Abington Heights School District
Encyclopedia
The Abington Heights School District covers the Boroughs of Clarks Green
and Clarks Summit
and Waverly Township, Glenburn Township, Newton Township, North Abington Township, Ransom Township and South Abington Township in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
. The district operates four elementary school
s, a middle school
, and a high school
. The district encompasses approximately 69 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 29,222. Per school district officials, in school year 2007-08 the AHSD provided basic educational services to 3,525 pupils through the employment of 265 teachers, 188 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 22 administrators.
The high school was once recognized by Money
magazine as one of the top 100 schools in the nation.
Abington Heights School District has been identified two separate times as one of the top 100 places to live in America for quality music education according to a nationwide survey of public and private school programs. The complete results, along with background information on music education and the survey, can be seen in their entirety at: www.amc-music.org.
The High School Orchestra, Band and Chorus enjoy a strong regional and state reputation and a strong student interest.
s of Clarks Summit
and Clarks Green
, and the township
s of North Abington
, Waverly, South Abington
, Glenburn
, Newton
, and Ransom
.
These municipalities, except for Ransom Township, but together with Dalton
and West Abington Township
make up a growing suburban area of Scranton known as "The Abingtons."
Clarks Summit Elementary School covers the student population of the Clarks Summit and Clarks Green areas, while South Abington Elementary School covers mostly South Abington Township. Waverly Elementary School, located in the historic village of Waverly, covers the Waverly and Dalton areas of the Abington Heights School District. Newton, the smallest elementary school in the district, covers the rural regions of Newton and Ransom Townships. All middle school students in the district attend Abington Heights Middle School (off Newton-Ransom Blvd. in Newton Township). Abington Heights High School is off Noble Rd. in Clarks Summit.
The Abington Heights School District provides half day kindergarten in 2011.
's for reading, writing, math and three years of science.
In 2011, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. The district ranked 281st. The paper describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."
Graduation Rate:
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 8% of Abington Heights School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $4,165 for the program.
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Math
6th Grade Reading
6th Grade Math
5th Grade Reading
5th Grade Math
According to Great Schools website: 7th graders scored 25% and 24% better than the state average of 67% in reading and math, respectively. Abington Heights has never scored below the state average in either the reading or writing PSSA assessments.
In 2009, the Abington Heights Middle School was named a School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. The recognition goes to schools that are: academically excellent by challenging all students, are sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence and are democratic and fair, providing every student with high-quality teachers, resources, and supports. Schools must apply for this recognition.
services.
The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Special Education Department.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Abington Heights School District received a $1,632,884 supplement for special education services in 2010.
The school board prohibits bullying by district students and employees. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. District administration are required to annually provide the following information with the district's Safe School Report: the board’s bullying policy, a report of bullying incidents in the school district, and information on the development and implementation of any bullying prevention, intervention or education programs. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
, health insurance
, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 sick days, and many other benefits. Teachers are paid an additional hourly rate, when they are required to work outside of the regular school day. According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
In 2007, the district employed 231 teachers who earned an average teacher salary of $55,080 for 180 days worked.
The district administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $611.74 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Abington Heights School District reported spending $11,153 per pupil. This ranked 383rd in the commonwealth.
Reserves
In 2009, the district reported $1,371,431 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $10,399,284.
In December 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.
received a 11.88% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF in Lackawanna County. Kennett Consolidated School District
in Chester County
received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.75% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,036,630. This was the second lowest percentage point increase, in Basic Education Funding, for the school districts in Lackawanna County. Two county school districts received increases of over 9% in Basic Education Funding. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $5,875,312.13. In Pennsylvania ninety school district received a base 2% increase in state funding. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 348 students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.
- Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.
federal grant. When approved for the grant, the district would have received hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state RTTT application judging will occur in June 2010.
2009-10 - 115.3500 mills.
in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.
The School District Adjusted Index for the Abington Heights School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
Abington Heights School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 or in 2010-11. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
who received $334. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief state wide to the residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year Chester Upland School District was the top recipient.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
The origins of the Abington Heights School District date to the founding of Clarks Green (and later Clarks Summit), the two largest boroughs in the district. Both where founded during the early 19th century and attribute their name to Captain William Clark, a revolutionary war veteran from Rhode Island. Col. Ebbings from Connecticut founded the Abington Area in the late 18th century. It was originally called "Ebbington" and later changed to "Abington." Waverly was one of the earliest villages of the Abingtons and later came the establishment of Bailey Hollow (presently called Dalton) in the 19th Century and Clarks Summit and Clarks Green in the early 20th Century.
