West Jefferson Hills School District

West Jefferson Hills School District
Address
835 Old Clairton Road Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania United States
Information
Type	Public School District
Superintendent	Dr. Michael Panza
Administrator	Director of Human Resources - Dr. Lindsay Pfister Director of Finance - Tracy Harris Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment - Bonnie Lenor Dyer Supervisor of Special Education/Pupil Personnel - Elizabeth H. Wheat Director of Facilities - Ryan Snodgrass Technology Director - Suhail Baloch Athletic Director - William Cherpak Public Relations Advisor - Carrie Lekse
Principal	Christopher Sefcheck, HS
Principal	Daniel Como,, MS
Principal	Tina Mayer, GHES
Principal	Christopher Very, JES
Principal	Justin Liberatore, MES
Grades	K-12
Enrollment	2,863 pupils 2015-16, 2800 (2014–15)
• Kindergarten	222
• Grade 1	183
• Grade 2	229
• Grade 3	196
• Grade 4	225
• Grade 5	204
• Grade 6	229
• Grade 7	228
• Grade 8	229
• Grade 9	236
• Grade 10	210
• Grade 11	228
• Grade 12	244[1]
Color(s)	Black and Gold
Athletics conference	WPIAL
Budget	$27.2 million, 2015-16
Mascot	Jaguar
Rival	West Mifflin
Website	www.wjhsd.net

West Jefferson Hills School District is a midsized, suburban, public school system for residents of Jefferson Hills, West Elizabeth, and Pleasant Hills. Each of these South Hills communities are suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. West Jefferson Hills School District encompasses approximately 20 square miles. Per the 2015 local census data, it serves a resident population of 20,500. School district officials reported, in school year 2015–16, that the West Jefferson Hills School District provided basic educational services to 2,863 pupils through the employment of 205 teachers, 122 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 17 administrators.

School Board

The West Jefferson School Board is constituted of volunteer members who serve four-year terms after being elected to office. The school board works to set policy and long range plans for the district. The current members of the board are Brian Fernandes, Board President; Suzanne Downer, Board Vice President; David Dominick, Board Vice President; Jill Bertini; Carolyn Bourgeois; Kerri Gonot; John Hosmer; Anna Louise Lilley; and Darlene Schreiber.^[2]

The school district solicitor is Robert McTiernan of Tucker Arensberg.^[2]

Mission statement

“

Students are the primary focus of the West Jefferson Hills School District where, in partnership with families and community, the mission is to educate and prepare all students to become active, contributing members of society by providing a challenging, innovative educational program guided by an exceptional staff in a safe, positive, caring environment, all of which to promote.

”

^[3]

Academic achievement

West Jefferson Hills School District was ranked 50th out of 500 Pennsylvania school districts for student academic achievement, by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2014. The ranking was based on the last three years of student academic performance on the PSSAs for: math, reading, writing and science.[5] The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th and the 11th grade in high school. Adapted examinations are given to children in the special education programs.

2013 – 51st

2012 - 49th.^[4]

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2014, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 500 Pennsylvania school districts. West Jefferson Hills School District ranked 309th. In 2013, the District ranked 318. In 2012, the District was ranked 299th. [10] The editor describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."^[5]

Regional ranking

The West Jefferson Hills School District was ranked 17th out of 105 Western Pennsylvania School Districts in 2015, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on the last three years of student academic performance on the PSSAsfor: math, reading, writing and science.[12][13] (includes 105 districts in: Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County,Butler County, Fayette County, Washington County and Westmoreland County excludes Duquesne City School District & Midland Borough School District due to no high schools)

2014-14th

2013-15th

2012 - 17th^[6]

Graduation rate

In 2012, West Jefferson Hills School District’s graduation rate was 96%.^[7] In 2011, the District's graduation rate was 93.6%.^[8]

In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. West Jefferson Hills School District's rate was 93% for 2010.^[9]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

• 2010 – 98%^[10]
• 2009 – 98%
• 2008 – 97%
• 2007 – 97%^[11]

Schools

Thomas Jefferson High School

Thomas Jefferson High School serves grades nine through twelve with a current enrollment of approximately 883 students in a community of approximately 20,500 residents comprising West Elizabeth, Jefferson Hills and Pleasant Hills Borough. There are 74 full-time faculty and staff working at the school to support a strong core academic focus with a variety of elective experiences. The building and facilities have been updated through various renovations. The most recent project was the reconstruction of the stadium. This included the field and track area as well as the stands and press box. A field house was also added at this time. Thomas Jefferson High School is well known for high academic standards and competitive athletic programs. Approximately seventy percent of graduating seniors go on to four-year college programs. Construction of a new high school building is currently underway with an anticipated opening for the 2018-19 school year.

