New AP class & capital projects top the agenda; KMS’ John Carr to retire
By Kim Chiomento, Staff Writer, The Times
KENNETT – For The Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD), March brings a continued focus on shaping the future of the District. Facilities improvements, a new AP-level course and Governor Wolf’s proposed budget were a few of the top items discussed at the School Board meeting. Other important district news this week includes Kennett Middle School Principal, Dr. John Carr, announcing his retirement.
The largest facilities project slated is remodeling Greenwood Elementary’s circa 1960’s multipurpose room this summer. The improvements will include the addition of air conditioning, new energy-efficient lighting, replacing the stage curtain, ceiling and roof. This, and nearly 70 other improvement projects, are all a part of the district’s long-range Facilities and Operations plan. The projects are funded via its capital reserve fund; and are not expected to impact the operating budget.
Enhancing students’ academic experience remains a top priority for the Board and evident with their approval of Kennett High’s (KHS) new ‘AP Language and Composition’ course and related textbook: Conversations in American Literature. The course, and its textbook, were given high marks for content and dovetailing nearly seamlessly with KHS’ history curriculum.
During the finance portion of the meeting, board member Aline Frank encouraged the public to become thoroughly educated on Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed budget and its impact on public education. Frank noted that she is not in favor of raising local taxes and the board has worked very hard to shave costs without impacting the quality of education, noting that there is not much room for additional cuts.
“Speak-up…contact your state elected officials and tell them what you think,” Frank said.
Hands-on learning and a global vision were the focus of the Board approving a 2016 KHS student trip to Germany. The trip is facilitated by Duane Kotz, Chairman of Kennett High School’s Foreign Language Department and will focus on study and usage of the German language, visiting important historical landmarks with a goal of minimizing long travel times while sightseeing. The trip will accommodate approximately 40 students, with priority given to upper class members. Participants will need to pay for travel expenses on an individual basis; with options for an installment payment plan to ease the financial burden on families.
The board also approved student participation in a research project led by New Garden Elementary teacher, Jennifer Braunstein, as a part of her Master’s program in Applied Studies and Research at West Chester University. The focus of the study will be to monitor how students respond to taking “brain breaks” during the day; and the effects of both indoor and outdoor brain breaks on student performance. No demographic or identifying information will be included in the results. Braunstein expects the study to be completed by Mid April.
KHS’ Duane Kotz explains the proposed 2016 trip to Germany’s itinerary and goals.
As a part of usual and customary business, two sections of Board Policy underwent First Readings: Sections 338 (Sabbatical Leave Employees) and 338.1 (Compensated Professional Leaves Employees.) After some discussion on the interpretation of these sections, Board members Aline Frank and Douglas Stirling requested clarification on ambiguous wording from Nancy Tischer, KCSD Director of Human Resources. New wording is tentatively scheduled to be presented at the April Board meeting.
At Kennett Middle School (KMS) long-time Principal, Dr. John Carr, announced his retirement this week. Carr, an educator within the District for 38 years, spent 27 years serving as KMS’ Principal.
“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work in a district where there is a strong commitment to excellence in instruction and teaching,” Carr said. “I have also been fortunate to be the principal of a building where there is an excellent and highly professional staff. Learning from them has been a privilege.”
Dr. Carr will continue his professional journey as West Chester University’s Associate Director of Clinical Experiences; a position within WCU’s College of Education. The school’s current Vice Principal, Lorenzo DeAngelis, will service as acting principal when Dr. Carr’s official retirement occurs later this year.
At the board meeting, KCSD Superintendent Dr. Barry Tomasetti warmly thanked KCSD teachers, staff and administrators, “You continually take on new initiatives and are always wanting to do more for all of our students.”
Tomasetti also offered kudos to the KHS staff, volunteers and students who came together to perform KHS’ spring musical, Oklahoma last weekend. “The show was phenomenal…we had a packed house both nights; a large, engaged, crowd and I am very proud. It was simply outstanding!”
For copies of meeting minutes, the board calendar and additional KCSD information, please visit: www.kcsd.org
