By John Chambless
Staff Writer

Keith Knauss, who has been an outspoken voice on the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board, most recently during contract negotiations, announced his resignation from the board late Monday afternoon.

In a note sent to his fellow board members, Knauss wrote, “I am resigning from the school board. There are a number of changes in my family life over the next year that will require the time of my wife, Mary Pat and I -- not the least of which is the upcoming birth of our first grandchild.

“Some may wonder whether the recent teacher contract was a factor,” Knauss continued. “Yes it was, but probably not for the reason one might think. I ran again for office two years ago specifically to participate in negotiating another union contract. A settled four-year contract signals that my work is done.”

Knauss was a board member for two separate terms and has served a total of 10 years.

In a statement issued by the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District on its website, board president Vic Dupuis said, "I am grateful for Keith’s service and dedication to this Board and the UCFSD community. Keith’s intellect, wisdom, and thought-provoking commentaries have been instrumental in ensuring that the board considered many options on many issues. He will be missed, but we wish him and Mary Pat a future filled with good things."

Board vice president Gregg Lindner said, “Keith gave freely of his time and I learned from his perspective. I truly respected his opinion and views. Our dialogues led, at the end of the day, to making the ultimate decisions better.”

Knauss added that, “The work of a school director was hard, but enjoyable, and I’ve been rewarded many times over. The current excellent performance of the district, along with the strength of the current board and administrative team, allows me to resign without concern.”

Knauss is a representative of Region A of the district (East Marlborough and West Marlborough townships). The board will be discussing the next steps in selecting a replacement for Keith at the next board meeting on Oct. 19.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].