Former Central Bucks School District Superintendent Dr. Steven Yanni is now leading Northwood Academy Charter School in Philadelphia as chief executive officer, according to the charter’s website and public board materials, even as Central Bucks prepares to determine whether to fire him at its Thursday meeting.
Northwood Academy’s board on Aug. 20 accepted the resignation of its previous CEO, Eric Langston, effective July 8, and the school’s finance committee listed an Oct. 1 agenda that included setting a new salary for the CEO position, board records show.
What led to Yanni’s leave in Central Bucks
Yanni has been on paid administrative leave in Central Bucks since April following investigations into alleged abuse inside an autistic support classroom at Jamison Elementary School in Warwick Township. Disability Rights Pennsylvania, a state-sanctioned watchdog, reported in April that several allegations were “credible and corroborated,” and criticized district leaders’ handling of the matter. The Bucks County District Attorney later said the office did not view the case as criminal.
In June, the Central Bucks board voted to bring termination charges against five employees. Public hearings for Yanni and Jamison Elementary Principal David Heineman were held in August; the board indicated it would render a decision Oct. 16.
Board Vice President Heather Reynolds told the public Sept. 18 that the board expected to announce its determination at that meeting after reviewing submissions from the employees.
During two days of testimony at his public hearing, Yanni denied wrongdoing and said he acted appropriately throughout the investigation, as reported by the Bucks County Herald. Separate local coverage this week confirmed his new role at Northwood Academy.
What is next in Central Bucks
The Central Bucks board is still expected to consider the terminations of Yanni and Heineman on Thursday. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Charles Malone has been serving as substitute superintendent since April 25, under a contract approved April 24.
Background: What the DRP report found
DRP’s April 23 investigative report described alleged abusive and aversive practices in the Jamison classroom between September and December 2024 and criticized the district’s response, including mandated reporting. The report asserted Yanni’s communications with law enforcement and ChildLine were delayed or incomplete; Yanni has maintained he followed proper procedures.
