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Unionville‑Chadds Ford Superintendent lays out plan, Feb. 18 vote set on middle‑school options
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Sandoval presented a feasibility study and a public engagement timeline for a potential new middle school; the board will vote Feb. 18, 2025 to either maintain, renovate, or replace the current middle school. Community meetings begin Sept. 3.
Superintendent Dr. Sandoval told the Unionville‑Chadds Ford School Board on Aug. 12 that a feasibility study by M and M Architects will culminate in a board vote on Feb. 18, 2025 on one of three options for the district’s middle school: maintain the existing building, undertake a major renovation (possibly with additions or footprint changes), or replace it with a new facility.
Dr. Sandoval walked the board through a public‑engagement timeline tied to that decision. Key dates include a virtual town hall and question‑and‑answer session on Sept. 3, staff and faculty input on Sept. 30, an in‑person community tour and meeting on Oct. 9, a follow‑up public meeting Dec. 9 to review findings from M and M, and a special board meeting on Jan. 6, 2025 to discuss a recommendation before the Feb. 18 vote.
On financing, Dr. Sandoval said the earliest realistic time to borrow for a replacement project would be 2026 because 2016 bonds become callable then; even with fast procurement, an optimistic opening for a new middle school would be in the 2029–30 window. He emphasized the timeline may change if community input or technical work requires more time.
Board members asked about flexibility for the schedule, student participation in the process and how community feedback will be incorporated. Dr. Sandoval said student input opportunities are planned, staff and administrative study‑team meetings will keep the board updated at every work session and regular meeting, and the February vote is a milestone the board can defer if more time is needed.
Administration said the study team includes representatives from M and M, district staff (including Mr. Dady and Mr. Whitesell) and the superintendent; the team is seeking one or two board members to join. The district will publish materials online and run targeted communications to solicit feedback.
Next steps: the district will advertise the Sept. 3 virtual town hall and schedule the Oct. 9 in‑person meeting; staff will return with materials and recommendations as the study progresses, culminating in the Feb. 18, 2025 vote unless the board decides to extend the schedule.
Sources: Superintendent Dr. Sandoval’s presentation and board Q&A at the Aug. 12, 2024 work session.
