Board approves McCuspson exterior work, water connection and $32,000 feasibility study for Patton Middle School; Via Media pilot for bus recruitment also passed

The Unionville-Chadds Ford board on June 17 approved several facilities and vendor contracts and authorized a feasibility study intended to inform any future decisions about a new middle school.

Facilities director moved to approve a $73,640.30 cost proposal with PR Painting for exterior cleaning, painting and joint restoration at McCuspson Elementary, citing the need to prevent water-related structural damage; the motion passed by voice vote.

The board approved a cost proposal (about $49,700) with MGK Industries for an on-site extension of public water service to Charles F. Patton Elementary. Directors described the work as part of the long-range facilities plan and a cost‑charge contract.

On a separate motion, the board authorized a $32,000 design/feasibility study with architects for Charles F. Patton Middle School, emphasizing that the study is an early step to evaluate costs, site options and long-term planning and that no decision to build has been made. The superintendent said the study will be followed by community engagement and additional decision points in January or February.

Separately in personnel/contracts business, the board approved vendor contracts for nursing and PCA support and voted 8–1 to authorize contract #5: a three‑month pilot with Via Media to run targeted advertising to recruit school bus drivers. Board members debated timing and the potential effectiveness of a targeted‑advertising pilot; one member dissented.

All motions in facilities and contracts were accompanied by brief administration presentations and passed with the tallies recorded at the meeting.