^[12]

Accreditation

Pennsylvania Department of Education, Membership on College Entrance Examination Board, Member of the Association of College Admissions Counselors and Pennsylvania Association of College Admissions Counselors

Curriculum

Thomas Jefferson High School offers a comprehensive college preparation program of studies. Business and Technical courses are provided at the Steel Center Vocational/Technical School.

Advanced Placement courses of the College Board are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English Language, English Literature, European History, Calculus, Physics, Studio Art and US History.

Four years of study are offered in each of two languages: French and Spanish. A well-rounded program of electives is available for students in all curricular areas. Students are encouraged to carefully review course offerings available and make selections based on their post-secondary goals.

College matriculation

A survey completed by the senior class of 2015 yielded the following results:^[13]

• 69.3% plan to enroll in a four-year college/university
• 13.2% plan to enroll full-time at a 2-year college or community college
• 6.3% are undecided
• 4.4% plan to enlist in a branch of the military
• 2.4% plan to pursue full-time employment
• 2.4% chose “Other”
• 2% plan to enroll in a trade/technical school or an apprentice program

Pleasant Hills Middle School

Pleasant Hills Middle School is located in the Pleasant Hills Borough at 404 Old Clairton Road. The school serves students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. The school was constructed in 1965 and recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary. A major renovation was completed in 2004 providing an upgrade to classrooms, facilities and additional learning spaces. According to the PA Department of Education’s School Performance Profile, the school’s enrollment in 2014 was 684 students. Twenty three percent of those students receive a federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty. The school employs forty seven teachers. One hundred percent are “Highly Qualified”. Pleasant Hills Middle School’s School Performance Profile score in 2013-14 was 90.2 earning recognition from the PA Department of Education for exceptional performance as a Title I school. In 2015, the school was recognized as a “School to Watch” by the PA Association of Middle Level Education (PAMLE) and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. Pleasant Hills Middle School is one of only thirty three schools in the state and 370 nationally to earn this recognition.^[14]

Jefferson Elementary School

Jefferson Elementary School currently has an enrollment of approximately 550 students in grades K-5 and implements a half day Kindergarten program. Each of the grade levels has four sections, which the exception of Kindergarten which is split into 5 sections (3 A.M. and 2 P.M.). In addition to the core academic areas, students attend art, music, physical education, and library on a weekly rotation. Additionally, students also will have the opportunity to participate in an instrumental band and choral program beginning in fourth grade.

Jefferson Elementary's educational team remains committed to ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary 21st century learning skills that will allow them to function in today’s global society. The school offers our educators and their students multiple classroom computers, several static computer labs, multiple mobile laptop and iPad carts, an interactive Kindle cart, multiple document and GoPro cameras, and interactive white boards throughout all classrooms. Additionally, the students, staff, and faculty have access to a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) lab and multi-media production studio. These dedicated spaces offer students and teachers state of the art, innovative, and technologically rich learning environments that provide meaningful and applicable technological resources for our students and teachers. Our focused vision of developing and sustaining 21st century learning skills and numerous technological resources allow our educators to supplement and enrich the curriculum in a meaningful and engaging manner, consistent with student interest and familiarity.

Gifted Support, Learning Support, Speech and Language, Title I Reading, Social Development, and access to multiple paraprofessionals are also offered for students who may be in need of additional supports. The West Jefferson Hills School District also contracts with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) to provide additional services (Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), English as a Second Language (ESL), Vision Therapy, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Support) in order to meet the needs of each and every student that we are fortunate to have in our district. Mr. Very is the principal of Jefferson elementary.^[15]

Gill Hall Elementary

Gill Hall Elementary is one of three K-5 elementary schools in the West Jefferson Hills School District. Gill Hall was originally built in 1955 with only 8 classrooms, and was renovated in 1962, 1992, and 2002.

Mrs. Mayer has been the principal of Gill Hall since 2007. Staffing consists of 11 regular education teachers, 1 Special Education teacher, 1 Reading Specialist, 1 itinerant gifted support teacher, and 1 itinerant speech teacher. Itinerant music, art, physical Education, and library teachers are also staffed. There are two classrooms at each grade level, with class size ranging from 20-26.

In 2015, Gill Hall was ranked as the 4th leading elementary school in Allegheny County.