The first high school in the Abingtons was built in 1875, and was called "Abington High School." In 1883, it was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Another high school in the Abingtons, the Dalton High School, was completed in 1887 and closed down in 1930. The Abington Heights School District was formed in the early 1950s from four former school districts: Clarks Summit-Abington, Glenburn, South Abington, and Newton-Ransom. Abington Heights High School was completed in 1966. Over the next several decades, renovations and changes were made. Today there are six schools in the district along with one administration building.
The main mascot for Abington Heights is the Comet, while the colors are blue and white. The Comet comes from the original Clarks Summit High School Comets, prior to the establishment of Abington Heights.
By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
Clarks Green, Pennsylvania
Clarks Green is a borough in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,476 at the 2010 census. Clarks Green is located within census tract 1104.01.-Geography:Clarks Green is located at ....
and Clarks Summit
Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
Clarks Summit is a borough in Lackawanna County northwest of Scranton in northeastern Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 5,116 at the 2010 census. It is also the northern terminus of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, I-476.-History:...
and Waverly Township, Glenburn Township, Newton Township, North Abington Township, Ransom Township and South Abington Township in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 213,295 people, 86,218 households, and 55,783 families residing in the county. The population density was 465 people per square mile . There were 95,362 housing units at an average density of 208 per square mile...
. The district operates four elementary school
Elementary school
An elementary school or primary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as elementary or primary education. Elementary school is the preferred term in some countries, particularly those in North America, where the terms grade school and grammar...
s, a middle school
Middle school
Middle School and Junior High School are levels of schooling between elementary and high schools. Most school systems use one term or the other, not both. The terms are not interchangeable...
, and a high school
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
. The district encompasses approximately 69 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 29,222. Per school district officials, in school year 2007-08 the AHSD provided basic educational services to 3,525 pupils through the employment of 265 teachers, 188 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 22 administrators.
The high school was once recognized by Money
Money (magazine)
Money is published by Time Inc. Its first issue was published in October 1972. Its articles cover the gamut of personal finance topics ranging from investing, saving, retirement and taxes to family finance issues like paying for college, credit, career and home improvement...
magazine as one of the top 100 schools in the nation.
Abington Heights School District has been identified two separate times as one of the top 100 places to live in America for quality music education according to a nationwide survey of public and private school programs. The complete results, along with background information on music education and the survey, can be seen in their entirety at: www.amc-music.org.
The High School Orchestra, Band and Chorus enjoy a strong regional and state reputation and a strong student interest.
Students
For the district, the students per FTE teacher ratio is 16:1. During the 2005-2006 school year, the last time data was available, the overall ethnicity was 95% White (non-Hispanic), 2% Asian/Pacific Islander, Black (non-Hispanic) 1%, Hispanic 1%, American Indian/Alaskan Native <1%.Municipalities
Eight municipalities make up the Abington Heights School District, including: the boroughBorough
A borough is an administrative division in various countries. In principle, the term borough designates a self-governing township although, in practice, official use of the term varies widely....
s of Clarks Summit
Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
Clarks Summit is a borough in Lackawanna County northwest of Scranton in northeastern Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 5,116 at the 2010 census. It is also the northern terminus of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, I-476.-History:...
and Clarks Green
Clarks Green, Pennsylvania
Clarks Green is a borough in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,476 at the 2010 census. Clarks Green is located within census tract 1104.01.-Geography:Clarks Green is located at ....
, and the township
Civil township
A civil township is a widely used unit of local government in the United States, subordinate to, and geographic divisions of, a county. Specific responsibilities and the degree of autonomy vary based on each state. Civil townships are distinct from survey townships, but in states that have both,...
s of North Abington
North Abington Township, Pennsylvania
North Abington Township is a township in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located approximately 10 miles north of Scranton, Pennsylvania and is located in the growing suburban area known as the "Abingtons." North Abington is also approximately 6 miles north of Clarks Summit and...
, Waverly, South Abington
South Abington Township, Pennsylvania
South Abington Township is a township in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 9,073 at the 2010 census. The town is sometimes referenced to as Chinchilla.-Geography:...
, Glenburn
Glenburn Township, Pennsylvania
Glenburn Township is a township in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, founded in 1877. The population was 1,246 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
, Newton
Newton Township, Pennsylvania
Newton Township is a township in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,846 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 22.7 square miles , of which, 22.4 square miles of it is land and...
