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Board approves Kennett Greenway Legacy Field boardwalk concept and clears multiple routine contracts
Summary
The board authorized investigation of a land transfer or easement and approved a conceptual design for a short boardwalk and outdoor classroom in Legacy Fields after a presentation by the Kennett Trails Alliance. The meeting also cleared several routine contract renewals and financial housekeeping items by voice vote.
The Kennett Consolidated School District board on July 8 approved a conceptual design for the Kennett Greenway Legacy Field boardwalk and outdoor classroom and authorized administration to investigate a land transfer or easement with Kennett Township.
Anita Davidson, director of trail development for the Kennett Trails Alliance, presented conceptual plans for a roughly 0.3‑mile boardwalk along the East Branch of Red Clay Creek near the Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center. The proposal includes a 13–14 foot main path, a pavilion and outdoor classroom overlooking wetlands, and a bridge to continue the greenway toward Creek Road. Davidson said the alliance is not asking the district for maintenance funds or an operating subsidy at this stage and will seek grants and partnerships to fund design and construction.
Student interns from Kennett High School described expected educational benefits, telling the board the outdoor classroom would support biology and place‑based learning, improve student engagement and provide a community gathering space. “As young members of this community and students, we think this project is an amazing idea,” one student said during public comment.
Board members asked about funding sources, parking impacts and liability. Christina Norland of the Trails Alliance said previous projects relied heavily on state and county grants with relatively modest local matches; administration said the language in the motion to investigate a land transfer (rather than imposing an easement) helps limit district liability and maintenance obligations.
The board motion to approve the conceptual design and authorize investigation of a land transfer/easement was moved by Ms. Finnegan, seconded by Ms. Carrillo, and approved by voice vote.
In routine business the board approved personnel changes (including retirements and summer hires), accepted multiple contract renewals (dental screenings, parent liaison services, Stepping Stones Group for paraprofessionals, Emeritus for 1:1 nurses, GHR for PCA/RBT services and Avinbrook Consulting for ABA services), confirmed district depositories (Fulton Bank and PSLAF) and authorized administration to pay budgeted August bills and hire budgeted staff during August. The board also approved the bill lists that included $2.45 million in operating items and over $1.2 million in capital project roofing supplies.
Superintendent Dr. Dusty Blakey, who will leave the district at the end of July, was recognized for his work during his four‑and‑a‑half years of service, including leadership during COVID, expansion of pathways and teacher pipeline initiatives; the board presented a commemorative bell and offered thanks.
The board set a calendar of upcoming items: a special meeting on August 12 to review the Acceptable Use Policy and Greenwood construction bids, new teacher induction and the incoming superintendent’s initial opening day on August 22.
