Bethel Park Schools

School districts throughout Allegheny County, including Bethel Park, are being squeezed by the county’s plummeting common level ratio — now around 50% — which allows property owners who win tax appeals to have their properties taxed at half their market value, forcing the district to budget over $1 million annually just for commercial property refunds.

The district is responding with a 4.2% property tax increase in its $113.5 million budget while also considering other future cuts and crediting elementary school consolidation for some cost savings — all while being capped by state law from raising taxes anywhere near the 36% hike the county itself enacted.

Bethel Park’s interim business manager and school board have joined a growing coalition urging Allegheny County to conduct a reassessment, with the board arguing that without one, the shrinking tax base makes it impossible to reliably fund the education of children.

Full Story:
https://triblive.com/news/education-classroom/killer-to-school-districts-and-their-revenues-property-tax-challenges-straining-allegheny-county-school-budgets/

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Way to go, Molly!
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Bethel Park School District's Music Department composed an original song, "Come Together As One," to commemorate the 2026 opening of Bethel Park Elementary School, celebrating community pride, honoring the history of 10 former elementary schools and incorporating a nod to Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." The song made its live debut at the fourth-grade chorus concert on March 26, 2026, performed by all district fourth graders on the high school stage for the 17th consecutive year. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, all elementary students will learn and perform the song as a symbol of unity, with rising fifth graders taking a leadership role in guiding younger students at school events.

Full Story + Video:
https://www.bpsd.org/apps/news/article/2205494?categoryId=20490
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Bethel Park School District's administrative offices will relocate from 301 Church Road to 5800 Murray Avenue, the site of the former Neil Armstrong Middle School, beginning July 8, with the transition expected to take 10-14 days. During that time, from July 8-20, the district can be reached by phone at 412-854-8751 or via email.

Full Story:
https://www.bpsd.org/apps/news/article/2208951?categoryId=20490

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The Bethel Park Girls Flag Football Camp is set to take place on Aug. 6 at the High School Turf 1 field, commonly referred to as the Orange Turf. In the event of inclement weather, activities will be moved to the South Gymnasium

The camp will feature two sessions: one for grades 3-5 from 9 to 11:30 AM, and another for grades 6-8 from 1 to 3:30 PM.

Registration is priced at $30, which includes a guaranteed T-shirt for those who register by July 6.

Participants are reminded to bring their water bottles. Payment can be made via Venmo to -karish or by check made payable to the BP Girls Flag Football Boosters.

To register, scan the QR code available on the promotional materials.

Join us to learn, compete, and embrace the spirit of being a Hawks flag footballer!

Sign up here:
https://bit.ly/4eGGynq

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Taylor Bruckner, a Bethel Park High School freshman, competed Saturday in the 100-meter hurdles at the New Balance National Championships at the University of Pennsylvania’s legendary Franklin Field. 🖤🧡👟🎽

Bethel Park junior midfielder Liliana Centofanti earned a spot on the WPIAL Class 3A All-Star team and was joined by senior Scotlyn Paxton on the Class 3A, Section 1 All-Section first team.

Centofanti, who led the Black Hawks with 45 goals and 11 assists this season, was one of 14 players recognized on the Class 3A All-WPIAL squad, which was headlined by Mt. Lebanon's Quinn Murdoch, a three-time All-WPIAL selection and Post-Gazette Player of the Year.

The honors cap a strong season for Bethel Park's girls lacrosse program, with Centofanti poised to return as one of the region's top players for her senior year in 2027.

Full Story:
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/hsother/2026/06/17/quaker-roig-wpial-lacrosse-allstars-aquino-gentile-murdoch/stories/202606170011

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Four Bethel Park boys lacrosse players earned All-Section honors in Class 2A, Section 1, as selected by WPIAL coaches. Junior Tyler Miller, who also earned a spot on the Class 2A All-WPIAL team, was joined on the All-Section squad by senior Gavin Edkins, junior Charles Hegedus, and senior Peter Velisaris.

Miller, a long-stick midfielder, was the Black Hawks' lone representative on the All-WPIAL team, which was highlighted regionally by South Fayette's Drew Welhorsky, a three-time All-WPIAL selection and Post-Gazette Player of the Year.

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Bethel Park High School held its Class of 2026 commencement on June 4, highlighted by valedictorian Caroline Zelt's speech, in which she playfully declared victory over her father, Dr. Roger Zelt, a 1972 BPHS salutatorian who watched proudly from the stands.

Speakers included retiring Superintendent James Walsh, new Superintendent Dr. Matthew Patterson, Principal Racquel Sutton, salutatorian Charlotte Gaston, and Marine Sgt. Hunter D. Sparkschance. They encouraged the 330-plus graduates to embrace discomfort, maintain good character, and remain open to life's unexpected opportunities.

Several students received their diplomas from parents who are district staff members, adding personal moments to the ceremony, while six seniors committed to military service were recognized with red, white and blue ropes and challenge coins.

Full Story:
https://triblive.com/local/bethel-park-high-school-graduates-more-than-330-students/

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