Kirkwood R I School District public meetings in 2024

BOARD WORKSHOP

This is a board workshop meeting of the Kennett Consolidated School District, not a regular voting meeting. The main agenda item is a discussion on the board-superintendent working relationship. The rest of the agenda consists of procedural items like call to order, pledge, roll call, and adjournment.

• Discussion of board-superintendent working relationship
• Call to order by Board President Dave Kronenberg
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Roll call of board members
• Any further business and adjournment

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Finance Committee will meet to discuss the 2025-26 General Operating Budget, including salary and benefits, and real estate assessment and tax base growth.

• Discussion of 2025-26 General Operating Budget
• Review of salary and benefits
• Review of real estate assessment and tax base growth

1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Policy Committee will meet to review and recommend updates to three policies: Policy 113 (Special Education), Policy 113.1 (Discipline of Students with Disabilities), and Policy 247 (Hazing). The meeting is procedural, with no votes or decisions listed on the agenda.

• Review of Policy 113 (Special Education)
• Review of Policy 113.1 (Discipline of Students with Disabilities)
• Review of Policy 247 (Hazing)

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District board approved a service agreement with the Chester County Economic Development Council for a $1.7 million state grant for the new New Garden Elementary School project. The board also approved personnel changes, bill lists, student trips, and student agreements. Public comment was scheduled for items not on the agenda.

• Approved service agreement with Chester County Economic Development Council for $1.7 million RACP grant for New Garden Elementary School
• Approved personnel changes contingent on certification
• Approved bill lists including general fund, athletic activities, and capital project funds
• Approved student trip to ACDA Dallas 2025 for choral nationals
• Approved addenda to waiver and settlement agreements with parents of students

REORGANIZATION MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School Board held its annual reorganization meeting, electing David Kronenberg as President and Vicki Gehrt as Vice President for one-year terms. The board also approved the 2025 calendar for regular board meetings and standing committee meetings, all to be held at Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center.

• David Kronenberg elected Board President for a one-year term
• Vicki Gehrt elected Board Vice President for a one-year term
• 2025 regular board meetings set for second Monday of each month (except August, December on first Monday) at 7:00 p.m. at Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center
• Standing committee meetings scheduled for 2025: Communications at 6:00 p.m. and Finance at 7:00 p.m. on first Mondays; Policy at 6:00 p.m. and Curriculum at 7:00 p.m. on last Mondays
• Board President to appoint chairs and members to standing committees and liaisons for Facilities and Personnel

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee will meet to discuss student achievement data, including ACCESS, Keystone, PSSA, and PVAAS results. The meeting is primarily a presentation and discussion of these data, with no formal votes or decisions listed on the agenda.

• Review of ACCESS data for English Learners 2023-2024
• Review of Keystone data 2023-2024
• Review of PSSA cohort data
• Review of PVAAS information

BOARD WORKSHOP

The Kennett Consolidated School District Board will hold a workshop to discuss the board-superintendent working relationship. The agenda includes procedural items such as call to order, pledge of allegiance, and roll call, followed by the workshop discussion and closing business.

• Discussion of board-superintendent working relationship

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School Board approved a new policy allowing home education students to participate in co-curricular activities and academic courses. The board also approved a dual enrollment agreement with Immaculata University, a contract with Lalia Speech Therapy Services, and accepted the independent audit report for fiscal year 2023-2024.

• Approved Policy 137.2 on participation in co-curricular activities by home education students
• Approved dual enrollment agreement with Immaculata University
• Approved contract with Lalia Speech Therapy Services, LLC for professional services
• Accepted unmodified audit report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, by Barbacane, Thornton & Company
• Approved addendum to a confidential student settlement agreement

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Finance Committee will meet to discuss financial matters including an independent auditor's report. The committee will also review building allocations, debt service schedules, and the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

• Independent Auditor's Report
• Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
• Building Allocations
• Debt Service Schedules

1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Policy Committee will meet to review and discuss several policy matters, including a new policy on home education students' participation in cocurricular activities and academic courses. The committee will also consider administrative regulations, solicitor consultation practices, policy introduction procedures, and invitations for internal and external participants. No votes or final decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion and review meeting.

