Budget passes, Hritz named KHS principal, MDL K-center curriculum debated
By Kim Chiomento, News Editor, The Times
KENNETT SQUARE – The Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) board had a busy meeting this week; with several agenda items directly impacting the district’s resources, administration and curriculum. Top items included passing the 2015/2016 operating budget, the announcement of Jeremy Hritz as Kennett High School’s new principal, the hiring of Jessica Kilmetz the new Supervisor of Reading/Language Arts/Social Studies, and lively discussions focusing on the Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center’s curriculum and the merits of returning the Athletic Director position to full-time status.
Members of the KCSD board listen to community members during Monday’s meeting.
The Board approved the 2015/2016 district operating budget of $78,897,319; it is noted that board members Aline Frank and Rudy Alfonzo did not vote in favor of its passing.
Included in this approval are the adoption of the following tax resolutions for 2015/2016: Earned Income Tax – 1% levied on salaries and wages, Real Estate Tax – 28.6017 mills on real estate, Act 544 Tax – tax of 28.6017 mills levied on interim real estate, Act 511 Tax ½ of 1% be levied on real estate transfers. The above translates into a tax increase of 2.37% and approximately $128 increase per household annually.
As previously announced, Kennett High School Principal, Dr. Michael Barber, will become KCSD’s Assistant Superintendent; effective July 1. Current Kennett Middle School Principal, Jeremy Hritz, was determined to be the top candidate to replace Dr. Barber as KHS’ principal by a review panel consisting of parents, board members and administration. Hritz’ term will begin July 1, as well. Jessica Kilmetz has been hired as the District’s new Supervisor of Reading/Language Arts/Social Studies district-wide beginning July 6, 2015.
The board unanimously approved the addition of a Literacy in Literature course that will assist in preparing students for Keystone Literature Assessments. The new course is designed to benefit KCSD students who are categorized as English as a Second Language (ESL) students.
A lively discussion occurred regarding returning KHS’ Athletic Director (A.D.)position to full-time status. Alfonso said he opposes this change and indicated it is his preference to see those resources dedicated to the arts rather than athletics. Other board members said they disagreed, arguing that at part-time, the position is not working out well; and is not an effective use of resources. The majority of the board supports the position returning to its original full-time status.
During the public commentary portion of Monday’s meeting, KCSD parent, former educator and alumna, Jennifer Manfredi-Lewis, took her concerns to the board regarding the district’s youngest students who attend the Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center receiving 25 minutes of ‘specials’ (art, music, gym). This is in comparison to older students, who are attending school for the same amount of hours daily, receiving 50 minutes of ‘specials.’
Manfredi-Lewis, a former KCSD educator and alumna, challenged the board to “Think back to when your children went off to the school for the first time, what did you wish for them in their earliest days?” Manfredi-Lewis noted that she appreciates the strong academic focus KCSD places at every level, but remains concerned over the pressure and the risk the district is running of “burning out” their youngest students.
Manfredi-Lewis explained that the time allotted to allowing kids to develop creatively is a big component of their education and that the time allotted is not based on a kindergarten student’s attention span or ability, but rather, staffing issues.
The board acknowledged that there are challenges with regard to transportation, its impact on the Kindergarten Center’s schedule, and noted they are continuing to work to evaluate and improve the situation. The board invited Manfredi-Lewis take part in a working review committee dedicated to this area of concern.
Community member and interior designer, Barbara Holmes, addressed the audience and board regarding her involvement in the design of KCSD’s original k-12 building along with Pierre S. Dupont’s architects. Holmes provided original renderings and documents she believed would be of historical significance to the district. The board was most appreciative of Holmes’ historical knowledge and willingness to share these documents.
Earlier this month it was announced that Kennett Middle School (KMS) has been re-designated as a ‘Schools to Watch’ by after undergoing an extensive review process conducted by the PA chapter of the national Don Eichorn Schools to Watch organization.
This award rates how well middle schools focus on the success of every student, creative, effective and innovative teaching methods, providing a school atmosphere of acceptance, diversity and academic rigor. KMS is one of only four schools in the Delaware Valley region to earn this honor, and one of just approximately 370 nationally.
As a part of the festivities around this award, students and staff produced a creative video featuring clips of faculty, students, administration dancing to Imagine Dragons’ hit song, ‘On Top of the World’ while holding KMS signs, a globe and stars. Attendees at Monday’s meeting were shown the popular video. To watch the video visit KMS’s site via the kcsd.org home page or click on the following link:
https://connect.kcsd.org/display/kms/KMS+Schools+to+Watch+Celebration
KHS commencement ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 12 – 6 PM. The next KCSD board meeting is July 13th – 7 PM at the District Offices. Board meeting minutes and additional district information can be found by visiting www.kcsd.org.
