Kirkwood R I School District public meetings in 2023
34 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Finance Committee is meeting to discuss financial matters, including bid results for New Garden Elementary School, a proposal for Greenwood Elementary School, and the draft preliminary 2024-25 general operating budget. The agenda includes items on real estate assessment growth, debt service, salaries, benefits, new positions, and estimated tax rates. This is a working session for discussion and planning, not a final decision-making meeting.
- New Garden Elementary School bid opening results, budget vs. actual, financing, and schedule
- Greenwood Elementary School Mobilease proposal
- 2024-25 preliminary general operating budget draft
- Real estate assessment growth and estimated tax rates for 2024-25
- Debt service for elementary building program
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Communications Committee will meet to discuss a communications audit and the launch of the district website. The agenda includes procedural items like call to order and roll call, with no decisions or votes listed.
- Communications Audit discussion
- KCSD Website Launch discussion
REORGANIZATION MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Board of School Directors will hold its annual reorganization meeting to elect a temporary president, president, and vice president, and to set the 2024 meeting schedule. The board will also appoint committee chairs and liaisons. This is a procedural meeting focused on internal organization.
- Election of temporary president, president, and vice president for one-year terms
- Set 2024 regular board meetings: second Monday monthly at 7:00 p.m. at Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center, except August (none) and December (first Monday)
- Set 2024 standing committee meetings: Policy/Finance first Mondays, Communications/Curriculum last Mondays, with exceptions
- Appoint committee chairs and a facilities/personnel liaison
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The School Board is meeting to approve several new district policies and extracurricular activities. The agenda includes a proposal for a mathematics impact study and various service agreements.
- Approval of KMS Boys Volleyball Club as an extracurricular activity
- Implementation of i-Ready Classroom Mathematics impact study for grades 3-8
- Adoption of Board Policies 103.1, 113.2, and 113.3
- Contract approval for Karah A. Molesevich for special education evaluation services
- Agreement with Billings Bilingual for translation services
2. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss new business, including a presentation on KHS Pathways and a review of the District-Level Balanced Scorecard for 2023-2024. The meeting includes procedural items like call to order and roll call, and will close with any further business and adjournment.
- Presentation on KHS Pathways
- Review of District-Level Balanced Scorecard 2023-2024
1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Policy Committee will meet to review and recommend updates to four policies: nondiscrimination of students with disabilities, positive behavior supports, independent educational evaluations, and electronic devices. The meeting is open to the public and includes procedural items like call to order and adjournment.
- Review of Policy 103.1 (Nondiscrimination of Qualified Students with Disabilities)
- Review of Policy 113.2 (Positive Behavior Supports)
- Review of Policy 113.3 (Independent Educational Evaluations)
- Review of Policy 237 (Electronic Devices)
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School Board is meeting to vote on routine business including personnel changes, financial reports, and several new business items. Key actions include approving a 3-year SentinelOne cybersecurity agreement, a contract for translator services, and a communications audit. The board will also consider approving student trips and a new sign for the high school.
- Approve 3-year SentinelOne cybersecurity agreement at $21,850 year one, $24,510 years two and three
- Approve contract with Come Alive for translator services
- Approve agreement with CCIU for a Communications Audit
- Approve KHS student committee to plan new sign at South and Union Streets
- Approve personnel changes and financial reports
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Finance Committee is meeting to discuss financial matters, including the independent auditor's report and the 2024-25 general operating budget. The agenda includes only procedural items and new business, with no decisions listed.
- Independent Auditor's Report by Barbacane, Thornton & Company
- 2024-25 General Operating Budget discussion
- Salary and benefits timeline, including PSERS
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Communications Committee is meeting to discuss new business, including a student presentation from KHS Class Officers, a communications audit, and a website update. The meeting is largely procedural, with opening and closing items, and no specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed on the agenda.
- KHS Class Officers student presentation (attachment: Curriculum Commitee Student Presentation South and Union.pdf)
- Communications Audit discussion
- Website Update discussion
2. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss updates on English Language Development (ELD) programming and the Language Instruction Educational Plan (LIEP), followed by a Q&A on Kennett High School pathways. The agenda includes procedural items like call to order and adjournment, with no votes or decisions listed.
- ELD Programming and LIEP Update presentation
- KHS Pathways Q&A
1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Policy Committee is meeting to review and discuss three policies: Policy 005 (Organization), Policy 103.1 (Nondiscrimination - Qualified Students with Disabilities), and Policy 237 (Electronic Devices). The meeting is open to the public and includes procedural items such as call to order, roll call, and adjournment.
- Review of Policy 005 (Organization)
- Review of Policy 103.1 (Nondiscrimination - Qualified Students with Disabilities)
- Review of Policy 237 (Electronic Devices)
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School Board will vote on several contracts, including a $157,500 agreement for architectural and engineering services for the district office expansion, and a $200,000 geotechnical investigation contract for the new Greenwood Elementary School. The board will also consider new policies, personnel changes, and approve two new high school pathways.
