KENNETT SQUARE, PA — The wheels of change are turning at the Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD), with the board set to vote on the appointment of Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders as its Superintendent of Schools at a Special Meeting slated for May 20, 2024.
Rizzo Saunders is no stranger to the intricate machinations of education leadership. With a successful stint as Superintendent of the Contoocook Valley School District of New Hampshire, she has shepherded a district covering nine towns and eleven schools since 2016. This tenure instilled her with key skills such as supervising daily operations, strategic planning, and forging vital alliances with stakeholders.
David Kronenberg, the KCSD Board President, conveyed the board’s delight, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders to the Kennett Consolidated School District. Her experience and visionary leadership made her our ideal candidate. We anticipate her efforts will yield outstanding results for our students, staff, and community.”
With a career path that includes roles such as Assistant Superintendent, Principal, and Curriculum Coordinator, Rizzo Saunders brings not just experience but a passion for innovation. This drive has manifested in multiple accolades, including being a finalist for the 2024 National Superintendent of the Year.
Rizzo Saunders’ recent accomplishments include leading the fight for fair education funding in New Hampshire and driving the successful implementation of the ‘Preschool for All’ initiative. She also spearheaded the district-wide School-wide Integrated Framework for Transformation (SWIFT) and the rollout of full-day kindergarten.
Upon accepting her new role, Rizzo Saunders expressed her eagerness, “I am honored to have been selected as the next Superintendent of the Kennett Consolidated School District. I am excited to work alongside the dedicated educators, staff, and community members to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.”
The two-month selection process, managed by Chester County Intermediate Unit, witnessed a diverse range of applications from across 13 states. Feedback from various stakeholder groups, rigorous interviews, and thorough background checks led to Rizzo Saunders’ selection.
The KCSD president further commented on Rizzo Saunders’ exemplary performance during the interview process and her commitment to the Kennett community and its students. “She shares our mission, and we are excited to have her at KCSD,” Kronenberg said.
Rizzo Saunders offered further insight into her vision for KCSD, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, inclusivity, and holistic student development. “Together, we will uphold a standard of excellence in education, prioritizing not just academic success, but also holistic growth and development,” said Saunders. “I look forward to embarking on this exciting path together, shaping tomorrow’s leaders and change-makers, one student at a time.”
The Special Meeting on May 20 will see Rizzo Saunders in her new role, virtually. An interactive session with the KCSD Board and a tour of KCSD schools are lined later in the week as she prepares to assume her duties on August 23, 2024.
The KCSD Board is eager to collaborate with her to further the district’s commitment to excellence in education. A warm welcome message from Rizzo Saunders is available on the Kennett Consolidated School District website.
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