Kennett board adopts $107.7 million 2025–26 budget, approves tax resolution and several policy, program and contract votes

The Kennett Consolidated School District Board of School Directors on June 9 adopted the district’s 2025–26 operating budget of $107,695,765 and approved a series of related fiscal and policy measures, including a tax resolution to support the budget, multiple new and revised board policies, a purchase of a social‑emotional screening tool and several contracts tied to facilities and services.

The board approved the budget during its regular meeting after earlier committee review. Business officials said the budget reflects a 4% overall tax increase to balance revenue shortfalls and program needs; a board member later referenced a 1.34 millage increase when explaining the difficulty of the vote. Finance staff also noted that the district will pass through roughly $2.5 million in homestead/farmstead relief to qualifying property owners funded by state gambling revenue.

Key votes and actions (motions and outcomes)

- Adopt 2025–26 operating budget: Motion carried. Recommended motion: approve operating budget in the amount of $107,695,765 and submit Form 2028 to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. (Mover: not specified in roll call; vote recorded as carried.)

- Adopt tax resolutions to support the budget: Motion carried. The board approved the tax resolutions that implement the revenue side of the adopted budget.

- Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion resolution: Motion carried. Finance staff said $2,500,000 will be distributed to about 6,118 qualifying properties.

- Internal Service Fund budget (self‑insured benefits): Motion carried to approve $8,614,394.

- Food service budget: Motion carried to approve $1,828,284.96; district reported breakfast will remain free for all students and lunch eligibility follows PDE rules.

- Cafeteria prices: Motion carried; no increase for 2025–26 (elementary $3.00, middle/high $3.25, adults $5.00).

- Authorization to make year‑end budget transfers with subsequent board ratification: Motion carried.

- Personnel and confidential agreements: Motion carried on the personnel report, including approval of a separation agreement (employee #7758) and three confidential student agreements (administration said terms are confidential and no discussion occurred in public session).

- DESA social‑emotional learning screening and intervention system purchase (grades K–12): Motion carried. Administration presented an executive summary and recommended authorizing purchase based on a multi‑year quote; the district said the tool will support the MTSS framework and universal screening for social‑emotional and behavioral risk.

- Approve new course, Digital Media & Communications for Kennett Middle School: Motion carried. Administration and middle/high school staff described alignment with the high school program and three sections planned at the middle school.

- Approve extension for athletic training services with NovaCare Rehabilitation (08/01/2025–07/31/2028): Motion carried. Administration described a 3% annual increase in rates over the contract.

- Approve CHA Consulting Inc. construction management agreement for district office expansion and renovation: Motion carried. Contract amount: $196,120; CHA to provide on‑site construction management part‑time during the roughly 13‑month project.

- Approve 2025–2030 five‑year Capital Reserve plan: Motion carried. Finance staff described major items including rooftop HVAC work and a roughly $2,000,000 project for the district office in year one.

- Approve the treasurer for fiscal 2025–26: Motion carried. Michael H. Finnegan was re‑elected treasurer.

- Treasurer’s bond amount: Motion carried. The treasurer’s bond was set at $50,000 as required by the school code.

- Adopt several student‑focused board policies: Motion carried for each policy voted. Policies adopted included searches (policy 2.26), student rights and responsibilities (policy 2.35), student assistance program (policy 2.36), and a trauma‑informed approach policy (policy 1.46.1). Board members described the package as substantive and the product of committee work.

How votes were recorded and next steps

Most motions were approved by voice vote with the board responding “Aye” and the chair announcing the motion carried. Administration noted several items are contingent on follow‑up steps (for example, posting the newly approved assistant principal position, completing purchases subject to quotes, and finalizing contracts). Separately, the district confirmed several items required submittal or review by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), including the budget and the food service plan.

Ending note: The board said it will continue committee work over the summer and the next regular meeting is scheduled for July 14; the district also noted specific operational timelines such as construction phasing and the availability of funds for capital projects.