Central Bucks School District formally introduced superintendent finalist Dr. Joanna Wexler to the community during a public forum last week, offering residents their first extended look at the candidate ahead of Tuesday night’s scheduled board vote.
School Board President Heather Reynolds called the event “a momentous night for our district,” noting the extensive search process that began in November and drew 26 applicants before narrowing to Wexler as the sole finalist.
“This forum is an opportunity to not only meet our superintendent finalist candidate… but to understand the process that brought us here,” Reynolds said.
The evening began with a student musical performance and the Pledge of Allegiance, before transitioning into a moderated discussion led by Bucks County Intermediate Unit Executive Director Dr. Mark Hoffman. Hoffman emphasized the scope of community input, noting that “40 individuals… posed 67 questions for consideration,” which were grouped into major themes for the forum.
Wexler, currently an assistant superintendent in Great Valley School District, opened by reflecting on her professional journey and connection to the region.
“Central Bucks is a place that I’ve always sort of admired,” she said, adding that the opportunity to lead the district was “definitely intriguing to me.”
She described a formative experience working with a student with autism during college, calling it a moment that shaped her leadership approach around “perspective-taking” and empathy when working with students, staff, and families.
Wexler also acknowledged the challenges facing the district, telling attendees, “I acknowledge that the district has been through a lot in the past few years,” adding that difficult periods can “shake us, but they can also shape a community and help to reprioritize on what’s important.”
Much of the forum focused on special education, the most common topic raised in community submissions. Hoffman read several questions verbatim, including concerns about accountability, program quality, and communication, such as: “What’s your vision for effectively supporting students with disabilities?” and “How will you rebuild the reputation of the special education department?”
In response, Wexler pointed to her experience as a former director of special education and school psychologist, emphasizing the importance of strong systems and inclusive practices. She said ensuring access to “high quality core instruction” for all students would be a priority, alongside improved staff training and clearer accountability measures.
She also noted that an ongoing independent audit of the district’s special education program would help guide early decision-making if appointed.
Throughout the discussion, Wexler repeatedly stressed collaboration and team-based leadership, describing her approach as building a “team of teams” across administration, staff, and the broader community. She said her first months in the role would focus heavily on listening and understanding the district’s systems before implementing changes.
The Central Bucks Board of School Directors is scheduled to vote on Wexler’s appointment at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the district’s Educational Services Center in Doylestown.
