New pact, capital improvements lead busy board of ed. agenda
By Kim Chiomento, Staff Writer, The Times
KCSD School Board Meeting – Bancroft Elementary School
NEW GARDEN – The Kennett Consolidated School District Board of Directors formalized an agreement to renew the contract of Superintendent Dr. Barry W. Tomasetti at its first meeting of 2015 Monday evening at Bancroft Elementary School.
All School Board members were in attendance.
The board voted unanimously to approve the renewal of Tomasetti’s, contract for five years: January 27, 2015 through January 26th, 2020. Board member noted that the district has progressed and continues to grow under his leadership, while successfully weathering some very challenging financial times.
“I am truly honored to be here,” said Tomasetti, “Kennett Consolidated School District remains a great place for our students to learn; I look forward to working with the Board, parents and community members to continue meeting the needs of our students.”
The board also tackled a number of more typical issues, from subcommittee hearings to putting out bid requests for repairs and renovation work at district schools.
Meeting attendees enjoy refreshments provided by the Bancroft PTO
Five Board subcommittees presented their reports. Of note, the Finance Committee announced that Requests for Proposals are out regarding renovations to Greenwood Elementary’s Multipurpose Room including air conditioning, doors, ceiling, lighting, roof, stage upgrades and other mechanical enhancements. Additionally, both Greenwood and New Garden Elementary Schools’ fire alarm systems need replacement due to the age of the systems and availability of parts. The aforementioned work is a part of the District’s five-year facilities plan and capital improvements budget. Bids for the project will be awarded at the April 2015 School Board meeting.
The Finance Committee also reported that numerous problems have arisen with the Acer 370 laptops purchased this summer; these laptops have been distributed to teachers throughout the District. The ongoing issues with hardware have been documented; and Acer is committed to replacing all defective parts, or entire units, and will also provide an on-site technician to assist with repairs and problems.
Kennett High School (KHS) Senior Thomas Spell, provided the Student Council report which included an update on KHS students’ plans to participate in next Monday’s Martin Luther King holiday community-wide day of service and food drive, a reminder that students are focused on upcoming mid-term exams to be held January 16-23rd , and that planning is underway for the highly anticipated April 24th KHS Prom.
Additional new business included the approval of a spring 2016 Honors British and AP Literature class trip to England; to include visiting landmarks of historical literary significance in London and Wales. The Board approved the request; noting that prior to travelling internationally, geopolitical climate and State Department Travel advisories will need to be taken into consideration.
Tomasetti thanked the Board for its continued commitment and many hours of volunteer service, noting that January is Pennsylvania School Director Recognition Month. Tomasetti also congratulated KHS’ head soccer coach, Mike Barr, for his continued successful coaching career; and for being inducted into the PA Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame last week. The mood was jovial as board member Doug Stirling, was congratulated by fellow Members on his upcoming induction into the ‘Old Timers’ Baseball Hall of Fame.
Members of the KCSD School Board enjoy a moment in Bancroft Elementary’s state of the art library
The meeting’s conclusion was followed by refreshments provided by Bancroft’s PTO in the school’s library. For more information about KCSD, please visit www.kcsd.org
