Unionville-Chadds Ford school board approves policies, facilities, personnel and communications review in unanimous votes

Unionville-Chadds Ford School District directors unanimously approved a package of policies, goals, facilities purchases, personnel items and a communications contract during the board's Sept. 15 regular meeting.

The approvals — each recorded as passing 9-0 — included adoption of Policy 7-18 (service animals in schools), the district's 2025–26 goals, several policy and administrative-guideline reviews, authorization to administer the Pennsylvania youth survey (conducted by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency), two facilities contracts to replace building controls and a campus generator, bundled personnel actions (agenda items 8.1–8.15), and a communications review contract with the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU).

Why it matters: the votes put in place a new local policy on service animals, confirm annual district goals that guide operations and budgeting for the coming school year, authorize capital work at Unionville Elementary School and the high school/middle school campus, and move forward a district communications review that district leaders said will inform a five-year communications plan.

Most significant approvals

- Policy 7-18 (service animals in schools): The board approved the service-animals policy at second reading; the motion passed 9-0. The board did not discuss substantive amendments during the public meeting.

- 2025–26 district goals: Directors approved the district goals for the coming school year, 9-0.

- Pennsylvania youth survey (PAYS): The board approved administration of the bi‑annual Pennsylvania youth survey (referred to as the PA Youth Survey), a statewide instrument run by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, as required under district policy 2-35.1. The motion passed 9-0.

Facilities and capital spending

- Unionville Elementary building automation controllers: The board approved a $17,100 proposal to replace obsolete building automation system controllers at Unionville Elementary School. The item was described as part of the district's long-range facilities funding; the motion passed 9-0.

- Campus generator replacement: The board approved a $32,758 contract with Eastern Generator to replace the generator that serves the high school/middle school campus pump station and maintenance shop. Board members said the existing unit was roughly 20 years old and at end of life; the motion passed 9-0.

Personnel and other routine business

- Personnel agenda bundle (items 8.1–8.15): The board approved the bundled personnel slate, which was presented and discussed during the prior work session and executive-session review. The bundle passed 9-0; one listed personnel item (8.16) was removed from the agenda and required no action.

Communications and external review

- CCIU communications review: The board approved a $7,119 agreement with the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to perform a district communications program review. District leaders said the 16-week review will provide data and recommendations to inform a five-year communications plan (2026–2031). The motion passed 9-0.

Other policy items and readings

- Policy reviews and administrative guidelines: The board approved several routine reviews and updates, including Policy 102 (academic standards), Administrative Guideline 126 (class size/school staffing standards), and AG 218-1 (code of student conduct updates tied to a prior policy change). Those items passed 9-0.

- Policies at second and first reading: The board discussed several items at second reading (including Policy 626 for federal fiscal compliance and Policy H27 on conflict of interest) and a set of policies at first reading (Policies 105, 209.2 on diabetes management and 217 on graduation). No votes on those items were taken at this meeting; further consideration will occur in subsequent meetings per the district's multi-month review process.

Meeting context and routine reports

Directors heard customary reports from curriculum, facilities, finance and student activities committees. In student activities, the board noted that elementary activity offerings have returned, with about 430 opportunities districtwide and a $12 participation fee for elementary activities this year. The Safe Schools steering committee reported ongoing work on reunification planning with the Chester County Department of Emergency Services and staff attendance at state safe-schools training.

What the board did not do

No items were tabled or failed to pass. Several policy changes remain under multi-month review and will return for later votes. The meeting included no public-comment speakers on the agenda items that prompted the votes recorded here.

Looking ahead

Board members noted the district's next work session is scheduled for Oct. 13 at the district office, and the Oct. 21 regular meeting will be held at Unionville Elementary School.