Editor's Note: This article contains allegations of child abuse that could be disturbing for some readers
The superintendent of the Central Bucks School District, Dr. Steven Yanni, and four staff members are facing termination Wednesday night following a report that alleged abuse of students at Jamison Elementary School.
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WATCH HEREThe allegations first came to light in April 2025, when the superintendent was placed on paid leave following the release of a report that accused a teacher and an aide of abusing students with special needs by restraining them, physically punishing them, withholding water and leaving a student naked inside the classroom.
The 70-page report was put out by Disability Rights Pennsylvania, a nonprofit with federal authority to investigate public agencies on behalf of people with disabilities.
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SIGN UP The abuse allegedly took place between September and December 2024, the report said.
The DRP's report also alleged the school district misled parents and police and says seven staffers witnessed abuse that was not reported to education officials, which is the law.
In a statement on Thursday, Yanni said that the firings weren't immediate and, instead, the district has begun a process that could end in terminations.
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"I am incredibly disappointed by the Board’s decision regarding my position as Superintendent of the Central Bucks School District. In the near future I look forward to resolving the matter by ensuring accurate information is shared, as the last few months have been punctuated with inaccurate information and attacks against my leadership, professionalism, and character," read a statement from Yanni. "For more than two decades I have dedicated my life to my career as a teacher and leader. Those who know me know that I am a staunch advocate for children - their education and their well-being. That will continue to be my focus... I will fight to regain the good name and reputation that I built over my career as an educator and advocate for children."
A teacher named in the report -- who was fired Wednesday night -- Gabrielle McDaniel, came forward in the hours before the school board meeting to deny the allegations.
“I am deeply disappointed by the District’s decision to terminate my employment based on allegations that have been thoroughly investigated and found to be unsubstantiated by the District itself and several agencies. It has been incredibly difficult to watch false claims about me be repeated and perpetuated — especially by people who know the truth. Despite this, I have remained respectful of the process and deferential to all those involved," she wrote in a statement on the incident. "However, the truth matters, and I will utilize the appropriate channels to grieve this decision."
In her statement, McDaniel continued, arguing that she was a "dedicated educator committed to helping children."
"Throughout my tenure as a teacher including the last two years at Jamison Elementary, I’ve built a strong and unblemished record as a caring, dedicated educator committed to helping children with unique needs learn, grow, and thrive," McDaniel said in a statement. "Teaching has never been just a job to me – it’s my life’s passion. I am confident that the truth will prevail, and I look forward to the proper resolution of this matter.”
A spokesperson for McDaniel said that she plans on filing a termination grievance against the district.
James Pepper, a member of the school board, said his 9-year-old son was among those abused.
"When people say to me how can you bear it," Pepper said at the meeting. "It is the end of the beginning for us. We will be dealing with this for the rest of our lives."
"We need to protect our kids. Without a safe environment, we have nothing," Pepper added.