McClellan Elementary School

The doors to McClellan Elementary opened on January 3, 1956, when there were only 165 students in grades 1-6. As the population continued to increase, McClellan has undergone three renovations (in 1958, 1981 and 2002). McClellan Elementary currently has a population of approximately 433 students in grades Kindergarten through fifth, with a staff of 38 educators. This includes 18 classroom teachers, 2 tutorial reading teachers, 2 special education teachers, 4 para-professionals, 2 PCAs, and 1 physical education teacher. We also share the following staff with other schools in the district: our librarian, art teacher, music teacher, an additional PE teacher, 2 instrumental lessons teachers, gifted teacher, speech therapist and social work. Mr. Justin Liberatore has been the principal since August 2011. He has worked closely with the parents and teachers to make McClellan feel like a family, and a place where everyone feels that they belong. The school uses the OLWEUS Anti-Bullying program to help the students understand the different forms of bullying, and that they can “be a hero” and take a stand against bullying. Mr. Liberatore and his staff also use a variety of positive behavior incentives, and regularly recognize students for their achievements.

The McClellan PTA is very active in making McClellan the best school it can be. They help provide monthly assemblies and after school events such as Bingo Night, Game Night, and Lego Night. They have also partnered with the Pittsburgh Aviary to be one of the first schools in the area to be a host site for the Aviary’s Neighborhood Nestwatch Program.^[16]

Special education

The West Jefferson Hills School District provides quality education to students of all abilities and needs working and learning together within the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE.) The methods for the delivery of the curriculum from the least restrictive to the most restrictive are listed below:

1. General education without the use of supplementary aids and services within the regular education classroom.
2. General education with the use of supplementary aids and services within the regular education classroom.
3. General education with the use of supplementary aids and services within a special education classroom.
4. Center-based, private or approved private schools with supplementary aides and services.

A student with a disability is always considered for placement within the regular education classroom, and when needed supplementary aides and services to meet their needs are identified and provided. The members of the IEP team understand the importance of considering regular education as the first educational placement for all students. A student in need of specially designed instruction is supported by the multidisciplinary team and an Individualized Education Plan is developed at least one time annually, or more often as the team determines is needed. All eligible students are reevaluated every two or three years or more often if needed. A student’s needs determine the type of service, level of intervention and the percentage of time spent outside of the regular education classroom. Supplementary aids and services and related services may include: psychological services, occupational therapy, physical therapy services, special transportation, speech and language services, school health services, mental health services, assistive technology and devices, adaptive physical education, personal care assistants, and audiological services. Placement decisions are not based solely on the category or severity of a student’s disability, the availability of space or the availability of special education or related services. Students in the west Jefferson Hills School District benefit from special education services being provided within the regular education classroom through a co-teaching or inclusion model. In addition, students are provided small group instruction as determined by their IEP. All eligible students are assigned a case manager who is responsible for communicating with parents, monitoring progress and ensuring support is provided in all settings. The majority of the time, students are instructed within a program that is based in the general education curriculum and provided within the regular education setting, with modifications and adaptations to meet the unique needs of each student. Approximately 76% of the students receiving special education services spend at least 80% or more of the school day within the regular education classroom.

The Special Education Data Report, on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets for the School Year 2013-2014 reported that 245 students or 8.6% of the district’s total students were receiving special education services. The state average during the same time period was 15.4%. The percent of special education enrollment by disability includes:

• Autism 14.7%
• Emotional Disturbance 7.8%
• Other Health Impairment 15.1%
• Specific Learning Disability 33.9%
• Speech or Language Impairment 21.6%

In order to comply with state and federal regulations, the West Jefferson Hills School District engages in Child Find activities to ensure that eligible students are located, identified and provided with a free, appropriate, public education and related services to meet their needs.

Gifted education

West Jefferson Hills School District provides identified gifted students with Gifted Individualized Education Plans (GIEP) a range of acceleration and enrichment options appropriate to meet his or her needs. The regular education curricula and instruction is adapted, modified or replaced to meet the individual needs of the gifted learner. The students with GIEPs receive a range of acceleration and enrichment with an emphasis on creativity, problem solving, collaboration, critical thinking, communication and transition.^[17][18]

Student support services

The West Jefferson Hills School District provides a Student Assistance Program (SAP) for students who may have a barrier to learning because of mental health or drug and/or alcohol problems. A collaborative team of administrators, teachers, nurse, mental health professionals, social workers and school counselor address concerns of individual students and provide resources and information to parents and students. Students are referred to the SAP teams by parents, teachers or themselves and may, with parent permission, be screened by a mental health or drug and alcohol specialist and recommendations are provided to the parents. School staff receives professional development from certified trainers on crisis prevention and intervention, signs of child abuse and mandated reporting, confidentiality, cyber security and at-risk student behaviors. The West Jefferson Hills School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The District utilizes the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program and any complaint of bullying is investigated promptly, and, if verified a corrective action is taken.

