| Gateway School District | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| approximately 15 miles (24 km) east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Pennsylvania, Allegheny, United States of America |
|
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Established | 1958 |
| Superintendent | Dr. Cleveland Steward, Jr. |
| Staff | approximately 600 |
| Grades | K-12 |
| Enrollment | 4050 (2009-10) |
| Kindergarten | 238 |
| Grade 1 | 297 |
| Grade 2 | 235 |
| Grade 3 | 270 |
| Grade 4 | 277 |
| Grade 5 | 289 |
| Grade 6 | 292 |
| Grade 7 | 331 |
| Grade 8 | 337 |
| Grade 9 | 378 |
| Grade 10 | 372 |
| Grade 11 | 362 |
| Grade 12 | 372 |
| Color(s) | Black & Vegas Gold |
| Budget | $64,000,000 |
| Website | http://www.gatewayk12.org |
The Gateway School District is a large, suburban, public school district located in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. It also serves residents of Pitcairn. [1] Gateway School District encompasses approximately 19 square miles. Per the 2000 federal census data, the district serves a resident population of 33,038. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $22,998, while the median family income was $51,250. [2] According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the Gateway School District provided basic educational services to 4,101 pupils. It employed 341 teachers, 390 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 40 administrators, in 2009. The Gateway School District received more than $13.7 million in state funding in school year 2007-08.
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All students in the district attend Gateway High School for 9th grade to 12th grade. Depending on the location of their home, students in kindergarten through grade four attend either: Evergreen Elementary, Dr. Cleveland Steward, Jr. Elementary, Pitcairn Elementary, Ramsey Elementary, or University Park Elementary.
Pitcairn Elementary School - 435 Agatha Street, Pitcairn, PA 15140. Report Card 2010 [7] In May 2011, the Gateway School Board voted to close the school. Students were reassigned to other district buildings effective with the 2011-12 school year. [3] [4]
In 2011, Gateway School District ranked 130th out of 498 Pennsylvania districts. The ranking is based on five years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in reading, writing, math and three years of science. [5]
Gateway School District was ranked 54th out of 105 Western Pennsylvania School Districts in 2009 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on three years of student academic performance on the PSSAs for: math, reading, writing and 1 year of science.[8] In 2008, the district ranked 50th out of 105 western Pennsylvania public school districts and was 190th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts. In 2007 the district ranked 173rd of 500 Pennsylvania school districts.[9]
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Gateway School District's rate was 82% for 2010.[10]
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
In 2010, the high school is in Making Progress: in School Improvement II due to low student academic achievement. In 2009, the high school was in School Improvement II AYP level. [14]
In 2011, Gateway High School was ranked 33rd out of 122 western Pennsylvania high schools for student academic achievement by the Pittsburgh Business Times. [15]
11th Grade Science:
College Remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 28% of Gateway School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges. [24] Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.[25] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
The high school offers a Dual Enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[26] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions. [27] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system. [28]
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $33,833 for the program.[29]
The Gateway School District School Board has determined that a student must earn 23 credits to graduate including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 3 credits, Science 3 credits, Mathematics 3 credits, Information Technology 0.5 credit, Arts/Humanities 2 credits, Health 0.5 credit, Physical Education 1 credit and Electives 6 credits. [30]
By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.[31]
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.[32]
The Social Studies Department manages a community service program. Active student volunteers earn extra credit points in their Social Studies class and end of year awards. The program operates throughout the school year and over the summer months. It offers a concentrated leadership-training program during four weeks in the summer and volunteering efforts are conducted year round. [33]
In 2010 and 2009, the school achieved AYP. [34] In both 2010 and 2009, the school's attendance rate was 94%. [35]
In 2009, the 8th grade was ranked 69th out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and one year of science.[36] (Includes schools in: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Westmoreland County, and Washington County. The school provides Grades 7 & 8.
