Pittsfield School Budget FY17

8/19/2019 Pittsfield School Budget FY17

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Pittsfield Public SchoolsFiscal Year 2017 Budget

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Table of ContentsSchool Committee ........................................................................................................................................... 6

District Leadership Team ................................................................................................................................ 7

Introductory Section........................................................................................................................................ 8

Budget Message from the Superintendent .................................................................................................... 9

Budget Process Timeline .............................................................................................................................. 10

School Committee Budget Calendar ............................................................................................................ 11

History of Budget Staffing ............................................................................................................................ 12

The Big Picture .............................................................................................................................................. 13

Revenue Summary by Fund FY12 - FY16 .................................................................................................... 14

Expense Summary by Fund FY12 – FY16 ................................................................................................... 14

Tax Base and Rate Information - FY03 – FY16 ............................................................................................ 15

Property Tax Base History ........................................................................................................................ 15

Tax Rate Trend by Class .......................................................................................................................... 16

The Budget in Context ................................................................................................................................. 16

FY16 Cuts ................................................................................................................................................ 16

FY17 Budget Priorities ................................................................................................................................. 17

Budget Priorities ....................................................................................................................................... 18

FY17 Budget Drivers .................................................................................................................................... 18

Contractual Obligations ............................................................................................................................ 18

Community School positions .................................................................................................................... 18

Increased Special Education Tuition Costs ............................................................................................... 18

Revenue Reductions .................................................................................................................................... 19

Kindergarten Grant ................................................................................................................................... 19

Federal E-rate Funding Program Change ................................................................................................. 19

Tuition Revolving Account Revenue ......................................................................................................... 19

FY17 Budget Savings .................................................................................................................................. 19

FY17 Position Reductions ........................................................................................................................ 19

Capital Improvement Requests – Schools ................................................................................................ 20

Organizational Section .................................................................................................................................. 22Organizational Chart ................................................................................................................................. 23

2015-16 School Accelerated Improvement Plan ..................................................................................... 24

Area Served ................................................................................................................................................... 31

School Zones ............................................................................................................................................... 32

Elementary Schools .................................................................................................................................. 32

Middle Schools ......................................................................................................................................... 33


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High Schools ............................................................................................................................................ 34

District Facilities —Elementary Schools ..................................................................................................... 35

District Facilities —Elementary & Middle Schools ...................................................................................... 36

District Facilities —High Schools & Other Facilities ................................................................................... 37

District Facilities —Other Facilities ............................................................................................................ 38

Enrollment Section ........................................................................................................................................ 39

Enrollment Data ............................................................................................................................................. 39

Enrollment Trends by Middle School Grade Level ........................................................................................ 40

Enrollment Trends by High School Grade Level .......................................................................................... 40

Total Enrollment by Race ......................................................................................................................... 41

10 Year History – Free/Reduced Lunch through 2014 .............................................................................. 43

Enrollment Projections .............................................................................................................................. 44

Programs & Services..................................................................................................................................... 48

Educational Programs .................................................................................................................................. 49

Curriculum Reading .................................................................................................................................... 49

Humanities ............................................................................................................................................... 49

Math and Science ..................................................................................................................................... 49

English Language Learners ......................................................................................................................... 50

First Languages of English Language Learners (ELLs) ............................................................................ 51

Special Education ........................................................................................................................................ 53

Career and Technical Education Programs .................................................................................................. 54

Alternative Education ................................................................................................................................... 54Technology .................................................................................................................................................. 55

Co-Curricular Programs ............................................................................................................................... 58

After School – 21 st Century Programs ....................................................................................................... 58

Summer Programs ................................................................................................................................... 58

Athletics ....................................................................................................................................................... 59

Adult Learning Center Programs and Services............................................................................................. 59

Operational Services .................................................................................................................................... 60

School Lunch and Breakfast Programs ..................................................................................................... 60Bus Operations ......................................................................................................................................... 61

Custodial Services .................................................................................................................................... 62

Financial Section ........................................................................................................................................... 63

Expenditure Function and Classification ...................................................................................................... 64

Major Revenue Sources ............................................................................................................................... 65

State Revenue ............................................................................................................................................. 65


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Chapter 70 ............................................................................................................................................... 65

Circuit Breaker .......................................................................................................................................... 66

Local Revenue ............................................................................................................................................. 67

Other Revenue............................................................................................................................................. 67

Tuition Revenue ....................................................................................................................................... 67

Federal Revenue ......................................................................................................................................... 67

Medicaid Reimbursement ......................................................................................................................... 67

Grant Funding .............................................................................................................................................. 68

Budgets........................................................................................................................................................ 68

Operating Budget ......................................................................................................................................... 68

Net School Spending ................................................................................................................................... 69

Revolving accounts ...................................................................................................................................... 69

Tuition Revolving Accounts ...................................................................................................................... 69

Program Specific Revolving Accounts .......................................................................................................... 71

Adult Learning Center ............................................................................................................................... 71

Athletic Revolving Account ....................................................................................................................... 71

Career and Technical Education Revolving Accounts ............................................................................... 72

Circuit Breaker Revolving Account ........................................................................................................... 72

Community Correction Vocational Revolving Account .............................................................................. 73

Continuing Education Account .................................................................................................................. 73

Custodial Revolving Account .................................................................................................................... 73

Donation Account ..................................................................................................................................... 74Driver’s Education Revolving Account ...................................................................................................... 74

Enrichment Revolving Account ................................................................................................................. 74

Insurance Revolving Accounts.................................................................................................................. 75

Lost Book Revolving Account ................................................................................................................... 75

Professional Development Revolving Account .......................................................................................... 75

School Nutrition Service Program Account ............................................................................................... 76

Special Education Parent Advisory Council Revolving Account ................................................................ 77

Summer School Program Revolving Accounts ......................................................................................... 77Testing Revolving Accounts ..................................................................................................................... 77

Transportation Revolving Account ............................................................................................................ 78

Informational Section .................................................................................................................................... 79

State Aid ...................................................................................................................................................... 80

FY2017 Local Aid Estimated Receipts for Pittsfield .................................................................................. 81

FY2017 Local Aid Assessments for Pittsfield ............................................................................................ 82


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City and Town Contribution Required Contribution ................................................................................... 83

FY2017 Chapter 70 ...................................................................................................................................... 84

Chapter 70 Foundation Budget .................................................................................................................... 84

Chapter 70 Trends ...................................................................................................................................... 85

Pittsfield Chapter 70 Trends, FY93 to FY16 .............................................................................................. 86

Foundation Budget Rates per Pupil – Chapter 70 ..................................................................................... 87

Per Pupil Expenditures Comparisons ........................................................................................................... 88

Urban School Comparison ........................................................................................................................ 88

Berkshire County School Comparison ...................................................................................................... 89

Per Pupil Expenditure Comparison to State .............................................................................................. 90

Grants .......................................................................................................................................................... 91

Grant Information Summary Report ............................................................................................................. 91

State Grants: ............................................................................................................................................ 92

State Grants - OTHER: ............................................................................................................................. 93

Federal Grants: ........................................................................................................................................ 95

Federal Grants - OTHER: ....................................................................................................................... 101

Private Grants: ....................................................................................................................................... 102

Summary of Grant Awards ..................................................................................................................... 104

Pittsfield Students to School Choice ....................................................................................................... 105

Pittsfield Students to Charter Schools ..................................................................................................... 105

Pittsfield Students Gained by School Choice & Tuition ........................................................................... 106

School Choice & Charter Statistics by Grade .......................................................................................... 107School Choice Comparisons to Urban Districts ...................................................................................... 108

