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2030 Swallow Hill Road Pittsburgh, PA 15220 412.429.2201
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Building for the Future While Strengthening Student Achievement hartiers Valley
CHARTIERS VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Dear Chartiers Valley Community,
This winter has tested all of us. Multiple school closings and delays brought understandable disruption to family routines, and I sincerely appreciate the patience and flexibility our parents and caregivers have shown. I also want to recognize our township road crews, along with our district custodial and maintenance teams, who worked tirelessly in freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall to keep our buildings safe and operational. With mid-February finally bringing temperatures above freezing, we are hopeful the most challenging weather is behind us.
As we look toward spring, our focus remains steady on the work that matters most: strengthening student achievement while responsibly investing in the future of our schools.
Modernizing Learning Spaces Creating spaces that inspire students and support top-tier instruction. Our long-term facilities plan continues to move forward. Following thoughtful community input at our January 20 public meeting, the Board of School Directors unanimously approved the next phase of work.
Phase 1, beginning in April 2026, will add instructional space at the Intermediate School and complete remaining High School projects using existing bond funds.
Phase 2, scheduled for the 2027-2028 school year, will bring a comprehensive renovation of the Intermediate School, including roof, window, HVAC, and infrastructure upgrades that ensure the building serves students well for decades to come.
Phase 1 improvements are funded through the Series 2021 General Obligation Construction Bond($ 17.51 million), which has already supported significant upgrades including the high school football field and track, auditorium renovations, Primary Center HVAC and roof replacements, and initial Intermediate School improvements. With a current bond balance of $ 8.12 million, we can advance this work without additional borrowing. Phase 2 will require additional borrowing or other financing and will be discussed by the School Board more this Fall.
Construction will span approximately one year. Gym renovations are expected to begin in April 2026 and be substantially complete by October 2026. The Administration wing construction will run from June 2026 through April 2027. Physical education classes will utilize the stadium or auxiliary gym as needed, and no other classrooms will be relocated until the 2026 – 2027 school year.
We are committed to keeping our community informed. Questions may be directed to Dave Kmonk, Pre-Construction Manager, at dk @ franjocc. com, or Craig Collins, Lead Architect, at axiscollins @ comcast. net. Updates will also continue through our district website, bi-monthly Board meetings, and social media channels.
Bridging the Transportation Gap Reliable transportation remains a top priority. Like many districts across the region, Chartiers Valley continues to experience a bus driver shortage. We are actively bargaining
32 CHARTIERS VALLEY with our bus driver union to reach an agreement that is fair to our employees and fiscally responsible for our taxpayers.
To address immediate needs, the Board approved an agreement with D. Briggs Transportation LLC to ensure dependable service while we pursue long-term solutions. Transportation proposals, including the most recent Request for Proposal( RFP), were discussed publicly at the February 10, 2026 Board of Education meeting.
The proposal currently under consideration ensures that every driver remains employed as a CVSD bus driver, includes a $ 5,000 sign-on bonus, and increases hourly wages by more than $ 2.50 per hour. In addition to meaningful benefits for our transportation staff, this plan would generate more than $ 2.5 million for the District and avoid over $ 10 million in future bus purchases. It represents a solution designed to support employees, students, and taxpayers alike.
Transparency remains central to this process, and we will continue to share updates as discussions progress.
Winter MAP Results: Steady Academic Progress Our students are performing at or above national norms and trending upward. Winter MAP assessment results show encouraging academic growth across the district.
• Mathematics: 67th percentile nationally, up 5 points. More students are reaching higher achievement levels, and fewer are in the lowest performance bands.
• Reading: 58th percentile nationally, up 3 points. Performance remains steady, with modest gains among high-achieving students and small declines in the lowest group.
These results reflect the dedication of our teachers, the resilience of our students, and our continued commitment to data-informed instruction and academic excellence.
Middle School Robotics: Building Innovation
On February 14, Chartiers Valley Middle School proudly sent three teams to its first-ever robotics competition. Every participating student engaged in hands-on engineering, coding, and teamwork. Beyond the competition itself, students gained invaluable experience in collaboration, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
They returned energized and eager to refine their designs for the next competition. This initiative marks an exciting expansion of STEM opportunities and reflects our commitment to preparing students for the evolving demands of the future.
Chartiers Valley is building momentum academically, operationally, and innovatively. We are strengthening instruction, modernizing our facilities, addressing transportation challenges head-on, and expanding opportunities that prepare our students for success.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we move forward together.
Sincerely, Dr. Daniel Castagna, Superintendent