Students expelled for bringing knives to school

EAST MARLBOROUGH >> Three Unionville-Chadds Ford High School students were expelled Monday after they brought knives to school last month, after an alleged dispute between two students.

The vote by the school board was unanimous. The names of the students are not being released because all are minors. None are seniors.

“While no students were injured, and the incident was handled swiftly, professionally and peacefully, it was a disturbing and unnerving experience,” said John Sanville, superintendent of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District.

During the day the students brought the knives to school, Unionville students who heard rumors they had weapons quickly told administrators. An investigation was immediately launched by school district officials and East Marlborough police.

“It is just this kind of sensitivity, vigilance and readiness to report an alarming situation that made all the difference,” Sanville said. “Our school principals, faculty and staff are all prepared to listen and then put into place the appropriate actions upon learning about something that just is not right. We are committed to continued training and refinement of our procedures to maximize the effectiveness of our responses.”

The students brought knives to school because of a dispute between students, according to the investigation. There was no knife fight and no act of violence. No one was injured. According to school policy, weapons of any kind are not permitted on campus, even in students’ personal vehicles.

“It’s pretty clear that we have no tolerance when it comes to weapons,” said Dave Listman, the district’s communications coordinator.

The three students were immediately suspended and have not been in class since the incident was reported. The board could not act on

the expulsion immediately because it was obligated to protect the due process rights of the students involved.

“This incident is in no way reflective of the general tone at Unionville and we believe overwhelmingly our schools are safe, collaborative spaces where students and staff are

respected,” Sanville said. “Any threat to this atmosphere will always be dealt with firmly and fairly.”

According to Listman, the students’ parents will now need to find education for their children. If they are in special education, they will be placed somewhere other than Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, but the funding for their education will still come through the district. However, students from the

general student population who are expelled must find alternative placement that is not taxpayer funded. If they are placed through the county’s Intermediate Unit, the state will pay for it, but not Unionville taxpayers.

Sanville said it’s important to underscore the positive events going on in the district.

“The second half of the year is now upon us and we move forward,” he said. “We are focused on the pursuit of academic excellence, individual achievement and connections through the arts and athletics. Unionville continues to be the place where everyone is valued, respected and appreciated in their quests to learn and grow.”

Listman said administrators communicated with parents immediately following the expulsion, and feedback has been “overwhelmingly supportive.”