• Review of Policy 137.2 on participation in cocurricular activities and academic courses by home education students
• Discussion of how administrative regulations are issued, published, and reviewed
• Discussion of current and ideal practices for consulting the solicitor
• Discussion of avenues for initiating Board consideration of policies
• Discussion of mechanisms for inviting stakeholders, partners, employees, or others to committee or Board meetings

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Communications Committee will meet to discuss a department update. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with call to order and adjournment.

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss new business, specifically a policy on curriculum program, instruction, materials development, and pilot programs. The agenda includes procedural items like call to order and roll call, with the main item being the policy review. No decisions are listed; the meeting appears to be a discussion forum.

• Review of KCSD Curriculum Program, Instruction, Materials Development, Pilot Policy (80 KB attachment)

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School Board approved several new policies including nondiscrimination, fraud, and general fund balance, as well as MOUs with the Kennett Education Association and a contract with Devereux for school psychologist support. The board also approved a student trip to a Model UN conference in Washington, DC, and routine personnel and bill list items.

• Approved Policy 103 (Nondiscrimination in School and Classroom Practices) and related policies 103.1, 103.2, 103.3, and 104
• Approved Policy 828 (Fraud) and Policy 620 (General Fund Balance)
• Approved MOUs with Kennett Education Association on teacher step placement and supplementals
• Approved agreement with Devereux for professional development and support services for school psychologists
• Approved student trip to Model UN Conference in Washington, DC, Feb 13-16, 2025

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Finance Committee will meet to discuss the 2025-26 General Operating Budget, the Act 1 Index, budget timeline, enrollment projections, charter school tuition, and a middle school farm property settlement. These are discussion items; no final decisions are being made at this committee meeting.

• Discussion of the 2025-26 General Operating Budget
• Review of Act 1 Index options for 2025-26
• Presentation of 2025-26 Budget Timeline
• Review of Enrollment Projections
• Discussion of Charter School Tuition for 2025-26

1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Policy Committee is meeting to review and recommend updates to several district policies, including the mission statement, fund balance, fraud, and multiple nondiscrimination policies. The committee's role is to collaborate on and recommend policies for the district, ensuring compliance with regulations. This is a working session, not a final decision-making body.

• Review of Policy 101 (Mission Statement)
• Review of Policy 620 (Fund Balance)
• Review of Policy 828 (Fraud)
• Review of Policy 103 (Nondiscrimination in School and Classroom Practices) with sample forms
• Review of Policy 103.3 (Nondiscrimination Based on Sex Under Title IX Beginning August 1, 2024)

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss new business, including presentations on the Uniquely Abled program, the KHS Leadership Academy, and 2023-2024 Keystone/Access data. The meeting is open to the public and will include procedural items like call to order and adjournment.

• Presentation on Uniquely Abled program
• KHS Leadership Academy presentation by Mr. Dean Ivory
• Review of 2023-2024 Keystone and ACCESS data by Dr. Heather Collins

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Communications Committee will discuss a communications audit and a communications planning and website development presentation. The meeting includes procedural items such as call to order, roll call, and adjournment.

• Communications audit presented by Ms. Christa Fazio
• Communications planning and website development presented by Mrs. Lisa Palmarini

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School Board approved a five-year contract renewal for Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michael Barber at a base salary of $220,000, effective July 1, 2025. The board also approved new staffing agreements with GAMUT Behavioral Services, Sunbelt Staffing, and AddEducation to fill critical school-based roles, and authorized transportation service agreements with five local childcare centers. Several other routine items were approved, including personnel changes, student trips, and the student code of conduct.

• Renewal of Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michael Barber's contract for 2025-2030 at $220,000 base salary
• Approval of staffing agreements with GAMUT Behavioral Services, Sunbelt Staffing, and AddEducation for therapy, nursing, and behavioral support
• Approval of transportation service agreements with five childcare centers (Building Blocks, Ducklings, Tick Tock, Tommy Tinkers, New Garden Early Care)
• Approval of student trips: MANA's 50th Anniversary in Washington, D.C. (6 students) and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (35 students)
• Approval of MOU with Kennett Education Association regarding Elementary Dean of Students position

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School Board approved multiple action items, including personnel changes, policy updates, and agreements. The most significant item was approving $46,554,507 in construction bids for the new Greenwood Elementary School. The board also approved a data-sharing agreement, an A-TSI plan for the high school, and several service contracts.