Past Year School Choice Comparisons of Pittsfield and Other Berkshire County Districts ...................... 109

Per Pupil Expenditures in Berkshire County School Districts .................................................................. 110

Charter School Summary ........................................................................................................................... 111

Homeschooling .......................................................................................................................................... 112

Tuition Rates .............................................................................................................................................. 113

Career and Technical Education Enrollment by Program ........................................................................... 114

Pittsfield Public Schools - Custodial Staffing Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) ............................................... 118Custodial Staffing (cont’d) ....................................................................................................................... 119

Average Daily Meals .................................................................................................................................. 120

Food Service Program FY16 - Daily Avg. Number of Meals Served Compared to Student Enrollment ... 120

By School - FY16 Total Daily Average Number of Lunches Served ........................................................ 120

Athletics ..................................................................................................................................................... 121

Participation 2015 - 2016 ........................................................................................................................ 121


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Athletic Budget ....................................................................................................................................... 122

District Facilities ......................................................................................................................................... 123

District Facilities —Vehicle Inventory .......................................................................................................... 123

Glossary ....................................................................................................................................................... 124


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School Committee

Pittsfield Public Schools

Katherine Yon, Chairperson

Daniel Elias , Vice Chairperson

Cynthia Taylor, Clerk

Joshua Cutler

Pamela Farron

Anthony Riello

Mayor Linda Tyer , Member ExOfficio


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District Leadership Team

Jason P. McCandless, Ed.D., Superintendent

Cabinet :

Joseph Curtis, Kristen Behnke, Richard Brady, Deputy Superintendent Asst. Supt. Business & Finance Asst. Superintendent CTE

Principals : Elementary

Brenda Kelley , Allendale Elementary School

Candy Jezewski,Capeless Elementary School

Kerry Light, Conte Community School

Donna Baker,Crosby Elementary School

Judy Rush,Egremont Elementary School

Jennifer Stokes,Morningside Comm. School

Aaron Dean,Stearns Elementary School

Lisa Buchinski,Williams Elementary School

Directors :

Paul Gage,Director, Adult Learning Ctr.

James Abel,Director, Athletics

Susan Donnelly-Wendling,Director, Bus Operations

James Larrow,Director, Custodial Services

Sylvana Bryan,Director Food Services

Curr icu lum Coord inato r s :

Virginia Guglielmo-Brady, Ed.D.,English Language Learners

Kathleen Latham,Reading/Title I

Executi ve Team:

Harry Hayes, Gretchen West, Randy McLeod,Dir. of Human Resources Dir. of Special Education Director of Technology

Principals : Middle & High

Gina Coleman, Ph.D.,Herberg Middle School

Linda Whitacre,Reid Middle School

Matthew Bishop,Pittsfield High School

John Vosburgh,Taconic High School

Pittsfield Public Schools


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Introductory Section


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Budget Message from the Superintendent

Pi t ts f ie ld Pub l icSchoo l s

Administration Center269 First Street

Pittsfield, MA 01201www.pittsfield.net

Jason P. McCandless Ed.D.Superintendent

413.499.9512 • Fax 413.448.2643 [email protected]

Dear Pittsfield Public School Community,

As we once again work through the process of creating a roadmap for how we spend precious publicresources —a budget —we, once again, take pause to reflect on what we have and how grateful we arefor it, and what we need, and consider how to creatively and cost effectively make those needs reality.

Working towards the creation of the 2016-2017 academic and fiscal year budget plan, we do soknowing that this work is complex, and incredibly important. We do so working to be prudent as well asstrategic, and keeping the following "must do's" in mind:

● maintaining the staffing levels we need to serve a diverse student body in ways thatpromote safety, rigor and high achievement;

● providing excellent, engaging standards-based teaching and learning materials to ourstudents and teachers;

● reducing the achievement gap that exists between our highest performing students andthose who aspire to higher levels of achievement; and

● further creating and enhancing a school district that is culturally competent, just andequitable--and strive to meet every child and every family where they are, and ensure thatevery family is treated with the respect they deserve.

As always, these interests compete for resources with hundreds of other interests and priorities. Weknow that only through powerful partnerships between schools and among those in our community whoshare our aims of creating a better Pittsfield will we find success in the 21 st Century.

Thank you for being one of those partners in the crucial, transformative work of public education in theCity of Pittsfield.

Yours in education,

Jason P. McCandlessSuperintendent of Schools


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Budget Process Timeline

July August September October November December January February March April May June

Student ActivityExternal Audit

CompleteEnd of YearReport andSubmit to

DESE

Annual External Audit

End of YearReport

External Audit

SC FinanceSubcommittee

Meeting

FinalExpenditureReport to SC

BudgetWorkshop and

Line Item Budget

Six monthBudget

Projection toSC for

Acceptance

Seven monthBudget

Projection toSC

(informational)

Eight monthBudget

Projection to SC(informational)

Nine monthBudget

Projection to SCfor Acceptance

Ten monthBudget

Projection toSC

(informational)

Eleven moBudge

ProjectioSC

(informati

Projections forEnrollment and

Grants

SC PublicHearing on

Budget

Books closCurrent Fi

Year

Approval ofBudget

Calendar

BudgetOverview

Budget Adoptionby SC

Public Heaat City Co

on Budg-----

Final Approf City Buby City Co

Previous Fiscal Year SC: School Committee Current Fiscal Year Next Fiscal Year

Annual Budget Processwith

Pittsfield School CommitteeFiscal Year Calendar: July 1st - June 30th

Monitoring of Accounts by Business Office

Work on required End ofYear Report for previous

Fiscal Year

Admin Prep for next Fiscal Year Budgetcontinues:

- Budget Meetings with School Principalsand Leadership Team

Admin Prep for next Fiscal Year Budgetbegins

AdministrationRecommend-

ations for Budget Adoption


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School Committee Budget Calendar

April

January 13Budget Workshop

May June

*Finance Subcommittee meeting dates to be determined.

May 1Charter Requirement

School Committee approval of Budget No Laterthan

June 1

Meeting with City Council

---------------

Mayor to City Council forJoint Budget Hearing

March 9Regular Meeting

Line Item Budget

Feb 10Regular Meeting

EnrollmentProjections

& Grants

Feb 24Regular Meeting

BudgetOverview

April 13Public Hearing -Regular Meeting

(following)

SchoolCommittee

Recommenda-tions forBudget

Adoption

December 9Regular Meeting

Budget Preview Date

December January

April 27Regular Meeting

FY17 Budget Adoption

February March

Pittsfield School Committee2017 Budget Calendar*


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History of Budget Staffing

Local Budget and Education Jobs Grant only – Does not include other grant

Function FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY1Total Staffing FTE 871.85 874.50 900.50 950.90 937.40 933.75 973.25 935.75 953.35 951.35 927.10Instructional 720.10 720.25 744.25 782.25 769.50 765.85 803.35 770.15 788.65 785.65 770.40

Other School Services(Bus Op and Attendance) 77.00 79.00 79.00 90.40 90.40 91.40 93.40 93.10 92.20 92.20 83.20Operations/Maintenance 58.25 58.75 58.75 58.75 58.00 56.00 55.00 52.00 52.00 53.00 53.00Central Administration 16.50 16.50 18.50 19.50 19.50 20.50 21.50 20.50 20.50 20.50 20.50Total Cost of Wages $38,252,143 $39,161,228 $41,279,754 $43,754,566 $44,267,466 $44,950,604 $45,917,029 $46,713,363 $47,600,833 $48,242,400 $50,074,430inc lud ing revolv ing account FTEs

