The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Board voted 5-3 Wednesday night to appoint Chadds Ford Township resident Gregg Lindner as an interim replacement for Ed Wandersee.  Lindner will serve through the end of this year, but will run in a November election for the remaining two years of Wandersee’s term.

Lindner’s opponent in November will be fellow Chadds Ford resident Frank Murphy, the man he beat out for the interim appointment.

Wandersee stepped down after 10 years on the board because he moved out of the district.

 Nine residents offered comments before the decision, with five speaking for Lindner and four for Murphy.

 Paul Koch, of Chadds Ford, read an e-mail from Wandersee supporting the appointment of Murphy, while Valerie Hoxter, also of Chadds Ford, said Murphy most closely represented Region C – that includes Chadds Ford and Pennsbury townships – and what Wandersee stood for.

 LeLe Galer, of Pocopson Township, said Lindner has proven his dedication to the community while Murphy is too new to the area.

 A woman from Pennsbury noted Lindner’s attendance at every board meeting, adding that he is sincere in helping the board improve communication with district residents.

 Heidi Brown, also from Chadds Ford, decried the political polarization that was taking place, and said it doesn’t matter whether someone is a Republican or Democrat. She said Lindner would hit the ground running.

 Four board members spoke before the vote, but only Timotha Trigg, also of Chadds Ford, endorsed either of the two candidates. She voted for Murphy saying his views on education most closely matched the direction the school board is going.