Dr. Joanna Wexler Meets Community, Answers Questions at Forum

Central Bucks School District welcomed Dr. Joanna Wexler for a public forum at CB West on April 8, where the superintendent finalist was introduced to the community and responded to pre-submitted questions from a range of stakeholders. 

The forum, moderated by Dr. Mark Hoffman, executive director of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, featured a 45-minute question-and-answer session based on nearly 70 questions submitted by 40 individuals. Questions were organized into key themes that reflected the priorities of teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members. Portions of questions were read verbatim to illustrate how the themes were developed. 

View Video of Forum

A Community-Centered Opening 

The evening began with a meet-and-greet, followed by a musical performance by CB East senior Shayna Shkolnikov and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Kutz Elementary School students Jax Fitzpatrick and Gionni Pileggi.  

School Board President Heather Reynolds welcomed audience members, recognized attending board members, and provided an overview of the search process before introducing Dr. Hoffman, who explained the evening’s format and invited Dr. Wexler for remarks. 

A Leadership Approach Grounded in Experience and Collaboration 

Dr. Wexler greeted the crowd and reflected on her professional journey, which she said was deeply impacted through her experience providing educational support to a student with autism when she was a senior in college. She described this experience as foundational to her leadership philosophy that prioritizes empathy, perspective-taking, and student-centered decision-making. 

With nearly 30 years of experience in public education, Dr. Wexler emphasized a collaborative leadership approach built on strong teams and shared responsibility. She described this as a “team of teams” model and underscored the importance of understanding multiple perspectives while keeping students at the center of decisions. 

Special Education as a Central Focus 

Special education emerged as the most frequently raised topic in the pre-submitted questions. Drawing on her background in student services, Dr. Wexler emphasized the importance of ensuring all students have access to high-quality instruction; strengthening inclusive practices and supports; and providing clear expectations, training, and accountability for staff.  

She noted that the forthcoming results of the independent review of the district’s pupil services program, conducted by the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI), will be critical in guiding this work. 

Rebuilding Trust Through Visibility and Engagement 

Many questions focused on rebuilding trust and strengthening relationships across the district. Dr. Wexler outlined an approach that included a listening-focused entry plan during her first 100 days; regular engagement with staff, families, and community members; visibility in schools and across the district; and clear, consistent communication, including updates and reports to the community. 

Supporting Teachers and Classroom Practice 

In response to questions about her background, Dr. Wexler acknowledged that she did not serve as a traditional K-12 classroom teacher but emphasized her extensive experience working at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in a specialist role as well as working alongside educators. She also noted her time teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. 

Dr. Wexler highlighted the importance of including teachers in decision-making, creating structures for ongoing feedback, supporting instruction through coaching and professional learning, and spending time in classrooms to understand day-to-day realities. 

Her approach prioritizes elevating educator voice and ensuring that initiatives are informed by classroom experience. 

Navigating Technology, AI, and Student Devices 

Dr. Wexler addressed several questions related to instructional technology, student device use, and artificial intelligence. She emphasized the need for a balance between technology use and traditional learning; clear expectations for how and when technology supports instruction; thoughtful consideration of student perspectives; and the importance of continuing to develop guidelines and thoughtful strategies for AI use by teachers, staff, and students. 

A Focus on Transparency in Budget and Operations 

The district’s financial outlook was another key topic. Dr. Wexler acknowledged the complexity of current budget challenges and emphasized the importance of clearly communicating the factors driving financial pressures; engaging the community in understanding budget decisions; and evaluating programs, structures, and initiatives for effectiveness and return on investment. She noted that transparency and communication will be essential in navigating these challenges moving forward. 

Entry Plan and Early Priorities 

If appointed, Dr. Wexler indicated her initial focus would include meeting with stakeholder groups across the district; filling key leadership positions on the district’s administrative cabinet; supporting ongoing initiatives such as grade realignment and full-day kindergarten; and identifying opportunities for operational improvements. She described this initial phase as a time for listening, learning, and building a strong foundation for future work. 

Next Steps 

The forum reflected a wide range of perspectives and priorities within the Central Bucks community. Dr. Wexler expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with stakeholders and emphasized her commitment to continued dialogue, collaboration, and transparency. 

The CBSD school board is scheduled to officially vote on Dr. Wexler’s appointment as the district’s next superintendent on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Educational Services Center (16 Welden Dr., Doylestown).