Local Budget and Education Jobs and Grant only - Does not include other grants

0.00

200.00

400.00

600.00

800.00

1000.00

1200.00

FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16

Total Staffing FTE

Instructional

Other School Services (BusOp and Attendance)

Operations/Maintenance

Central Administration


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The Big PictureO u r Mi s s i o n : To s e rv e o u r c o m m u n i t y a n d i ts c h i l d r e n b y c r ea t in g a s c h o o le n v i r o n m e n t w h e r e l if e l o n g l e a r n i n g i s v a l u e d , e x c e l l en c e i s e x p e c t e d , a n d

i m p r o v e m e n t i s c o n t i n u o u s ; t o m e e t t h e n e e d s o f e ac h s t u d e n t b y p r o v i d i n g t h ei n f o r m a t i o n , e n c o u r a g e m e n t , s u p p o r t , a n d i n s t r u c t i o n r e q u i r e d t o m e e t o r t oexceed the district’s high expectations and rigorous academic demands; top r e p a r e ev e r y s t u d e n t f o r p o s t s e c o n d a r y e d u c a t i o n , c ar e e r s a t i s f a c t i o n , a n dl i f e lo n g e c o n o m i c , s o c i a l , a n d c i v i c s u c c e s s .


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Revenue Summary by Fund FY12 - FY16

Actual Actual Actual ActualOriginalBudget

FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 2016

General $58,658,876 $59,592,950 $62,063,045 $62,745,641 $64,868,169 *Revolving $1,808,483 $1,868,199 $2,636,566 $2,686,973 $2,022,360

State Grants $1,182,951 $1,354,544 $1,429,832 $1,335,378 $1,180,594Federal Grants $6,651,098 $4,547,688 $5,871,281 $6,075,817 $5,512,551Food Services $2,595,999 $2,234,736 $2,885,625 $2,770,290 $2,775,430Student Activities $314,952 $293,308 $509,528 $533,753 $345,000

Total $71,212,359 $69,891,425 $75,395,876 $76,147,852 $76,704,104 *

Expense Summary by Fund FY12 – FY16

Actual Actual Actual ActualOriginalBudget

FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 2016

General $52,998,920 $53,250,757 $55,697,123 $56,301,333 $64,868,169 *Revolving $1,568,163 $1,910,245 $2,281,660 $3,134,565 $2,022,360State Grants $1,188,307 $1,370,337 $1,546,675 $1,333,308 $1,180,594Federal Grants $7,391,154 $5,519,283 $5,712,597 $5,694,345 $5,512,551Food Services $2,506,909 $2,594,604 $2,600,866 $2,855,869 $2,775,430Student Activities $305,000 $320,000 $265,991 $288,633 $345,000

Total $65,958,453 $64,965,226 $68,104,912 $69,608,053 $76,704,104 *

*Above figures include summer instructional payroll and accounts payable expenses paid after close of the fiscal year

$58,000,000

$60,000,000

$62,000,000

$64,000,000

$66,000,000

$68,000,000

$70,000,000

$72,000,000

$74,000,000

$76,000,000

$78,000,000

FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 2015 2016

Actual Actual Actual Acutal Original Budget

Revenue Expendiutures


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Tax Base and Rate Information - FY03 – FY16

Property is assessed at 100% of full and fair cash value.

SINGLE-FAMILY TAX BREAKDOWN Single-family property parcels 11,330

Avg. single-family home assessment $176,234

Average single-family tax bill - 2016 $3,306 Average single-family tax bill - 2015 $3,180

Average single-family tax bill - 2006 $2,345

1-year change in avg. tax bill 4%

10-year change in avg. tax bill 41%

Currently the City of Pittsfield’s Residential tax rate is ranked 55 th in the State, while the Commercial

rate is ranked 3rd

.Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/bbj_research_alert/2016/01/massachusetts-property-tax-rates-in-2016-by-town.html

Property Tax Base History

http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/bbj_research_alert/2016/01/massachusetts-property-tax-rates-in-2016-by-town.htmlhttp://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/bbj_research_alert/2016/01/massachusetts-property-tax-rates-in-2016-by-town.htmlhttp://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/bbj_research_alert/2016/01/massachusetts-property-tax-rates-in-2016-by-town.htmlhttp://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/bbj_research_alert/2016/01/massachusetts-property-tax-rates-in-2016-by-town.htmlhttp://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/bbj_research_alert/2016/01/massachusetts-property-tax-rates-in-2016-by-town.html


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Tax Rate Trend by Class

The Budget in ContextIn FY16 the Pittsfield Public Schools cut $2 million dollars in staff and program expenditures as part ofthe budget process. Due to contractual obligations, revenue decreases and additional budgetobligations, including projected utility increases and debt service on the school bus fleet, a level servicebudget in FY16 would have yielded a $4M increase. To offset this increase to a $1.9M increase in thecity appropriation, the district cut just over $2M in staff and other instructional expenditures. Cuts weremade in areas that would have the least impact on students in the classroom. The district alsodeveloped new collaborations with community partners, including Berkshire Children & Families andChildcare of the Berkshires, to create new programming models that continue to provide services tostudents but in new and more cost-effective ways. The list below details the final cuts made to thebudget.

FY16 Cuts

5 Central office positons: Early Childhood Coordinator, STEM Coordinator, HumanitiesCoordinator, and 2 Instructional Technology positions 5 teachers at Reid (3 regular education and 2 special education teachers) 5 teachers at Herberg (3 regular education and 2 special education teachers) 4 teachers at Taconic Attendance Paraprofessional at Pittsfield High School The local budget portion of the Parent Child Home Program including 1 teacher and 3

paraprofessionals


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Reduced the district’s contribution to the Adult Education program to the state mandated match:cut 2 teaching positions, and other supply costs

Restructured the teen parent tutoring program: cut 8 tutoring positions Reduced homebound tutors by $57K Reduced PPS promotion and public relations line by $10K Split costs for the city and school Focus on Diversity position with the city, $12,500 Savings from moving special education teaching position to a grant Cut co-curricular stipends at each secondary school, total $10K Cut technology hardware by $40K Reduced vocational equipment and supplies by $25K Reduced testing and assessment account by $20K Cut professional development spending, utilized funding for class size reduction, $250K Moved a teaching and paraprofessional position to grant funds, $60K

Total removed from FY16 budget: $2,035,546

FY17 Budget PrioritiesThe district is not seeking to restore previous cuts in FY17. Instead, the district is focused onmaintaining core instructional services for students and complying with federal mandates.

The budget priorities of the district in FY17 flow from the Pittsfield Public Schools AcceleratedImprovement Plan and two tenets: the centrality of the classroom; and the centrality of the mandate.The centrality of the classroom answers the question, “What is n eeded for students and teachers to dotheir work successfully?” This includes a safe environment, a highly qualified teacher, a variety ofcourse options for students, classroom tools such as curriculum, textbooks, and technology. Thecentrality of the mandate refers to both what is legally mandated by the state and federal government,as well as our ethical obligation as educators to the 5,700 students who attend school in Pittsfield.Legal mandates include individual instruction plans, compliance with Section 504 plans, state testingand accountability requirements. Our obligation as educators includes providing physically andemotionally safe and pleasant classrooms for every child in every school, a rich curriculum for allstudents in all schools, learning opportunities for students both during and beyond the school day, and

a more diverse and culturally competent professional staff.

