Kennett committee delays communications audit while district fills communications lead
January 29, 2024 | Kennett Consolidated SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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Kennett Consolidated School District committee members on Jan. 29 agreed to pause the communications audit so a new communications lead and the district’s intermediate‑unit partner can be part of the process.
Dr. Blakey urged the committee to “slow this process down” after Ms. Laws accepted a position at Unionville and the district weighs reclassifying the current role to a director position. He said the pause — driven by recruiting timelines and onboarding — would help ensure the audit delivers usable recommendations and consistent expectations.
“...it would be better for us to slow this process down and be thoughtful about making sure that we are getting what we want,” Dr. Blakey said.
Administrators estimated a roughly 6–8 week minimum delay tied to the recruitment and title change. Dr. Blakey noted some hires are subject to contract hold periods, which can delay lateral moves, and said an interim intermediate‑unit staffer (Kelsey) will support district communications while the position is filled.
Board members asked to see the proposed organizational chart and the job description before the position is posted; Dr. Blakey and HR said the board will receive the proposed title, responsibilities and an explanation of the budget impact when HR returns.
“The position currently exists,” Dr. Blakey added, describing the request as a title change with only a modest salary impact. He said the role is already in this year’s budget and moving to a director title is intended to attract a suitably qualified candidate.
Krista, the intermediate‑unit contact who participated remotely, said she can help schedule focus groups and meetings so work can begin efficiently once the new director is in place and offered to report back at the committee’s next meeting.
No formal motion or vote on the audit timetable was recorded in the committee discussion; board members indicated they expect the audit work to resume and conclude later in the year so the district can act on recommendations in the coming school year.
Dr. Blakey urged the committee to “slow this process down” after Ms. Laws accepted a position at Unionville and the district weighs reclassifying the current role to a director position. He said the pause — driven by recruiting timelines and onboarding — would help ensure the audit delivers usable recommendations and consistent expectations.
“...it would be better for us to slow this process down and be thoughtful about making sure that we are getting what we want,” Dr. Blakey said.
Administrators estimated a roughly 6–8 week minimum delay tied to the recruitment and title change. Dr. Blakey noted some hires are subject to contract hold periods, which can delay lateral moves, and said an interim intermediate‑unit staffer (Kelsey) will support district communications while the position is filled.
Board members asked to see the proposed organizational chart and the job description before the position is posted; Dr. Blakey and HR said the board will receive the proposed title, responsibilities and an explanation of the budget impact when HR returns.
“The position currently exists,” Dr. Blakey added, describing the request as a title change with only a modest salary impact. He said the role is already in this year’s budget and moving to a director title is intended to attract a suitably qualified candidate.
Krista, the intermediate‑unit contact who participated remotely, said she can help schedule focus groups and meetings so work can begin efficiently once the new director is in place and offered to report back at the committee’s next meeting.
No formal motion or vote on the audit timetable was recorded in the committee discussion; board members indicated they expect the audit work to resume and conclude later in the year so the district can act on recommendations in the coming school year.
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