Each school has a full-time certified school nurse on staff.

Each of the five schools in the District have been approved as locations for School Based Mental Health (SBMH) provided by Mon Yough Community Services, Inc.

Technology

The West Jefferson Hills School District is competitive in terms of technology equipment, resources, and applications when compared with local districts of equal caliber and social economic status. The district supports all major educational computing technologies including Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, and Chromebooks. The district also provides cloud based access, storage, and applications to both staff and students including Office 365 and Google Cloud and app for education via a centralized wired and wireless network. District initiatives include Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs and support for online instruction and learning,^[13]

Technology inventory^[19]

Item	TJHS	PHMS	JES	MCES	GHES	DISTRICT
Number of Students	922	684	545	428	238	2817
Quantity of Desktops	210	172	44	39	33	498
Quantity of Laptops	248	168	117	85	78	696
Quantity of iPads	141	90	103	90	80	504
Quantity of Chromebooks	30	0	0	117	60	207
Quantity of short throw Projectors	17	18	26	14	5	80
Quantity of other Smart boards	51	44	6	11	12	124
Quantity of other projectors	36	26	6	11	13	92
Total Devices	733	518	302	367	281	2201
Total Computing Devices	629	430	264	331	251	1905
Number of students per computing device	1.5	1.6	2.1	1.3	0.9	1.5	1.5

Bullying and school safety

In 2009, the administrative reported there was one incident of bullying in the district. The district reported 37 safety related incidents to the state.^[20][21]

The West Jefferson Hills School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The policy defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.^[22] The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.^[23] The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.^[24]

Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.^[25]

Consolidation proposals

In 2011, the school district officials received a letter from Clairton City School District asking to discuss a merger. The letter was also sent to three other districts: Elizabeth Forward School District, South Allegheny School District and West Mifflin Area School District. The proposal was rebuffed by all four school districts.^[26]

In 2009, a proposal was made by a local advocate, David Wassel, to consolidate Allegheny County school districts to save tax dollars and improve student services. The proposal was that Clairton City School District and South Park School District join with West Jefferson Hills School District.^[27] The merger would eliminate redundant administration positions. A report issued by the Pennsylvania Budget and Finance Committee on the cost-effectiveness of consolidating Pennsylvania school districts found districts with 2,500 to 3,000 students to be the most cost-effective, spending an average of $8,057 per student annually.^[28] According to a proposal made in 2009 by Governor Edward G Rendell, the excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improve lagging academic achievement, to enrich the academic programs or to substantially reduce property taxes.^[29] Consolidation of two central administrations into one would not require the closing of any schools.

In March 2011, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Fiscal Responsibility Task Force released a report which found that consolidating school district administrations with one neighboring district would save the Commonwealth $1.2 billion without forcing the consolidation of any school buildings.^[30] The study noted that while the best school districts spent 4% of the annual budget on administration, others spend over 15% on administration.^[31]

Budget

Pennsylvania public school districts budget and expend funds according to procedures mandated by the General Assembly and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). An annual operating budget is prepared by school district administrative officials. A uniform form is furnished by the PDE and submitted to the board of school directors for approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year on July 1.

Under Pennsylvania’s Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, all school districts of the first class A, second class, third class and fourth class must adopt a preliminary budget proposal. The proposal must include estimated revenues and expenditures and the proposed tax rates. This proposed budget must be considered by the Board no later than 90 days prior to the date of the election immediately preceding the fiscal year. The preliminary budget proposal must also be printed and made available for public inspection at least 20 days prior to its adoption. The board of school directors may hold a public hearing on the budget, but are not required to do so. The board must give at least 10 days’ public notice of its intent to adopt the final budget according to Act 1 of 2006.^[32]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in West Jefferson Hills School District was $54,493 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $17,157 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $71,651.^[33] According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation, including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.^[34]

In 2009, West Jefferson Hills School District employed 188 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $61,541. The beginning salary was $38,500, while the highest salary was $120,000.^[35] Teachers work an 8-hour day with one planning period included. The district provides 4 IEP days for working on plans for special education and gifted students. Additionally, the teachers received a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, 3 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days which accumulate, 6 paid bereavement leave days and many other benefits. According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.^[36][37]

In 2007, the West Jefferson Hills School District employed 255 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $60,672 for 190 days worked with 182 student days. The average teacher salary in Pennsylvania was $54,977.^[38] As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation.^[39]

Reserves

In 2015, the West Jefferson Hills School District reported an unassigned fund balance of $3,394.87.^[40] In 2015, West Jefferson Hills School District Administration reported an increase to $40,656,835 in its committed fund balance. Pennsylvania public school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – committed and unassigned. The unassigned funds are not committed to any planned project. Committed funds such as capital projects are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the unassigned funds to preserve bond ratings. By law the state limits the total unassigned fund balance at 8% of the annual budget for school districts that have budgets over $19 million a year.

