While 2012 is just passed, Butler County residents can look ahead to a number of events, decisions and activities this year.

These include changes in public school curriculum, a trial for a man accused of killing his father and stepmother, a weeklong fireworks show and a number of elections.

Here’s a look at some events to be aware of this year.

EducationThe union representing faculty at the 14 State System of Higher Education schools, including Slippery Rock University, may go on strike.The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, which represents professors and coaches, voted to authorize a strike, but said that it would not consider striking until the spring.The union’s contract expired June 30, 2011.Also at SRU, renovations at Miller Auditorium are expected to begin in the spring.The $24.5 million project will nearly triple the size of the building, taking it from 22,803 square feet to 58,753 square feet. It is expected to take a year and a half.School districts face curriculum changes as well as a continuing uncertain budget climate.Schools have begun to integrate the Common Core educational standards into their curriculums. The standards call for a more rigorous learning environment, including end-of-course tests called the Keystone Exams. Beginning in 2017, students must pass the Keystones to graduate.Reduced state and federal funds to school districts will be an issue again in 2013. Taxpayers could see tax increases, and class sizes could increase as teacher positions are cut to balance budgets. Class offerings also might be trimmed.School security is tightening, too, and Butler will arm its secondary school police force and tighten security in its elementary schools. In light of recent shootings in public facilities, other school districts may follow suit.Another result of budget cuts, as well as drops in enrollment, are potential school closings. The Butler School Board will discuss a plan to close some of its 11 elementary schools.The Freeport School District is scheduled to begin construction of a middle school that will lead to the 2015 closure of the junior high school and kindergarten center in Freeport.The Mars School District will hire a new superintendent as Bill Pettigrew announced he will retire by the end of 2013.The Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School won’t be ready until 2014, but construction crews will work throughout 2013 to finish the project.Crews broke ground on the 180,000 square-foot building in June. The $71 million project is being built on 71 acres in Cranberry Township.Butler County Community College had a study done to see if there is a need for student housing. College leaders are expected to make a decision by May on whether to build housing.The BC3 Education Foundation is looking at the results of a study to determine whether to start a capital fundraising campaign. A decision on that campaign is expected this year.The possibility of expanding BC3’s Cranberry campus is being discussed, and a decision also is expected on that issue.

Criminal casesSure to be a highlight of the court schedule is the pending homicide trial for accused killer Colin Abbott.Prosecutors allege the 42-year-old New Jersey man killed his father and stepmother in July 2011 at their elaborate Brady Township homestead.Abbott, who could face the death penalty if convicted, maintains his innocence, and a jury is scheduled to decide his fate in March.Two other homicide cases are pending, but court officials say it’s unclear when they will go to trial.Richard Neyman, 35, is accused of shooting to death fellow city resident Craig M. Haas on Sept. 27. Neyman has claimed he was attacked by Haas first.A day after Neyman was arrested, investigators charged 76-year-old Larry Karnes of Connoquenessing with killing his 19-year-old grandson, Austin Riddell. Authorities believe Karnes shot his grandson following an argument at their house on Sunset Drive. Karnes reportedly claims he was holding the gun to scare his 200-pound grandson, and said the shooting was an accident.

Tourism eventsThe Pyrotechnics Guild International is holding its 2013 convention at Cooper’s Lake Campground on Aug. 10 to 17.The weeklong convention includes pyrotechnic construction classes and an expo of fireworks and supplies, as well as four nights of fireworks by internationally known companies.The public can attend these evening events.The third annual Bantam Heritage Jeep Festival will be on Father’s Day weekend in 2013, June 14-16.Butler County beer lovers can look forward to two new breweries in the county in 2013, one proposed for Zelienople and one proposed in Butler.The Butler Brew Works made room for its new operation by tearing down the former Hot Dog Shop on East Jefferson Street while Zachery Shumaker is working to open ShuBrew in Zelienople.Shumaker says his business should open this winter, while the Butler Brew Works expects to open this spring in the former Eckerd’s Drug Store on Main Street in Butler.

Road workWork on the $14.7 million Route 228 ramp project that is expected to eliminate cross traffic tie-ups for motorists trying to access Interstate 79 began in early December.State Department of Transportation officials said the project is expected to be done by the end of October 2014.The project eliminates two turns from Route 228 to I-79. It involves the construction of a new northbound on-ramp, a new southbound loop ramp, and the reconstruction of the southbound off-ramp at the interchange of I-79 and Route 228.

Other items• Construction of a new Butler County office building next to the government center on Diamond Street will begin in 2013 if bids come in under projected estimates.• The Butler BlueSox and Pullman Park will host the Prospect League All-Star Game on July 17.• Playtime Palace playground in Community Park off Route 19 in Cranberry Township will be replaced after more than 20 years with the new area called the Kids Castle, A Cranberry Uniting Playground. It is to be open by September.• A number of municipal and township offices are up for election. The primary is May 21 and the general election is Nov. 5.