8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Math:
In 2009 and 2010 the school achieved AYP status. [42] The attendance rate was 94% in 2009 and increased to 95% in 2010. [43] Both the 5th grade and 6th grade at school were noted as having irregularities in a study of the school's 2008-09 PSSA results. The statewide study noted highly improbable data for 50 schools in the state including Moss Side Middle School. [44] [45] The District was audited by the Bureau of Assessment and Accountability on March 15, 2011. The process the school used to conduct the PSSAs was reviewed. According to district officials, the review found the district was compliant with state mandated procedures and protocols for the PSSAs. [46]
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
5th Grade Reading:
5th Grade Math:
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 669 pupils or 16% of the district's pupils received Special Education services. [48]
In order to assure compliance with state and federal laws, the District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Student Support Team/Child Study Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District obtains parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents or guardians, who believe their child is eligible, may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Gateway School District Director of Special Education. [49]
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[50]
Gateway School District received a $1,951,528 supplemental funding to pay for special education services for its students, in 2010.[51]
For the 2011-12 school year, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required. [52]
The District Administration reported that 207 or 5.24% of its students were gifted in 2009.[53] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. Services designed to meet the needs of gifted students include the annual development of a Gifted Individual Education Plan, support services and specially-designed instruction designed to challenge the student. [54] Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal, requesting an evaluation. All requests should be made in writing which commences a 60 day evaluation deadline. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.[55]
In 2009, the administrative reported there were 23 incidents of bullying in the district. There were 114 incidents of fighting and 15 incidents of Terroristic Threats. [56] [57]
Gateway School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The policy defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying be investigated promptly, and corrective action taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation may occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying. [58] The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.[59] The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.[60]
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.[61]
In 2009, the district employed over 340 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $69,609 for 180 days instructing students and 191 total days. The beginning salary was $42,804, while the highest salary was $113,568. [62] The beginning salary was whole the highest salary was $147,000. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, 3 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, 5 paid bereavement days and other benefits. Teachers receive a payment of $100.00 for each unused day of sick leave at retirement, death or severance. The District grants the union thirty-five (35) teacher days of release time for attendance at State and National Conventions of PSEA and NEA respectively and additional conferences designated by the Association. The union may carry over ten (10) such days to a maximum of forty-five (45) days in any one year. Teachers work an 7 hour 30 minute day, which includes at least one planning period and a paid 30 minute lunch. Many teachers are required to teach only 6 periods a day.[63] According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.[64]
In 2007, the average teacher salary in the district was $65,775 for 180 days worked. The district ranked second in Allegheny County for average teacher salary in 2007. The average teacher salary in Pennsylvania was $54,977.[65] As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation.[66]
Gateway School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $840 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. [67] In May 2010, the school board awarded a four-year contract to Joseph A. Petrella as superintendent, at a starting salary of $140,000. The contract includes annual 3 percent salary increases and an extensive benefits package including a defined benefit pension, life insurance, health insurance and more.[68]
The district reported that its per pupil spending was $14,468. This ranked 81st among 501 Pennsylvania public school districts. [69]
In 2008, the district reported an unreserved designated fund balance of $3,546,754.00 and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $6,995,966.00.[70] In 2010, the reserves were an unreserved designated fund balance of $3,679,754 and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $4,773,348. [71]
In December 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit on the district. Several findings were reported to the school board and administration.[72]
For the 2011-12 school year the district laid off 12 teachers and eliminated 30 full-time and part-time aides, three custodians and two administrative positions. The teacher layoffs were due to declining enrollment and program changes. Eleven teacher positions were also eliminated through attrition. [73] [74]
The district is funded by a combination of: a local income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the income level. [75]
In 2011-12, the district will receive $6,840,471 in state Basic Education Funding. [76] Additionally, the district will receive $130,950 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011. [77]
For the 2010-11 budget year, the Gateway School District received a 2.39% increase in state basic education funding for a total of $7,143,698. In Allegheny County, the highest increase went to South Fayette Township School District which received an 11.32% increase in state funding. One hundred fifty school districts in Pennsylvania received a 2% base increase for budget year 2010-11. The highest increase in the state was given to Kennett Consolidated School District of Chester County which was given a 23.65% increase in state funding.[78] The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the budget proposal made in February each year. [79]
For the 2009-2010 school year budget, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding to Gateway School District for a total of $6,977,280. This was the lowest percentage point increase, in Basic Education Funding, for the school districts in Allegheny County and the state. Four county school districts received increases of over 6% in Basic Education Funding. Ninety school districts in Pennsylvania received the minimum 2% increase in 2009. Additionally, Governor Edward Rendell gave 15 Pennsylvania school districts education funding increases of over 10% in 2009. The highest funding increase went to Muhlenberg School District in Berks County which received a 22.31% increase in 2009-10.[80] The state Basic Education Funding to the Gateway School District in 2008-09 was $6,840,471.05. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[81]
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1148 students in the Gateway School District received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.[82]
The state provides supplemental funding in the form of accountability block grants. The use of these funds is strictly focused on specific state approved uses. Gateway School District uses its $355,431 to fund extensive teacher training to improve their teaching and to provide extra instruction for struggling students. These annual funds are in addition to the state's basic education funding.[83] Schools Districts must apply each year for Accountability Block Grants.[84] In 2009-10 the state provided $271.4 million dollars in Accountability Block grants $199.5 million went to providing all day kindergartens.[85]
Gateway School Board received multiple grants from the PA Department of Education for three years, to purchase equipment to help reform the high school's core subjects instruction and to prepare students for future employment by using cutting-edge equipment and software. The district used the funds to purchase laptops for students, laptops for teachers, laptop carts and other digital equipment. The district also received substantial funds to upgrade our existing network infrastructure. The grant provided additional funding for a technology coach to instruct teachers in using the equipment to improve instruction. In 2006-07 the district received $407,573. In 2007-08, the district received $300,000. In 2008, the district received $45,4130 for a total of $752,986. [86] Since 2006, Pennsylvania's Classrooms for the Future program has distributed more than $150 million for laptops, interactive boards and other high-tech tools in 543 high schools. In 2009, the CFF funding program was terminated due to a deep state revenue - budget shortfall. [87]
The district received an extra $2,147,273 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. [88] The funding is for 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.
