Kennett superintendent Dr. Blakey to retire in July; board hires CCIU to run search

President David Cronenberg announced that Superintendent Dr. Blakey has given notice that he will retire effective July 26, 2024, and the Board of School Directors voted March 11 to work with the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to lead the district’s superintendent search.

"We are not saying goodbye to you yet," Cronenberg told Dr. Blakey, reflecting on Blakey’s tenure beginning in January 2020 and the unusual events the district has navigated under his leadership. Cronenberg praised Blakey for fostering a "culture of continuous improvement" and for keeping students at the center of district decisions.

The board approved a motion authorizing an agreement with the CCIU for superintendent search services. Board members said the CCIU has led similar searches for local districts and provides that service at no cost to Chester County districts. Trustee Finnegan, who moved the motion, said the process will require multiple evenings for candidate review; the motion carried.

Board leaders said the district will prioritize continuity and stability while conducting a comprehensive search. Members also said the community will be invited to several targeted meetings to share priorities for the next superintendent and that the board will provide regular updates in public meetings.

The vote begins a multi-step search process that the board said will include community input, vetting by the CCIU, and board review of finalists. No timeline for finalist interviews or appointment was set at the March 11 meeting.

What happens next: the board will schedule community input sessions and post information about search timelines and candidate criteria as the CCIU moves forward with recruitment and screening.