By Chris Barber
Contributing Writer

Kennett School Board member Lenda Carillo, who represents the borough on that governing body, submitted her resignation at Monday night’s meeting.

Carillo was elected to the school board in 2021. Throughout her time on the board, she has been a strong supporter and advocate of the students at the schools with Hispanic backgrounds.

Carillo said she is moving to Oxford. Members of the school board must live in the area that they represent on the board. Carillo will continue her employment in Kennett Square.

At the meeting, she was recognized with the gift of a school bell.

The board is now accepting applications for her replacement. The school board will interview candidates soon and then vote to fill the vacancy at the next meeting in April. All applicants must be a resident of Kennett Square’s Region A.

In other business, Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders announced that the student trip, which will take 55 pupils to China, has been delayed one week to March 15, as a matter of caution in consideration of the political climate.

Board President David Kronenberg said later that the school board and district staff have been in connection with advisory organizations to assure that the students will be safe in the light of possible international relations threats.

The cost of the trip is being carried by a third party, so the students have only to pay for their own insurance. They are being hosted by a school in China and will be performing a chorus concert with their musicians.

The board also approved student trips for the chorus and for student trips to France, Germany and Italy.

Rizzo Saunders also spoke proudly of several student achievements. Aydriane Bowden recently won the long jump at the state meet and is ranked second in the nation in the pentathlon. The high school girls’ swimming team just earned the championship.

Additionally, twelve KCSD chorus members were chosen for the PMEA Regional Chorus and Iris Wells qualified as a National Merit finalist. 

Rizzo Saunders also praised the school Stem Night on March 5, which attracted more than 1,000 visitors.