Update on equal pay lawsuit
Dear CBSD Community,
As we shared in several messages last summer, the district has been involved in an employment discrimination lawsuit since 2021 that continues to evolve. Earlier this month, the case proceeded with two named plaintiffs to a new federal jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Today [May 8], the jury delivered a compromise verdict in favor of the plaintiffs, awarding a reduced amount compared to the plaintiffs’ claims.
While the district is encouraged that the jury found no evidence of willful misconduct, the evidence the district presented does not support any award to the plaintiffs, and the district plans to appeal the decision. We maintain that employee compensation was set lawfully and fairly, based on legitimate, non-discriminatory factors, and are committed to ensuring all employees are treated equitably and in accordance with the law.
Lawsuits of this nature proceed in stages. Prior to this most recent decision, in late July, a different jury was unable to reach consensus on a verdict, resulting in a hung jury. Shortly thereafter, the court decertified the class action suit. The current decision marks another phase in this process, and the appeal will be yet another stage.
In earlier messages on this subject, the district committed to refining and enhancing hiring practices. In January 2025, district administration put into effect updated guidelines for determining the initial salary of professional staff covered by the collective bargaining agreement and shared these guidelines with all CBSD administrators. These guidelines were also posted on our “Making Practices Public” webpage and will be further formalized through an administrative regulation. The district will continue to examine ways to improve processes and systems.
Thank you for your ongoing support of CBSD.
The Central Bucks School District School Board
Susan Gibson, Board President
Heather Reynolds, Board Vice President
Robert Dugger
Dana Foley
Daniel Kimicata
James Pepper
Karen Smith
Jenine Zdanowicz
