Introducing Dr. Joanna Wexler, CBSD’s superintendent finalist candidate
Dear CBSD Community,
We are pleased to share that the school board has selected Dr. Joanna M. Wexler as the finalist candidate to become the next superintendent of Central Bucks School District. Dr. Wexler emerged as the best fit for our community and schools following a comprehensive national search and a multi-round interview process informed by feedback from nearly 1,000 employees, parents, students, and community members.
The board began the search process in November 2025 in partnership with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, which assisted with recruiting candidates from across the region and nation. The open position attracted 26 applicants, and the board conducted interviews with 15 before narrowing the field. Three candidates advanced to in-depth interviews that included presentations and writing exercises related to district issues. Members of the district’s administrative cabinet participated in the final round before the board confirmed Dr. Wexler as the finalist candidate.
Dr. Wexler will be introduced to the Central Bucks community at a forum presented by the Bucks IU on Wednesday, April 8, at 6 p.m. at CB West. All members of the community are invited to attend. Community members may submit up to two questions for consideration by April 1.
The board is scheduled to vote to officially appoint Dr. Wexler as superintendent at a special meeting on Tuesday, April 14, at 7 p.m. at the district’s Educational Services Center.
About Joanna M. Wexler, Ph.D.
During the search process, hundreds of stakeholders emphasized several priorities for the district’s next leader, including a strong focus on academic excellence, school safety, student-centered leadership, deep knowledge of special education services, clear communication, and the ability to build relationships across the community.
Dr. Wexler’s experience reflects these priorities. With 29 years in education, Dr. Wexler has a proven record of leading complex instructional, operational, and organizational systems; navigating high-profile issues with transparency and diplomacy; and strengthening community trust through open, visible leadership.
Dr. Wexler currently serves as the assistant superintendent of the Great Valley School District in Malvern, a role she has held since 2020. In this capacity, she oversees major components of Great Valley’s human resources systems, including recruitment, evaluation, labor relations, and contract negotiations. She has also played a lead role in implementing the realignment of Great Valley’s elementary and middle schools, has deep familiarity with Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and other instructional frameworks, and serves as Great Valley’s Title IX coordinator.
Prior to her role as assistant superintendent, Dr. Wexler served as Great Valley’s director of special education and student services for six years. During this time, she led districtwide programs to ensure strong instructional support for students with diverse learning needs. She implemented evidence-based initiatives such as the Wilson Reading System and developed the Language for Learning early literacy program. Dr. Wexler also strengthened student safety and support systems by implementing the PREPARE crisis response model, overseeing the Safe2Say program, and restructuring special education and gifted support staffing and services to improve outcomes.
Dr. Wexler has been committed to serving students of all abilities since her first position in public education. She began her career in the field as a teacher assistant of specialized instruction at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit in 1997. In September 2001, she joined Exeter Township Area School District (Reading, PA) as a school psychologist and transition coordinator, then moved on to Souderton Area School District (Souderton, PA) as a school psychologist from 2003 to 2005. She spent nine years at Lower Merion School District (Ardmore, PA), first as a school psychologist from 2005 to 2009, then as coordinator of clinical services from 2009 to 2013, and finally as supervisor of student services from 2013 to 2014. Dr. Wexler has also taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Dr. Wexler earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Ursinus College in 1997, a Master of Education from Temple University in 1998, a Ph.D. from Temple University in 2003, and a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Immaculata University in 2018.
More About the April 8 Forum
The April 8 forum will include a student performance, introductory remarks by Dr. Wexler, and a question-and-answer period facilitated by Dr. Mark Hoffman, executive director of the Bucks IU. Pre-submitted questions will be grouped by themes. To ensure a variety of topics can be covered, the forum will not include time for live questions or comments.
We hope you will join us at the forum on April 8 at CB West and look forward to introducing Dr. Wexler to our families, students, and the Central Bucks community. We thank everyone who provided feedback during this search process and for the continued support of our schools and students.
Sincerely,
Heather Reynolds
School Board President
Susan Gibson
School Board Vice President
