A Message from Dr. Vitale
Impact.
The singular effect of this word can make a difference in each of our lives.
But, when we harness the collective positive effect of this word, the future of our students and our communities can change in amazing ways.
The 2021 year is testament to that. We as a school community rallied, found our footing, and came together in positive ways that continue to unfold today.
And when we work together, the impact we make increases exponentially. The 2021 Seneca Valley Annual Report celebrates the impact we make on each other and, ultimately, the world around us.
In the pages to follow, you will find highlights of our academics, athletics/activities, Seneca Valley Foundation, operations and planning impacts. These highlights; these recaps; these impacts each make a difference on their own; but their sum is greater than their parts. Such positive results are what drive me. And I believe that it is what drives our students, staff and families, as well.
I hope that you enjoy reading through this Annual Report and the many wonderful accomplishments it details. I want to thank all of you for continuing to serve as our partners in education and for being a part in OUR IMPACT on students.
Thank you and enjoy the Seneca Valley Annual Report!
Seneca Valley Board of School Directors
Cranberry West 1&2, Region 2
Ms. Leslie Bredl
Mission Statement
Special Education
The Seneca Valley School District’s Special Education Department is committed to meeting the needs of students with disabilities and helping them reach their potential. The Seneca Valley School District offers a continuum of services and placement options to meet the needs of each student. Services include but are not limited to:
- Autistic Support
- Blind-Visually Impaired Support
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Support
- Emotional Support
- Learning Support
- Life Skills Support
- Multiple Disabilities Support
- Speech and Language Support
In addition, services for eligible students may also be provided by Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV (MIU-IV). Services provided by MIU-IV may be provided in the district by itinerant MIU-IV staff or in multi-district programs.
Special Education Programs included the following:
- Community-based vocational training
- On-campus vocational training:
- Raider Roast coffee shop
- Raider Gear spirit wear kiosk
- Seneca Square smoothie shop
- No Cost to Shop store
- Shopping
- Banking
- Community-based travel instruction
- Independent living room
- Best Buddies
Gifted Education
If a student demonstrates a potential need for gifted services, a multidisciplinary evaluation is conducted to determine if the child is in need of special programming. The evaluation process may be initiated by school staff or by a child’s parent, who may do so by contacting the building principal.
The amount and type of gifted support to be received by a student is determined on an individual basis annually by the child’s Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) team, of which the parent is a very important member.
In school and ‘on the house’
CBVT, Vocational Readiness students’ staff new No Cost to Shop store
Numerous Seneca Valley staff members and students joined forces to launch the No Cost to Shop store which officially opened Nov. 1, 2021.
This new store, located in the senior high school, is for students in grades 7-12 who are in need of clothing, food or other items, and are welcome to set up a private time to shop and take what they need – no lines, no checkout.
Last year, Michelle Eppinger, a Seneca Valley Senior High School (SHS) special education job coach paraprofessional, went to senior high school administrators with concerns that some students had additional needs that were not being met due to the pandemic. From there, her vision of a “brick and mortar” store, along with many others, came together and turned this vision into a reality.
Ms. Eppinger, along with SV job coaches, teache maintenance workers and various students have been hard at work collecting donations, as well as sorting, folding and categorizing various hygiene items. They were buoyed
in June when the Seneca Valley Foundation (SVF) donated $3,000 to assist with the store’s needs, specifically with store fixtures, furniture, racks and décor.
To expand the store and evolve the program even more, Seneca Valley Transition Planning, Career and Vocational Education Coordinator Jess Pyle involved Community Based Vocational Training (CBVT) and Vocational Readiness students and their job coaches. These students currently run the store by taking inventory, checking donation boxes, doing laundry and -best of all- gaining real work experience.
“It is great to see the collaboration of all students working together towards one common goal, said Ms. Pyle. “The students in Vocational Readiness and CBVT are gaining employability skills that they can transfer into the community, while providing students in need essential daily living items. Overall, many students are benefiting from No Cost to Shop. It is a positive outcome for everyone involved.”
The last detail was ensuring shoppers took part in an authentic retail experience. Students from Jason Woolslare’s art classes designed and painted a screen to add artistic flair to the space and SHS teacher Bruce Clark made and donated a bench for students to use when trying on shoes.
