The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD) Board of Directors formally accepted the retirement of Superintendent Dr. John Sanville during its February 18 board meeting.

Sanville, who has led UCFSD since 2011, will retire on July 31, 2025, concluding a remarkable career in public education spanning more than three decades. Currently one of the longest tenured superintendents in Pennsylvania, he leaves behind a legacy of student-centered leadership, academic excellence, and statewide advocacy.

Sanville joined UCFSD in 2007 as the director of secondary curriculum before becoming superintendent in 2011. Under his leadership, the district has remained one of the top-performing school systems in Pennsylvania, earning multiple national and state distinctions, including being named “District of the Decade” by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2021. His tenure is marked by significant milestones. UCFSD has consistently ranked among the top-performing districts in Pennsylvania, with students excelling in standardized assessments, AP coursework, and competitive academic programs. This year, 55 Unionville High School seniors received National Merit recognition, with 23 named finalists—double the number from when Dr. Sanville first became superintendent. Unionville High School has also been recognized this year as the number-one STEM high school in Pennsylvania and was number 68 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Under Dr. Sanville’s leadership, UCFSD expanded STEM education, student-driven research opportunities, and innovative learning experiences, ensuring students are well-prepared for future success.

Sanville championed initiatives to support mental health, student resilience, and well-being. UCFSD became one of the first districts in Pennsylvania to implement later school start times, aligning with research on adolescent health.

UCFSD has also expanded Title I programs, enhanced special education services, and strengthened student mental health initiatives to ensure all learners have the resources they need to succeed. The district has added more social workers and counselors, increased intervention programs for struggling students, and prioritized student wellness through proactive mental health initiatives and advisory supports.

“Dr. Sanville has served the students, staff, board, and community of UCFSD with distinction for 14 years, providing both innovative vision and steady leadership,” said Dr. Victoria Baratta, UCFSD Board President. “His impact is evident across all grade levels, programs, and initiatives. From developing the Portrait of a Graduate and introducing full-day kindergarten to strengthening school safety and enhancing academics and student activities, he has shaped the district’s future. He leaves UCFSD well run, well staffed, and well resourced, but his ‘never better’ optimism, strategic thinking, kindness, and tireless dedication will be deeply missed.”

Sanville’s leadership has extended far beyond the district. He is a respected voice in Pennsylvania’s education community, having served as President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) during the 2022-23 school year. In this role, he advocated for policy changes, fair funding, and innovative educational practices that benefited students statewide.

With this upcoming retirement, UCFSD will begin the process of selecting its next superintendent. At the February 18 board meeting, the board also approved the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to lead the search process for Sanville’s successor. More details on the timeline and opportunities for stakeholder input will be shared in the coming weeks.

Reflecting on his time at UCFSD, Sanville shared, “Serving as Superintendent of Unionville-Chadds Ford School District has been the greatest privilege of my career. This district is defined by its incredible students, passionate educators, and a community that values education. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together and excited for the district’s continued success in the years ahead.”