• Approved $46,554,507 in construction bids for Greenwood Elementary School (Boro Construction $32,198,800; Tri County Mechanical $6,095,810; Schipsi Electric $5,416,897; Dolan Mechanical $2,843,000)
• Approved Policy 815 (Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers and Network Resources)
• Approved 2024 PSSA and i-Ready Data Sharing Agreement with Curriculum Associates
• Approved MOU with Eastern University (formerly Cabrini University) for Kennett Adelante grant
• Approved agreements with Project Libertad, Fick Educational Services, and Judge Group

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School Board met on July 8, 2024, and approved a series of routine and new business items. Key actions included approving the conceptual design for the Kennett Greenway: Legacy Field Boardwalk Trail and Outdoor Classroom, authorizing investigation of a land transfer with Kennett Township, and approving multiple contracts and agreements. The board also approved personnel changes, bill lists, and several educational plans and research studies.

• Approved Kennett Greenway: Legacy Field Boardwalk Trail and Outdoor Classroom Conceptual Design and authorized land transfer investigation with Kennett Township
• Approved personnel changes as presented, contingent on certification
• Approved bill lists for the period
• Approved K-12 Literacy Framework Implementation Guide
• Approved renewal agreements with Stepping Stones Group, Amergis, GHR, and Avonbrook Consulting for services

SPECIAL CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is holding a special meeting to review 2023-2024 academic student data. The agenda includes opening procedures, the data review as new business, and closing items. No decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• 2023-2024 Academic Student Data Review

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School Board is approving routine items and new business, including appointing an acting superintendent, approving student trips, adopting policies, and approving independent contractor agreements. All listed motions were carried.

• Appoint Dr. Michael Barber as Acting Superintendent July 27-Aug 22, 2024, for $7,500
• Approve WWII European Trip 2026, Canada 2025, and France 2025 student trips
• Adopt Policy 117 (Homebound Instruction), Policy 201 (Admission of Students), Policy 832 (Educational Equity)
• Approve contracts with Jacquelyn Owens (student physicals), Guadalupe Meza (bilingual services), Karah Molesevich (special ed evaluations), Billings Bilingual (translation)
• Approve Kennett Film Society as extracurricular activity

1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Policy Committee is meeting to review and recommend updates to several district policies, including homebound instruction, student admissions, acceptable use of internet and network resources, and educational equity. The committee will also discuss a School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding. These are discussion and recommendation items, not final decisions.

• Policy 117 (Homebound Instruction) review
• Policy 201 (Admission of Students) review
• Policy 815 (Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers and Network Resources) review
• Policy 832 (Educational Equity) review
• School Resource Officer MOU discussion

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Finance Committee is meeting to discuss and plan financial matters, including the 2024-25 general operating budget with adjustments and a homestead/farmstead resolution, as well as budgets for capital reserve, internal service fund, and food services. They will also discuss the middle school farm property and pupil services staffing requests. The meeting is a discussion and planning platform, not a final decision-making body.

• 2024-25 General Operating Budget adjustments and Homestead/Farmstead resolution
• 2024-25 Capital Reserve, Internal Service Fund, and Food Services budgets
• Middle School Farm Property discussion
• Pupil Services and Supports staffing requests

1. SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Board held a special meeting to elect a new superintendent. The board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders as Superintendent of Schools for a term beginning August 23, 2024, and ending June 30, 2029. The meeting included procedural items, public comment periods (with no speakers), and the superintendent election as the only action item.

