The Central Bucks School Board voted Thursday night to officially appoint Dr. Charles Malone as interim superintendent, solidifying a leadership transition that began last month following the district’s separation from former superintendent Dr. Stephen Yanni.
Board President Susan Gibson said Malone, previously serving in a temporary substitute capacity, has now fully stepped into the district’s top role.
“Now that we have parted ways with Dr. Yanni, Dr. Malone is no longer serving in a substitute capacity,” Gibson said during the meeting. “He is formally our interim leader, and tonight’s vote will codify that. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Malone for stepping forward to support the district during a challenging period and for offering his steady leadership and commitment to our students, staff and community.”
Gibson also announced that the Bucks County Intermediate Unit will guide the district’s superintendent search, costing between $7,500 and $10,000.
The process will include multiple avenues for public input, including surveys and three regional town hall–style sessions, typically held in areas aligned with each high school. Those engagement opportunities will occur before the district drafts a job posting.
Board members praise Malone’s role in navigating turmoil
Board members strongly supported Malone’s appointment and praised his leadership throughout a turbulent fall marked by administrative turnover.
Director Jenine Zdanowicz said Malone stepped into the role under “really tough” circumstances, likening his calm public demeanor to a duck gliding across water.
“You looked really calm on the surface, and you were paddling like heck under the water,” she said. “We appreciate everything you did to get us through a really tough time.”
Director Jim Pepper called Malone’s performance “absolutely fantastic.”
“In perhaps the most trying circumstances in the history of this district — we lost just about everyone — Dr. Malone stepped into the gap and performed beautifully,” Pepper said. “Thank you, Dr. Malone, and congratulations.”
Contract details outline scope of interim role
According to the interim superintendent employment agreement approved Thursday, Malone’s appointment took effect retroactively on Oct. 16, 2025, and continues until:
Malone will receive a $7,500 monthly stipend, prorated as needed, in addition to his current salary and benefits as assistant superintendent for secondary schools. The agreement notes the dual responsibilities create an “extraordinary, temporary workload requiring substantial professional judgment and time management,” and the board will provide support during the transition.
If the agreement ends, Malone will automatically return to his assistant superintendent position.
The contract also includes professional liability protections, reimbursement for documented travel expenses, and confirmation that Malone maintains the required state credentials to serve as superintendent.
Bucks IU contracted to lead superintendent search
The board also approved an agreement with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit to manage the superintendent search. The IU will:
While search fees for Bucks County districts are waived, Central Bucks will reimburse the IU for out-of-pocket expenses such as advertising, estimated at up to $10,000.
Both agreements emphasize confidentiality throughout the search process.