The Pittsfield Public Schools Accelerated Improvement Plan is a multi-year district improvement planwith four strategic objectives:

1. Develop a systematic curriculum process that creates and sustains the consistent instruction ofthe Massachusetts Standards in all classrooms in the Pittsfield Public Schools;

2. Develop, implement and evaluate a horizontally and vertically aligned consistent academicstudent intervention program in support of student learning that will be utilized in all PittsfieldPublic Schools;

3. Develop and sustain multi tiered interventions to provide safety nets that insure physically andemotionally safe and supportive classrooms and schools; and

4. To become a more culturally literate and culturally competent school district and to continue torecruit and hire educators at all levels who better mirror the diversity that is present in the City ofPittsfield so that all students see, hear, and recognize professional educators who reflect themand who represent the excellence toward which our students will aspire.

Work on all four strategic objectives began in the fall of the 2015-2016 school year. As part of strategicobjectives 1 and 2 the district is undertaking a yearlong Mathematics curriculum pilot with the goal ofselecting a new core curriculum to be purchased in FY18. A copy of the full Pittsfield Public Schools

Accelerated Improvement Plan, including action steps for each initiative begins on page 24 of this book.


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Budget PrioritiesOn January 13, 2016 the Pittsfield School Committee heard budget requests directly from all twelveschool principals. Individual school budget requests were well-reasoned and aligned with school anddistrict improvement plans. However, the requests for all twelve schools totaled just over $2.8M, a nearimpossibility within the city’s budget constraints. From budget discussions with the principals andadministrative council, the district has identified several items as priorities for the FY17 budget.

• Allendale Dean: $68K• Summer School Credit Recovery: $20K increase• Elementary School Secretary hours: $13K

- Office coverage during arrival and dismissal• 0.5 FTE ELL Teacher at Crosby: $30K• Permanent Substitute Pool: $90K

- 10 positions to be shared district-wide• Career Counselors at PHS and Taconic: $44K

- Clerical unit positions

FY17 Budget DriversContractual Obligations$1.68M

As in most districts across the country, contractual obligations are the largest budget driver. Pittsfieldhas settled contracts with three units: the United Educators of Pittsfield (teachers), the PittsfieldEducational Administrators Association, and the Bus Drivers and Attendants. The school committee isin negotiations with four units: Paraprofessionals, Clerical, Custodians, and Cafeteria. The totalanticipated cost for all contractual obligations is an increase of $1.68M.

Community School positions$228KThe Community Coordinator positions have existed in the Pittsfield Public Schools for many years.Several years ago the district began to pay for these positions through grant funds. Program changes

will not allow the grants to continue to fund these positions so they will be funded through the district’sbudget in FY17.

Increased Special Education Tuition Costs$440KIn the past few years the district has experienced a significant increase in the number and intensity ofstudents who are placed in out of district special education programs. The changes in this account arecoming from three areas: new students are entering out of district special education placements;students already in placements are moving to more intensive and therefore more expensiveplacements; and new students from outside of the district or state with an existing individualizededucation program (IEP) for whom the district is now fiscally responsible. The growth in this area is a

reflection of the more intensive needs that we are seeing in the students in our district.To put this tuition growth in context, Pittsfield still educates a larger percentage of our special educationstudents within the district as compared to other districts around the state. In budget terms, in FY14Pittsfield spent 3.8% of total district funds in out of district special education tuition while the stateaverage is 6.5%. Even with the growth that the district is seeing in FY16 and FY17, Pittsfield will spendapproximately 4.8% on out of district special education tuitions, still well below the state average of6.5%.


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Revenue ReductionsKindergarten Grant$152K

As of this writing, the district is anticipating a $152K reduction in the Kindergarten grant based on theGovernor’s budget. The current Kindergarten grant of $288K funds teaching and paraprofessionalpositions, as well as implementation of a comprehensive Kindergarten assessment. Under theGovernor’s budget, the district would be eligible to appl y for a grant of $136K.

Federal E-rate Funding Program Change$35KThe federal government is continuing the phase in of E-rate credit reductions. As part of a policychange, the federal program is focusing on providing internet services to schools and eliminatingfunding for traditional telephone services, web hosting services and mandated email archiving. ThePittsfield Public Schools has taken advantage of e-rate funding for internet services for many years, butwill see a reduction of $35K in funding for traditional telephone, web hosting and email archivingservices. The operating budget appropriation for these utilities will increase by $35K in FY17 to fundtelephone services, websites and email archiving for the schools.

Tuition Revolving Account Revenue

$90KThe district had retained a balance in the tuition revolving accounts for many years. The balancesprovided a safeguard for unexpected expenses that could occur throughout the year, similar to anexcess and deficiency account that is held in a regional school district. During the recent fiscaldownturn, and in collaboration with the city council, the district increased the amount of funding fromthe revolving accounts, thus eliminating the balance that was carried as a safeguard from year to year.In FY12 the district contributed $560K from the tuition revolving accounts. This amount was increasedto $710K in FY13 as the federal jobs aid funding ceased, and continued through FY16. In FY17 thedistrict will utilize all funds projected to be available at the end of FY16 towards the FY17 operatingbudget, a total of $620K. For more information on the tuition revolving accounts, please see the

revenue section in this book.FY17 Budget Savings$600KThe district is fortunate to have some budget savings in FY17 due to new utility contracts for naturalgas and electricity. The natural gas contract begins in May 2016 for a period of three years. In FY17Pittsfield Public Schools is able to reduce the line item for natural gas by $400K. The electricitycontract begins in December 2016, halfway through FY17, and the district is reducing the electricityaccount by $60K.

FY17 Position Reductions

Three non-classroom positions will also be eliminated in the FY17 budget saving a total of $140K: Technical Services Coordinator, IT department Clerical position, IT department Bus mechanic position, Bus operations

These positions were vacated through attrition, retirement and a staff person moving to another positionin FY16. No staff members will be cut as a result of these position reductions. The reduction of the busmechanic position is possible due to the new fleet of buses purchased in FY15. It is likely that thisposition may need to be restored in a few years as the bus fleet ages and requires more maintenance.


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Repair heating systemTelephone system upgrade to provide adequate lines in building

Egremont Elementary School Odor in Grade 2 section of buildingReplace 6 carpets per yearPaint hallway moldingReplace chalkboards with whiteboardsPaint classrooms

Crosby Elementary School Replace broken windowsRemove all asbestos tilesIntercom/Security system – reliable communications to all areasWindow blindsRemodel bathrooms

Additional Parking spacesEnergy efficient windows

Conte Community School Replace carpet on first floorReplace ceiling tiles in certain areas of buildingInstallation of window screens

Affix weather stripping on all outside doorsRepair 12 – 18 windws throughout the buildingPurchase new Univent coversRepair front entrance walkway

Capeless Elementary School None Allendale Elementary School Repair clocks throughout building

Replace chalkboards with whiteboards

The items listed above have been submitted by the school principals to the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance for consideration. These Administrators will then

prioritize the list and submit it to the City Building Maintenance Department for consideration of whichprojects to f und in FY17. Final items to be funded will be determined as part of the City’s capital budgetreview and approval process.


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Organizational Section

Source: Painting “Caitlyn S” provided by unidentified student


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Organizational Chart


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2015-16 School Accelerated Improvement Plan


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Area ServedCity of Pittsfield is the largest city and the county seat of Berkshire County ,[1] Massachusetts, UnitedStates. It is the principal city of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area whichencompasses all of Berkshire County. The population was 44,737 at the 2010 census .[2] Although thepopulation has declined in recent decades, Pittsfield remains the third largest municipality in westernMassachusetts, behind only Springfield and Chicopee.

