Blairsville-Saltsburg School District
Encyclopedia
The Blairsville-Saltsburg School District is a rural school district
that spans portions of two counties. In Indiana County
it covers the Boroughs of Blairsville
and Saltsburg
and Black Lick Township, Burrell Township
and Conemaugh Township
. In Westmoreland County
it covers Loyalhanna Township. The district encompasses approximately 142 square miles (367.8 km²) making it the second largest school district in Indiana County. As of the 2000 Census, the district has approximately 16,000 residents and serves approximately 2000 students.
and Black Lick
Townships and Blairsville
in Indiana County
attend the thirty-six acre Blairsville campus in Burrell Township, containing the Blairsville Elementary School (K-5), Blairsville Middle/High School (6-12), as well as the district administrative offices.
Students residing in Conemaugh Township
, a portion of Young Township
and Saltsburg
in Indiana County and Loyalhanna Township
in Westmoreland County
attend the Saltsburg Elementary School (K-6) in Loyalhanna Township, and Saltsburg Middle/High School (7-12) in Conemaugh Township.
BES serves students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. It features a library, computer lab, spacious classrooms and specially designed areas for music and physical education. Each instructional area has a telephone, four computers and a TV/VCR enabling classes to have access to Cable in the Classroom and a local area network with Internet access. Teachers are encouraged to utilize all areas of technology in instruction.
The Blairsville Elementary curriculum focuses on instruction in a Comprehensive Balanced Literacy
Reading Program and Everyday Math, and includes computer technology instruction, library skills, social studies, health, science, art and music through an integrated and thematic approach. A variety of enrichment, remedial and extra-curricular activities extend the basic curriculum. Some of these include, Chorus, Band, Gifted-Challenge Program, Title I Reading, Tutoring Program, field trips and assembly programs.
Parents are involved in many aspects of Blairsville Elementary School. The BES School Community Council provides ongoing collaborative initiatives focusing on School-Home Communication, Reading, Study Skills and Student Responsibility. The Blairsville PTO also sponsors many diverse annual events and encourages parents to become involved in all areas of our school community. There is a community based athletic Booster Program that supports our Cheerleading, Basketball, Football and Wrestling programs.
Blairsville Elementary School
A diverse selection of core academic classes range from general to advanced placement and include college in the classroom and dual enrollment opportunities. A total of six Advanced Placement courses are offered: AP Chemistry
, AP World History
, AP United States History
, AP Calculus AB, AP Physics C: Mechanics
, and AP English Literature.
Typically, approximately eighty percent of graduates complete courses that prepare them for entry to a university or technical school. Eight percent graduate with credits from the Indiana County Technology Center, which prepare them for immediate employment(out of the county), continuing education at Westmoreland County Community College or military service.
Blairsville Middle-High School is a technologically advanced school with three computer labs, a portable wireless lab, a computer assisted drafting and design lab, a computer assisted mathematics lab, and a local area network with independent servers and Internet access on all computers.
Blairsville Middle School
Blairsville High School
The elementary curriculum includes a strong emphasis on reading and math with integrated instruction in science, social studies and health. In addition, the curriculum includes instruction in computer skills, library skills, instrumental and vocal music, art and physical education.
Saltsburg Elementary School has access to the services of ARIN Intermediate Unit instructional and school psychological staff that includes a school psychologist, hearing clinician, speech/language clinician, vision consultant and gifted support teacher.
Saltsburg Elementary School
Middle school students transition from the elementary to the secondary through the 7th-8th grade program which offers four core subjects, “block” classes, and “rotation” classes.
Trends in recent graduating classes show 50% of graduates going to four-year schools, 40% going to two-year or technical schools, and 10% seeking employment or military options.
Approximately 10% of Saltsburg High School students attend the Indiana County Technical Center in nearby Indiana for half of their school day.
Saltsburg Junior/Senior High School
, which is located nearby, other state-system universities such as Clarion
and Slippery Rock
, the University of Pittsburgh
, Penn State University, Saint Vincent College
, Saint Francis University
, Washington & Jefferson College
, and Duquesne University
. Other students in recent years have attended Juniata College
, Carnegie Mellon University
, Chatham College
, Dickinson College
, Temple University
, the University of Pennsylvania
, Colgate University
, Johns Hopkins University
, Virginia Tech, the US Naval Academy, Kent State University
, West Virginia University
, New York University
, Arizona State University
and the University of Colorado. Most students who do not go on to attend a four year institution will attend a technical or other specialty school or serve in a branch of the military.
