fox chapel area school district
A MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT
Dear Fellow Residents,
One of the most important jobs of the School Board is approving an annual
budget (please see pages 10-14). As a businessman, I look at the bottom
line; as a parent, I look at the importance of providing the highest quality
education possible. One of the most challenging tasks is the balancing act it
takes to consider the tax burden for all residents, while still supporting high
standards for our students. I believe that this year’s budget has taken both of
these priorities into account.
Crafting a budget is not a perfect, nor easy process. School districts continue
to receive unfunded mandates from the federal and state governments and
the district must contribute more and more to the state employees’ retirement
system. However, we never want to sacrifice our own educational programs due to budget constraints.
Fortunately, the district has a tradition of high expectations and careful budget planning. Let me assure
you, the administration and School Board are very aware of the delicate balance that must be struck.
We know it is in the best interests of the entire community to support a high-quality education because
that value is priceless. I am very proud of this budget and the programs it supports.
Sincerely,
Terry Wirginis
A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Dear Friends,
This is my favorite time of the year. Certainly we welcome the warmer
weather – especially after this particularly long winter. But I also look forward
to all that the end of the school year brings, including graduation and the
anticipation of what comes next for all of our students. I am proud of our
students for what they have accomplished this year. I am also pleased that our
district continues to receive recognition for our academic programs.
In the most recent Pittsburgh Business Times rankings, our district, as a
whole, moved up from number 7 in 2017 to number 4 in 2018 among
Western Pennsylvania school districts. Among the state’s public schools,
the district moved from number 13 to number 8. Our third graders,
districtwide, went from being number 3 in 2017 to being number 1 in 2018 in Western Pennsylvania.
These are some really great numbers!
Of course, test scores are not the only way we measure student success. As you read these pages, please
note all of the ways that our students demonstrate skills that will last a lifetime.
One article I want to bring to your attention is the safety story. Our district, in partnership with the local
police departments, have developed a comprehensive safety plan (see pages 18 and 19).
I hope everyone has a wonderful summer, but please know that we are already gearing up for the next
exciting school year.
Sincerely,
Gene Freeman, Ed.D.
FOX CHAPEL AREA
❘
SUMMER 2018
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