Central Bucks School District Superintendent Abram Lucabaugh announced Monday he is resigning from his position six days after Democrats won the five open seats on the school board.
The board, which holds a 6-3 Republican majority for one more month, is expected to consider the resignation at its meeting Tuesday. The resignation is effective Tuesday night.
Lucabaugh, who received a new five-year contract and an $85,000 raise in July, is expected to receive approximately $630,000 in a severance package. That amount includes one year of his salary, unpaid sick leave and vacation time, as well as a $50,000 settlement payment, according to the separation agreement.
A $10,000 consulting fee for the superintendent is also under consideration. The payment is a flat fee for him to provide services to the interim superintendent through Sept. 30, according to the service agreement. Should the new board want to continue Lucabaugh’s consulting services beyond that, the cost would be $1,000 per day, or $500 for a half-day, with a half-day minimum.
Additionally, the severance agreement states that the superintendent is “held harmless” from “any and all demands, claims, lawsuits, actions and legal proceedings brought against him (Lucabaugh) in his individual capacity and/or in his official capacity as permitted by Pennsylvania law.
School board member Karen Smith said Monday night she learned of the resignation about 7 p.m. Monday when she saw it was added to the agenda.
“I’m staggered by the amount of money included. It well exceeds what the contract specified,” she said. “There may have to be some legal review given the lame duck status of this move.”
Efforts to reach current school board president Dana Hunter were not successful Monday night.
Assistant Superintendent Charles Malone is expected to be appointed acting superintendent Tuesday.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
