Unionville-Chadds Ford superintendent outlines middle-school feasibility timeline, public meetings

Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Superintendent Dr. Sandoval told trustees at the Sept. 9 work session that the district’s middle-school feasibility review remains in information-gathering mode and that a formal decision will not come until the winter.

"No decisions have been made," Dr. Sandoval said, summarizing an online public information session held last week that drew roughly 90 participants and produced about 30 audience questions. He said the district posted a recording and an FAQ on its Facilities page to ensure transparency.

Dr. Sandoval described the next steps: a series of staff focus groups and public engagement events, including an in-person "community conversation" at the middle school on Oct. 9 from 6–8 p.m. He said the facilities team will present a recommendation to the board at a Jan. 6 special meeting, and the board is scheduled to vote in February on one of three paths — maintain, renovate or replace the current building.

Board members praised the recent information session for taking "hard questions" and urged continued candor as the process continues. Trustees emphasized opportunities for input at work sessions through February and encouraged members of the public to review the FAQ and to register online for the Oct. 9 event.

The superintendent said the feasibility effort is meant to inform a recommendation and to build a path forward that reflects community values and operational considerations. The district will continue to capture public feedback at multiple upcoming forums before the recommendation is finalized.