Pittsfield operates a public school system which has over 5,700 students. There are eight elementaryschools (Allendale, Robert T. Capeless, Crosby, Egremont, Morningside, Silvio O. Conte, Stearns andWilliams), two middle schools (Theodore Herberg and John T. Reid), and two high schools (PittsfieldHigh School and Taconic High School) . The high schools both offer internal vocational programs.Students also come to the high schools from neighboring Richmond. There are two parochial schools(Saint Mark's for elementary and middle school students, and St. Joseph Central High School for highschool students) and one private school, Miss Hall's School, as well as an alternative school.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 42.5 square miles(110.0 km 2), of which 40.5 square miles (104.8 km 2) is land and 2.0 square miles (5.2 km 2), or 4.70%, iswater.

[1],[ 2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield, Massachusetts

See the maps of the School Zones in the City on the next 3 pages.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkshire_County,_Massachusettshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield,_Massachusetts#cite_note-GR6-1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield,_Massachusetts#cite_note-GR6-1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusettshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Stateshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Stateshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_Statistical_Areahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield,_Massachusetts#cite_note-Census_2010-2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield,_Massachusetts#cite_note-Census_2010-2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield,_Massachusetts#cite_note-Census_2010-2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Massachusettshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Massachusettshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield,_Massachusettshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicopee,_Massachusettshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield_High_School_%28Massachusetts%29https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield_High_School_%28Massachusetts%29https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taconic_High_Schoolhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Joseph_Central_High_School_%28Pittsfield,_Massachusetts%29https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Hall%27s_Schoolhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Census_Bureauhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield,%20Massachusettshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield,%20Massachusettshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Census_Bureauhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Hall%27s_Schoolhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Joseph_Central_High_School_%28Pittsfield,_Massachusetts%29https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taconic_High_Schoolhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield_High_School_%28Massachusetts%29https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield_High_School_%28Massachusetts%29https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicopee,_Massachusettshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield,_Massachusettshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Massachusettshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Massachusettshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield,_Massachusetts#cite_note-Census_2010-2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_Statistical_Areahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Stateshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Stateshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusettshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield,_Massachusetts#cite_note-GR6-1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkshire_County,_Massachusetts


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School Zones

Elementary Schools


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Middle Schools


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High Schools


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District Facilities —Elementary Schools

Allendale Elementary Address: 180 Connecticut Avenue Year Built: 1951 10.9 acres

Addition: 1999Square Footage: 48,133

Grades: K – 5 FY 2016 Enrollment: 292Principal: Brenda Kelley

Capeless Elementary Address: 86 Brooks Avenue Year Built: 1951 7.9 acres

Addition: 2001Square Footage: 38,654Grades: K – 5 FY 2016 Enrollment: 215

Principal: Candy Jezewski

Conte Community School Address: 200 West Union Street Year Built: 1974 15.0 acresSquare Footage: 69,518Grades: Pre-k – 5 FY 2016 Enrollment: 397Principal: Kerry Light

Crosby Elementary Address: 517 West Street Year Built: 1962 37.5 acresSquare Footage: 69,826Grades: 442 FY 2016 Enrollment: 442Principal: Donna Baker

Egremont Elementary

Address: 84 Egremont Avenue Year Built: 1951 10.6 acres Addition: 1999Square Footage: 63,879Grades: K – 5 FY 2016 Enrollment: 503Principal: Judy Rush


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District Facilities —Elementary & Middle Schools

Morningside Community School Address: 100 Burbank Street Year Built: 1975 5.4 acresSquare Footage: 69,654Grades: PreK – 5 FY 2016 Enrollment: 457

Principal: Jennifer Stokes

Stearns Elementary Address: 75 Lebanon Avenue Year Built: 1961 9.5 acres

Addition: 2001Square Footage: 40,343Grades: K – 5 FY 2016 Enrollment: 227

Principal: Aaron Dean

Williams Elementary Address: 50 Bushey Road Year Built: 1957 11.9 acresMultiple additions —latest: 2001

Square Footage: 48,337Grades: K – 5 FY 2016 Enrollment: 315Principal: Lisa Buchinski

Herberg Middle School Address: 501 Pomeroy Ave. Year Built: 1953 21.0 acres

Addition: 2000Square Footage: 107,640Grades: 6 – 8 FY 2016 Enrollment: 638Principal: Gina Coleman, Ph.D.

Reid Middle School Address: 950 North Street Year Built: 1953 26.8 acres

Addition: 2000Square Footage: 115,036Grades: 6 – 8 FY 2016 Enrollment: 549Principal: Linda Whitacre


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District Facilities —High Schools & Other Facilities

Pittsfield High School Address: 300 East Street Year Built: 1931 8.7 acres

Addition: 1975Square Footage: 203,051

Grades: 9 – 12 FY 2015 Enrollment: 899Principal: Matthew Bishop

Taconic High School Address: 96 Valentine Road Year Built: 1969 50.0 acresSquare Footage: 189,686Grades: 9 – 12 FY 2016 Enrollment: 731Principal: John Vosburgh

Adult Learning Center Address: 141 North Street Leased Space: 2013Square Footage: 10,000FY 2016 Enrollment: 105+/-

Director: Paul Gage

Mercer Administration Building Address: 269 First Street Year Built: 1905 .90 acresSquare Footage: 17,653Superintendent: Dr. Jason P. McCandless


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Enrollment Section


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Enrollment Data Enrollment Trends by Elementary School Grade Level

Enrollment Trends by Middle School Grade Level

Elementary School Enrollment TrendsBased on October 1 Data of Each Year

Allendale

Capeless

Conte

Crosby

Egremont

Morningside

Stearns

Williams

Middle School Enrollment TrendsBased on October 1 Data of Each Year

Herberg

Reid


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Enrollment Trends by High School Grade Level

Total Enrollment by Race

High School Enrollment TrendsBased on October 1 Data of Each Year

Pittsfield High

Taconic High

Pittsfield Public Schools Total Enrollment by Race October 1, 2015


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Long Term Trends in Enrollment

Long Term Enrollment Trends. Statistical Comparisons - School Finance. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.3 Dec. 2014.


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10 Year History – Free/Reduced Lunch through 2014

6472 6352 62346120 6072 5978 5985 5992 5883 5744

2627 25752713 2817

30153268 3302

3385 3276

3752

40.59% 40.54%

43.52%46.03%

49.65%

54.67% 55.17%56.49% 55.69%

65.32%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

District Enrollment as pf October 1 each year asreported by DESE

Number of Students ReceivingFree/Reduced Lunch as of 10/31 of each year asreported by Food ServicesDept.*% Free/Reduced Lunch

Year

49.7%

52.3%54.2%

60.6%58.6%

40.0%

45.0%

50.0%

55.0%

60.0%

65.0%

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

5 Year History Free/Reduced Lunchfor Middle & High Schools

% of Free/Reduced Lunch

Year

*Note: Free/ReducedLunch in 2006 is as of May


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Enrollment Projections

Allendale Elementary School

GradeFY 15

Enrollment10/1/14

FY 16Enrollment

10/1/15Sections ClassSize

AnticipatedFY 17

EnrollmentSections ClassSize

K 52 42 3 14.0 40 est. 3 13.31 49 50 3 16.7 43 3 14.32 57 46 3 15.3 54 3 183 55 51 3 17.0 44 3 14.64 55 48 3 16.0 53 3 17.65 50 55 3 18.3 48 3 16.0