School district officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. [89] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. [90] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[91] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. [92]
In June 2011, The Gateway School Board set the property tax rates in 21.02 mills for the 2011-12 school year.[93] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region.
The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2010-2011 school year is 2.9 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.[98]
The School District Adjusted Index for the Gateway School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012. [99]
For the 2011-12 school year the Gateway School Board applied for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index, for special education costs and pension payment costs. Each year, the Gateway School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. [100]
According to a state report, for the 2011-2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.[101]
For the 2010-11 school year budget, the Gateway School Board applied for multiple exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index including: special education costs, maintenance of revenue sources and maintenance of local tax revenues. [102] In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases. [103]
In 2009, the Gateway School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Index limit. [104]
In 2011, property tax relief was set at $171 for the 8,532 approved homesteads. [105] In Allegheny County, the highest tax relief went to Duquesne City School District which was set at $351.
In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Gateway School District was $173 per approved permanent primary residence.[106] In the district, 8,413 property owners applied for the tax relief.
In 2009 the school property tax relief was set at $176 for 8,609 approved properties.[107] The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (40,000 m2) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Allegheny County, 60% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[108]
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).[109]
Many Allegheny County school districts are facing significantly declining enrollment and sharply rising costs. A proposal has been made by David Wassell, a prominent resident and leader in Allegheny County, to consolidate Allegheny County school districts to save tax dollars, focus dollars on student achievement, and improve student services. The plan calls for a proposed district that includes: East Allegheny School District, Penn-Trafford School District and Gateway School District. [110]
In March 2011, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Fiscal Responsibility Task Force released a report which found that consolidating school district administrations with one neighboring district, would save the Commonwealth $1.2 billion dollars without forcing the consolidation of any school buildings. [111] The study noted that while the best school districts spent 4% of the annual budget on administration, others spend over 15% on administration. [112]
Governor Edward Rendell proposed that consolidation with adjacent school districts, in each county, would achieve substantial cost savings. The savings could be redirected to improving lagging reading and science achievement, to enriching the academic programs or to reducing residents' property taxes.[113] [114] Consolidation of the central administrations into one would not require the closing of any local schools.
Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. Less than 95 of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts have enrollment below 1250 students, in 2007.[115] This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity.[116] In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools. [117]
The principal of Gateway High School is Mr. William Short. Assistant Principal (Grades 9 & 11) is Anthony Aquilio and Assistant Principal (Grades 10 & 12) is Peter Murphy. The principal of Gateway Middle School is Mr. Aaron Johnson and the assistant principal is Mrs. Marisa Mandel. The school employs several guidance counselors who work under Mr. Michael Gibson.
Gateway School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.[118] The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 - 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."
The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education and physical education that are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.[119]
The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is set by school board policy and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.
By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[120]
The high school athletic director and football team's coach is Mr. Terry Smith. Other athletics activities include basketball, soccer, track, cross country, volleyball, tennis, swimming, wrestling, and golf. The mascot of the school district is the Gateway Gator, a stylized alligator.
Gateway High School offers many clubs for its students to join.
Gateway's Student Councils and Student Governments play a large role in student life. They are in charge of all school dances, fund-raisers, school spirit activities, and also attend and host various leadership workshops and conferences through the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils.
Gateway also competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition, an annual event for high-school aged participants. Gateway's team, Quasics, is FRC Team #2656. They have competed annually at the Pittsburgh Regional since 2008.
Lego Mindstorms are used for robotic competitions by the robotics club at Gateway Middle School.
Before 1948, Monroeville students could choose to attend nearby schools on a tuition basis. In the mid-1950s, the districts joined and began making plans for a new senior high school. Official action began February 1956, breaking ground in January 1957.
The joint School Board selected the name of Gateway Senior High School. By September 1958, 900 students from Monroeville and Pitcairn were occupying the new high school. The first graduating class of 196 students received their diplomas in June 1959. For the next 25 years, grades 10-11-12 would attend school in the high school. 1983 marked the beginning of a new era at Gateway. Ninth grade was moved to the high school, South Junior High School became the Gateway Upper Elementary (5-6), and Monroeville Junior High School became Gateway Junior High School (7-8). Eleven years later, in 1994, Gateway Upper Elementary became the Moss Side Middle School (5-6), and Gateway Junior High School became Gateway Middle School (7-8).
In 2007, the district completed its reconstruction and expansion of the high school complex. This complex includes the Monroeville Public Library, Pete Antimarino Football Stadium, the high school, Moss Side Middle School, administration offices, and various other multi-use sports fields.