Cornell School District students walk between classes on Feb. 15, at the Coraopolis middle school. (Photo by Stephanie Strasburg/PublicSource)
Administrators at the Cornell School District say they foster an all-hands-on-deck approach to the challenges of a dwindling student population that’s also swelling with English language learners.
by Lajja Mistry, PublicSource
The staff at Cornell wears many hats.
Cristy Meinert’s classroom is a testament to this multitasking ethos. Half of the classroom is typically occupied by small groups of students who work with her one-on-one on their literacy and math skills for about half an hour daily. The other half houses a large table with robotic cars and towers made of Legos.
Meinert, a reading specialist in elementary school, also mentors students for the FIRST Lego League Challenge, a global competition in which students build robots out of Legos to complete different missions. She teaches them basic codes to control the robots.
“It kind of makes teaching exciting — you having the opportunity to do different things,” she said. “I think if you were required to do it, that would be a barrier. But I think that the way that our school approaches it, we are asked, ‘Would you like to do this?’”
Most staff members at Cornell routinely choose to perform tasks and duties outside of their job descriptions, often because of the district’s small student population.
Serving students from Coraopolis and Neville Township — a slender river island dotted with manufacturers and small neighborhoods — Cornell is the smallest school district in Allegheny County. The district enrolls about 560 students, and 65% of its student population is considered economically disadvantaged. Because of its small student population relative to fixed expenses like buildings, staff and other resources, Cornell spends $30,520 per student, one of the highest rates in the County.
In comparison, neighboring school districts such as the Montour and Moon Area systems boast enrollments of about 3,075 and 4,035 students respectively. Only around one-fourth of the student population is economically disadvantaged in those districts.
Despite Cornell’s modest population, the district has managed to stand out in academic offerings, creating opportunities and fostering a culture of inclusivity, staff say. In the last few years, the district has also adapted to decreasing enrollment and changing student demographics with the use of technology and innovation in teaching practices.
A community hub
Naveah Rice, 18, returned to the Cornell School District in 11th grade last year. She went to Cornell Elementary until third grade, before moving to the nearby Montour School District.
Returning to Cornell was like returning home.
“I think the community of Coraopolis is really involved with the community of Cornell,” said Rice.
At Cornell, Rice is involved in various community service activities. She volunteers at many sports and backpack-and-supplies giveaway events for students in need. The community involvement and individual attention from her teachers make it more nurturing compared to Montour, she said.
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