Skip to main content

Chester County Press

Recognizing the efforts of Kennett School Board members

01/27/2015 02:18PM ● By Steven Hoffman

Public education is more than just learning the basic math, science, English, and history. It’s a platform for students to reach their potential. It inspires hope for a new generation and a successful future. The Kennett Consolidated School District exists in part because individuals volunteer their time to make informed decisions about the issues facing public schools. Each January, we pause to express our appreciation for a very special group of volunteers: our school board members. Usually, we don’t think of school board members as school volunteers, but they do in fact volunteer to serve. School board members give their time, energy, and counsel to the district without pay. They take on the job of governing the district, making the best decisions they can for our children, with the full understanding that they will receive only the satisfaction of their contribution.

That contribution, however, should not be understated. The volunteer efforts of the school board members have the potential for tremendous benefit to the community as a whole and to the lives of the students individually. By serving the district in this important governance role, school board members lay the foundation for the future.

The men and women who make the time to generously provide this important public service do so because they care. They care about their own children’s education. They care about the schools being the best they can be. They care about the next generation and the future of the community.

School Board members work hard, unpaid and behind the scenes, to guide the district in providing a quality education to more than 4,100 students. They spend more than 20 hours a month crunching numbers to set budgets, reviewing new curriculum and selecting textbooks, and making the hard calls. January is School Board Recognition Month and the Kennett Consolidated School District salutes this special group of volunteers — the nine elected members of the school Board.

“We are fortunate to have a diverse group of community members with varied perspectives serving the Kennett Consolidated School District and community,” said Heather Schaen, board president. “Serving our board this year are Kendra LaCosta, who holds the office of vice president; Michael Finnegan, who holds the office of treasurer and is our finance chair; Aline Frank, curriculum chair; Dominic Perigo, facilities liaison; Joe Meola, liaison and communication chair; Rudy Alfonso, Center for Academically Talent Students and Chester County Intermediate Unit representative; Janis Reynolds; and Doug Stirling. This group supports and respects the hard work of our teachers, staff, and each other while working diligently to balance our fiduciary responsibilities to the taxpayers and community members.”

These dedicated volunteers reside in our community. They are our friends, neighbors, community leaders, parents at our schools, and engaged senior citizens. During this month of recognition, we ask you, the school directors’ fellow community members, to show your appreciation for their service. Please show your gratitude in some way for their time, effort, and dedication to public education’s advancement. Thank them for advocating for student success and for making the difficult decisions. Most importantly, thank them for being everyday heroes and making our students’ success their priority.