, and Ransom
Ransom Township, Pennsylvania
Ransom Township is a township in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,420 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 18.0 square miles , of which, 17.6 square miles of it is land and...
.
These municipalities, except for Ransom Township, but together with Dalton
Dalton, Pennsylvania
Dalton is a borough in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, USA. It is located approximately 8 miles north of the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania in a growing suburban area known as the "Abingtons." Dalton is also approximately 3 miles north of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, the hub of the Abington...
and West Abington Township
West Abington Township, Pennsylvania
West Abington Township, is a township in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 250 at the 2010 census. Richard Schirg is the current West Abington Township Supervisor.-Geography:...
make up a growing suburban area of Scranton known as "The Abingtons."
Schools
- Clarks Summit Elementary SchoolElementary schoolAn elementary school or primary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as elementary or primary education. Elementary school is the preferred term in some countries, particularly those in North America, where the terms grade school and grammar...
(K-4) - Newton-Ransom Elementary School (K-4)
- South Abington Elementary School (K-4)
- Waverly Elementary School (K-4)
- Abington Heights Middle SchoolMiddle schoolMiddle School and Junior High School are levels of schooling between elementary and high schools. Most school systems use one term or the other, not both. The terms are not interchangeable...
(5-8) *Labeled a Don Eichhorn School to Watch in 2009 - Abington Heights High SchoolHigh schoolHigh school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
(9-12)
Clarks Summit Elementary School covers the student population of the Clarks Summit and Clarks Green areas, while South Abington Elementary School covers mostly South Abington Township. Waverly Elementary School, located in the historic village of Waverly, covers the Waverly and Dalton areas of the Abington Heights School District. Newton, the smallest elementary school in the district, covers the rural regions of Newton and Ransom Townships. All middle school students in the district attend Abington Heights Middle School (off Newton-Ransom Blvd. in Newton Township). Abington Heights High School is off Noble Rd. in Clarks Summit.
The Abington Heights School District provides half day kindergarten in 2011.
Academic achievement
Abington Heights School District was ranked 35th out of 498 Pennsylvania School Districts in 2011 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on five years of student academic performance on the PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
's for reading, writing, math and three years of science.
- 2010 - 36th
- 2009 - 31st
- 2008 - 36th
- 2007 - 31st out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts.
In 2011, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. The district ranked 281st. The paper describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."
- 2010 - 233rd
- 2009 - 125th
Graduation Rate:
- 2010 - 99%
- 2009 - 98%
- 2008 - 97%
High school
PSSA Results11th Grade Reading
- 2010 - 82% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders on grade level.
- 2009 - 85%, State - 65%
- 2008 - 68%, State - 65%
- 2007 - 74%. State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 67% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 - 66%, State - 56%
- 2008 - 55%, State - 56%
- 2007 - 57%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science:
- 2010 - 50% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 55%, State - 40%
- 2008 - 35%, State - 39%
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 8% of Abington Heights School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a large public university system in the United States. It is the tenth-largest university system in the United States and 43rd largest in the world...
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Dual enrollment
The high school offers a Dual EnrollmentDual enrollment
In education, dual enrollment involved students being enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. It may also refer to any individual who is participating in two related programs, but such a general form of usage is uncommon....
program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $4,165 for the program.
Middle school
8th Grade Reading:- 2010 - 92% on grade level. State: 82% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 95% , State - 80.9%
- 2008 - 95%, State - 78%
8th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 95% on grade level. State - 75% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 90%, State: 71%
- 2008 - 93%, State -70%
8th Grade Science:
- 2010 - 77% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 65%, State - 55%
- 2008 - 65%, State - 50%
7th Grade Reading
- 2010 - 89% on grade level, State - 73%
- 2009 - 91%, State - 71%
7th Grade Math
- 2010 - 97% on grade level, State - 78%
- 2009 - 91%, State - 75%
6th Grade Reading
- 2010 - 84% on grade level, State - 68%
- 2009 - 81%, State - 67%
6th Grade Math
- 2010 - 92% on grade level, State - 78%
- 2009 - 90%, State - 75%
5th Grade Reading
- 2010 - 78% on grade level, State - 64%
- 2009 - 80%, State - 64%
5th Grade Math
- 2010 - 90% on grade level, State - 74%
- 2009 - 84%, State - 73%
According to Great Schools website: 7th graders scored 25% and 24% better than the state average of 67% in reading and math, respectively. Abington Heights has never scored below the state average in either the reading or writing PSSA assessments.
