Schools got less state and federal money in 2011, which forced school districts in the Butler County area to lay off teachers and staff.

Federal stimulus funds for public education ran out, and Gov. Tom Corbett announced that state funds would be cut back to 2008-09 levels.

All together, about $930 million was cut from the state education budget.

As a result, professional and support positions were lost in many school districts. In October, a statewide survey answered anonymously by six school districts in the county showed they eliminated 183 positions through furloughs or leaving them unfilled. They cut 101 teachers, five administrators and 77 other staff.

State colleges and universities felt the budget cuts, too. Slippery Rock University had a $22.2 million shortfall for its $84.3 million budget. Faculty members in March accepted a one-year salary freeze.

Butler County Community College lost 10 percent of the state subsidy for its $26.81 million budget, plus funding for its high school programs, job training and adult literacy.

In response to less state income, public schools began to seek new avenues for funding.

Following the Butler School District’s lead, the South Butler School District accepted an offer for a Marcellus Shale natural gas lease. Some districts pursued corporate fees and donations to pay for artificial turf fields, new construction and student enrichment programs, even as they cut field trips.

Public schools also were faced with calls for reforms. Among the reforms is a new teacher evaluation system that will consider students’ scores on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) Pennsylvania tests.

Consumers called for more education options, too. New charter cyber schools and a private school voucher system are being considered by the Legislature and could be funded from the same money as public schools.

Among superintendents, Donald Tylinski, Seneca Valley superintendent, retired in 2011, compared to four who left in 2010. Tylinski was replaced by Tracy Vitale, an assistant superintendent there.

Robert Smith, SRU president, announced in April that he will retire in early 2012.