Schools

Program Could Allow Students to Take Classes at Other Schools

The latest news from the Upper St. Clair School Board.

If a student's class is not offered at , he or she may soon be able to attend the class at a neighboring high school.

Six local superintendents are working on putting together the Regional Opportunity Initiative.

If enrollment is low for a certain class, the school district can offer the class for students in other districts to attend.

Find out what's happening in Upper St. Clairwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Superintendent Patrick O'Toole said this might be particularly helpful for fourth or fifth-level foreign language classes. AP classes would also be part of the program.

The school districts participating in discussions are Mt. Lebanon, South Fayette, , Quaker Valley and West Allegheny.

Find out what's happening in Upper St. Clairwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I think this is a really positive development," O'Toole said, especially at times when districts are facing financial hardships.

New Teacher Contract
The Upper St. Clair teachers agreed to a new contract on Friday. for the full article.

Food Service Contract
Frosina Cordisco, the district's business manager, requested board members approve a new food service contract with Aramark for the 2012-13 school year at the next board meeting. The contract has no cost increase for the school district.

However, new USDA guidelines requiring more whole grains, fruits and vegetables and less sodium will go into effect next year. The new requirements may cause a cost increase for school breakfasts and lunches.

Cordisco said Aramark is trying to avoid the cost increase. They haven't increased prices in three years.

Tax Exemptions
Cordisco told board members that 199 school districts filed for from the state and 197 of the applications were accepted.

Communications Committee
Buffy Hasko, school board member, reported on the new . The 10 members—made up of school board members, staff and community members—recently met for the first time and decided to perform a real-time case study on how the district communicates the budget.

WPIAL Swimming Champions
The school board recognized the WPIAL from Upper St. Clair High School.

Natalie Johnsen won the 100-yard butterfly; Brittany Dudzinski won the 100-yard backstroke; and Alex Hardwick, Andy Tomiczek, Nikhil Narayanan, and Ryan Dudzinski won the 200-yard free relay.

Nate Novak was also recognized. He filled in for Narayanan in the 200-yard free relay at the PIAA championship and the team placed second.

O'Toole thanked coach Tom Donati for his leadership and the parents for their sacrifice and commitment to make the swim program so strong.

Editor's Note: See photo in media box of the WPIAL champs. Johnsen was not present.

Second Annual Gala
The will be held on Oct. 20 at St. Clair Country Club. This year all proceeds will benefit technology for education and upgrades to the high school stadium's PA system. The during the event for entering the WPIAL Hall of Fame.

What are your thoughts on Upper St. Clair students being able to take classes in other school districts? Tell us in the comments.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here