Unionville-Chadds Ford honors retiring educators; student PETV leads opening

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District opened its May 20 board meeting at Pocopson Elementary with a 7–8 minute student-produced PETV broadcast that showcased classroom highlights, upcoming events and a student-run morning show.

Ms. Soren and Isaac, who co-hosted the segment, invited the board and audience to “sit back and relax” as the fifth-grade team presented weather, photos and announcements. The broadcast listed upcoming dates — including a fourth–fifth grade concert on May 21, a field day on May 31 and a senior stroll on June 6 — and closed with the Pledge of Allegiance delivered by students.

Board members then used the superintendent’s report to recognize two long-serving district employees. Assistant Principal Pat Clark introduced Betsy Hickman, an English teacher retiring after 43 years with the district. Clark said Hickman had “helped students to find their voice” and credited her leadership of the district’s LINC program and work on the yearbook and graduation speakers. Hickman addressed the board, thanking colleagues and students and saying she had “enjoyed every moment” at the school.

Later in the meeting, board members paid tribute to Dr. Cliff Beaver on his retirement after nearly two decades of district service in elementary leadership roles. Colleagues and community members described Beaver as a steady, charismatic leader who prioritized students and community partnerships. In his remarks, Beaver thanked staff, families and board members and reflected on the district’s collaborative culture.

Chair Ms. Talbert also announced a new school board medal designed to honor exemplary service; the board said the medal will be presented at senior awards night to Eva Baiecki, the senior student member of the board. Baiecki thanked the board for the honor and said the experience had helped her grow in confidence and public speaking.

The meeting moved on after the recognitions to routine business and committee reports.