DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) — The Central Bucks School District has officially terminated its former superintendent and a principal following investigations into alleged abuse inside a special education classroom at Jamison Elementary School.
On Thursday night, the school board voted to fire Superintendent Dr. Stephen Yianni and Jamison Elementary Principal David Heineman. A motion to accept Yianni’s resignation, which would have allowed for a softer departure, failed.
Michael Henry, a Warwick Township parent whose child was among those allegedly abused, said the decision brought some relief.
“A short-term win but a long-term road still ahead,” Henry said. “It’s still a relief.” “We’ll never officially know everything that happened, and that will be the thing that kind of sticks with me forever.”
The firings come nearly a year after allegations surfaced that Yianni and Heineman misled police and parents about the mistreatment of special education students.
Addressing the board prior to their voting, Henry said the impact on the children is lasting.
“Kids who now have to carry that emotional baggage every day,” he said. “And they’re non-verbal, so they can’t tell you about it, but I assure you I see it every day.”
A report released in April 2025 by Disability Rights Pennsylvania detailed disturbing findings from the autism support classroom.
According to the report, students were physically restrained, had water intake restricted, were found naked, and were subjected to physical punishment. The alleged abuse occurred in late 2024.
Board member James Pepper, whose son was also among those alleged abused, said he was glad the board “did the right thing,” but the firings do not bring closure.
“Absolutely not,” Pepper said. “My wife and I and my son will be dealing with this for the rest of our lives.”
Pepper abstained from the vote but expressed support for the decision.
“Dr. Yianni and Mr. Heineman are gone, and that’s where they need to be – out of this district,” he said.
Attempts to reach Heineman for comment were unsuccessful. Yianni has since taken a new position leading a charter school in Philadelphia, a move that shocked the two parents.
“I’m surprised even before this ruling came down, another district would bring him into any role,” Henry said.
“I find that incredible and that’s all I’m going to say about that,” added Pepper.
The board had previously fired other administrators and staff believed to be involved.
The district is already facing at least one lawsuit related to earlier terminations, and Pepper believes more litigation is likely.
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