Total 318 292 282

Capeless Elementary School

GradeFY 15

Enrollment10/1/14

FY 16Enrollment

10/1/15Sections ClassSize

AnticipatedFY 17

EnrollmentSections ClassSize

IntegratedPreK

19 26 2 half-daysessions

13 20 est. 2 half-daysessions 10

K 33 25 2 12.5 25 est. 2 12.51 37 31 2 15.5 24 2 12.02 30 35 2 17.5 30 2 153 38 27 2 13.5 34 2 17.04 34 37 2 18.5 29 2 14.55 45 35 2 17.5 36 2 18

Total 236 215 198

Class Size Guidelines:Grades K-3 18 Students/ClassGrades 4 and 5 22 Students/ClassNAEYC Kindergarten 1:12 Adults/StudentsQuality Kindergarten Grant 1:10 Adults/StudentsMS/HS Academic Courses 1:24 Adults/Students


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Silvio O. Conte Community School

GradeFY 15

Enrollment10/1/14

FY 16Enrollment

10/1/15Sections Class Size

AnticipatedFY 17

EnrollmentSections Class Size

PreK 28 34 2 17.0 34 Est. 2 17

TransitionalKindergarten 10 10 1 10.0 10 Est. 1 10.0

*Head Start 17 17 1 17.0 17 1 17.0K 82 69 4 17.3 70 Est. 4 17.51 56 71 3 17.8 70 3 23.32 53 60 3 16.0 72 3 24.03 42 56 3 18.6 55 3 18.34 45 43 3 14.3 53 3 17.65 57 53 3 17.7 42 3 14.0

Total 373 396 406* These students are not included in state reporting.

John C. Crosby Elementary School

GradeFY 15

Enrollment10/1/14

FY 16Enrollment


AnticipatedFY 17


SubstantiallySeparate

PreK75 91

7Most ½

day13 90 est.

7Most ½

day 12.8

SubstantiallySeparate 79 89 8 11.1 69 8 8.6

K 52 42 3 14 45 Est. 3 15.01 37 55 3 18.3 32 3 10.62 61 35 2 17.5 55 3 18.33 43 59 4 14.75 35 2 17.54 37 47 3 15.6 59 4 14.755 35 30 2 15 46 3 15.6

Total 419 448 432

*3 Half Day ProgramsHalf-day Special EducationHalf-day Regular Education

** K-1 Therapeutic 2-3 Developmental2 Therapeutic 4-5 Int. Impaired3 Therapeutic 3-4 Psychol-LinguisticK Developmental


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Egremont Elementary School

GradeFY 15

Enrollment10/1/14

FY 16Enrollment


AnticipatedFY 17


Intellectually

ImpairedGrades 3,4,5

12 10 1 10.0 10 Est. 1 10

K 81 73 4 18.25 70 Est. 4 17.51 78 94 4 23.5 68 4 17.02 87 85 4 21.25 77 4 19.253 87 86 4 21.5 77 4 19.254 89 77 4 19.25 79 4 19.755 81 91 4 22.75 91 4 22.75

Total 515 516 472

Morningside Community School

GradeFY 15

Enrollment10/1/14

FY 16Enrollment


AnticipatedFY 17


PreK 33 28 2 14 36 Est. 2 18K 62 62 4 15.5 60 Est. 4 151 75 61 4 15.3 58 4 14.52 83 70 4 17.5 59 4 14.753 70 78 4 19.5 68 4 17.04 75 73 4 18.25 80 4 20.0

5 76 67 3 22.3 70 4 17.5TherapeuticGrade 4 11* 6 1 6 10 Est. 1 10.0

TherapeuticGrade 5 10 1 10 6 Est. 1 6.0

Total 485 455 447

*Grade 4/5 Number as of February 1, 2014


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Stearns Elementary School

GradeFY 15

Enrollment10/1/14

FY 16Enrollment


AnticipatedFY 17


K 44 35 2 17.5 35 Est. 2 17.51 36 46 2 23 33 2 16.52 29 30 2 15 47 2 23.53 34 29 2 14.5 30 2 154 39 32 2 16 28 2 145 32 39 2 19.5 32 2 16

SubstantiallySeparate 19 23 2 11.5 24 Est. 2 12

Total 233 234 229

Williams Elementary School

GradeFY 15

Enrollment10/1/14

FY 16Enrollment


AnticipatedFY 17


K 60 51 3 17.0 50 Est. 3 16.61 49 63 3 21.0 46 3 15.32 64 53 3 17.7 59 3 19.63 50 54 3 18.0 49 3 16.34 53 63 3 21.0 65 3 21.65 58 59 3 19.7 52 3 17.3

Total 334 343 321

Herberg Middle School Reid Middle School

GradeFY 15

Enrollment10/1/14

FY 16Enrollment

10/1/15

AnticipatedFY 17

EnrollmentGrade

FY 15Enrollment

10/1/14

FY 16Enrollment

10/1/15

AnticipateFY 17

Enrollmen

6 213 212 225 6 183 201 2247 216 208 211 7 167 189 2018 203 218 205 8 169 159 187

Total 632 638 641 Total 519 549 611

Pittsfield High School Taconic High School

GradeFY 15

Enrollment10/1/14

FY 16Enrollment

10/1/15

AnticipatedFY 17

EnrollmentGrade

FY 15Enrollment

10/1/14

FY 16Enrollment

10/1/15

AnticipateFY 17

Enrollmen

9 221 234 218 9 193 176 18710 252 215 227 10 221 179 17911 222 228 212 11 168 210 17512 232 222 231 12 193 166 201

Total 927 899 888 Total 775 731 742


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Programs & Services


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Educational Programs

CurriculumReadingPittsfield Public Schools offers extensive reading services that include core instruction and interventionfor students in grades pre K-8. All elementary schools have a certified reading specialist on staff. As ofthe start of the 2014-2015 school year, all elementary schools have a new core program, PearsonReading Street. Pearson Reading Street offers teachers a comprehensive set of resources that linkswith state standards and offers opportunities for differentiation and use of technology that is interactiveand engaging for all students. The district also offers to all elementary students Lexia Core5 Reading, atechnology based learning tool that supports students with reading skills development. Many staff in thedistrict are Wilson trained to offer more intensive intervention for students. Our middle schools offer avariety of reading services including an online program, “Virtual Reading Coach”, that provides explicitand in-depth reading instruction. The program is adaptive and offers an individualized learningexperience that enables students to advance their reading skills.

Humanit iesEnglish: The English curriculum is based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework and addresses

the need for students to be engaged in rigorous reading, discussions, and research, as well as the abilityto apply their skills to new, independent learning. Each grade has some common required readings forall students, as well as choices for each quarter; students read a variety of classic, modern and multi-cultural literature. At the secondary level, students engage in rigorous argument and informative writingassignments; they incorporate their narrative writing skills effectively into their writing. They use thewriting process of gathering their ideas, and then writing and revising drafts. At the high schools, both

AP Literature and AP Language are offered for our students.

History/Social Studies: The history and social studies curriculum is drawn from the MassachusettsFrameworks for History and Social Studies as well as the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks forLiteracy, which support the reading and writing skills needed in these subject areas. Elementary

students study specific historical events as well as Massachusetts and North American history. At themiddle schools, students study world geography, the continents, cultures, and world history. The districtis looking into developing a specific civics course for our middle school students. High school historystudents engage in two years of United States History and at least one of World History. High schoolstudents can take AP courses in European, World, and United States History, as well as, Psychology,Government and Policies.