-District 6. The following sports teams are offered (with PIAA classifications for 2008-2010)
Boy's basketball (since 1948)
During the 2007 elections, the first to see new voting regions decided in the Indiana County courts, a Saltsburg majority was elected, with 4 new members taking office, bringing the total members representing what is considered the Saltsburg end of the school district to 5, while 4 members remained representating the Blairsville region. Immediately upon taking office the new school board voted 5-4 to halt any consolidation measures in effect, as well as quickly hiring a new solicitor
. The newly-elected board members, after deciding to keep the bond despite canceling consolidation plans rather than selling it back, must determine how to spend a portion of the 23.7 million dollars. By law, at least a portion of the bonds must be used for a construction project.
School district
School districts are a form of special-purpose district which serves to operate the local public primary and secondary schools.-United States:...
that spans portions of two counties. In Indiana County
Indiana County, Pennsylvania
-Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 58,077 registered voters in Indiana County .* Democratic: 26,653 * Republican: 24,159 * Other Parties: 7,265 -County commissioners:*Rodney Ruddock, Chairman, Republican...
it covers the Boroughs of Blairsville
Blairsville, Pennsylvania
-External links:* * *...
and Saltsburg
Saltsburg, Pennsylvania
Saltsburg is a borough in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 955 at the 2000 census. The town was based on the construction of salt wells and the canals and railroad tracks that passed through it.-Geography:...
and Black Lick Township, Burrell Township
Burrell Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania
Burrell Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,746 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of...
and Conemaugh Township
Conemaugh Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania
Conemaugh Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,437 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of...
. In Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
it covers Loyalhanna Township. The district encompasses approximately 142 square miles (367.8 km²) making it the second largest school district in Indiana County. As of the 2000 Census, the district has approximately 16,000 residents and serves approximately 2000 students.
Alignment
Students residing in BurrellBurrell Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania
Burrell Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,746 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of...
and Black Lick
Black Lick Township, Pennsylvania
Black Lick Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,317 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of...
Townships and Blairsville
Blairsville, Pennsylvania
-External links:* * *...
in Indiana County
Indiana County, Pennsylvania
-Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 58,077 registered voters in Indiana County .* Democratic: 26,653 * Republican: 24,159 * Other Parties: 7,265 -County commissioners:*Rodney Ruddock, Chairman, Republican...
attend the thirty-six acre Blairsville campus in Burrell Township, containing the Blairsville Elementary School (K-5), Blairsville Middle/High School (6-12), as well as the district administrative offices.
Students residing in Conemaugh Township
Conemaugh Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania
Conemaugh Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,437 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of...
, a portion of Young Township
Young Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania
Young Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,744 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 34.8 square miles , of which, 34.8 square miles of it is land and 0.03%...
and Saltsburg
Saltsburg, Pennsylvania
Saltsburg is a borough in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 955 at the 2000 census. The town was based on the construction of salt wells and the canals and railroad tracks that passed through it.-Geography:...
in Indiana County and Loyalhanna Township
Loyalhanna Township, Pennsylvania
Loyalhanna Township is a township located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. As of the 2000 census, the township had a total population of 2,301.-Geography:...
in Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
attend the Saltsburg Elementary School (K-6) in Loyalhanna Township, and Saltsburg Middle/High School (7-12) in Conemaugh Township.
Blairsville Elementary School
Blairsville Elementary School is located in Burrell Township, Indiana County at the junction of Routes 22 and 119. Approximately 45 miles (72.4 km) northeast of Pittsburgh, it is one of two rural elementary schools in the Blairsville-Saltsburg School District. BES shares a thirty-six acre campus with Blairsville Middle School, Blairsville High School and the Central Administration Office.BES serves students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. It features a library, computer lab, spacious classrooms and specially designed areas for music and physical education. Each instructional area has a telephone, four computers and a TV/VCR enabling classes to have access to Cable in the Classroom and a local area network with Internet access. Teachers are encouraged to utilize all areas of technology in instruction.
The Blairsville Elementary curriculum focuses on instruction in a Comprehensive Balanced Literacy
Balanced Literacy
Balanced Literacy is a curricular methodology that integrates various modalities of literacy instruction. Assessment-based planning is at the core of this model. The balanced literacy approach is characterized by explicit skill instruction and the use of authentic texts...
Reading Program and Everyday Math, and includes computer technology instruction, library skills, social studies, health, science, art and music through an integrated and thematic approach. A variety of enrichment, remedial and extra-curricular activities extend the basic curriculum. Some of these include, Chorus, Band, Gifted-Challenge Program, Title I Reading, Tutoring Program, field trips and assembly programs.
Parents are involved in many aspects of Blairsville Elementary School. The BES School Community Council provides ongoing collaborative initiatives focusing on School-Home Communication, Reading, Study Skills and Student Responsibility. The Blairsville PTO also sponsors many diverse annual events and encourages parents to become involved in all areas of our school community. There is a community based athletic Booster Program that supports our Cheerleading, Basketball, Football and Wrestling programs.