In 2009, the Abington Heights Middle School was named a School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. The recognition goes to schools that are: academically excellent by challenging all students, are sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence and are democratic and fair, providing every student with high-quality teachers, resources, and supports. Schools must apply for this recognition.
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 463 pupils or 13.1% of the district's pupils received Special EducationSpecial education
Special education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students' individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials,...
services.
The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Special Education Department.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Abington Heights School District received a $1,632,884 supplement for special education services in 2010.
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that 148 students or 4.26% of its students were gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.Bullying Policy
The Abington Heights School Administration reported two incidents of bullying occurring in the schools in 2009.The school board prohibits bullying by district students and employees. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. District administration are required to annually provide the following information with the district's Safe School Report: the board’s bullying policy, a report of bullying incidents in the school district, and information on the development and implementation of any bullying prevention, intervention or education programs. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
Budget
In 2009, the district reports employing over 290 teachers with a starting salary of $41,460 for 180 days for pupil instruction. The average teacher salary was $57,046 while the maximum salary was $121,931. As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation. Additionally, Abington Heights School District teachers receive a defined benefit pensionPension
In general, a pension is an arrangement to provide people with an income when they are no longer earning a regular income from employment. Pensions should not be confused with severance pay; the former is paid in regular installments, while the latter is paid in one lump sum.The terms retirement...
, health insurance
Health insurance
Health insurance is insurance against the risk of incurring medical expenses among individuals. By estimating the overall risk of health care expenses among a targeted group, an insurer can develop a routine finance structure, such as a monthly premium or payroll tax, to ensure that money is...
, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 sick days, and many other benefits. Teachers are paid an additional hourly rate, when they are required to work outside of the regular school day. According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
In 2007, the district employed 231 teachers who earned an average teacher salary of $55,080 for 180 days worked.
The district administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $611.74 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Abington Heights School District reported spending $11,153 per pupil. This ranked 383rd in the commonwealth.
Reserves
In 2009, the district reported $1,371,431 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $10,399,284.
In December 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.
State basic education funding
For 2010-11 the Abington Heights School District received a 3.42% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $6,242,839 payment. Dunmore School DistrictDunmore School District
The Dunmore School District is a small, suburban school district which serves the Borough of Dunmore in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. The district operates Dunmore High School, Dunmore Middle School and Dunmore Elementary Center. Dunmore School District encompasses approximately 8 square miles....
received a 11.88% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF in Lackawanna County. Kennett Consolidated School District
Kennett Consolidated School District
The Kennett Consolidated School District,or KCSD for short, is a public school district serving portions of Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is centered on the borough of Kennett Square and also incorporates Kennett Township, New Garden Township, and the southern portion of East Marlborough Twp....
in Chester County
Chester County, Pennsylvania
-State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were...
received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.75% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,036,630. This was the second lowest percentage point increase, in Basic Education Funding, for the school districts in Lackawanna County. Two county school districts received increases of over 9% in Basic Education Funding. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $5,875,312.13. In Pennsylvania ninety school district received a base 2% increase in state funding. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District
Muhlenberg School District
The Muhlenberg Area School District is a public school district serving parts of Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. It encompasses the borough of Laureldale and the Muhlenberg Township. The district encompasses approximately 13 square miles. Per the 2000 federal census data it serves a resident...
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 348 students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.
Accountability Block Grants
Beginning in 2004-2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania’s school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, All Day Kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010-11 the Abington Heights School District applied for and received $279,892 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to reduce class sizes K-3rd grade, to provide teacher training and to develop better curriculum.Classrooms for the Future grant
The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Abington Heights School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the district received $405,107. For the 2008-09, school year the district received $73,625 for a total of $478,732. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $1,458,913 in ARRAArra
Arra is a census town in Puruliya district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Demographics: India census, Arra had a population of 19,911. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Arra has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the...
- Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.
Race to the Top grant
School district officials did not apply for the Race to the TopRace to the Top
Race to the Top, abbreviated R2T, RTTT or RTT, is a $4.35 billion United States Department of Education competition designed to spur innovation and reforms in state and local district K-12 education...
federal grant. When approved for the grant, the district would have received hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state RTTT application judging will occur in June 2010.
