Pine-Richland is giving senior citizens a reason to S.M.I.L.E.

A small focus group made up of residents and district administrators met on April 9 to discuss Senior Motivators in Learning Exchange Services, a program that would give tax credits to elderly property owners who volunteer in the school system.

From clerical workers, cafeteria aides and mentors, to chaperones, coaches and ticket takers, there are dozens of opportunities available at Pine-Richland. Volunteers -- many of whom are on fixed incomes -- would not replace paid employees; they would simply enhance students' educational experience by sharing their time and expertise.

If, for instance, a senior put in 100 hours over the course of the 2008-09 school year, he or she could receive a $500 rebate on his or her 2009-10 school taxes.

Aafke Loney, a school board member who spearheaded the initiative, says the wisdom of older citizens is invaluable.

"People are moving in because they know it's a good school district," she says. "There is a big demand on the faculty and staff to meet the needs of students. We need to utilize this untapped resource in our community.""

Loney learned of the tax incentive program last fall during a Pennsylvania School Board Association (PSBA) conference. A survey conducted by the organization found that 70 percent of school districts across the state were considering senior rebate programs.

About 11 percent of Pine and Richland residents are senior citizens, which Allegheny County defines as any person age 60 or older, or a widow or widower age 50 to 60 years.

If a person is ill and not capable of volunteering, another able-bodied senior could put in the volunteer hours and donate the tax credit to the less fortunate resident.

Superintendent Dr. James Manley says the tax incentive program should be geared toward seniors only.

"If we let everyone do it, we'd probably have to raise the millage," Manley says.

"There are so many volunteers in the school district. Parents are partners in education. It would be a significant loss of revenue from a business standpoint."

The district wants to gauge the senior community's interest in this program.

Clifford Elms, a focus group member who served as Richland Township's tax collector for more than a decade, says older residents were always asking him when the school district was going to cut them a break. Now that he's retired, he's asking himself the same question while looking for ways to occupy his time.

Administrators will create a draft of the proposal, which will be reviewed at the next focus group meeting on Tuesday, May 13, at 10 a.m. in the conference room, located at 702 Warrendale Road.

The public is invited to attend.

The goal is to present the idea to the school board in June and, by July, form a committee to recruit seniors, conduct one-on-one interviews and perform background checks on all potential volunteers.

An orientation session, including a tour of the school buildings, would be held prior to the start of volunteer work.

Dr. Yvonne Hawkins, principal of Wexford Elementary School, says the S.M.I.L.E. program meets the objectives of the Transformation Blueprint, a 20-page document that focuses on personalizing the learning environment and implementing an academically rigorous program to give Pine-Richland graduates a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

"I truly believe in opening up our doors and having volunteers in the classroom," she says.

For additional information, contact Rachel Hathhorn, schools and community relations coordinator, at 724-625-7773, ext. 6202.