- Approve $112,000 Bernardon Architects and $45,500 Hillcrest Associates contracts for district office expansion (total construction est. $1,372,800)
- Award Kleinfelder, Inc. $50,000 geotechnical investigation and $150,000 construction testing for Greenwood Elementary
- Approve four confidential settlement agreements with parents of students
- Approve new policies: Title I comparability, attendance, foreign exchange students
- Approve new high school pathways in Media Communications and Real Estate and Tourism
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Finance Committee will discuss financial planning items including the Act 1 index, budget timeline, enrollment projections, charter school tuition, building allocations, and ESSERS funding. A key item is a recommendation to approve engineering and architectural agreements for a district office expansion and renovation estimated at $1,372,800 in construction costs plus $157,500 in fees, funded from the Capital Reserve Fund.
- District office expansion and renovation: $1,372,800 construction cost, $157,500 architectural/engineering fees, funded from Capital Reserve Fund
- Act 1 Index review for 2024-25
- 2024-25 budget timeline discussion
- Enrollment projections review
- Charter school tuition for 2024-25
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Communications Committee is meeting to discuss the Master Communications Plan, which aims to ensure accurate and timely information for all stakeholders, including the bilingual community. The agenda includes procedural items like call to order and roll call, with the main business being the plan discussion.
- Discussion of Master Communications Plan
- Call to order by Chairperson Mark Bowden
- Roll call
- Any further business and adjournment
1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Policy Committee is meeting to review and recommend updates to three policies: Title I comparability of services, attendance, and foreign exchange students. The committee's role is to develop and recommend policies, but no final decisions are made at this meeting.
- Review of Policy 150 (Title I - Comparability of Services)
- Review of Policy 204 (Attendance)
- Review of Policy 239 (Foreign Exchange Students)
2. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss updates on the Balanced Scorecard, a literacy gap and partnership proposal, and new career pathways in media/communications and real estate/tourism. The meeting includes procedural items like call to order and roll call, followed by presentations and discussions on these educational initiatives.
- Balanced Scorecard update presentation
- Literacy gap and partnership discussion with attached proposal and needs assessment report
- Media and Communications Pathway proposal
- Real Estate and Tourism Pathway proposal
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School Board will vote on routine personnel and financial items, plus several new contracts for student services including translation, healthcare, and therapy. The board will also consider assigning fund balances for future debt service and approving a real estate tax exoneration for Kennett Area Community Services.
- Approve personnel changes and professional employee status for five temporary employees
- Approve contracts with No Boundaries (translation), Aveanna Healthcare, Stepping Stones Group, and Avonbrook Consulting (ABA services)
- Approve two confidential settlement agreements with parents of students
- Approve real estate tax exoneration for Kennett Area Community Services (parcels 62-03-0074 & 60-02-0098.01) totaling $3,444.36
- Assign General Fund balances: $7,783,195 undesignated, $1,550,000 committed for 2024-25 debt service, $500,000 for 2025-26
Act 34 HEARING
The Kennett Consolidated School District is holding an Act 34 hearing to present details of a proposed construction project, including its history, options considered, description, estimated costs, and financial alternatives. The hearing includes public comments and is a procedural step required for the project.
- Project history and need for construction presented by CFO Mark Tracy
- Project options considered
- Project description by Breslin Architects
- Estimated project costs by D'Huy Engineering
- Analysis of financial alternatives by PFM Financial Advisors
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Board will vote on appointing Dr. Dusty Blakey as superintendent for a five-year term starting July 1, 2024, with salary and benefits per a contract dated July 10, 2023. The board will also consider several contracts, including a settlement agreement addendum, a PLC cohort contract with Solution Tree, and software contracts for Talking Points and Class Intercom. Additionally, they will approve Act 34 resolutions for construction projects at Greenwood and New Garden Elementary Schools, and routine items like personnel changes and financial reports.
- Approve Dr. Dusty Blakey as superintendent for term July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2029
- Approve second addendum to settlement agreement with parents of a student
- Approve contract with Solution Tree for National PLC cohort work
- Approve Act 34 resolutions for Greenwood and New Garden Elementary Schools
- Approve appointment of Fulton Bank, PSDLAF, PLGIT as depositories for FY 2023-24
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Board will vote on the 2023-2024 operating budget of $98,616,455, which requires a real estate tax levy of 32.7275 mills, along with related tax resolutions and a homestead/farmstead exclusion. The board will also consider several routine items, including personnel changes, financial reports, and new business such as a student trip, a summer substitute pay increase, and contracts for curriculum and telecommunications. Public comment is limited to agenda items, and no requests were listed.
- Adopt 2023-2024 operating budget of $98,616,455 with 32.7275 mills real estate tax
- Approve tax resolutions: 1% earned income tax, 32.7275 mills real estate, 0.5% real estate transfer tax
- Approve homestead/farmstead exclusion with $1,787,452.73 aggregate reduction
- Approve 2023-2024 fees: high school musical $8/student, $12/adult; athletic events $3/student, $5/adult
- Approve IntelePeer telecommunications service agreement at $25,272 per year for 36 months
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Communications Committee is meeting to handle procedural opening items and discuss the KHS Pathways Program as new business. The agenda includes no other substantive items, only closing formalities.
