After Outcry, Pennsbury Superintendent May Stay In District

Following an outcry from the public, the Pennsbury School Board has begun negations with Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula in an attempt to keep in him in the district.

The surprise turn of events was announced by board member T.R. Kannan during Thursday evening’s meeting that was packed with parents, staff, and Gretzula supporters. The majority of the crowd gave a standing ovation when the news came out of Kannan’s mouth.

Gretzula, who is well-respected in the district, announced in September that he would not seek a new contract and move on once his current deal expires on June 30, 2019. He did not mention more on the reasoning but a dramatic comment session by board members revealed deep divisions among the elected body.

In speaking with reporters after this week’s meeting, Gretzula did not comment on whether he would seek to stay at Pennsbury, but he did thank the community for their support and said he was humbled by the support.

“I won’t answer the ultimate question tonight,” Gretzula told the public.

“Tonight is an important moment in my leadership journey … I’ll remember tonight,” he added.

Kannan said the abrupt change regarding Gretzula was “not for optics.”

Last month, board member Josh Waldorf said Board President Jacqui Redner and fellow members Nancy Lawson, John Palmer, and Christian Schwartz did not offer Gretzula a longer contract. Kannan, according to Waldorf, did not support Gretzula.

Redner said Thursday evening that she was the one who put forward the proposal to open contract negotiations with Gretzula.

During public comment, members of the public called for the board to keep Gretzula.

Cathy Pullen of Falls Township said she had disagreements district staff about the treatment of her two special needs son and encouraged Gretzula not to “let the bullies win.” She further stated she hopes he stays in Pennsbury.

“It would be a sin to lose such immense talent,” former School Board President Gene Dolnick said of Gretzula’s departure.

Falls Township resident and Pennsbury Education Foundation board member Alina Marone heralded Gretzula’s dedication to the district and community, adding she was “devastated” when she learned he might leave.

Amy Waters of Lower Makefield was among a group of residents who didn’t just support Gretzula but called for new board leadership. She said bad actors on the board “threaten the actions of our school district” and she said a a new solicitor was also needed. Water further listed allegations that board leadership had abused power, overstepped their bounds, stirred gossip, undermined staff, and worked to remove employees for “personal and vindictive reasons.”

Another speaker called for Render to step down and the mention was met with claps and applause from the packed audience.

Redner did not wish to comment on the allegations and statements, but said she was upset that a speaker mentioned the death of two of her sons while commenting about her.

Gretzula was hired by Pennsbury in May 2016 and began his job in July of that year. His contract was for three years and he was paid a starting salary of $171,500.