Kennett board adopts Chester County resolution urging accountability for any nonpublic-school funding

The Kennett Consolidated School District board on Feb. 12 voted to add the district’s name to a Chester County School Boards Legislative Council resolution that urges accountability and prioritization for any state funding directed to nonpublic schools.

Board member Kramer, who introduced the draft, said the resolution “does not oppose any possible payment to nonpublic schools, but instead such funding should include accountability mechanisms and should not go to instances where there’s not struggling districts and economic need.” He framed the measure as a way for districts to speak collectively to legislators in Harrisburg.

Supporters said the resolution reflects fiduciary responsibility to public-school taxpayers. During discussion, members noted the complexity of the statewide debate, referenced Governor Shapiro’s past proposals, and invoked the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s William Penn ruling as part of the broader context. The board voted in favor and the motion carried.

The board’s action inserts Kennett Consolidated School District’s name into the county draft so it can be presented alongside other districts’ resolutions at county legislative meetings and sent to state representatives. No district funds were committed by the action; it is an advocacy statement.

The resolution will be part of a countywide push at upcoming legislative breakfasts and similar forums. The board did not specify subsequent steps beyond adopting the language and coordinating with other Chester County districts.