In a recent turn of events, a Pennsylvania school board, which has been at the center of controversy for banning books, Pride flags, and transgender athletes, has awarded a surprising $700,000 exit package to Superintendent Abram Lucabaugh. The decision, made during the board’s final meeting, has been met with opposition from the newly elected Democratic majority, who argue that the payout is not only unusual but potentially illegal.
The Central Bucks School District, home to around 17,000 students in 23 schools, has been marred by internal conflicts and legal battles over the past two years. The outgoing conservative board’s decisions have led to significant spending, with the district reportedly shelling out $1.5 million on legal and public relations fees. The controversies include a pending lawsuit over the suspension of a middle school teacher supportive of LGBTQ+ and marginalized students.
The $700,000 severance package for Lucabaugh has ignited further tensions, with Democrats claiming it violates a 2012 state law designed to limit excessive payouts to school superintendents. The law caps severance pay at a year’s salary, along with additional limited payments for benefits. Lucabaugh, who received a 40% salary increase to $315,000 just four months prior, is set to receive over $300,000 for unused time, $50,000 for signing the deal, and health insurance for his family through June.
The controversy doesn’t end there, as the package includes a ban on district investigations into Lucabaugh’s tenure and permission for him to retain his district-issued laptop after wiping it clean of school records. However, a U.S. District Judge has already rejected the provision concerning the laptop, ordering Lucabaugh to preserve documents relevant to an ongoing retaliation suit against the district.
While the outgoing board insists on the legality of the exit package, critics, including the ACLU of Pennsylvania, question its provisions, stating that no lawyer would expect a school board to shield an employee from legal action or investigation. Meanwhile, the incoming Democratic majority aims to challenge the severance package, signaling a potential continuation of the district’s internal strife.
In addition to the superintendent’s controversial exit, the town of Chalfont has seen residents filing a court petition alleging “fraud or error” in the recent school board election tallies, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing saga.
As the legal battle unfolds, students, parents, and the community express frustration with the district’s priorities, with a particular focus on the perceived misuse of funds amid pressing issues like the need for improved WiFi in schools. The situation remains fluid, and the district awaits resolution under the incoming board, as they strive to bring stability and address the concerns of LGBTQ+ students and their allies.
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