Unionville-Chadds Ford district taps new chief

The Unionville-Chadds Ford school board voted Monday night to approve the retirement of Superintendent Sharon Parker, and it voted to replace her with John Sanville, the district's director of secondary education. Both received standing ovations from a packed gymnasium at Chadds Ford Elementary School, where the monthly board meeting was held.

Parker, known for immersing herself in school and community activities, has headed the district since 2006. Previously, she was superintendent of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District. Her retirement will be effective Aug. 31.

Sanville, who said he was humbled by his selection, became Unionville-Chadds Ford's secondary-education director in 2007. Before that, he worked for three years as the principal at Marple Newtown High School.    - Kathleen Brady Shea