Greenwood Celebrates Groundbreaking With Official Ceremony

Under a break in the clouds, the Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) officially kicked off construction of the highly anticipated new Greenwood Elementary School with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by school district leaders, local officials, and students. This event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Greenwood Elementary, one of two new schools currently under construction in the district. Both schools are scheduled to open in the summer of 2026, serving the communities in the Borough of Kennett Square, New Garden Township, Kennett Township, and a portion of East Marlborough Township. 

The ceremony, held in the shadow of the old school, began with a performance by the Kennett High School Marching Band. As the site buzzed with construction machinery and architectural displays showcasing the school’s design, KCSD’s new Superintendent, Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders, welcomed the gathering to this historic moment.

"This groundbreaking is more than just the start of a construction project; it’s the beginning of a space that will foster the growth and success of generations of Greenwood students," said Dr. Rizzo Saunders. "This new facility will be a place where young minds are inspired, supported, and encouraged as they develop into lifelong learners and engaged citizens."

The $58 million project will span 26 acres and include more than 105,000 square feet of educational space. The state-of-the-art building will feature classrooms, breakout rooms, specialized learning labs, and dedicated spaces for music, art, and media. The facility will also include a modern cafeteria, kitchen, and health suite, providing students with an environment that promotes both learning and well-being.

Board of School Directors President David Kronenberg expressed his gratitude to the community for their continued support and vision for the future of education in Kennett Square.

"Our community's commitment to public education is something to be proud of, and I want to thank our taxpayers for investing in the future of our children," Kronenberg said. "Public education is not just a gift but a civic responsibility, and today, we celebrate our shared dedication to excellence."

Board Vice President Dr. Victoria Gehrt recognized the many professionals and community members who contributed to bringing the vision of the new school to life.

"As a school board, we are deeply grateful to everyone who has worked tirelessly on this project— from the planners and architects to our educators and district leaders," Dr. Gehrt said. "This new school will provide a foundation for students to thrive in a modern, collaborative, and innovative environment."

Attendees included representatives from Breslin Architects, Consolidated Engineers, T & M Associates, and project management partner CHA Consulting, Inc.

Dr. Bridgette Miles, the newly appointed principal of Greenwood Elementary, shared her excitement for the future. Reflecting on the 60-year history of the original school, she emphasized the promise of the new facility.

"This building will open doors to even greater opportunities for our students," Dr. Miles said. "While the legacy of Greenwood Elementary is rooted in excellence, this new space will take that tradition to new heights, fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration."

KCSD's Chief Financial Officer Mark Tracy and Director of Facilities David Brice are overseeing the dual construction projects, which also include the new New Garden Elementary School, located just 8 miles from Greenwood in Toughkenamon, PA. Like Greenwood, New Garden Elementary is set to open in the summer of 2026, and both schools will be able to accommodate up to 660 students. The demolition of the old schools will take place once students have transitioned into the new buildings.

After the ceremony, members of the Board of School Directors, including Mr. Kronenberg, Dr. Gehrt, Mr. Michael Finnegan, Mr. Mark Bowden, and Ms. Lynn Golden-Mirarchi, joined Dr. Rizzo Saunders for photos in hard hats and with ceremonial shovels. Former Greenwood Principal Rebecca Vietri, now a district curriculum administrator, and Dr. Miles also participated in the celebratory shovel ceremony surrounded by Greenwood students. The sound of heavy machinery continued in the background as the site was prepped for the next phase of construction.