Audit

In October 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit on the district. Several findings were reported to the school board and administration.^[41]

West Jefferson Hills School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.^[42] Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Interest earnings on accounts also provide nontax income to the District.

State basic education funding

For the 2014-15 school year, West Jefferson Hills School District received $5,314,659.^[43] West Jefferson Hills School District received $255,703 in Ready to Learn funds.

STEAM grant

In 2015, West Jefferson Hills School District received a $20,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum and Grable foundations. The STEAM funds are to be used to support science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics programs. The curriculum is to involve students in kindergarten through fifth grade. West Jefferson Hills will use the funds to establish a Digital Communication Station.^[44] School administrations were required to apply for the grants. Recipients include 24 schools located in: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Greene County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Washington County and Westmoreland County.^[45]

Real estate taxes

The West Jefferson Hills School Board set property tax rates in 2015–16 at 19.038 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. On the local level, Pennsylvania district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75–85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.^[46] A 2012 property reassessment in Allegheny County reduced the 2013-14 millage to 18.104 mills.^[47]

• 2014-15 - 18.592 mills
• 2013-14 - 18.104 mills
• 2012-13 - 21.0800 mills
• 2011-12 - 21.0800 mills
• 2010–11 – 21.0800 mills^[48]
• 2009–10 – 21.0800 mills^[49]
• 2008–09 – 21.0800 mills.^[50]
• 2007–08 – 19.9900 mills.^[51]
• 2006-07 - 19.9900 mills.^[52]
• 2005-06 - 19.9900 mills.^[53]

Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2015–2016 school year is 1.9 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.^[54] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six exceptions to the Act 1 Index.^[55] Several exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school’s share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.^[56][57]

The School District Adjusted Index for the West Jefferson Hills School District 2006–2007 through 2016–2017.^[58]

• 2006-07 - 4.8%, Base 3.9%
• 2007-08 - 4.2%, Base 3.4%
• 2008-09 - 5.5%, Base 4.4%
• 2009-10 - 5.2%, Base 4.1%
• 2010-11 - 3.7%, Base 2.9%
• 2011-12 - 1.8%, Base 1.4%
• 2012-13 - 2.2%, Base 1.7%
• 2013-14 - 2.2%, Base 1.7%
• 2014-15 - 2.7%. Base 2.1%
• 2015-16 - 2.4%, Base 1.9%
• 2016-17 - 3.1%, Base 2.4%

For the 2015-16 budget year, West Jefferson Hills School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index.

Property tax relief

In 2015, West Jefferson Hills School District property tax relief was set at $189 for 5,881 approved properties.^[59] In 2014, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the West Jefferson Hills School District was $190 per approved permanent primary residence. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption.

Extracurriculars

West Jefferson Hills School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, costly sports program. Eligibility to participate is determined through school board policies.^[60][61]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.^[62]

Athletics

West Jefferson Hills School District spent $721, 587 for replacement of the stadium’s turf and track.

The District funds:

Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2012 ^[63]

Thomas Jefferson has a long history of sports excellence. Most recently the Thomas Jefferson Football team has won the state title in 2004, 2007, and 2008.^[64] Additionally, the Jaguars won the PIAA boys soccer championship in 2002.^[65]

On the WPIAL level Thomas Jefferson has also achieved significant success. These WPIAL team championships include:^{[66][67][68][69]}

Thomas Jefferson High School WPIAL Championship Teams

Sport	Class	Year(s)
Football	AAA	1980, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2015
Boys Soccer	AA	2001, 2002, 2004
Girls Track	AA	1987, 1988, 1991
Boys Track	AA	1991
Girls Softball	AAA	2014
Girls Volleyball	AA	2001

References

External links

• West Jefferson Hills School District
• Thomas Jefferson Football
• Thomas Jefferson High School Marching Band
• Thomas Jefferson High School Digital Library
• Jefferson Hills Website
• West Elizabeth Website
• Pleasant Hills Website
• Thomas Jefferson Band Patrons Website
• Hills School District Website
• HS Football Website

Coordinates: 40°18′23″N 79°55′47″W / 40.30649°N 79.92965°W / 40.30649; -79.92965