Facilities, curriculum and transportation top December’s meeting agenda
By Kim Chiomento, News Editor, The Times
KENNETT – December’s board meeting proved to be a busy one for the Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD). Current board members, Kendra LaCosta and Joseph Meola, were unanimously approved as the new president and vice president, respectively.
Recently re-elected board members Aline Frank and Dominic Perigo (Region A – Kennett Borough), Rudy Alfonso and Joseph Meola (Region B – New Garden Township) and Micahel H. Finnegan (Region C – Kennett Township/Ind. #1) were administered their oaths of office by fellow board member, Douglas Stirling. Previous board president, Heather Schaenn, was recognized for her dedication, service and leadership.
KCSD new board vice president, Joe Meola (L) and president Kendra LaCosta (R)
KCSD Superintendent, Dr. Barry Tomasetti, said he was pleased to announce that due to both the support of the board, and the Kennett Education Foundation (KEF), Kennett High School is adding a new Civil Engineering class to its course offerings. Additionally, KEF was instrumental in providing funding for KCSD’s summer STEM program (Science Technology Engineering & Math). This new program saw 250 fourth and fifth grade students participating, and was made possible by equal cost sharing between KCSD families and a KEF grant.
Tomasetti also is very enthused about the extension of the STEM program at Kennett Middle School (KMS) where students are now experiencing a full marking period of STEM classes.
Board member Frank provided an update on the Curriculum Committee’s activities; which included a comprehensive review of the Social Studies department. The department compared its content and sequence to those of other area districts; this analysis revealed some gaps in the way content was being presented a various academic levels. The findings are resulting in the revision of the 9th and 10th grade curriculum; including the addition of a third academic level.
Frank also reported that Mike Kelly, KHS Mathematics Department chairperson, and Dr. Lydia Hallman KCSD’s Curriculum Supervisor – Math & Science, presented the board with two new KHS initiatives: The addition of a new statistics course and also an opportunity for students to intern as science lab aides. The aid program will be classified as an independent study where student will spend 2-5 periods per week working under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
Recently re-elected KCSD board members accepting their oath of office.
Lastly, Frank proposed a change to the time of curriculum committee meeting from its current 7 PM start time to 6:30 PM to better accommodate new administrators’ and committee members’ commutes; which was well received by the board and meeting attendees.
Mark Tracy, Assistant to the Superintendent – Business Affairs, reported that the district’s 5-year student transportation agreement with the Krapf’s Bus Company expires June 30, 2016 and is proposing working with the student transportation consulting firm, Transportation Advisory Services (TAS). The goal of this relationship would be to position KCSD to negotiate the best contract; with TAS expertise used to develop comparability analysis, benchmarks and develop contract language that well positions the district and its interests. The estimated fees for TAS services are $9,860, and the board unanimously approved the TAS agreement.
An enthusiastic KHS Drum Major, Sam Anthony, shares her thoughts on KHS Band’s first place Yankee A Division State Championships win, “Music in our schools is GREAT!”
In other district news KHS band was recognized by the board for its outstanding performance and first place win at the Yankee A Division State Championships in November. Sam Anthony, KHS drum major, enthusiastically addressed the board saying, “Music in our schools is GREAT!” Anthony partnered with fellow drum major, Zach Ranko, to help lead the band to its state championship title.
KHS’ Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) team took home an impressive 11 first place trophies with 30 team members qualified for the state championships. These exciting results are the most successful in the club’s history.
KCSD is continuing its focus on facilities improvements with the renovation of New Garden Elementary’s 60 year old multipurpose room slated for summer of 2016. The project, similar in scope to sister school Greenwood Elementary’s 2015 multi-purpose room renovation will include a new HVAC system, windows, PA system, stage lighting, and motorized basketball backboards. Additionally, the KMS domestic hot water heater will be replaced over winter break.
The next meeting of the KCSD board is scheduled for Monday, January 11, 7 PM, at Bancroft Elementary School. For more district information, including copies of meeting minutes and committee schedules, please visit: kcsd.org
