The Central Valley School Board saw more merger benefits last night, with seven teachers taking buyouts effective at the end of this year and administrators giving a glimpse of the curricula that will be offered at the CV middle school and high school next year.

Central Valley was formed July 1 through the merger of the Center Area and Monaca school districts. The elementary grades were consolidated this year; the middle schools and high schools will be consolidated next year.

The greater efficiency of a larger enrollment -- the district now has about 2,400 children -- allowed it to save about $1 million in this year's budget, and administrators have projected an additional $500,000 in savings next year. The seven teachers taking buyouts join 19 who took them in the spring.

Assistant Superintendent Nick Perry and Mike Thomas -- the former Monaca superintendent who is now superintendent of merger affairs -- gave quick reports on the work of committees looking at the cores subjects for the new district.

Math courses will run through calculus to differential equations and linear algebra, and there will also be courses in business math, computer programming and statistics.

In science, the district will offer advanced placement physics, chemistry and environmental science, which neither school offered before.

Language arts courses will include AP English and British literature, and social studies electives will be are offered at each grade level, with classes including sociology, psychology and contemporary American themes.

"We want to be a premier district not just in Beaver County but in all of Western Pennsylvania," Dr. Thomas said.

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