Athletics and Activities
- Seneca Valley Boys’ Soccer Team
- Seneca Valley Wrestler Alejandro Herrera-Rondon
Honor Roll Athletes:
The Seneca Aquatic Center
The Seneca Valley Aquatic Center opened Feb. 17, 2021, with an official ribbon cutting and amid cheers
and chants from the members of the Seneca Valley Swim Team. The brief and socially distanced event celebrated the grand opening of the facility that replaces the 56-year-old natatorium.
The new pool measures 115’-2” x 60’ and will accommodate training and competition for swimming, diving and water polo. It will also be able to accommodate several simultaneous activities, including eight lanes for competition and training and two one-meter springboards.
SV Proud
4th in the nation
Out of 26 states across the nation, the Seneca Valley Academic Decathlon Team placed fourth in the large school division at the (virtual) United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) National Competition on April 30, 2021.
Each high school competed with a team of nine students in eight events: art, music, literature, social science, economics, mathematics, science and essay. All subjects are related to the 2020-21 theme: The Cold War.
The following students won national competition awards:
• Allison Flatt (SV ‘21) - Gold Division Literature Honor, Gold Division Art Honor, Silver Division Social Science Honor, Bronze Division Music Honor
• Shanker Pillai (SV ‘22) - Gold Division Essay Varsity, Bronze Division Mathematics Varsity
• Nicholas Nedzesky (SV ‘22) - Gold Division Essay Honor
Nationally recognized
Seneca Valley Choir singers Ethan Bannon (SV ‘21), Nicholas Folino (SV ‘21), Alex Mortier (SV ‘22) and Jonah Smeltzer (SV ‘22), in addition to Seneca Valley Band instrumentalist Lizzie Sylves (SV ’21) participated in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-East Honors Ensemble March 4-6, 2021.
Bringing home gold
Presidential honor
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the United States Department of Education announced five students were selected as candidates for the United States Presidential Scholars Program: David Choi (SV ‘21) , Faith Condrick (SV ‘21), Zachary Garcia (SV ‘21), Kathleen Monahan (SV ‘21) and Avani Salunkhe (SV ‘21).
Students were chosen for outstanding performance on the ACT Assessment or the College Board SAT; and/or nomination by the
Chief State School Officer (CSSO) or one of their partner recognition organizations, including for Career and Technical Education or in the Arts.
Scholarly students
Faith Condrick (SV ‘21), Kate Lipscomb (SV ’22) and Nicholas Nedzesky (SV ‘22) were announced as 2021 Recognized Carson Scholars.
These three standout students maintained high academic standards and a strong commitment to their communities and renewed their Carson Scholar status for their efforts.
Standout student
The National Honor Society (NHS) announced that Simren Jayaraman (SV ’21), has been selected as an NHS Scholarship semifinalist.
Recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated work to support the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, service, leadership and character. Miss Jayarman was chosen from nearly 10,000 applicants and received a $3,200 scholarship toward higher education.
National winners
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced that Seneca Valley students David Choi (SV ’21), Zachary Garcia (SV ’21) and Ananya Rao (SV ’21) were National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners. The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of some 16,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Aspiring students
Veronica Pimenova (SV ’22) and Daniel Spear (SV ’22) were recently recognized by the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) Award for Aspirations in Computing.
Veronica was selected as 2021 Central and Western Pennsylvania Affiliate Winner and Daniel was chosen as a 2021 Central and Western Pennsylvania Affiliate Honorable Mention recipient.
Awardees are chosen for their aptitude and interest in IT and computing, solid leadership ability, good academic history, and plans for post-secondary education.
Scholarship semifinalist
Cierra Denny (SV ‘21) was named a Semifinalist for the 2021 class of the CocaCola Scholars Program.
Female led
Veronica Pimenova (SV ’22) founded Seneca Valley’s first-ever Women in Engineering Cyberpatriot team which includes members Dilini Ranaweera (SV ’21), Courtney Beals (SV ’22) and Vivian Palmer (SV ’22). The team placed in the Gold Division, the second- highest division possible at the Cyberpatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition in Jan. 2021.
