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Kennett board gets construction updates, authorizes due diligence on property purchase funded from capital reserves
Summary
Board received progress reports on New Garden and Greenwood elementary projects and district office expansion, approved payments in capital and operating bill lists, and authorized the CFO to pursue acquisition due diligence for potential Kennett High School expansion with capital-reserve funding (no direct tax impact; at least one abstention).
Facilities and capital projects were a focal point of the Kennett Consolidated School District board meeting on May 11.
Facilities manager Mr. Bryce reported that New Garden Elementary is nearly complete; custodial staff completed deep cleaning and flooring contractors are finishing hallway polishing while furniture deliveries and punch-list work continue. Greenwood Elementary remains in active construction with mechanical, electrical, plumbing work and terrazzo flooring in progress; rooftop unit installation is scheduled with startup planned for early June. The district office Phase 2 demolition is complete and framing for glass wall headers is in place; electrical work to install a new generator and exterior site work for sidewalks are ongoing.
Kennett High School preparations for graduation and planned cafeteria and library renovations were also discussed. Central maintenance has replaced one heat pump at Kennett Middle School and is replacing two others that were original to the building. Safety and security work was summarized, including a review with public safety partners based on 2022–23 Pennsylvania State Police school safety audits and an upcoming school safety workshop at West Chester University on June 9.
On finances tied to projects, Treasurer Mr. Tracy presented bill lists and capital reports: the general operating bill list for April 14 through May 11 totaled $4,091,618.55; the capital reserve bill list was $345,713.55; the capital projects fund bill list was $1,588,002.73. Mr. Tracy told the board that the district has been investigating properties for potential future expansion of Kennett High School and, citing sensitivity and competitive concerns, asked that details remain confidential for now. The board approved a resolution authorizing the chief financial officer to execute agreements and perform due diligence on potential property acquisitions. Tracy said the initial funding impact would come from the capital reserve account and would not directly raise taxes.
The motion passed by voice vote with at least one abstention recorded (Dr. Garrett). No purchase was approved; the vote authorized due diligence and negotiations only.
The board concluded the facilities discussion with reminders about public tours and an expected groundbreaking before the new school opens.
