Former Police Officer Joins Centennial School Board

WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP, PA — A retired Warminster Township police officer has been named to replace the late Jane Lynch on the Centennial School Board.

Eric Baranowski was one of four candidates interviewed by the Centennial School District Board of School Directors to replace Lynch, who died at the age of 88 just weeks after being elected for a new term.

The candidates included former Centennial School Board President Mary Alice Brancato, Neal Miller, and Mike Binder to represent Region III, which is located on the south side of York Road to the North side of Valley Road, including the Speedway, between County Line Road and Bristol Road.

Interviews were held at the school board's Jan. 27 meeting. The board then selected Baranowski, who will fill Lynch's seat through December 2027 before having to run for office again. He was sworn in last Thursday.

"Eric was appointed with bipartisan support," Centennial School Board President Patti Crossan told Patch. "He made note that although he just retired after 35 years as a police officer with the Warminster Township Police Department, he feels he has more to contribute to our community. His background and passion to serve makes him a great fit to continue the legacy left by Jane Schrader Lynch."

Lynch had served on the school district for 18 years.Lynch won re-election in November and was sworn in for a new term for the school board's reorganization meeting. She appeared with Crossan in a picture after getting sworn in by District Justice Christopher O'Neill.

Republican candidates Brancato and School Director Mark Gindhart lost their re-election bids in the November general election while incumbent School Directors Lynch and Flemming Godiksen retained their seats.

The Centennial School Board race has focused on debate over the school board's controversial 5-4 vote to hire former Central Bucks Schools Superintendent Abram Lucabaugh, who was given a $700,000 severance package. The decision caused public outcry among many residents.

(Photos Courtesy of Patti Crossan) Centennial school Board President Patti Crossan, left, poses with new Centennial School Board Director Eric Baranowski and State Rep. Brian Munroe.