Kennett board approves contracts to support special-education placements and fill critical vacancies

The Kennett Consolidated School District board on Feb. 12 approved several items intended to support students with intensive needs and to address staffing shortages in pupil services.

Administration presented four confidential settlement agreements with parents; details were withheld from the public agenda because of confidentiality, and the board approved them. The board then approved a new agreement with Cottage 7 Academy to provide behavioral and education services at the Phoenixville campus; the contract covers the 2023–24 school year (listed as July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024) and administrators said they will bring an annual set of contracts forward each summer to standardize outplacement options.

Mrs. Jones asked the board to approve an agreement with ProCare Therapy to provide contracted staffing for critical vacancies, most notably the school psychologist position at Kennett High School, where district hiring efforts had been unsuccessful. Jones said the district interviewed two candidates through ProCare and one appeared suitable; the district will sign an agreement for that individual for the remainder of the school year with an option to extend. The board discussed how such contracts intersect with the teachers’ association and affirmed a continued emphasis on trying to hire permanent staff while using contracted providers when necessary to maintain compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.

Board members said outplacement contracts impose budgetary pressure but are necessary when the district cannot meet a student’s needs in‑district. The administration said the special-education plan and placements will be part of an upcoming presentation to the board.