Dr. John Sanville. Times File Photo
The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD) Board of Directors formally accepted the retirement of Superintendent Dr. John Sanville during its February 18 Regular Board Meeting. Dr. 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, Dr. Sanville leaves behind a legacy of student-centered leadership, academic excellence, and statewide advocacy.
Dr. Sanville joined UCFSD in 2007 as 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, including:
- Academic Excellence: 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 #1 STEM high school in Pennsylvania and #68 in the nation by 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.
- Focus on Student Wellness: Recognizing the growing pressures on students, Dr. 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.
- Expanding Student Support Services: During Dr. Sanville’s tenure, UCFSD has 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.
- Community and Communication: Sanville prioritized transparency and engagement, fostering a culture of collaboration through advisory groups, committees, and community input opportunities to help shape district decision-making. He has remained accessible and engaged with the community, regularly meeting with stakeholders through initiatives like “Java with John,” which provides an open forum for discussion. He also supported UCFSD’s efforts to honor its diverse community by becoming one of the first districts in Pennsylvania to recognize Diwali and Lunar New Year as school holidays, in addition to the more traditional Judeo-Christian holidays.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Over his 14-year tenure, Dr. Sanville has balanced fiscal responsibility with strategic investment in district programs. Each of the 14 budgets passed under his leadership kept tax increases below the Act 1 index, ensuring financial sustainability while advancing UCFSD’s educational mission.
“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.”
Dr. 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.
Throughout his career, Dr. Sanville has been actively involved in state and national education organizations, including The School Superintendents Association (AASA), National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), and regional superintendent councils, shaping discussions on student success, educational leadership, and school improvement. His work has influenced districts across Pennsylvania and beyond.
“Dr. Sanville’s tenure as Superintendent has been defined by exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication to students, and a deep commitment to public education,” said Dr. George Fiore, Immediate Past President of PASA and Executive Director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit. “His election as PASA President reflects the high regard in which he is held by his peers across the Commonwealth. Through his mentorship and advocacy, he has shaped the future of education in Pennsylvania, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
With his upcoming retirement, UCFSD will begin the process of selecting its next Superintendent. As part of the February 18 Board Meeting, the Board also approved the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to lead the search process for Dr. 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, Dr. 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.”