Blairsville Elementary School
Blairsville Middle-High School
Blairsville Middle-High School is a 6-12 school located at 104/102 School Lane at the Blairsville campus. The middle school is located in the east wing of the Middle/High School building and shares the building with the High School and district administrative offices. The gym in the middle school is the main venue for Blairsville High School sports, as it holds more fans than its high school counterpart.A diverse selection of core academic classes range from general to advanced placement and include college in the classroom and dual enrollment opportunities. A total of six Advanced Placement courses are offered: AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry
Advanced Placement Chemistry is a course and examination offered by the College Board as a part of the Advanced Placement Program to give American and Canadian high school students the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and earn college-level credit.-The course:AP Chemistry is a course...
, AP World History
AP World History
Advanced Placement World History is a college-level course offered through the College Board's Advanced Placement Program designed to help students develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts and interactions between different types of Human societies...
, AP United States History
AP United States History
Advanced Placement United States History is a course and examination offered by the College Board as part of the Advanced Placement Program...
, AP Calculus AB, AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: Mechanics is an Advanced Placement science course that studies Newtonian mechanics. Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems which is why most schools recommend that the student have completed or be...
, and AP English Literature.
Typically, approximately eighty percent of graduates complete courses that prepare them for entry to a university or technical school. Eight percent graduate with credits from the Indiana County Technology Center, which prepare them for immediate employment(out of the county), continuing education at Westmoreland County Community College or military service.
Blairsville Middle-High School is a technologically advanced school with three computer labs, a portable wireless lab, a computer assisted drafting and design lab, a computer assisted mathematics lab, and a local area network with independent servers and Internet access on all computers.
Blairsville Middle School
Blairsville High School
Saltsburg Elementary School
Saltsburg Elementary School is a neighborhood school located near the town of Saltsburg in Loyalhanna Township in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Built in 1955, Saltsburg Elementary was originally known as the Willard School. Following a renovation in 1983, it was renamed Saltsburg Elementary. The school services students in kindergarten through grade six.The elementary curriculum includes a strong emphasis on reading and math with integrated instruction in science, social studies and health. In addition, the curriculum includes instruction in computer skills, library skills, instrumental and vocal music, art and physical education.
Saltsburg Elementary School has access to the services of ARIN Intermediate Unit instructional and school psychological staff that includes a school psychologist, hearing clinician, speech/language clinician, vision consultant and gifted support teacher.
Saltsburg Elementary School
Saltsburg Middle-High School
Saltsburg Middle/High School, established in 1984, offers both a middle school (7-8) program and comprehensive public high school (9-12) program to its students from Saltsburg Borough, Conemaugh Township and Young Township in Indiana County and from Loyalhanna Township in Westmoreland County. The school is located on Route 286 in Conemaugh Township, Indiana County.Middle school students transition from the elementary to the secondary through the 7th-8th grade program which offers four core subjects, “block” classes, and “rotation” classes.
Trends in recent graduating classes show 50% of graduates going to four-year schools, 40% going to two-year or technical schools, and 10% seeking employment or military options.
Approximately 10% of Saltsburg High School students attend the Indiana County Technical Center in nearby Indiana for half of their school day.
Saltsburg Junior/Senior High School
Post-Secondary Education in the BSSD
Most graduated students go on to some sort of post-secondary institution. The most popular colleges include Indiana University of PennsylvaniaIndiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a public university in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, USA. The university is northeast of Pittsburgh. It is the largest university in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and is the commonwealth's fifth largest university...
, which is located nearby, other state-system universities such as Clarion
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion University of Pennsylvania, located on a campus in Clarion, Pennsylvania, is one of fourteen universities of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education ....
and Slippery Rock
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a public, master's-level university that offers some doctoral programs in cooperation with Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Both institutions are members of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education...
, the University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
, Penn State University, Saint Vincent College
Saint Vincent College
Saint Vincent College is a four-year, coeducational, Roman Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, located about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. It was founded in 1846 by Boniface Wimmer, a monk from Bavaria, Germany. It was the first Benedictine monastery in the...
, Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University is a four-year, coeducational Catholic liberal arts university in Loretto, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1847 and conducted under the tradition of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular...
, Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, also known as W & J College or W&J, is a private liberal arts college in Washington, Pennsylvania, in the United States, which is south of Pittsburgh...
, and Duquesne University
Duquesne University
Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne first opened its doors as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost in October 1878 with an enrollment of...
. Other students in recent years have attended Juniata College
Juniata College
Juniata College is a private liberal arts college located in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. It is named after the Juniata River — one of the principal tributaries of the Susquehanna River. In 1876 it became the first college founded by the Church of the Brethren and has been co-educational since...
, Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States....
, Chatham College
Chatham College
Chatham University is an American university with a women's undergraduate college and coeducational graduate programs through the doctoral level, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's Shadyside neighborhood. The campus population of approximately 2,300 includes undergraduate women and graduate...
