WHEREAS the SAT scores at both Red Land and Cedar Cliff high schools hit a 10 year low in 2011; according to PSSA exam results, approximately 45% of high school students can't do grade-level math; and Cedar Cliff high school has not made Adequate Yearly Progress, as required by "No Child Left Behind."
WHEREAS the West Shore School District (WSSD) has been engaged in deficit spending for 6 years, erasing a $10 million general fund balance, according the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
WHEREAS the WSSD administration has failed to adequately inform or engage the public regarding the current state of the district and turned down outside offers to help.
WHEREAS the WSSSD administration did not reply to the 66 questions from the public presented to it in December as promised.
WE THE PEOPLE of the West Shore School District call on the West Shore School District Board of Directors to:
1. Engage the West Shore Coalition for Student Achievement and other outside experts to find money saving and new revenue generating ideas.
2. Stop cuts to programs that are proven to enhance student achievement, such as extra-curricular activities, librarians, academic competitions, and foreign languages.
3. Delay any decision on moving from block to traditional scheduling at the high schools for at least one year, while researching the impact on student achievement.
4. Agree to a one year pay freeze (COLA and steps) with all teachers to balance the 2012-13 budget.
