obligation Bond Rating, surpassing the national and the median rating for Pennsylvania K-12 districts.

He said that accomplishment resulted in over $4 million in refinancing savings.

Despite Beddon's decision not to seek a second term, his contributions to the district, such as expanding programs and navigating the challenges of a global pandemic, were recognized and appreciated by the community members at the meeting.

One community member expressed concerns about Bedden's departure, highlighting his positive impact on the school system over the past nearly five years.

The speaker thanked Beddon for his leadership and innovative progress before presenting the superintendent with flowers.

The member hoped for continuity in the district's progress under the new superintendent and emphasized the importance of maintaining the educational standards set by Bedden.

Another resident praised Beddon's achievements during his tenure, including improved test scores and fiscal policies that benefited taxpayers.

"There are people who don't like his personality," Lynch said of Bedden. But it's the job you do. He's extremely professional and has achieved many things the district hasn't had in years. The education of our students should be first and foremost."