August 14, 2025

CHADDS FORD — The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District’s plan to construct a new $120 million middle school is drawing both support and sharp criticism from residents, with the first public comments from newly appointed Superintendent Dr. Tim Hoffman signaling the district’s intention to proceed — but with an ear to community concerns.

Hoffman, who took over Aug. 1, said he has been involved in the planning process in his prior role as assistant superintendent and supports the school board’s decision to move forward with the design phase.

“I have been engaged with this process as part of my previous role in the district and I am supportive of the board’s decision to move forward with the design phase of a potential new middle school,” Hoffman said. “As we progress, the district will remain committed to our values of providing students and staff with a superior school experience while maintaining fiscal responsibility to our citizens.”

Hoffman added that he has been meeting with parents, residents and staff in recent weeks to better understand both hopes for the project and concerns over its scope and cost.

Questions Over Act 34 Compliance
The strongest criticism has come from longtime Chadds Ford resident Mark Stookey, who has decades of experience in large capital projects. Drawing upon data published by the District, Stookey contends that the total construction cost (excluding site work and demolition) of more than $105 million exceeds the approximate $93 million legal cap set by Pennsylvania’s Act 34. The law requires a public referendum if a project’s costs go beyond that limit.

“There’s a real risk that this project could end up in a referendum or even legal trouble,” Stookey said. “It’s fiscally irresponsible to continue the design process without reassessing whether this plan is viable under state law.”

He emphasized that Act 34 exists to protect taxpayers from costly overreach and to ensure communities can vote on large-scale school construction that exceeds state thresholds.

District Says Plan is Legal
The district disputes Stookey’s claim, citing preliminary figures prepared by Breslin Architects that it says show the project falls within the Act 34 limit. Those figures and other documents are posted on the district’s website.

Outgoing Superintendent Dr. John Sanville, who retired last week, previously stated the district is in compliance and is relying on its financial advisor, Public Financial Management (PFM), to help ensure it meets legal and financial requirements.

Stookey, however, argues PFM’s role is limited to bond financing and does not extend to monitoring construction costs for legal compliance.

Long-Term Financing in Question
Stookey has also raised concerns about the proposed financing structure, which he says would spread bond repayments over 35 years — longer than typical school capital projects — with heavier payments in later years. By his estimate, total taxpayer costs could reach $260 million when interest is factored in.

“The structure pushes major payments into the future to dodge financial budget limits,” Stookey said. “That means the project will ultimately cost taxpayers more than other capital projects have in the past.”

The district acknowledged the $260 million figure represents a “worst-case scenario” that depends on interest rates and final construction costs. Officials say the total could be closer to $190 million if conditions are favorable, and that the bond structure has not yet been finalized.

A Community at a Crossroads
Stookey has urged Hoffman to pause the project until the district’s new architects complete a full Act 34 cost analysis with public input. He also wants more direct engagement with residents, including open question-and-answer sessions and detailed financial explanations.

Hoffman, while signaling support for the project, said listening to residents will be a central part of his leadership. “I’m committed to listening to our community as we move forward,” he said. “This is a significant investment, and we must ensure it meets our educational goals while honoring our responsibility to taxpayers.”

The design contract for the middle school project, one of the largest capital undertakings in district history, was approved in February after a year-long feasibility study. The design phase is expected to continue through mid-2027, with construction slated to begin in August 2027 and conclude by 2030.

For now, the debate shows no sign of slowing, with both sides agreeing on at least one point — the project’s outcome will shape the district’s educational and financial future for decades.

EDITOR’S FACT BOX: What is Act 34?

• Purpose: Pennsylvania’s Act 34 of 1973 is a state law designed to give residents a say in costly public school construction projects.
• How It Works: The law sets a maximum “project cost” for new school construction or major renovations, calculated using a state formula based on a per-pupil cost limit multiplied by building capacity. “Building capacity” is determined using the number and sizes of classrooms [and other teaching spaces.
• Referendum Requirement: If the total estimated construction cost exceeds the state-calculated maximum, the project must be approved by voters in a public referendum before it can move forward.
• What’s Included: The Act 34 limit covers construction costs, including architectural fees and fixtures and equipment, but excluding certain expenses such as land acquisition, site costs, and demolition.
• Why It Matters: Supporters say Act 34 protects taxpayers from runaway costs and ensures public oversight. School districts say it can add delays and uncertainties to large projects.

Chadds Ford LIVE will continue to follow developments as the community seeks clarity on one of the most significant public investments in UCFSD history.