When older students return to classes in the Woodland Hills School District next week, administrators say the teens will encounter new leadership, more secure buildings and teams of community outreach professionals.

Superintendent Walter Calinger said changes made over the summer were part of a "comprehensive plan" to establish safer school environments.

The changes include the merger of the district's junior high schools; the installation of 154 high-resolution cameras at the junior and high schools; and the approval of new principals at the high school, Woodland Hills Junior High School, and Dixon and Rankin Intermediate schools.

He also said new partnerships with area community groups and social service providers would team students with adult mentors to help stem conflicts.

"They're [eager] to help and we're [eager] to have them help," Dr. Calinger said.

He added that people such as Mac Bernard, project director for youth services at Rankin Christian Center, can use already established relationships with students to help them in school.

"They have a different kind of knowledge and kids have a different kind of respect for them," Dr. Calinger said.

"Parents trust us with their children, and parents trust us to correct their children. We can call parents on their cell phones and kids don't want us to do that," Mr. Bernard said.

He and colleagues Leah Hardaway and Gerald Brown know many students and parents in Rankin and Braddock from being service providers and longtime residents of the region.

"This [initiative] also enhances community relations between service providers, teachers and counselors," said El Gray of One Vision, One Life, who also will be present in the district.

Dr. Janet Wilson-Carter, former principal of East Junior High School, is the principal at new Woodland Hills Junior High in Swissvale -- now the only junior high in the district.

East, in Turtle Creek, was shut after the 2007-08 year ended and classes will be combined at the former West building.

She also welcomed the idea of community support in schools. She acknowledged fears of some parents that 260 additional students could exacerbate disciplinary issues that West struggled with last year, but said teachers and support staff coming from East would ease the transition.

"To have all of the talent of the entire district in our building, that's rich," Dr. Wilson-Carter said. "I believe we're in a position to provide the best to our students."

Dr. Calinger said changes made over the summer are a small part of what has to be done for the district to realize its potential.

The district is under Corrective Action II status under the No Child Left Behind Act and is coming off a year in which the former superintendent, Roslynne Wilson, was threatened with criminal charges for failure to report violent incidents at schools to the police.

Dr. Calinger is aware of pessimism regarding the upcoming school year, but says he looks forward to a better year.

"Many are hoping for change, but based on experience, are hesitant to believe. I understand it's hard to believe people can change a school district.

"I can't do it by myself. That's why we put together the best leadership staff this district has ever seen."

Woodland Hills will have "Welcome Back" nights for students and parents today and tomorrow in preparation for the first day of school Tuesday.