Community voices concerns about superintendent search and district guidance at Kennett board meeting

Several community members used public comment time at the April 8 Kennett board meeting to raise questions about the superintendent search and district guidance materials.

Joey Corrado, a multi‑generation district parent, urged the board to seek a superintendent who is a strong communicator and who will continue existing programs rather than restart them. "We need a communicator," Corrado said, arguing the community wants continuity and someone who will 'keep bringing it together.' He noted the district’s pathways internship work and said the community feels invested in building on current efforts.

Earlier in public comment, Rick Bochanski read and criticized guidance language he said was being shared with students that referenced gender identity options. He read aloud phrasing and urged the board to discuss the guidance rather than dismissing it. "There's mention it says, everyone gets to decide their gender identity for themselves," he said. President Cronenberg responded that the language Bochanski cited came from PDE guidance, and the board did not change any district policy during the meeting in response to the comment.

President Cronenberg reminded residents that the board is keeping the community informed about the superintendent search and that meetings will include updates. He also reiterated that the board values community input and that the applicant pool—he said—includes 34 applicants from 12 states as of April 8.

The board did not take action on these public comments at the meeting, but members emphasized ongoing communication during the search process.