Superintendent’s new five-year pact approved unanimously
By Kim Chiomento, Correspondent, The Times
Dr. Barry Tomasetti
KENNETT — The Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) School Board moved unanimously to renew the contract of Superintendent of Schools Barry Tomasetti at its meeting, Monday.
Tomasetti was unanimously re-elected for a 5-year term beginning January 27, 2015 continuing through January 26, 2020. Board accolades included recognizing Tomasetti’s leadership during very challenging financial times, his strong vision and excellent ability to communicate on all levels within the District.
“I am honored to be here…and, it has taken a team effort to get where we are today,” said Tomasetti, “The Kennett District has been wonderful place for my family where we are thriving.”
The remaining highlights of the two-hour meeting included approving the addition of two Advance Placement (AP) courses at Kennett High School (KHS), and authorizing the purchase of upgraded video/audio recording system on all contracted busing within the District. Additionally, the Board voted to approve amended policies addressing District employee gifts, vacation/paid holidays, student conduct, bullying/cyber bullying, and public participation in Board meetings.
The district has negotiated with the Krapfs Bus Company to purchase, install and maintain state-of-the-art Angeltrax audio/video recording units in 70 vehicles. Currently, the District does not have an adequate number of working, reliable cameras to cover all active routes. This new system is consistent with what other Chester County districts use who are also clients of Krapfs. The Board voted to approve a one-time, all-inclusive payment for the new camera system of $73,979.60 which will be operational for the start of the 2014/2015 school year. The projected lifespan for the Angeltrax system is 5-7 years.
Board members said they were pleased to approve AP Psychology and AP Physics marking the 17th and 18th Advanced Placement courses offered at KHS. The psychology class is new, however, the AP Physics class will replace current Honors-level physics. KHS has more than 200 students enrolled in AP level courses.
A lengthy discussion occurred regarding the potential subdivision and surveying of KCSD-owned parcels of land abutting the Kennett Middle School property and their future use.
Additional information was requested regarding cost of demolishing existing, vacant structures on those properties. The Board voted to table additional action/discussions until their next meeting.
Bayard Taylor Memorial Library approached the District regarding the possibility of obtaining old KCSD-owned computers to help assist with community access to computers and technology. The Board approved the donation of ten, 2006 MacBook laptop computers to Bayard Taylor Library with consideration for donating additional older equipment in the future. It was noted that these older MacBooks have minimal resale value and are being replaced by KCSD with newer models this summer.
Important upcoming KCSD dates include: August 11-13th-New Teacher Induction, Monday, August 25 -First Student Day, and Monday, September 8 -School Board Meeting.
For detailed copies of KCSD School Board Minutes and additional District information visit: www.kcsd.org
