Every Central Bucks elementary school will offer full-day kindergarten starting this fall, ending years of split scheduling between half-day and full-day options. New Superintendent Dr. Joanna Wexler confirmed the expansion as one of two major milestones for the 2026-27 school year during her first week leading the district.
The other milestone is a grade realignment. Wexler has not detailed publicly which grade bands or buildings are affected, and the district has released no specifics. A six-member "Realignment Planning and Leadership Team" received a 2026 Apple Award at a May 27 ceremony at CB East, confirming the restructuring was in motion before Wexler's arrival.
The school board approved Wexler's five-year contract at a special meeting on April 14. Board President Heather Reynolds and Vice President Susan Gibson announced the appointment, saying Wexler "distinguished herself not only through her experience, but through how she engaged with our community."
Wexler spent her opening days meeting with the executive leadership team, visiting summer learning programs at Groveland Elementary and Lenape Middle School, and welcoming new CFO Wayne Gehris.
"These conversations are especially important as we continue to prepare for grade realignment and full-day kindergarten in the fall, two major milestones for our district," Wexler said of her plans to meet with each of the district's 23 principals over the coming weeks.
Special education staffing and new CFO
The district will also post two director-level positions supporting special education, gifted education and student support services. Wexler said the hires follow recommendations from an independent evaluation by the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota, which reviewed CBSD's pupil services programs. No timeline for filling the roles has been announced.
Gehris, who started the same day as Wexler, comes from Reading School District, where he served as CFO since 2014. He oversaw a $482 million operating budget for 18,000 students and directed a $310 million capital improvement program, growing Reading's fund balance from $6 million to $100 million over 13 years. The CBSD board approved him at its Thursday, June 25 business meeting. He replaces interim CFO David Maytas.
MySchoolBucks fee change
Families who pay through MySchoolBucks will see the credit and debit card processing fee rise from $3.50 to $3.75 per transaction beginning Thursday, July 31. The e-check fee stays the same. Families with automatic payments will be notified by Thursday, July 17. Accounts open for 2026-27 deposits starting Monday, August 10.
What's next
Wexler said the district is planning community engagement events where she can meet families, teachers, staff, and community members. No dates have been announced. She sent an introductory video message to all staff and parents on Thursday, July 10, and said she will share regular updates throughout the school year.