Math and SciencePittsfield Public Schools provides a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)educational program that is aligned with the current state Frameworks and strives to enable all studentsto be successful as students and future citizens in these fields. The secondary schools mathematics

program prepares all students to meet the college and career readiness standards by grade twelve, andalso offers Advanced Placement studies in calculus and statistics. Science studies beginning inkindergarten, a re supported by elementary science specialists, and continue throughout a student’sacademic career. Both high schools offer various Advanced Placement science courses including APbiology, chemistry, physics and environmental science.


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English Language LearnersThe Pittsfield Public Schools serves 329 students designated as English Language Learners (ELL)across grades K-12. The following chart details the number of students by grade and the wide variety ofprimary languages of ELL students and their families. In addition to providing ELL instruction, thePittsfield Public Schools provides translation and interpretation services to bilingual families, as requiredby law, for parent meetings and documents related to a student’s education. The most common prim arylanguage of ELL students is Spanish, but there are also a number of speakers of Chinese and Frenchlanguages.

See Graph on Next Page


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First Languages of English Language Learners (ELLs)(As of January 2016)

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Vietnamese

Urdu

Turkish

Spanish

Russian

Portuguese

OtherDialects

Gujarati

French

Creole(Haitian)

Chinese

Number of Students

G r a

d e

L e v e

l

L a n g u a g e s


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and Federal laws under 603 CMR 28.05 (7)(b) and the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Some students require services that are best provided at separate schools, such as Private Day orResidential Schools. The District is responsible for the tuition and residential costs of such placementsunless fiscal responsibility is deemed to be shared with the state or another school district. The SpecialEducation Department annually files with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education toreceive Circuit Breaker reimbursement for all high cost placements and services. For more informationon this reimbursement process, see the state revenue and revolving accounts section.

Career and Technical Education ProgramsThe Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said that the only thing that is constant is change. The proof ofthat statement is very self-evident in our day-to-day lives. It is the rapidly evolving role of technologythat is one of the driving forces behind much of the change we experience each day. To compete in aworld where the economy and stable jobs rely on evolving technology, one has to be prepared. To giveour students that edge, Pittsfield Public Schools offers students twelve Career and Technical Educationprograms that prepare them with training in technology and the skills needed to be successful whencompeting in the job market.

In an effort to ensure our students are receiving an education that is meeting the high standards that

the state asks of all programs that are designated as Career and Technical Education programs, wehave changed as well. We are teaching to the latest curriculum frameworks. We are replacing datedequipment with industry standard tools and practices, where needed. In order to give students the softskills that make them good employees, we have joined the Skills USA organization. We have added anindustry-recognized certification section to each program to demonstrate the student s’ subject mastery.

Additionally, to teach students to be more than just information retrievers, we are integrating moretechnology into classrooms and the shops so that they will become information users.

Striving to make our programs relevant to local employers and throughout the region, each programhas an advisory committee that includes members of the business community. The involvement ofindustry and business, guides and improves our programs. We work closely with post-secondaryinstitutions and include their representatives as members of our advisory committee so that ourstudents will be prepared for education beyond high school. We have developed several articulationagreements with a number of post-secondary education programs and colleges and, in addition to theirtechnical studies; our students carry an academic load that is nearly identical to that of the collegepreparatory students.

The CTE programs offered by the district are open to Pittsfield students as well as to other studentsfrom our surrounding communities in Berkshire County. We have developed a relationship with thesurrounding districts and have worked closely with both education and civic leaders to promote theoptions for many students who wish to enroll in a vocational technical program of studies. We look

forward to developing the workforce of tomorrow for Berkshire County.Alternative EducationThe Alternative Education programs offered by Pittsfield Public Schools are built upon the belief that allstudents can learn and succeed in a variety of ways. We strive to offer programs that are in ourcommunity’s best interest and provide students with the opportunities to develop the skills needed forcollege and career readiness. Our Alternative Education offerings serve at-risk, vulnerable anddisengaged students. They include programs that are both district run and contracted with communityproviders. The goal of each program is to prepare students academically, socially and emotionally by


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first meeting their immediate needs, and then by identifying alternative strategies to improve learning. Approximately 800 students receive alternative education services that can include short-terminterventions like summer school and/or long-term placement into structured settings or programs.

Students may have characteristics that can range from having poor attendance, discipline issues,failing grades or are credit deficient. Additionally, they may be in family crisis; referred for assistanceand do not qualify for special educational services; may have drug/alcohol abuse orsocial/emotional/medical issues; or have poor peer relationships.

A variety of strategies and options are utilized by the Pittsfield Public Schools, including building-basedand offsite programs. These programs assist students through transition, suspension or tutoring,provide programs for special populations, credit recovery, and an early college model.

TechnologyThe Pittsfield Public School district is committed to preparing children for this rapidly changing world byteaching them the skills they need to be proficient and safe users of information, media and technology.We strive to engage students in meaningful curriculum content through the purposeful and effective useof technology. Teachers are provided technology resources to assist them in creating lessons thatreflect the personal learning styles, needs, and interests of their students. Administrative efficiencydepends on technology. Functions within the district range from student information management,transportation, food services and library systems; including personnel and health services , accountingand payroll benefits being digital. Our investment in technology enables every member of the PittsfieldPublic School community to communicate, learn, share, collaborate and create; to think and solveproblems; to assist with managing their work and lives. More importantly, we see technology as boththe driver of an evolution in teaching and learning, and the means to achieve that innovation.

When implemented well, technology is virtually transparent —a tool used to improve learning.Nevertheless, the infrastructure is essential towards meeting that goal, and the district has investedaccordingly:

All teachers are issued an Apple laptop Every classroom in the district has both wired and wireless connectivity to the local network and

the Internet All buildings have a high-speed, broadband connection to the Internet Computer labs and/or mobile carts are available for student use in all schools Every student and teacher has a local computer account and a district email account Digital projectors are available in every school to enable computer shared content for

collaborative learning and exercises.

All teachers are given the opportunity and training to create a website for their classrooms. Simplymaking technology available does not ensure that it will be used to maximum effect —support staff is ascritical as the hardware and software. The district has a 9-person Technology Department that supports14 buildings and networks, 7000 users, and nearly 5000 devices. A Help Desk is staffed full-time toaddress questions promptly, resolve problems and repair equipment. The department encouragesteacher innovation by offering professional development in after school workshops, during in-servicedays, as online tutorials, and through classroom modeling.


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Developing a long-range plan for educational technology is difficult if not impossible given the quicklyevolving nature of that technology. Nevertheless, we have a framework for moving forward thatincludes:

Continued investment in technology to support teaching and learning —specifically establishinga fully funded renewal cycle

Increased professional development opportunities for teachers —including an online self-pacedcurriculum for technology integration skills

Progressive addition of mobile student computing devices as we move closer to a 1:1 model Establishing “Innovation Classrooms” in every school that are equipped with cutting -edgeequipment that will offer teachers a laboratory for experimenting with tech integration

Education in the 21 st century is a complex system, and in Pittsfield, technology will be the primary toolin meeting that challenge.

School Technology Device Dis t r ibut ion

Graph includes all student devices currently in use, regardless of funding sources.(This includes local operating budget, grants and private donations.)


