“They’re Looting the Schools on Their Way Out”: Democrats Plan to Block $700,000 Payout To Former Superintendent of School District

Jo ShawNov 28, 2023

Minute Read

A Republican-majority Central Bucks School Board recently approved a whopping $712,000 severance package for its former superintendent. The news created an outcry from local residents, and now democrats are planning to block the payout, with some calling it “a revenge agenda.”

Democrats’ Victory in School Board Elections

The announcement followed a wave of Democrats securing victories in school board elections, removing numerous board members backed by Republicans and the right-wing group Moms for Liberty. In prominent school boards such as those in Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, both liberal and moderate candidates assumed control.

Central Bucks School District Now a Democrat Majority

In Pennsylvania, the Central Bucks School District, the third-largest in the state, witnessed a Democratic triumph. The Democrats successfully turned three seats, securing a majority control for the party.

Outgoing Superintendent Gets Extravagant Exit Deal

Following the loss of its seats, the Central Bucks School Board, previously dominated by Republicans, approved a $712,000 separation agreement with former superintendent Abram Lucabaugh. Lucabaugh had overseen the board during a period when the Republican focus was on engaging in culture wars and advocating for book bans, notably targeting materials flagged by the right-wing group Moms for Liberty.

Republicans Voted in Favor of the Package

The contentious severance agreement was approved after a meeting at Central Bucks West High School, which saw the attendance of hundreds of residents, with Lucabaugh notably absent from the meeting.

Local Residents Expressed Their Outrage

During the final meeting, community members voiced their anger regarding the severance agreement, while opposing residents supported the superintendent and his contributions.

Not a Person Who Deserves It Less

The Bucks County Herald reported on the meeting and the comments of some of the residents in attendance. “There is not a person who deserves this less,” one board member said.

The Biggest Mistake

Another former school board member, Beth Darcy, had reportedly called her vote to promote Lucabaugh in 2018 her “biggest mistake.”

Avoiding Accountability at the Expense of Taxpayers

“He’s quitting to avoid responsibility and accountability at the expense of every taxpayer,” Darcy added.

A Revenge Agenda

Former school board member Tracy Suits reportedly called the action over the package a “revenge agenda.” While further stating that outgoing Directors would be “held accountable.”

He Didn’t Deserve to Go

There were, however, those who supported Lucabaugh and said he had endured harassment while working on the board. Vonna DeArmond, who was a “strong supporter of the GOP-majority directors” reported by the Bucks County Herald, had stated, “You know you are the ones who were helpful,” “You don’t deserve to go. You certainly all deserve a medal for a race well run.”

Parents Don’t Want to Censor History

Editorial credit: OogImages / Shutterstock.

The teachers union president Randi Weingarten, told The Associated Press, “They don’t want to engage in this banning of books or censoring of honest history or undermining who kids are,” She also told the AP that the winning candidates in the recent elections were “pro-public school.”

Democrats Will Attempt to Block the Payout

Now that the dust has settled, the Democratic majority hopes to block the large payout. Karen Smith, a Democrat who recently won her third term, stated, “People are really sick of the embarrassing meetings, the vitriol; they’re tired of our district being in the news for all the wrong reasons.”

The Students Know What Is Going On

She added, “And … the students are aware of what’s been going on, particularly our LGBTQ students and their friends and allies.”

Lucabaugh Given Pay Rise, Only Months Before Exit

Lawyer Brendan Flynn, who represents the democratic members, also stated, “The particular circumstances in this case are even more egregious. The board gave Dr. Lucabaugh a 40 percent salary increase (to $315,000) in late July of this year, making him the second-highest-paid school district superintendent in Pennsylvania, and is now using that increase less than four months later to calculate a severance payment.”

$300,000 in Unused Sick and Vacation Time

Editorial credit: Anton Garin / Shutterstock.

ABC News reported the details of Lucabaugh’s package, stating it “includes more than $300,000 for unused sick, vacation, administrative and personal time during his 18 years in various roles with the district; $50,000 for signing the deal; and health insurance for his family through June.”

Package Includes Ban on Any Investigations

ABC further noted, “The package also includes a puzzling ban on any district investigations of his tenure and an agreement that he can keep his district-issued laptop as long as he wipes it of school records.”

They’re Looting the Schools on Their Way Out

Users went online to comment on the large payout. One user wrote, “They lost so they’re looting the schools on their way out. Unbelievable.” Another user responded, “No, totally believable and predictable.”

Even School Boards Are Partisan

While another user stated, “It’s really weird that even school boards are partisan.” “Republicans have literally politicized everything. From science to the justice system to choice of beer. It’s amazingly childish but here we are…” replied another.