Unionville-Chadds Ford School District

The meeting included an executive session to discuss a charter school settlement agreement, personnel restructuring within Human Resources, elementary and secondary personnel items, discipline at UHS, and legal concerns. The 2025 draft audit report was presented. Key agenda items discussed for future action included eRate funding, which is expected to result in a vote for approximately $200,000 in March 2026. Several policies related to disciplinary procedures, educator misconduct, personal necessity leave, records retention, and suicide response were reviewed or slated for approval. The Board discussed amending Policy 800-AG-1 regarding the Records Retention Schedule, specifically the definition of "Guest Speaker," deferring final approval to the next meeting. Facility discussions involved the purchase of replacement grounds equipment, specifically a new RTV to replace a 30-year-old vehicle, and replacement fitness center equipment for the High School. The Finance section addressed the final settlement agreement with Collegium Charter School to pay a prior-year reconciliation invoice. Personnel matters included discussion on eliminating the Assistant Director of HR position and creating a Director of HR position, effective July 1, following the impending retirement of the current Assistant Director. Communications focused on the discussion of the 2026-27 School Board Meeting Schedule, with a recommendation to hold meetings consistently at the District Office, and an update on Digital Accessibility compliance requirements. Under Student Activities, the Board reviewed a trip request for UHS HOSA students and engaged in an extensive discussion regarding Student Activity Fees, considering cost-sharing models, potential modest fee increases aligned with comparable districts, and ensuring transparent financial aid pathways for families.

The meeting began with several recognitions, including appreciation for School Directors, acknowledgement of holiday card contest winners, celebration of the UHS Golf Team's PIAA Class 3A State Championship, and recognition of retiree Kathy DiFilippo for 31 years of service. The Superintendent and student representatives provided updates on various school activities and achievements across the district's schools, including student council input on issues like AI class usage and technology onboarding. Key business items included the review and filing of November and December 2025 financial reports and activity reports. The Board approved several policy changes concerning discrimination/harassment reporting, hazing, bullying, and gifts. Significant facilities actions involved approving construction bids totaling $2,313,500 for HVAC renovations at UES, a $293,000 proposal for HVAC Building Management System controls at UES, a $935,870 bid for a solar array project at UHS, and $699,494 for outdoor learning classrooms at UES and CFES. The Board approved the 2026-27 Act 1 Opt-Out Resolution and the 2026-27 District Calendar. Personnel actions involved approvals for professional conferences, two retirements (Kathy DiFilippo and Mary Garvey), several resignations, reclassifications of positions, and new employment actions. Discussions under Safe Schools focused on implementing reunification policies in collaboration with the Department of Emergency Services and reviewing incidents related to definitions of weapons under Act 44.

This organization meeting was called to order after a delay due to the election certification process. Key discussions involved the election of a Temporary President, followed by administering the Oath of Office to newly elected members (though one member will take the oath later). The primary agenda focused on the nomination and election of the Board President, resulting in the election of Dr. Baratta, and the subsequent election of Ms. Talbert as Board Vice President. Additionally, the Board designated the Daily Local News as the newspaper of general circulation for legal advertisements and appointed Dr. Baratta to represent the district on the CCIU Board for the remainder of a term expiring in June 2026. New and re-elected directors introduced themselves, sharing their interests and appreciation for the district.

This meeting was limited to the presentation of the annual Achievement Report. Administrators provided an overview of overarching district data, 2024-2025 highlights, and challenges, including the positive impact of the new UHS College and Career Counselor and the formation of new community partnerships. School principals presented their respective sites' Points of Pride, Data Analysis, and Action Plan/Goals. Board members provided initial feedback, expressing appreciation for the transparency, collaboration, and passion of the educators. Administrators committed to compiling questions into an FAQ report for the subsequent Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology (CIT) meeting.

The meeting commenced with the announcement of an Executive Session to discuss personnel items, including reclassifications, administrative leaves, potential staffing changes, and updates on a US Dept of Ed complaint and a Title IX Complaint. The Superintendent's Report provided an update on the middle school project, noting the completion of the schematic design phase, feasibility study review, and cost analysis, while acknowledging the project is currently over budget. Discussion focused on the path forward, including debt service analysis, site work cost discrepancies, building size relative to population, and contingency measurement. The Board reviewed several Policy items for approval, including updates to various complaint/report forms related to discrimination, harassment, hazing, and bullying, as well as updates on policies concerning Gifts, Exemption From Instruction, Medications, Graduation Requirements (including Personal Finance), Surveys (related to a prior Dept of Ed finding), Uncompensated Leave, and the introduction of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. Facilities discussions included voting items for HVAC Renovations at Unionville Elementary School, including an application for an improvement grant; a Cost Proposal for Building Management System Controls for the HVAC Renovations; construction bids for a Solar Array Project at Unionville High School; and re-bid construction bids for Outdoor Learning Classrooms at elementary schools. The Finance section covered the 2026-27 Act 1 Opt-Out Resolution, a budget update highlighting healthcare cost trends, and the issuance of an RFP for audit services for the year ending 6/30/2025. Student Activities included review and potential votes on contracts for a WCU Athletic Facilities Use, a UHS Fishing Club overnight trip, and a CFPMS Travel Club trip to Costa Rica in 2027. The Safe Schools report was postponed to the next meeting.