Common Cents state initiative
The Abington Heights School Board chose to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement any of the recommended cost savings changes.Real estate taxes
The Abington Heights School Board set property tax rates in 2010-2011 at 117.3600 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections (Local Tax Enabling Act), which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.2009-10 - 115.3500 mills.
Act 1 Adjusted index
The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not authorized to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor StatisticsBureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a unit of the United States Department of Labor. It is the principal fact-finding agency for the U.S. government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. The BLS is a governmental statistical agency that collects, processes, analyzes, and...
in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.
The School District Adjusted Index for the Abington Heights School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
- 2006-07 - 3.9%, Base 3.9%
- 2007-08 - 3.4%, Base 3.4%
- 2008-09 - 4.4%, Base 4.4%
- 2009-10 - 4.1%, Base 4.1%
- 2010-11 - 2.9%, Base 2.9%
- 2011-12 - 1.4%, Base 1.4%
Abington Heights School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 or in 2010-11. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
Property tax relief
In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Abington Heights School District was $128 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 6,419 property owners applied for the tax relief. The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 acres (40,468.6 m²) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Lackawanna County, the highest property tax relief in 2009 was awarded to the approved property owners in Scranton School DistrictScranton School District
The Scranton School District is a large, urban school district located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It serves the city of Scranton. Its current superintendent is William King. The district encompasses approximately 26 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident...
who received $334. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief state wide to the residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties....
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year Chester Upland School District was the top recipient.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
Tax Foundation
The Tax Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank founded in 1937 that collects data and publishes research studies on tax policies at the federal and state levels. The organization is broken into three primary areas of research which are the Center for Federal Fiscal Policy, The and the...
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
History
The first high school in the Abingtons was built in 1875, and was called "Abington High School." In 1883, it was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Another high school in the Abingtons, the Dalton High School, was completed in 1887 and closed down in 1930. The Abington Heights School District was formed in the early 1950s from four former school districts: Clarks Summit-Abington, Glenburn, South Abington, and Newton-Ransom. Abington Heights High School was completed in 1966. Over the next several decades, renovations and changes were made. Today there are six schools in the district along with one administration building.
The main mascot for Abington Heights is the Comet, while the colors are blue and white. The Comet comes from the original Clarks Summit High School Comets, prior to the establishment of Abington Heights.
Extracurriculars
Abington Heights School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies.By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
Athletics
Abington Heights is a PIAA District 2 school district which actively participates in the following sports:| Baseball | Softball |
| Basketball | Basketball |
| Cross Country | Cross Country |
| Football | Field Hockey |
| Golf | Golf |
| Rifle | Rifle |
| Soccer | Soccer |
| Tennis | Tennis |
| Winter Track and Field | Winter Track and Field |
| Spring Track and Field | Spring Track and Field |
| Volleyball | Volleyball |
| Wrestling | |
| Swimming and Diving | Swimming and Diving |
Notable alumni
Baseball State Champs PIAA 3A 2009 22-5- Amber JacobsAmber JacobsAmber Jacobs is the assistant athletic director for Baptist Bible College and is also their head women's basketball coach. Previously, Amber was an assistant coach at the University of Rhode Island women's basketball team and former professional basketball player in the WNBA, for the Los Angeles...
- women's national basketball association player (Washington MysticsWashington MysticsThe Washington Mystics is a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded prior to the 1998 season. The team is owned by Monumental Sports & Entertainment , who also owns the Mystics'...
) - Nicole SheridanNicole SheridanNicole Sheridan is an American pornographic film actress. She often appears on-screen with her husband Voodoo.- Awards :*2002 AVN Best Anal Sex Scene – Film for Taboo 2001 : A Sex Odyssey...
- AVN award winning, film star. http://freewicked.com/fhg/ws/2/images - Sukanya Roy- National Spelling Bee winner
- Cory Spangenberg- Drafted 10th Overall in the 2011 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, resident of Abbey Ridge.
- Shila Nathan - Class of '98. On-Air Radio Personality, Co-host of Chio and Shila in the Morning on Philadelphia's Wired 96.5 (WRDW-FMWRDW-FMWRDW-FM, also known as Wired 96.5, is a Philadelphia radio station owned by Beasley Broadcast Group that plays a Rhythmic Top 40 musical format. Although they lean towards R&B/Hip-Hop, Wired also adds Rhythmic Pop tracks to their playlist...
)