Welcome to the District News Room!

F E B R U A R Y  1 7,  2 0 1 2

Recognizing Excellence
During the February Board meeting the Professional and Support Employees of the second quarter were announced. Congratulations to…

F E B R U A R Y  1 0,  2 0 1 2

Cost Savings Actions...
On January 31st the News Room highlighted a few of the District’s ongoing measures to reduce costs.  As part of this series, this week the District administration shares two more ways money has been saved and spending decreased.

• Reduced the number of transportation runs, which has had a positive effect on fuel and maintenance costs.
• Refinanced several bond issues in an effort to reduce its annual debt service payments.
  
  

Comprehensive Strategic Plan Sub-Committee Updates
The eight (8) sub-committees continue to review the planning framework provided by PDE and to gather the necessary information and data to complete the Comprehensive Strategic Plan. The planning framework requires the District to analyze curriculum, instruction, assessment, at-risk behavior, attendance, professional development, and administrative management.  This process will guide the District in prioritizing areas for future growth, identifying the strategies, resources, and action steps, in order to achieve the District’s mission.

The Comprehensive Strategic Plan will continue to be developed throughout the spring, revised during the summer months, and shared with the Board and community for approval in the fall.

For a more detailed summary of the information shared with the committee and Board to date, please refer to the Comprehensive Strategic Planning page located under the Community tab.

Proposed Closure of Mt. Zion Elementary School - Next Steps
Following the Public Hearing held at the District's Administration Center on February 8, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. and related to the permanent closure of Mt. Zion Elementary School, the District will accept written testimony on the proposed action until 12:00 noon on March 2, 2012.

All written testimony should be submitted to: Dr. Ryan E. Argot, Board Secretary, West Shore School District, P.O. Box 803, New Cumberland, PA 17070-0803.

The Board is scheduled to take official action on the proposal at its regular meeting being held on May 17, 2012.  In addition to ensuring District facilities are used in an efficient and cost-effective manner, the impact of the Board approving this action is that Fairview Elementary School will become a K-5 building and that Mt. Zion Elementary School will close.

For additional information on the proposal, please click here.

F E B R U A R Y  3,  2 0 1 2

Revenue Generating Efforts
With mounting budget constraints facing West Shore, the District continues to look for potential ways to supplement traditional sources of revenue with other avenues which will enable the District to maintain excellence in education. The Revenue Generating Committee is currently reviewing legal requirements and limitations for generating new sources of revenue, exploring options for working with professional fundraisers, and considering policy guidelines for business and nonprofit sponsorships.  Opportunities for advertising in District publications and naming rights are just two of the ideas being researched. (Update: On February 7th, the District launched a webpage detailing sponsorship options, click here to learn more.)

Currently the District does have advertising space available at the West Shore Stadium.  For more information about participating in this program, please contact Dr. Tammi Jones at 938-9577 or email tjones@wssd.k12.pa.us.

Individuals may also get involved through the West Shore Foundation.  Information about the services and sponsorship opportunities they provide can be found here.

J A N U A R Y  3 1,  2 0 1 2

District Community Relations

District News
As part of the West Shore School District’s increased emphasis on communications throughout the District, community members can look forward to finding information on current initiatives and programs in the District News newsletter.  Each issue is available online and can be found by clicking here.

Shore Light
The Shore Light newsletter spotlights student achievements, classroom activities, school-wide initiatives, etc. This publication is sent home with students; however, residents may obtain the most recent issue by visiting any of the schools or the administration center.

On Board
On Board provides a summary of Board discussions and actions. It is posted online after the study sessions and Board meetings have been held for the month.  Click here to view.

Twitter
In 2010 the District began using twitter as a way of promoting District events, meetings, and special announcements. Anyone can view the twitter feed, but if you use twitter we hope you’ll follow us @westshoresd!