- Discussion of KHS Pathways Program
- Call to order and roll call
- Any further business and adjournment
1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District policy committee is meeting to discuss two proposed policy updates: Policy 007 on access to board policies and Policy 011 on board governance and code of conduct. The meeting is open to the public and includes procedural items like call to order and roll call.
- Review of Policy 007 - Access to Board Policies
- Review of Policy 011 - Board Governance/Code of Conduct
2. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss new business, including a Q3 Balanced Scorecard review and a textbook presentation. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with opening and closing items.
- Q3 Balanced Scorecard review
- Textbook presentation
2. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss new business, including a presentation on the i-Ready program and a proposal for an AP Environmental Science textbook. The meeting includes procedural items like call to order, roll call, and adjournment. No decisions are listed on the agenda; items are for discussion or presentation.
- i-Ready presentation (904 KB attachment)
- AP Environmental Science textbook discussion
- Call to order and roll call by Chairperson Ann Parry
- Any further business and adjournment
2. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss new business, including the ELLevation platform, A-TSI and TSI designations, a deeper dive into data, and next steps. The meeting is primarily informational and discussion-oriented, with no votes or decisions listed on the agenda.
- Review of ELLevation Platform (slideshow attached)
- Discussion of A-TSI and TSI school designations
- Deeper dive into student data
- Planning next steps for curriculum
1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District policy committee is meeting to discuss two draft policies: Policy 124 on alternative instruction methods and Policy 204 on attendance. The meeting is open to the public and includes procedural items like call to order and roll call.
- Review of draft Policy 124 - Alternative Instruction Methods
- Review of draft Policy 204 - Attendance
- Public meeting at Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center, 6:00 p.m.
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Finance Committee is meeting to discuss new business items including the budget timeline, a technology long-range plan, an E-Rate procurement recommendation, and a capital projects financing analysis. These are discussion items, not final decisions.
- Budget timeline presentation by Mr. Tracy
- Technology long-range plan for 2023 by Mr. Maguire
- E-Rate procurement recommendation by Mr. Maguire
- Capital projects financing analysis by Mr. Tracy
1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District policy committee is meeting to discuss updates to two policies: Policy 302 on superintendent employment and Policy 916 on volunteers. The meeting includes procedural items like call to order and roll call, followed by new business and adjournment.
- Policy 302 update on superintendent employment
- Policy 916 update on volunteers
- Meeting held at Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center, 6:00 p.m.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School Board will vote on releasing the 2023-2024 preliminary budget of $98,134,578 for public comment, and authorize the sale of the 7.2-acre Middle School Farm Property. The board will also consider several contracts, including a new independent auditor agreement, and approve student club proposals and a trip.
- Approve 2023-2024 preliminary budget of $98,134,578
- Authorize sale of 7.2-acre Middle School Farm Property
- Approve independent audit services with Barbacane Thornton & Company, LLP ($25,900 year one)
- Approve fixed asset appraisal services with AssetWorks Risk Management Inc. ($10,625 year one)
- Approve two confidential settlement agreements with parents of students
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Communications Committee will meet to discuss its purpose and review a proposed brand style guide. The meeting is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being the review of the draft style guide.
- Review of proposed KCSD Brand Style Guide (draft 3, 1,468 KB attachment)
- Discussion of the committee's purpose
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Finance Committee is meeting to discuss new business, including a design development presentation for New Garden Elementary School, a long-range capital projects plan, and a preliminary budget. These are discussion items, not final decisions.
- New Garden Elementary School design development presentation by Breslin Architects/D'Huy Engineering
- Long-Range Capital Projects Plan presented by Mr. Wolhafe
- Preliminary Budget presented by Mr. Tracy, including additional debt presentation
2. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss new business, including a review of CompassMark, curriculum development, and a presentation on Genesis building usage. The meeting includes procedural opening and closing items.
- CompassMark review with attachments on structured literacy and PDE Chapter 49
- Teaching and Learning: Curriculum Development discussion
- Genesis Building Usage Presentation with 'A Transformative Partnership' attachment
1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District policy committee is meeting to review the status of district policies and discuss plans moving forward. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific policy changes or dollar amounts listed.
- Review of Policy Status
- Plans Moving Forward
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The Kennett Consolidated School District board will vote on routine items including personnel changes, financial reports, and contracts with Soliant and No Boundaries for translation services. They will also consider approving a new Land Stewardship Club and making committee appointments. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings on substantive issues.
- Approve contract with Soliant (no amount specified)
- Approve contract with No Boundaries for translation services
- Approve Land Stewardship Club as extracurricular activity
- Approve personnel changes
- Approve financial reports and committee appointments