Central Bucks Denies Same-Sex Spouse Benefits, Residents React

More than a dozen residents came to Tuesday’s Central Bucks School Board meeting to ask the district to support benefits for same-sex couples.

Last month, the school district human resources department received a request from an employee to enroll their same-sex spouse as a health plan dependent. The couple was recently legally married in Delaware, explained school board president Stephen Corr.

That request was denied because, Corr said, the same-sex spouse did not meet the definition as a dependent as set forth in the district’s health plan.

Corr, who read a statement ahead of the 13 speakers who signed up to speak during public comment on the issue, said the administration anticipated a grievance to be filed by the employee.

“At that time the issue would be presented by both sides so a decision could be made” by the board, he explained. However, the administration recently received a request from a representative of the employee that the issue bypass the board and go straight to arbitration. 

The Human Resources Committee is expected to discuss the issue during an executive session Wednesday.

“The board will not have any further comment until it is authorized to do so by the solicitor,” Corr said.

Numerous residents and students voiced support for the employee, saying Central Bucks should provide same-sex spouse benefits.