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Dr. Kristen Herman outlines Betty Huff Planetarium revitalization at Centennial SD meeting
Summary
Dr. Kristen Herman told the board the Betty Huff Planetarium is back in limited operation after a computer upgrade; the district needs a larger projector (seeking grant funding) and sustainable staffing and programming to expand field trips and community events.
Dr. Kristen Herman updated the Centennial School District board April 28 on a yearlong effort to bring the Betty Huff Planetarium at William Tennet High School back into regular use. She said the board’s earlier investment restored the planetarium’s computer — which had been running Windows 7 and posed a security and connectivity risk — and that hardware work completed by vendor Kazum allowed student visits to resume.
"We were running Windows 7, which was a network risk," Dr. Herman said, describing the first phase that reestablished internet access and enabled the district to stream NASA and Artemis 2 clips for students. She told the board that computer replacement allowed third‑grade field trips to resume and that the district is using an adjacent "star lab" classroom to deliver coordinated lessons alongside planetarium shows.
Herman described a phased plan. Phase two is replacement of the projector: the current unit is undersized for the dome and image resolution fades on certain content. The district is pursuing grant funding, she said, including work with State Representative Brian Monroe to seek a fully grant‑funded dome‑mounted projector. The district is also pursuing an Environmental Literacy grant to support programming and staffing.
Herman outlined recurring operating costs and staffing needs: show licenses typically run about $2,000–$3,000 per feature, and the district will need dedicated technical and content staff for daytime school visits and evening/weekend community programs. The Centennial Education Foundation and other external partners have been enlisted to help raise operating funds and support rental programming that could be ticketed to the public.
A task force made up of board members, staff, parents, students and outside partners (Centennial Education Foundation, Bucks County Community College, Bucks County Intermediate Unit, Johnsville Center, Fusion Science Museum and the Written House Astronomical Society) has been developing mission, vision and a year‑round events slate, Herman said. Hardware was installed "two weeks ago" and turnaround training for staff and volunteers is underway.
Board members supported opening the planetarium for showcase night and asked staff to supply QR‑coded materials and information for community outreach. Herman said she will return with requests for pricing and board support as the district moves from pilot operations to a sustainable schedule of shows.
Next steps: district staff will continue training, pursue grant and foundation funding for a projector, and present a staffing/programming budget and rental pricing options to the board.
