What’s new in South Hills schools?
People, programs, technology and even buildings have changed or been updated for students returning to class Brentwood
School is back in session for a new school year and in many South Hills public school districts that means new faces, programs, curricula and technology. For some, it means new or updated buildings.
Here are some highlights of this new school year, along with key facts — including tax information — about each district.
Note that student enrollment figures are still in flux.
Not all districts could provide complete information. For details on a district, contact that district’s business office. Enrollment: 1,250 Employees: 162 Buildings: 3; 1 middle/senior high, 2 elementary
Budget: $19.46 million; no tax hikes or program cuts. Average tax bill: $3,061 New this year: The district is implementing a revised English and Language Arts curriculum for students in grades K-12. Also, the new iSafe program teaches appropriate online behavior.
There will also be menu changes in cafeterias throughout the district to comply with new nutrition standards.
Website: www.brentwoodpgh. k12.pa.us 105.41 in 2011 to 107 in 2012. No program cuts.
Average tax bill: information unavailable
New this year: The district added a few more special education classes and replaced teachers who retired or resigned resulting in the hiring of more than 23 teachers.
Extended-day kindergarten has been reinstituted thanks to additional Accountability Block Grant funding.
Teachers are preparing high school students to take three state-required Keystone Exams and have begun teaching the Pennsylvania Common Core State Standards.
District libraries updated the cataloging/resource management system. New Spanish and French textbook series and AP biology texts are in place.
Website: www.cmsd.k12. pa.us
Budget: $14.06 million; tax rate increased by 4 mills from 3.5 in 2011 to 7.5 in 2012. There were no program cuts. Average tax bill: $1,741 New this year: The district received a four-year grant from the Consortium for Public Education to launch its new After School Teaching and Learning Experience. The program is free for students in grades 5-8 until 6 p.m. every Monday through Thursday. Students are tutored in math and reading, then participate in activities contracted through local vendors, such as hip/hop music production, art, bicycling, conflict resolution and health, nutrition and wellness. Snacks and dinner are provided.
Website: www.clairton.k12. pa.us Boys and Girls Club to operate Duquesne’s Extended Day program at both the district and the club’s offices. The free program is open to Duquesne students starting Monday. It features tutoring, homework help, social and leadership activities. A snack and dinner will be provided. Registration forms are available at district offices or call 412-466-9600, ext. 7020, or 412-466-3626. as the district business manager.
Website: www.kosd.org