Is it time to look at the role of standardized tests in schools?

Also: if teacher unions demand raises, they should say what to cut from education programs to pay for it By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The rising tide against Common Core continues to obscure a growing, but still under discussed debate about the value and quality of standardized testing in our schools. While it seems increasingly likely that a passing grade on the Keystone tests will not end up...

UCF board deadlocks on vacancy

2014-15 budget passed with 2.66% tax increase By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times POCOPSON — It could be as long as a month before the Unionville-Chadds Ford Board of Education appoints a replacement for Eileen Bushelow, after the board deadlocked Monday night on a vote for a replacement. The board now plans to meet July 14 to vote on the matter after Robert Sage and Hsinte (James) Yen both got four...

UCF school board looks to narrow tax hike

Latest administration proposed budget calls for 2.66% increase By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times EAST MARLBOROUGH — With about 10 weeks to go in the annual school budget process, the likely range of the expected Unionville-Chadds Ford School District tax increase is beginning to narrow, and based on Monday night’s informal discussions by the Board of Education, the increase will fall somewhere...

Unionville schools, teachers reach contract deal

Both sides must ratify new pact, after ‘quiet’ talks net two-year deal UPDATED, 11:07 a.m.: Corrects detail on negotiation representation. By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times EAST MARLBOROUGH — The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District and its teachers union have reached tentative agreement Monday on a two-year contract, potentially avoiding a repeat of the contentious 2010-11 wrangling...

Quiet nature of teacher talks is good news

The numbers are close; a fair deal is there to be made. Will sense prevail? By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Sometimes, no news is good news. Until last Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, there had been virtually not a peep about the ongoing negotiations between the Unionville-Chadds Ford Board of Education and its teachers union, a departure from the previous negotiation cycle, which led...

UCF board unlikely to seek EIT

Members say income tax wouldn’t pass referendum, cite loss in 2007 ballot measure By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times EAST MARLBOROUGH — Although West Marlborough became the fourth municipality in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District to impose an earned income tax (EIT) last month, it seems unlikely school officials will pursue such a tax. During Monday night’s Board of Education Finance...