The long-term vision for elementary school education in southern Chester County cleared a major rung last week when the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors gave final land development approval for the construction of the new Greenwood Elementary School at their Feb. 7 meeting.

The planned 105,000 square-foot project is part of Kennett Consolidated School District’s plans to modernize both Greenwood and New Garden elementary schools, in support of 21st Century Learning, an educational concept that aspires to modernize learning in a way that teaches students the skills they need to be successful in a global economy -- through critical thinking, creativity and collaboration.  

Designed by Breslin Associates, the new school will be constructed at the 420 Greenwood Road site of the current school and provide a capacity for 660 students and 80 staff members. The existing school will remain intact and functional during the initial construction phases of the project, and as the construction of the new school progresses, the existing school will be removed, and the new parking areas will be built. 

The new school will combine modern design elements with traditional red brick details and a bell tower framing the main entrance, and will reflect the history of the area, the design formality of nearby Longwood Gardens and the needs of a modern learning environment. Its public wing will include a main entrance, administration space, media center, gymnasium, cafeteria and arts rooms. Its two-story second wing will include classrooms and support spaces.

The township’s Planning Commission recommended conditional approval for the plan at their Jan. 11 meeting.

In other business, the board approved the township’s 2024 land management contract with Brandywine Red Clay Alliance – previously The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County – in the amount of $65,000. In partnership with the township, the agency will continue to provide management and maintenance services at two township-owned properties -- Barkingfield Park and the Lord Howe property.  

The board also approved the appointment of Finance and Human Resources Director Amy Heinrich as interim manager, replacing Eden Ratliff, who left the township on Feb. 1 to become the Deputy City manager for the City of Charlottesville, Va. The township has appointed Roseann McGrath, an experienced local government human resources and executive search professional, to help find Ratliff’s replacement.

The board also approved the appointments of Ashley Gagne to the township’s Advisory Council for a term that will end on Dec. 31, 2026; and Nora Sadler to the township’s Environmental Advisory Council for term ending on Dec. 31, 2024.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].