The Central Bucks School Board highlighted financial relief for taxpayers, transportation contracts, and policy updates during its Aug. 21 meeting, while also reviewing summer construction projects and preparing for the start of the new school year. \
Summer Construction and Facility Upgrades
Crews worked throughout the summer on renovations and improvements across the district. At CB West and CB East, renovations support the upcoming grade realignment, including traffic flow and parking assignment changes at West.
At CB South, the parking lot was resurfaced and upgraded. Other updates included new speed limit signs at Titus, new playgrounds at Gayman and Mill Creek (with an addition planned at Mill Creek), new sidewalks at Cold Spring, and repaving at the transportation annex.
Property Tax Rebate Program
The district’s first-ever property tax rebate program, approved in June, is off to a strong start. To date, approximately 70 applications have been submitted. Roughly 2,000 homeowners and renters are estimated to be eligible. Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2026. More information is available on our website.
Professional Development for Staff
This summer, more than 80 professional development programs and workshops were offered to our staff and teachers. These included sessions on the district’s “Year of the Paragraph” initiative, which expands from last year’s “Year of the Sentence” initiative; special education and school climate and behavior; and Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education (CARES) training for administrators.
Extended School Year (ESY) Programs
Our elementary and secondary Extended School Year (ESY) programs again supported students in maintaining critical skills over the summer. Cold Spring hosted 168 elementary students, and Lenape welcomed 150 secondary students. In addition to meaningful and impactful instruction and support, program activities included therapy dog visits, community-based instruction, and special events.
New Systems and Resources
Agenda Highlights
20 Years with Roxy Therapy Dogs
The board approved a continued partnership with Roxy Therapy Dogs, which has supported CBSD students since 2005. Through the program, volunteer owners/handlers bring highly trained and certified therapy dogs to schools to comfort children, provide stress relief, and enhance the experience of learning. We are happy to continue this partnership for the 20th straight year.
A la Carte Food Pricing
For the first time in five years, an increase in the prices of individual food prices has been approved due to the general impact of inflation and rising supplier costs. School meal program prices remain unchanged.
Calendar Updates
Adjustments were made to align to both 2025-26 and 2026-27 district calendars to reflect the correct observance dates for Diwali (October 20, 2025) and Eid al-Fitr (March 10, 2027). The elementary trimester end date description was also updated to include full-day kindergarten.
Resolution on Federal School Funding
While the federal administration stated on July 25 that it would release the $6.2 billion in federal funds earmarked for public education, the delay and uncertainty around the funding lingers, impacting our ability to properly plan in a confident and timely manner. As such, a board resolution regarding public school funding remains relevant and is a way for the board to underscore the critical need for these funds not just in CB but in public schools across the nation.
Transportation Association Contract
A four-year contract with the CB Transportation Association includes annual wage increases of 4% for three years, followed by 6% in the final year. Our bus drivers are an essential part of the school experience for our students. They are often the first people to greet children in the morning and the last to wish them well at the end of the day. We are grateful for their dedication and pleased to reach an agreement that recognizes their important contributions to our schools and community.
Bus Routes
The 2025–26 school year bus routes were approved. Families will be able to view their student’s route in the Parent Portal once routes are posted and after they complete their annual student information update.
Policies for First Read
No matter the time of year or circumstances, student safety is our utmost priority. This includes enhancing and improving policies and systems wherever possible. We maintained this focus throughout the summer, including by holding Policy Committee meetings in July as well as August. Several policies that were discussed at these meetings were on the agenda last night for first read (review) by the board.
Policies on child abuse reporting and staff responsibility for student welfare have been revised to provide clearer, stronger direction for employees to ensure immediate reporting of suspected abuse, clarify staff responsibilities for student supervision, and set explicit limits on student transport in personal vehicles.
For students with disabilities, policy updates reinforce the district’s obligations to provide equal access and protections. These revisions strengthen safeguards around service agreements, behavior support plans, and the use of physical or mechanical restraints, while requiring parental involvement in decision-making.
Other changes improve transparency and accountability in recordkeeping. These updates modernize how records are defined, accessed, and preserved. They include new training requirements, clear procedures for litigation holds, and added expectations for contractors handling district records.
Students’ roles and responsibilities are also clarified to emphasize respect, responsibility, and accuracy in student expression and media. On the staffing side, Policy 304 addresses employment practices and conflicts of interest by clarifying hiring rules related to family members of administrators.
Taken together, these changes ensure that the district’s policies continue to meet legal requirements while also advancing the broader goal of maintaining and enhancing safe, supportive, and well-governed schools.
Community Support
The district received more than $355,000 in gifts from 32 groups and individuals last year. These contributions provide important opportunities and support for students, and we are greatly appreciative.
Upcoming Job Fair
The district’s second annual Job Fair will be held Monday, Aug. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. at CB South. Open positions include bus drivers, custodians, aides, and educational assistants. Representatives from all departments will be present, and Human Resources staff will provide information about pay, benefits, and applications. Apply ahead of time to streamline the process.
Looking Ahead
The first day of school is Tuesday, Seprt. 2. Parents can check our website calendars for dates of orientations and back-to-school events. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a safe and successful year.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 18.
