Greenwood renovation contractors and new third party tax collection agency announced
By Kim Chiomento, News Editor, The Times
Dr. Michael Barber, who had been principal of Kennett High School was named Monday night as the new Assistant Superintendent of the Kennett Consolidated School District.
KENNETT SQUARE – April’s meeting proved to be a busy one for the Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) Board of Education. Monday’s agenda included the appointment of a new Assistant Superintendent, hiring a new third party tax collection agency and awarding bids to three contractors for completion of the Greenwood Elementary multi-purpose room renovations this summer.
The board voted unanimously to approve Dr. Michael A. Barber to fill the currently vacant position for District Assistant Superintendent; effective July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2020. Dr. Barber will be leaving his current post as Kennett High School’s Principal to assume his new role; which will initially place a core focus on managing Human Resources for the District. The eventual expansion of his responsibilities is expected; and will be disclosed at a future date.
“Dr. Barber brings a great perspective and utility to this role,” says KCSD Superintendent – Dr. Barry Tomasetti, “After working with Dr. Barber for several years it’s clear he puts students first even when difficult decisions need to be made…I have great trust in Dr. Barber.”
The renovation of the Greenwood Elementary multi-purpose room is in the district’s facilities long-range planning budget; with renovations scheduled for this summer. After a formal, open bid process and review period, the following contractors were unanimously approved by the Board: General Construction – BSS Contractors LLC; Electrical – Cooks Service Company, Inc.; HVAC – Air Control Technology, Inc.
The board also voted unanimously to approve a contract with Keystone Collections group for collection of school taxes. The decision is based upon budget neutral impact to the District, Keystone’s strong track record of tax collections and an existing relationship with KCSD.
The board approved all usual and customary Committee reports unanimously. Of note: KCSD Internal Service Fund is reporting a net loss of $389,914 due to a sharp spike in health insurance claims and higher than forecasted prescription plan use (healthcare and prescription plans saw premium increases of 4% and 46% respectively.)
The district established the Internal Service Fund/Self-Insured Healthcare three years ago to stabilize the annual healthcare claims risk. As a result, the 2015 loss will be made-up by surpluses carried from the two previous years.
In other district news, the following long-term employees have announced their intentions to retire on the final teacher day of the 2014/2015 school year. The Board thanked Thomas Best – KMS 6th grade Science Teacher (22 years), Jane Pedroso – Reading, Language Arts & Social Studies Supervisor (10 years) and Janet Ruggieri – Speech and Language Teacher, New Garden Elementary (28 years).
The district’s insurance plan will cover damages incurred during a low temperature freeze-up at the KHS concession stand building. A new, low-temp freeze-up warning system has been installed to prevent future occurrences.
Kennett High School Student Council reported that KHS recently hosted the 14th annual Multicultural and Diversity Awareness Conference. The conference was attended by neighboring districts’ students, staff, and community members.
Keeping with fun traditions, KHS also held its annual talent show which was reportedly well attended. Junior and Senior students are eagerly awaiting the prom scheduled for April 24th, and the popular ‘after prom’ party from 11 PM through 5 AM. Kennett pride was alive and well during the taping of the 2nd KHS ‘Lip-Dub’ video which involved the entire student body, staff and teachers in various stations through ought Kennett High. The video will be released soon on YouTube with a goal of achieving 50,000 views.
The next meeting of the KCSD Board is scheduled for Monday, May 11th – 7 PM, at Kennett Middle School. For additional information and copies of Board meeting minutes, please visit: www.kcsd.org.