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Computing Device Distribution

School M a c D

e s k t o p

s

M a c L

a p t o p

s

i P a d s

C h r o m

e b o o

k s

# o f S

t u d e n

t D e v i c e

s

# o f S

t u d e n t s

S t u d e

n t : D e

v i c e

R a t i o

S t a f f L

a p t o p

s

S t a f f i

P a d

S t a f f C

h r o m e

b o o k

s

P C D e

s k t o p

s

P C L a p t o

p s

S e r v e

r s

T o

Allendale 25 30 100 155 303 2.0 21 1 1 0 0 1 1Capeless 25 50 75 150 213 1.4 16 2 1 0 0 1 1Conte 50 47 75 172 391 2.3 34 2 1 0 0 1 2Crosby 25 46 175 246 439 1.8 38 12 1 0 0 1 2Egremont 25 70 137 232 488 2.1 39 11 1 0 0 1 2Morningside 25 68 190 283 448 1.6 38 4 1 0 0 1 3Stearns 25 52 50 127 235 1.9 18 4 1 0 0 1 1Williams 25 17 75 117 315 2.7 21 2 1 0 0 1 1Herberg 45 77 31 145 298 632 2.1 51 9 0 0 0 1 3Reid 29 45 31 175 280 547 2.0 49 5 0 0 0 1 3PHS 175 6 289 95 565 897 1.6 78 15 0 0 0 1 6Taconic 235 6 231 95 567 732 1.3 68 12 0 2 2 1 6

ALC 18 0 9 19 1 1 0 0 0 1

Mercer 27 0 0 0 29 36 0 10 5 43 1

POP 0 4 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 0

Bus 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0

755 139 971 1411 503 116 8 16 7 56 39


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Co-Curricular Programs

After School – 21 st Century ProgramsThe Pittsfield Public Schools 21st Century Community Learning Centers Programs incorporates fourlearning principles into its efforts – learning that is meaningful, collaborative, supports mastery, andexpands horizons. 21 st Century programs are currently operating at four schools: Pittsfield High, ReidMiddle, Herberg Middle and Conte Community Schools.

Our programs support these principles by: Enabling young people to apply their academic skills to areas of interest and real world

problems Promoting effective partnerships between schools, community-based agencies, and other public

and private entities Providing creative and innovative out-of-school time programs that give young people hands on

project-based learning experiences that stimulate curiosity and enhance critical thinking skills Creating opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills Addressing the multiple needs of children, youth, and their families

These principles are well aligned with the 21st century learning skills and workforce skills that young

people will need to succeed in the years ahead.

Summer ProgramsEach summer, Pittsfield Public Schools offers a variety of summer programs which serve approximately1,300 students each year.

Programs include: Academic summer school at the middle and high school levels Transition programs for incoming 6 th graders and 9 th graders (high school freshmen) 21 st Century Programs A work and learning program focusing on tutoring, employment and job readiness

Adolescent Support Program Academic Enrichment for English Language Learners (ELL) students Programming at Crosby, Conte, Morningside Schools Summer Special Education programs Camp Vision for visually impaired students Summer pre-school program Tryouts and practice for fall athletic teams and summer athletic conditioning

Since 2011, grants and the district budget have supported summer school. Summer programs includebussing, breakfast and lunch, whenever applicable.

In addition, the district operates a federally funded summer food program that serves free breakfast andlunch to children in the community at four open sites in the City of Pittsfield. In 2015, Pittsfield PublicSchools Food Services served an average of 767 lunches and 324 breakfasts per day during thesummer.


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AthleticsPittsfield Public Schools offers the widest selection of varsity sports of any district in Berkshire County.

A total of 16 different sports are offered, including many programs with junior varsity level teams, aswell as varsity teams. There are 11 sports offered for girls, 11 sports offered for boys, and three co-educational teams (ice hockey, golf, and wrestling).

Pittsfield High School and Taconic High School field a combined 60+ teams each school year, with thegoal of enriching the educational experience and enhancing educational goals of student athletes byproviding activities that offer lifelong and life quality learning experiences. The highest participationrates traditionally include the football, swimming and track programs.

Student athletic programs are funded through the district operating budget and student fees that fundthe athletic revolving account. The operating budget funds the athletic director and coaches’ salaries,athletic transportation through the district’s bus operat ions department, and rental fees for the icehockey and swim teams. The city budget supports athletic programs with field maintenance andpreparation through the city buildings and grounds maintenance department. All other costs are fundedthrough the athletic revolving account, including replacement safety equipment, Berkshire County andother league fees, game officials, medical coverage, event management, and police security presenceat games. Athletic teams receive significant financial support for uniform replacement and additionalequipment through booster clubs for individual teams.

Adult Learning Center Programs and ServicesPittsfield ’s Adult Learning Center is the largest provider of Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs inBerkshire County. Since 1976, the Adult Learning Center has been offering free education classes andsupport services for adults that have either not completed their high school education or speak Englishwith limited proficiency. The main funding for these programs comes from Massachusetts Departmentof Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) grants and matching funds from the Pittsfield PublicSchools.

The Pittsfield Adult Learning Center offers 8 different programs that meet the needs of a diversestudent population. The following programs are open to all eligible students during the academic year:High School Equivalency (HiSet Prep), Adult Diploma, Adult Basic Education, Adult SecondaryEducation, Adult Career Pathways, Digital Literacy, ABE Distance Learning, and English for Speakersof Other Languages (ESOL). Currently the Adult Learning Center offers 14 core and non-core classesthat are scheduled throughout the school week (Monday - Friday, 8 am – 3 pm). Overall, 141 studentswere officially enrolled in at least one of the Adult Learning Center programs in FY15 and another 48attended at least one academic class. In FY17, it is expected that the total student enrollment willincrease by 5%.

In FY15, 25 students passed the HiSet Exam (formerly GED exam) and another 14 students completed

the requirements for the Adult Diploma Program. Overall, 55% of the students were able to make atleast one academic level gain during the year. Based on the FY15 Massachusetts ESE PerformanceStandards Report the Adult Learning Center achieved an Advanced rating in three of six performanceindicator areas and was ranked the second highest performing ABE program in WesternMassachusetts.


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Operational Services

School Lunch and Breakfast Programs All Pittsfield Public Schools participate in the national school lunch and breakfast program. Theprograms serve an average of 5,635 meals per day. The schools’ food service program servesstudents and staff. Current prices are $2.05 for lunch and $0.75 for breakfast for student meals and$3.75 for lunch and $1.50 for breakfast for adult meals. In addition to the paid meal prices, the schoolfood service program receives state and federal reimbursement revenue for each meal served. Thecharts below detail the current reimbursement rates.

Lunch Reimbursement Rates State Share Federal Share Total

Paid $.06 $0.35 $0.41Reduced $.06 $2.73 $2.79Free $.06 $3.13 $3.19

Breakfast Reimbursement Rates

Federal Non Severe Need Or Federal Severe NeedPaid $0.29 $0.29Reduced $1.36 $1.69Free $1.66 $1.99NOTE: Schools qualify for one reimbursement rate either severe or non-severedepending on percentage of free/reduced students in school.

School food service programs are required to follow detailed nutritional guidelines in order to qualify forstate and federal reimbursement. We continue to implement new federal requirements that increasethe amount of whole grains, fruits and vegetables that students consume. The changes were

implemented slowly and over a couple of years in Pittsfield, in anticipation of the full implementationyear. Still, as with all programs that encourage students (and adults!) to eat their vegetables, the mealplan changes have been received to varying fanfare by participants. It may take a number of years forstudents to become accustomed to the new meal plan and for participation in the program to even outafter these sweeping changes.

This year Pittsfield Elementary Schools are participating in the free breakfast and lunch program underthe Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Schools participating in CEP provide healthy breakfasts andlunches to their students free of charge. It also allows the Pittsfield School Food Service to receive fullfederal reimbursement for up to 100 percent of meals served. We have already seen an increase of5.1% in lunch participation and an increase of 7.07% in breakfast participation for elementary schools.In addition, Crosby Elementary School is scheduled to begin Breakfast in the Classroom

Pittsfield School Budget FY17

Documents

Transcript of Pittsfield School Budget FY17