, Dickinson College
Dickinson College
Dickinson College is a private, residential liberal arts college in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Originally established as a Grammar School in 1773, Dickinson was chartered September 9, 1783, five days after the signing of the Treaty of Paris, making it the first college to be founded in the newly...
, Temple University
Temple University
Temple University is a comprehensive public research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Originally founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple University is among the nation's largest providers of professional education and prepares the largest body of professional...
, the University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
, Colgate University
Colgate University
Colgate University is a private liberal arts college in Hamilton, New York, USA. The school was founded in 1819 as a Baptist seminary and later became non-denominational. It is named for the Colgate family who greatly contributed to the university's endowment in the 19th century.Colgate has 52...
, Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
The Johns Hopkins University, commonly referred to as Johns Hopkins, JHU, or simply Hopkins, is a private research university based in Baltimore, Maryland, United States...
, Virginia Tech, the US Naval Academy, Kent State University
Kent State University
Kent State University is a public research university located in Kent, Ohio, United States. The university has eight campuses around the northeast Ohio region with the main campus in Kent being the largest...
, West Virginia University
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...
, New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
, Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area of the State of Arizona...
and the University of Colorado. Most students who do not go on to attend a four year institution will attend a technical or other specialty school or serve in a branch of the military.
Athletics
The district offers a variety of sports at the varsity level. Many of the districts teams are combined, with their home location at either Blairsville or Saltsburg. A student wishing to participate in a sport not offered at their school can participate in the program at the other school. All teams compete in the Heritage Conference of the PIAAPennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. is one of the governing bodies of high school and junior high school sports for the state of Pennsylvania, United States....
-District 6. The following sports teams are offered (with PIAA classifications for 2008-2010)
| Blairsville | Saltsburg | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseball | AA | Blairsville | |
| Boy's Basketball | AA | A | |
| Girl's Basketball | AA | A | |
| Cross Country | AA | Blairsville | |
| Football | A | A | |
| Golf | Open competition | Blairsville | |
| Softball | AA | Saltsburg | |
| Track & Field | AA | Saltsburg | |
| Volleyball | A | Blairsville | |
| Wrestling | AA | Blairsville |
District 6 championships
Football (since 1985)- Saltsburg: 1991
Boy's basketball (since 1948)
- Blairsville: 1993 (AA), 1994 (AA), 2005 (A), 2006 (A)
- Saltsburg: 2000, 2002, 2003
Memorial Field
The district owns and maintains a football stadium in the town of Blairsville which hosts all Blairsville Middle and High School home football games. The stadium seats about 2000-2500 spectators. The site has held upwards of 3000 people in standing-room-only crowds during several Homecoming games, games versus Saltsburg, and recent playoff games.Employment
The district provides nearly 250 jobs to Indiana County. For the 2007-2008 year the district employs:- Teachers: 138
- Aides: 25
- Cafeteria Staff: 25
- Custodial Staff: 19
- Secretarial Staff: 15
- Administrative Staff: 7
- Counselors: 6
- Librarians: 4
- Nurses: 4
- Supervisory Staff: 2
- Other Service Coordinators: 1
- Other: 1
- Total: 247
Consolidation
At a meeting on August 21, 2006, the nine members of the school board, including three from Saltsburg, voted 9-0 on a plan to consolidate the entire school district. The consolidation plan would bus students in grades 7 through 12 to the Blairsville campus. The current Blairsville Middle-High School building would be renovated in order to hold the students from Saltsburg. Blairsville students grades K-6 would still attend Blairsville Elementary, which would see some minor renovations. Students of the same age in Saltsburg would still attend school in Saltsburg, in the building that is currently Saltsburg Middle-High School, which would be converted and renovated to serve the younger students. In all, an estimated 9.5 teaching jobs district-wide would be eliminated, many through early retirement plans. The plan was set to go into effect at the start of the 2010-2011 school year.During the 2007 elections, the first to see new voting regions decided in the Indiana County courts, a Saltsburg majority was elected, with 4 new members taking office, bringing the total members representing what is considered the Saltsburg end of the school district to 5, while 4 members remained representating the Blairsville region. Immediately upon taking office the new school board voted 5-4 to halt any consolidation measures in effect, as well as quickly hiring a new solicitor
Solicitor
Solicitors are lawyers who traditionally deal with any legal matter including conducting proceedings in courts. In the United Kingdom, a few Australian states and the Republic of Ireland, the legal profession is split between solicitors and barristers , and a lawyer will usually only hold one title...
. The newly-elected board members, after deciding to keep the bond despite canceling consolidation plans rather than selling it back, must determine how to spend a portion of the 23.7 million dollars. By law, at least a portion of the bonds must be used for a construction project.