In the wake of the Jamison Elementary abuse allegations that maimed the reputation and Central Bucks School District career of Dr. Steven Yanni, the school board Tuesday night voted 8-1 to appoint Dr. Joanna M. Wexler as the next superintendent.
“Thank you so much for trusting me and putting your confidence in me as your next superintendent," she said. "I am incredibly honored and incredibly excited.”
Wexler, who will take the reins of her 5-year contract July 1 at a $255,000 annual salary, stood out among the candidates for the role, according to board President Heather Reynolds.
“From the very beginning of this process, Dr. Wexler’s resume stood out. Her extensive and comprehensive background in special education immediately caught our attention,” said Reynolds. “This is an area where strong leadership and deep expertise are not just valuable, but essential, and her experience will help round out what is already an exceptional executive leadership team of dedicated educators.”
The dissenting vote came from Director Karen Smith.
“This vote was not easy for me. I thought she interviewed very well. I firmly believe, however, that being our superintendent requires experience in the role of superintendent. I also place a high value on experience in the classroom,” Smtih said. “I hope Dr. Wexler proves me wrong.”
Wexler, who will oversee the new all-day kindergarten implementation next school year and grade realignment, will be settling into her role, as the school board and administration struggle with a $22 million deficit ahead of the next fiscal year budget, which must be approved before July 1.
She currently serves as assistant superintendent in the Great Valley School District, where she oversees key areas of human resources, including hiring, evaluations, and labor relations.
She has also played a major role in districtwide initiatives, including school realignment efforts and the implementation of instructional frameworks such as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. In addition, she serves as the district’s Title IX coordinator.
Before that role, Wexler spent six years as Great Valley’s director of special education and student services, where she led programs aimed at supporting students with diverse learning needs and strengthening safety systems.
Her career spans nearly three decades and includes roles as a school psychologist, clinical services coordinator, and supervisor of student services across multiple districts, as well as early experience with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.
Wexler holds degrees from Ursinus College and Temple University, along with a superintendent’s letter of eligibility from Immaculata University.
