The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District board accepted the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Sandoval and voted 9-0 on Feb. 18 to engage the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to conduct the district’s superintendent search.

Why it matters: The superintendent’s planned departure triggers a search for a successor; the board selected the CCIU after receiving multiple proposals and described the CCIU proposal as no-cost to the district — a key factor cited in the board’s choice.

Board action and outcome

The board approved personnel agenda item 8.2 accepting retirements, including that of the superintendent, by a 9-0 vote; directors then approved the district’s selection of the CCIU to conduct the superintendent search (agenda item 8.1) by a 9-0 vote. Board members said the CCIU’s proposal matched district needs and offered both institutional knowledge of the region and a favorable cost proposal.

Search vendor and cost

A board member noted the CCIU proposal was submitted at no cost to the district; the board contrasted that with the next closest vendor proposal, which was listed at $15,000. Directors who spoke said the CCIU had worked previously with the district and could move quickly while providing a robust scope of services. The board directed staff to coordinate with the CCIU on an initial search calendar and public posting of the timeline.

Transition and next steps

Board members said they will post a timeline and engage the CCIU to begin candidate identification, screening and community engagement. The board also authorized routine personnel items bundled earlier in the meeting, and members said they will produce a transition plan and schedule formal recognition of the superintendent’s service closer to his announced retirement date.

Ending

The board’s approvals formalize the search process and set the district on a timeline for candidate outreach, community input and a future vote to hire a new superintendent.