• Election of Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders as Superintendent, term Aug 23, 2024 – Jun 30, 2029
• Contract with superintendent to establish salary and fringe benefits (Exhibit A attached)
• Motion carried unanimously (9 ayes, 0 nays)
• Public comment periods for agenda and non-agenda items (no speakers)

3. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss new business, including a presentation on a revised Social Studies Framework and a discussion of AP textbooks. The meeting is primarily procedural, with opening and closing formalities, and no votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Revised Social Studies Framework presentation
• AP Textbooks discussion
• Call to order and roll call by Dr. Vicki Gehrt, Chairperson
• Any further business and adjournment

2. COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Communications Committee is meeting to discuss communication with stakeholders, including a presentation on the Kennett Middle School (KMS) master schedule. The agenda includes procedural items like call to order and roll call, plus the new business item on the schedule. No decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation on KMS Master Schedule
• Call to order and roll call by Chairperson Mark Bowden
• Any further business and adjournment

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School Board approved routine minutes, personnel changes, and bill lists, and took action on several new business items including contracts for educational services, textbooks, and a food service provider. The most significant action was rescinding a prior roof agreement and awarding new contracts totaling about $5.77 million for roof work at Kennett High School and Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center.

• Approved roof contracts: Jottan Roofing for Kennett High School ($4,194,947) and Mun Roofing for Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center ($1,578,000), rescinding prior Garland Roofing agreement
• Approved agreement with Eastern University to increase bilingual teachers
• Approved contract with Chartwells for food service for 2024-25, with $100,426 guaranteed return
• Approved resolution requesting $1,200,000 state grant for Kennett High School building automation system
• Approved five confidential settlement agreements with parents of students

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss new business items including an internship update, artificial intelligence, and the AP US History textbook. The meeting is open to educators, stakeholders, and school board directors as a forum for shaping educational experiences. No decisions are listed on the agenda; items are for discussion only.

• Internship update discussion
• Artificial intelligence discussion
• AP US History textbook discussion
• Meeting at Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center, 7:00 p.m.

1. SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Board will hold a special meeting with a presentation on a school management study by the Delaware Academy for School Leadership and an action item on personnel changes. Public comment periods are listed but none are scheduled. The meeting is otherwise procedural.

• Personnel changes approval (action item, contingent on certification)
• School Management Study presentation by Delaware Academy for School Leadership
• Public comment periods (none requested)

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School Board approved the release of the proposed final general operating budget of $103,715,402 for 2024-25, which includes a 2.82% real estate tax increase ($168 per average residential property). The board also approved several policies, contracts, and budgets, including the CCIU core services and occupational education budgets. All votes were unanimous except one abstention on the Curriculum Committee minutes.

• Approved 2024-25 proposed final budget of $103,715,402 with 2.82% tax increase
• Approved 2024-25 CCIU Core Services Budget of $38,662,587
• Approved 2024-25 CCIU Occupational Education Budget of $33,229,493
• Approved contract with Reading Allowed for tutoring services
• Approved Special Education Plan for submission to PDE

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Finance Committee is meeting to discuss financial matters, with new business items including a construction estimate for Greenwood Elementary School and the proposed 2024-25 Special Education budget. The meeting is open to discussion and planning, with no final decisions indicated on the agenda.

• Greenwood Elementary School construction estimate (30CD Budget Summary attached)
• 2024-25 Special Education Budget review
• Call to order and roll call (procedural)
• Any further business and adjournment

1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Policy Committee is meeting to review and recommend updates to several district policies. The agenda includes discussions on curriculum (Policy 105), textbook adoption (Policy 108), and support for students experiencing homelessness or foster care (Policy 251), plus a board communications policy. No votes or final decisions are listed; the committee's role is to develop and recommend policies.

• Review of Policy 105 (Curriculum)
• Review of Policy 108 (Adoption of Textbooks)
• Review of Policy 251 (Students Experiencing Homelessness, Foster Care and Other Educational Instability)
• Discussion of Board Communications Policy

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss new business, including a literacy framework review, future investments, and textbooks for review. The agenda lists these as presentation/discussion items, with no decisions or dollar amounts specified. The meeting is procedural in nature, opening with call to order and roll call, and closing with any further business and adjournment.