Poster students
Rowan Elementary students Maggie Herbst (SV ‘31) placed first and Josh Kabrin (SV ‘31) placed second for the 2021 National Energy Tech Lab Earth Day Contest second grade entries in the Pittsburgh area.
Lasting Impact
The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh announced Seneca Valley Senior High School Government and History Teacher Jim Lucot Jr. as the 2020-2021 Holocaust Educator of the Year. The Holocaust Educator of the Year award was established by an anonymous donor, in the interest of recognizing and encouraging excellence in Holocaust education in the tri-state area.
2020-21 Financial Information
2020-21 Revenue/Fund Balance Use
| Local Revenue | $95,500,299 | 72.13% |
| State Revenue | 36,199,105 | 27.34% |
| Federal Revenue | 697,000 | 0.53% |
| Fund Balance Use | 2,096,574 | 1.54% |
| TOTAL REVENUE | $132,396,404 | 100.00% |
The primary sources of Local Revenue for Seneca Valley are real estate and earned income taxes. Also included in Local Revenue are federal funds that pass through our intermediate unit, as well as funds generated when Seneca Valley provides cyber services to outside school districts.
We are cognizant of the significance – and take very seriously – the responsibility that comes with spending revenue from local sources (see expenditures below).
2020-21 Expenditures
| Instruction | $90,013,866 | 64.24% |
| Instructional Support Services | 37,064,486 | 26.45% |
| Non-Instructional Support Services | 2,179,373 | 1.56% |
| Facilities Acquisition & Improvement | 180,000 | 0.13% |
| Debt Service | 9,684,600 | 6.91% |
| Budget Reserve / Contingency | 1,000,000 | 0.71% |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURES | $140,122,325 | 100.00% |
Instructional Services account for more than 60 percent of the expenditures budget and provide educational services for regular, special and vocational education. Our Instructional Support Services provide logistical support to further enhance and facilitate instruction, and includes guidance and pupil health. We are committed to maintaining an expenditures budget that provides the tools necessary for maximum student success.
To view the budget in its entirety, visit www.svsd.net/2021Budget
2020-21 Final Budget General Information, June 2020
ESTIMATED REVENUE: $132,396,404
- Decrease of $1,861,441 below 2019-20 (-1.4%)
- No increase to real estate millage rate
- Value of a mill collected increased to $621,619per mill, a 2.31% increase over 2019-20
- Earned income tax revenue decreased by $2.3M, reflects anticipated losses due to employment reductions because of COVID-19 pandemic closures
- Other local tax revenue lines also decreased to reflect pandemic-related economic slowdown
- Anticipated interest earnings reduced by $500,000, approximately 50%
- Basic Ed and Special Ed subsidies held at 2019-20 levels
- Transportation subsidy reduced by $1M because of school closures late in the 2019-20 school year
- Slight decrease to rental subsidy (state share of debt) to reflect existing state commitment
- State subsidy for social security and PSERS increased to reflect 50% of budgeted expenses
- Reduction to federal funding in anticipation of funding cuts
BUDGETED EXPENDITURES: $140,122,325
- Increase of $3,767,906 over 2019-20(2.76%)
- Wage and salary increasesfor contractual obligations, no new positions
- PSERS increase from 34.29%to 34.51%-rate increaseof 0.6%, accounts for approx. $862,000
- Decrease to healthcareof $200,000 reflects lower utilization
- Increase in unemployment compensation due to claims during closure
- Overall benefits increase 2.75%
- Contracted services and educational services lines adjusted to reflect anticipated needs and future rates
- Tuition to charter schools increased to reflect formula change, no enrollment increase expected
- Interest and principal payments decreased to reflect current debt schedule, combined reduction of over $300,000
- Contingency held at $1M
Seneca Valley Foundation
The 2020-21 school year marks the tenth anniversary of the Seneca Valley Foundation (SVF). As we continue to grow and win for the Seneca Valley School District, we thank SV staff, school board, families, community members and businesses for their support of our mission. With the incredible financial support we received this year, the SVF has proudly supported 32 initiatives throughout the district!
