School board to spend some, save some

Posted by Rich Schwartzman on September 20, 2012

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board voted to spend money on a new entrance for the high school football stadium, but also to refinance some outstanding debt to save money in the long run.

In a 7-1 vote, the board decided to spend $35,000 to build a new ticket booth and relocate the stadium entrance as part of the board’s long range plan.

School Board Director Holly Manzone voted against the measure, calling it a “want, not a need.”

Board President Eileen Bushelow said she was not in favor of spending the money now, but was voting for the idea while relying on selling naming rights to the stadium.

Bruce Yeltin, of Pocopson Township, spoke out against spending the money early in the Sept. 18 meeting, saying the new stadium entrance won’t improve education and that it would fail if placed on a referendum.

While the board voted to spend on the stadium, it also voted to save some money — $100,000 — by refinancing $4.5 million of existing debt at a lower interest. The board will issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $6.72 million.

Other business

• U-CF and the Kennett Consolidated School Board will be teaming up for a joint Community Conversation on bullying from 6-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 29 at the Unionville High School cafeteria, according to School Board Director Kathy Do.

She also announced a free showing on the movie “Bully” at the AMC Theater in Painters Crossing on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. Do said space is limited, so those interested in seeing the film then should RSVP at www.ucfsd.org/bullymovie

The district will also be sending out flyers and information via e-mail.

• The next work session for the school board will be 6:30 p.m., Oct. 15. It will be preceded by a Curriculum and Educational Technology Committee meeting at 5 p.m.

The next regular board meeting will be 7:30 p.m., Oct. 22 in the Unionville Elementary School auditorium.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.