• Literacy Framework Review presentation
• Future Investments discussion
• Textbooks for Review
• Meeting at Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center, 7:00 p.m.

1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Policy Committee is meeting to discuss and recommend policies. The main item is a suggested amendment to Policy 907 on school visitors, with draft documents attached. The committee will also discuss future agenda guidance and administrative policies, and take up minutes and committee matters.

• Policy 907 (School Visitors) suggested amendment
• Discussion of minutes and committees
• Direction for future agendas
• Administrative policies and standard operating procedures

2. FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Finance Committee is meeting to discuss financial matters, including the 2024-25 general operating budget with proposed state subsidies and the district's technology plan. The agenda includes procedural items like call to order and roll call, followed by new business and closing.

• 2024-25 General Operating Budget with proposed state subsidies
• Technology Plan (KCSDTechnology_2024.pdf)
• Preliminary Budget State Revenues attachment

1. SPECIAL MEETING

The Board of School Directors will hold a special meeting at the Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center. The agenda includes governance, board process, and working documents under new business.

• Governance, Board Process, and Working Documents

2. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss new business, primarily a draft Special Education Plan. The agenda includes opening procedures, the plan review, and closing items. No decisions are listed; the meeting appears to be a discussion forum.

• Review of Draft Special Education Plan (attached PDF, 1,142 KB)
• Discussion of KCSD February Curriculum Committee Meeting presentation (attached PDF, 260 KB)

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Board approved a $5.4 million roofing replacement project for Kennett High School and Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center, along with several other contracts and policy adoptions. The board also approved a resolution opposing diverting state funds to non-public schools and a calendar change due to the primary election.

• Approved $3,814,633 roofing project for Kennett High School and $1,587,336 for Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center with The Garland Company
• Approved CCSBLC resolution opposing diverting state funds to non-public schools
• Approved ArbiterSports agreement for athletic official scheduling, $2,295 licensing fee plus $395 implementation fee
• Approved 4 confidential settlement agreements with parents of students
• Approved policy changes: Policy 207, 626, 918

1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Policy Committee will meet to review and discuss four policies: 207 (Confidential Communications of Students), 907 (School Visitors), 626 (Federal Fiscal Compliance), and 918 (Title I Parental Involvement). The meeting is procedural, with no votes or decisions listed on the agenda.

• Review of Policy 207 (Confidential Communications of Students)
• Review of Policy 907 (School Visitors)
• Review of Policy 626 (Federal Fiscal Compliance)
• Review of Policy 918 (Title I Parental Involvement)

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Finance Committee will discuss the 2024-25 General Operating Budget and the budget timeline. The committee will also review the Facilities Long-Range Plan, including roof reports for KCSD High School and Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center.

• 2024-25 General Operating Budget discussion
• Review of PSERS Employer Contribution Rate
• Facilities Long-Range Plan review
• KCSD High School roof report
• Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center roof report

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING

The Communications Committee will meet to discuss new business. The primary item on the agenda is a communications audit.

• Communications Audit

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss new business, including the Kennett High School Educational Planning Guide, the KCSD Literacy Leaders Stakeholder Group, and Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center's literacy journey. The meeting is open to the public and serves as a forum for educators, stakeholders, and board directors to shape educational experiences.

• Review of KHS Educational Planning Guide
• Discussion of KCSD Literacy Leaders Stakeholder Group
• Presentation on Mary D. Lang's Literacy Journey
• Meeting held at Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center, 7:00 p.m.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The Kennett Consolidated School Board approved routine business and several new items, including construction bids for the new New Garden Elementary School totaling $49,016,000, personnel changes, financial reports, and various agreements. The board also approved the K-12 Guidance Plan, a research study, and confidential settlement agreements.

• Approved $49,016,000 in construction bids for New Garden Elementary School (Lobar Inc $35,019,000; North Bay Mechanical $5,795,000; Boro Construction $5,483,000; Vision Mechanical $2,719,000)
• Approved personnel changes as presented
• Approved financial reports including monthly and quarterly reports
• Approved agreement with Devereux for consultation services
• Approved agreement with Trauma Informed Educators Network for keynote speaking and coaching services