Central Bucks Superintendent Dr. Joanna Wexler hosts her second community forum Monday, Oct. 12, at Holicong Middle School in Doylestown.

Families can drop in between 6 and 7:30 p.m. at 2900 Holicong Road to raise questions about district priorities, finances and staffing. Pre-registration is requested but not required; walk-ins are welcome, according to the district's announcement.

The forum is the second of three in a series Wexler launched as part of her first-year "entry plan." The first was held Monday, Oct. 5, at Central Bucks West High School. The final session is scheduled for Oct. 26 at Jamison Elementary School, 2090 Land Road, Jamison, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

"One of my priorities during this first year as superintendent is listening to the perspectives of our parents, guardians, community members, teachers, staff members, and students, and learning more about what matters most to all of you," Wexler said, according to Patch.

Oct. 5 forum put finances in the spotlight

The first forum drew attention beyond introductions. Wexler told attendees at CB West that the district faced a $13 million deficit in 2025-26 and that projections showed it could run out of money within two years, TAPinto Doylestown reported.

Wexler later walked that back. In a written clarification on Wednesday, Oct. 7, she detailed a $7.8 million deficit in 2024-25, the $13 million shortfall in 2025-26 and a projected $19.4 million deficit for 2026-27. The district's fund balance, which held about $64 million in 2023-24, is projected to drop to roughly $24 million by the end of the 2026-27 school year. The district's budget for 2026-27 is about $460 million.

In that statement, Wexler said the district is working with the Pennsylvania Economy League on a 10-year demographic projection, with a final presentation expected before the school board in early 2027. The board is also forming a K-12 Budget Committee that will include district employees.

Broader entry plan

The forums are one piece of a broader engagement effort. Wexler has said she plans to visit all 23 Central Bucks schools for 90 to 120 minutes each, including time in classrooms. She has also restructured the Student Services Department into two director positions, one focused on special education and gifted support and one on broader student services.

Wexler previously served as assistant superintendent at Great Valley School District in Chester County. She began her Central Bucks tenure on July 1 under a five-year contract approved by an 8-to-1 board vote. Central Bucks is the third-largest school district in Pennsylvania.

Families who cannot attend the Oct. 12 forum can register for the Oct. 26 session at Jamison Elementary through the district's online form.