Apr 19, 2011 By Christine Haines 2 min read

?Laurel Highlands School District administrators presented the state of the district at the April school board meeting, outlining district programs and improvements.

Dr. Gary Brain, the district superintendent who is retiring at the end of this school year, said the district emphasizes career awareness at all grade levels and high school academies related to the real world.

Curriculum director Randy Miller said a variety of programs have been instituted to assure the success of Laurel Highlands students.

“Anytime I network with another school district, they want to know about our transition counselor,” Miller said.

The transition counselor works with eighth- and ninth-grade students, preparing the younger students in the spring to move to the high school, then working with that group of students during the fall semester of their freshman year to help them adjust.

Miller said after-school tutoring is now offered in math, English, science and social studies for students in danger of failing the required courses.

Jesse Wallace, the principal at Marshall Elementary who will be taking over as district superintendent, said renovation plans are continuing for the high school, with a possible wing for the career academies and evening classes taught by Westmoreland County Community College.

Wallace said the district is on good financial footing.

“We have been able to maintain a fund balance of $3 (million) to $4 million, which will help this year. Everyone here is aware of the economic conditions. We are saving revenue while saving jobs,” Wallace said of recent contract settlements.

In other matters, the board honored retiring football head coach Jack Buehner for his 18 years as head coach.

Buehner said he has coached in the Laurel Highlands district since graduating from college, first serving as an assistant basketball coach.

“It’s a very emotional thing. It’s bittersweet,” Buehner said of his coaching retirement. “When someone wants to measure a coach, it’s often on wins and losses. As a high school coach, all I asked of my guys was to be the best they could be.”

Buehner said he has built many lasting relationships with his players.

“I’m proud of the winning, but as a teacher and a coach, I’m proudest of the development of my players,” Buehner said.

Buehner will continue teaching in the district.