The Seneca Valley Foundation (SVF) is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to encouraging excellence and innovation in the Seneca Valley schools. The Foundation achieves this by seeking donations and patrons to facilitate new district, building or classroom projects, programs and/or grants/ scholarships. Its board members consist of stakeholders from local business leaders, community leaders and school leaders. As a non-profit organization, the SVF is utilized as a vehicle by which memorial and other charitable donations may be made to the Seneca Valley School District.
Thank you!
Annual Employee Campaign
Gold Level Donors ($1,000+)
Mr. Scott Rupik
Mr. Jim Pearson
Dr. Tracy Vitale
National Honors Society (Senior High School)
Gold Level Donors
($200 - $999)
Mr. Anthony Babusci
Mr. Dan Bailey
Ms. Angela Bivens
Ms. Lynn Burtner
Ms. Mallory Eyles
Ms. Nannette Farmar - In memory of Peter and Noula Zafferopoulos
Ms. Heather Lewis
Ms. Megan Lizewski
Mr. Jack McDermott
Ms. Annie Mersing
Mr. Randy Miller
Ms. Bridget Miller
Ms. Lauri Pendred - In honor of dedicated staff of Evans City Elementary
Ms. Emily Rihely
Mr. Russell Sarver
Ms. Kelly Weston
Ms. Kristen White
Ms. Elizabeth Williams
Mr. Jeremy Womer
Ms. Claire Zovko
Anonymous
Anonymous
Bronze Level Donors ($25 - $199)
Ms. Bobi-Jean Alexander
Ms. Susan Baker
Ms. Judy Baret
Ms. Margie Beggy
Ms. Sharon Bonavoglia
Ms. Elizabeth Allen-Boyle
Ms. Rebecca Bosco
Ms. Carolyn Bromberg
Ms. Trisha Butschle
Ms. Elizabeth Cavicchia
Ms. Deanna Christopher
Mr. Bruce Clark
Ms. Melissa Cornibee
Ms. Whitney Corrigan
Dr. Matthew Delp
Ms. Raechel DeVinney
Ms. Jordan DiBucci
Ms. Lara DiFrischia - On behalf of the FCS Dept. - In honor of Deb Mitro
Ms. Nicole Eaton
Ms. Diane Fencil
Ms. Rebecca Finch
Mr. Steve Fortunato
Mr. & Mrs. Dyron and Lisa Graham
Ms. Patti Griest
Ms. Jodi Hassen - In honor of Frontline Workers
Mr. Michael Henry - In memory of Nancy Brady (ECE)
Ms. Kristin Henry
Mr. and Mrs. Rebecca and Tim Hester
Ms. Shay Houser
Ms. Darlene Howley - In honor of Alex Poust
Ms. Amber Hugus
Mr. Jeff James
Ms. Jessica Kerr
Ms. Lindsey Kisucky
Ms. Kristen Kress
Ms. Elana Kriess
Ms. Holly Lingenfelter
Ms. Meagan Loewy
Mr. Joseph Logsdon
Ms. Jaclyn Macioce
Mr. Rachelle Magnani
Ms. Amanda Mallin
Ms. Denise Manganello
Mr. Michael Manipole
Ms. Pamela McCarthy - In honor of Rosanne Chovan
Ms. Christine McCormick
Ms. Marie McLachlan
Ms. Carrie McNally
Ms. Jenifer McMurray
Ms. Tammy Micco
Mr. Gerald Miller
Ms. Faye Nelson
Dr. Marie Palano
Ms. Nicole Parson
Mr. Fred Peterson
Ms. Janice Plutnicki
Mr. Ashley Porter
Mr. Matthew Pournaras
Ms. Darla Ramirez-Lightner
Ms. Natalie Ranalli
Ms. Tracy Richards
Dr. Jeff Roberts
Ms. Rebecca Rockey
Ms. Lynne Rodrigues - In memory of Susan Cravener
Ms. Christine Roe - In memory of Ashley Roe-Snyder
Ms. Brandi Ruiz
Ms. Heather Sibeto
Ms. Kristin Schlemmer
Ms. Amanda Shaheen
Mr. Greg Smolinski
Ms. Sara Snyder
Ms. Julie Stanek
Ms. Rebecca Studds
Ms. Tammy Tappe
Ms. Amy Taylor
Dr. Andrew Teti
Mr. Christopher Titus
Ms. Andra Titus
Ms. Lisa Tyson
Ms. Kristi Vandergrift
Ms. Leah Vogel
Ms. Rebecca Whitney
Ms. Joan Widdowson
Ms. Erin Wilcher
Mr. Stephen Wolfe
Ms. Katie Wolford
Anonymous (15)
Extraordinary Gifts
Major Contribution for the creation and maintenance of a “Raider Space” Summer Camp for Exceptional Students by Eileen and Jim Wrubel - $10,000
