IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Summer 2016

Brentwood Borough School District SUPERINTENDENT’S M E S S A G E C IT SYCOHOO F MC L KE D IS ESTRI POR C TT NE NEWS WS cKeespor tBorough rentwood BY DR . AMY M. BURCH Two Questions “Do you work year round? What do you do all summer?” These are two questions that are frequently posed to school personnel. The summer months are just as busy as any other time of year for a variety of reasons and it takes a great deal of effort to be ready for our students return in August. Budget Season The District passed the 2015-2016 budget by June 30th last year, but the state budget was not passed until nine months later. School personnel will continue to refine the proposed budget and recommend to the Board of Directors a final budget to be voted on by June 30th this year. It remains unclear as to whether or not the state will pass a budget on time this year and questions about new revenue sources are unanswered. The main concerns for schools include the fact that Pennsylvania ranks 46th in the nation when it comes to funding education and the inequities associated with the distribution of funds to districts. The Campaign for Fair Education Funding, Credit: http://fairfundingpa.org/resources/campaign-one-pagers-infographics/ which is comprised of over 50 education advocacy organizations is calling for the state to increase its commitment to investing in public schools annually through the funding formula and to increase education funding by $400 million in the 2016-2017 state budget. Summer Programs Elroy elementary will host the Title I summer program and the YMCA Day Camp. The Title I program is a federally-funded program taught by certified teachers that is designed to offer additional help to students who struggle in reading, math or other academic areas. Title I students entering grades k-5 from both Moore and Elroy receive remedial reading and math services in order to improve their skills. The YMCA Day Camp provides an excellent setting for kids to build confidence and friendships. The program includes a focus on honesty, caring, respect and responsibility in all activities and for all ages. Students have fun while trained counselors guide them through daily schedules that nurture their spirits, challenge their minds and strengthen their bodies. Weekly themes keep return campers engaged and 72 Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall

IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Summer 2016 | Page 74