Budget & student math stars also top agenda at monthly KCSD meeting
By Kim Chiomento, News Editor, The Times
LANDENBERG –Kennett Consolidated School District’s (KCSD) May board meeting had a lighter than typical agenda, but still focused on several important district-wide issues. The meeting, held at Kennett Middle School, was well attended and part light-hearted and celebratory. In addition to the normal committee reports and business at hand, top district math achievers and their proud families were invited to an awards ceremony and reception.
KCSD student math award winners
Budget remains a top priority for the district; the Finance Committee is proposed a millage rate of 2.37% (down from last month’s originally proposed 2.64%) and cited higher pension, medical and special education costs as making the biggest impact on the district’s budget.
Committee members explained that the proposed budget does not incorporate any future public education changes proposed by Governor Tom Wolf’s budget; noting that there was no way to foresee exactly what the budget would include until its release later this year.
KCSD remains focused on continued facilities upgrades this summer as a part of its long-term capital improvement budget, administration officials said. In addition to the previously reported renovations of Greenwood Elementary’s circa 1960s multipurpose room, the following improvements slated for summer 2015 were announced:
- Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center: Emergency generator replacement.
- Greenwood Elementary School: Fire alarm panel replacement, AC installation in workroom, shower installation in nurse’s suite, guardrail replacement behind school.
- New Garden Elementary School: Fire alarm panel replacement, installation of a soffit under the bus canopy, repaving the bus lane in front of school.
- Kennett Middle School: Installation of magnetic “open hold” devices on main stairwell doors.
- Kennett High School: Re-finish and painting new graphics on Reynolds gym floor, construct a new, safer sidewalk for students walking down the hill from the Transportation Office and the replacement of windows on the south side of the Annex Building.
The Ranganath family enjoys a celebratory moment with KMS Assistant Principal – Lorenzo DeAngelis
Current board member Michael Finnegan, was elected KCSD Treasurer for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.
Current KCSD solicitor, John R. Merrick, was re-designated and unanimously approved b y the board for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016 at his rate charged municipalities ($160/hour).
The meeting took on a celebratory tone as proud parents and their students enjoyed Dr. Lydia Hallman’s, Curriculum Supervisor – Math & Science, remarks regarding the Math Olympiad and ‘24’ national math challenge. “These students have exemplified scholarship and discipline in their efforts to reach the honors presented today…They join me in thanking the parents, teachers, and community members who have provided the framework for this success.”
KCSD student Math Olympiad honorees:
3rd place – Corey Fricker, 2nd place (tied) – Curie Cha & Sylvia He, 1st place – Sam Schlitz
KCSD ‘24’ honorees:
3rd grade: 3rd place -Cara Steffensen, 2nd place – Kyley Holder, 1st place – Charlie Guzzio
4th grade: 3rd place – Jasmine Gavina, 2nd place (tied) Cole Jowett and Cece Perrotti, 1st place – Emma Davies
5th grade: 3rd place – Maya Ranganath, 2nd place (tied) Manny Mendiola-Ortiz & Curie Cha, 1st place – Pierce Chapmen
Dr. Hallman reported, “Many of these students represented Kennett at the 1st annual Chester County Competition May 1st. This 4th and 5th grade competition included 25 public, private and parochial schools. I was honored to join our students as they competed. Not only were they a force at the ‘24’ Table they were all respectful and kind. Table winners were Lydia Duckworth, Emanuel (Manny) Mendiola-Ortiz, and Maya Ranganath. Additionally, Pierce Chapman demonstrated outstanding skills and earned the distinction of becoming a semifinalist.”
Dr. Hallman also offered a special thank you to KCSD faculty – Mallory Austin, Samantha Hamill, Jillian Quinn and Mary Ella Verdes for their involvement and commitment to the 24 Challenge and Math Olympiad competition.
KCSD board members
During the personnel report, it was announced that Shibli Madanat, a 25.5 year employee of KCSD’s Maintenance Department will be retiring. While previously reported, Kennett Middle School Principal, John E. Carr’s retirement, after 40 years of service, was officially announced. Both will share June 30, 2015 as their last day of employment. KCSD Superintendent Dr. Barry Tomasetti and board president, Heather Schaenn, thanked both men for their incredible commitment and long term service to the district.
KHS Student Council reported that the 2015 prom and after prom party were a huge success; with record attendance estimated at more than 500 students and guests and thanked the many teachers, parents and community sponsors who helped make this annual tradition terrific and safe success.
The next KCSD board meeting is scheduled for 7 PM – June 8th at the District Office. For additional information, meeting minutes and committee schedule, please visit www.kcsd.org