In Memory of Jamie Thomas, dedicated to the Athletics Department - $4,480
In Memory of Jason Wehrle - $1,500
Fundraisers
Socially Distanced Golf Outing: $19,487
Spirit Nights at Local Businesses: $1,776.18
Neighbors for Neighbors “Five Days to $2,500 Fundraiser: $3,775
Donations for COVID-19 Response - $8,598
Mr. Mark Beighey
Mr. Doug Matthews
Mr. & Mrs. John and Jodie Perry
Mr. Fred Peterson
Mr. & Mrs. Linda and George Starosta
Mr. Dean Walker
100 Women Who Care – Cranberry Township
General Fund Donations - $18,795.95
Amcom
Central Maintenance
Mr. Anthony Como
CVE Thoughtfulness Fund –
In Memory of Emily “Arlene” Spangler Reynolds
Ms. Katherine Davis and
Disaster Cleanup & Repair
Duquesne Light
Ms. Nicole Eaton – In honor of Dr. Matthew McKinley
Highmark Health
Ms. Amanda Kile
Ms. Heather Lewis
Parents of SV students at RGMS, IHS and SHS
Mr. David Silvester
Mr. Paul Snyder
Weld North Education
Ms. Nikki Williams
Graduating Class of 2021
Graduating Class of 2021
|
Post-Secondary Plan |
# of Students |
Percentage |
|
2-Year College/ Institution |
52 |
8.8% |
|
4-Year College/ Institution |
432 |
74% |
|
Apprenticeship |
5 |
0.8% |
|
Career/Technical School |
15 |
2.5% |
|
Employment |
74 |
12.6% |
|
Military |
8 |
1.3% |
|
Totals |
586 |
100% |
A sampling of colleges and universities chosen by our 2021 Graduates
American University
Butler County Community College Carnegie Mellon University
Chatham University
Clarion University
College in Japan
Cornell University
Duquesne University
Drexel University
Grove City College
Ithaca College
James Madison University
Kent State University
Ohio University
Penn State University
Point Park University
Purdue University
Robert Morris University
Rosedale Technical College
Savannah College of Art and Design Slippery Rock University
Temple University
University of Pittsburgh
Vet-Tech Institute
Villanova University
West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Virginia University
Westminster College
District Directory
Building Directory
124 Seneca School Rd., Harmony, PA 16037
Phone: (724) 452-6040
Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School
(Grades K-4)
300 South Pittsburgh St., Zelienople, PA 16063
Ext. 6000
(Grades K-4)
345 West Main St., Rear, Evans City, PA 16033
Ext. 7000
(Grades 5 & 6)
345A West Main St., Evans City, PA 16033
Ext. 7500
(Grades K-4)
1516 Haine School Rd., Cranberry Twp., PA 16066
Ext. 4000
(Grades 5 & 6)
1516A Haine School Rd., Cranberry Twp., PA 16066
Ext. 4500
(Grades K-4)
8051 Rowan Rd. Cranberry Twp., PA 16066
Ext. 5000
2019-20 PA Don Eichhorn Schools: “Schools to Watch” (PA STW)
(Grades 7 & 8)
122 Seneca School Rd., Harmony, PA 16037-9134
Ext. 3000
Seneca Valley Academy of Choice
(Grades K-12)
128 Seneca School Rd., Harmony, PA 16037
Ext. 1015
Seneca Valley Intermediate High School
Accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools
(Grades 9 & 10)
126 Seneca School Rd., Harmony, PA 16037-9134
Ext. 2000
Seneca Valley Senior High School
Accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools
(Grades 11 & 12)
128 Seneca School Rd., Harmony, PA 16037
Ext. 1000
Previous Annual Reports
SENECA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
124 Seneca School Road. Harmony, PA 16037
724.452.6040