East Pennsboro Area School District
Encyclopedia
The East Pennsboro Area School District is a midsized, suburban, public school district
located in South Central Pennsylvania
, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
, U.S.
The district serves East Pennsboro Township
and the Villages of Enola
, Summerdale
, West Fairview
and parts of the Borough of Camp Hill
. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 18,254. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income
was $22,517, while the
median family income was $54,142. According to District officials, in school year 2007-08, the East Pennsboro Area School District provided basic educational services to 2,901 pupils. It employed 217 teachers, 129 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 15 administrators. The East Pennsboro Area School District received more than $8.6 million in state funding in school year 2007-08.
The district operates four schools: East Pennsboro Elementary School, West Creek Hills Elementary School, East Pennsboro Area Middle School, and East Pennsboro High School
.
and the Pennsylvania General Assembly
. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
and the No Child Left Behind Act
which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "B-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
The district is served by the Capital Area Intermediate Unit
15 which offers a variety of services including: a completely developed K-12 curriculum that is mapped and aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards (available online), shared services, a group purchasing program and a wide variety of special education and special needs services.
results in: reading, writing, math, and three years of science.
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
In 2006, 34% of the graduates from East Pennsboro High School did not achieved proficient or better on the PSSA
's for Mathematics and Reading.
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
College Remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education
study released in January 2009, 36% of East Pennsboro Area 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.
By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district. At East Pennsboro Area High School the it has been dubbed Project Independence.
By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the graduating class in 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade. The Keystone Exams proposal was vigorously supported by Superintendent DiRocco, at a hearing by the State Board of Education.
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 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 $8581 for the program.
Other students, that reside in the district, who attend a private nonpublic school, charter school or are homeschooled are eligible to participate in this program.
8th Grade Reading:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Math:
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
5th Grade Reading:
5th Grade Math:
services. East Pennsboro Area School District provides a variety of opportunities for the screening and evaluation of students thought to have disabilities. In kindergarten, all students receive a variety of screenings.
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, many other state and federal public education funding.
East Pennsboro Area School District received a $1,246,794 supplement for special education services in 2010. For the 2011-12 school year, the district received the same level of funding for special education services.
In 2009, the district employed over 240 teachers with a starting salary of $40,583 and a top salary of $145,114 for 189 days. The average teacher salary was $52,812. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension
, health insurance
, professional development reimbursement, 5 paid days bereavement leave, 2 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, life insurance and other benefits. East Pennsboro teachers' contribution to their health insurance is among the lowest in the midstate, with family plan deductions about $23 every two weeks, with no deductibles and a $20 office co-pay. According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the state teacher retirement fund, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
The district administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $665.67 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association's report, the average salary for a superintendent for the 2007-08 school year was $122,165. Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.
In 2008, the district reported an unreserved designated fund balance of zero and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $1,026,680.00.
In 2008, East Pennsboro Area School District reported spending $11,000 per pupil. This ranked 396th in the commonwealth.
In May 2011, voted to eliminate several programs including: fourth grade band, middle school Spanish instruction and an elementary school computer program. The cuts will eliminate four teacher positions. The cuts were necessitated by a $1.2 million budget deficit for 2011-12. The board had approached the teachers union seeking a one year salary freeze in order to save $450,000. The request was rejected in a union vote.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1.6%, 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 income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless the of income level.
In 2010, the district reported that 689 pupils received a free or reduced lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level
.
For 2010-11 the East Pennsboro Area School District received a 12.45% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $6,119,976 payment. This was the highest increase in BEF in Cumberland County. Fifteen school district received increased above 10%. 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 2010 the East Pennsboro School Board set the real estate tax rate at 13,2080 mills. The expenditures were set at $37,617,234 for 2010-2011 school year.
For the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 8.35% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $5,442,452. Seven county school districts received increases of less than 6.1% in Basic Education Funding in 2008-10. Shippensburg Area School District
received an 8.43% increase. In Pennsylvania, over 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. The state's Basic Education Funding to the East Pennsboro Area School District in 2008-09 was $5,023,009.62. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation made in the budget proposal made in February each year.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 589 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. This funding was for 2009-10 to 2010-11.
federal grant which would have brought the district millions 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. 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.
is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. 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. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. 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, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts. 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.
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. With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly voted to end most of the Act 1 exceptions leaving only special education costs and pension costs. The cost of construction projects will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum.
The School District Adjusted Index for the East Pennsboro Area School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.
For the 2011–12 school year, the East Pennsboro Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the East Pennsboro Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
.
According to a state report, for the 2011–2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.
East Pennsboro Area School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index for the budget year 2010–2011. 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.
at $140. The highest property tax relief, among Pennsylvania school districts, went to the residents of Chester Upland School District
of Delaware County
who received $632 per approved homestead. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property 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 Cumberland County, 75.93% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
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%).
(42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."
The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education and physical education that are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus. The policy requires that the Superintendent or designee shall report to the Board on the district’s compliance with law and policies related to student wellness.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.
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.
School district
School districts are a form of special-purpose district which serves to operate the local public primary and secondary schools.-United States:...
located in South Central Pennsylvania
South Central Pennsylvania
South Central Pennsylvania is a region of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania that includes the fourteen counties of Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, and York....
, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Cumberland County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and is one of three counties comprising the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010, the population was 235,406.-History:...
, U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
The district serves East Pennsboro Township
East Pennsboro Township, Pennsylvania
East Pennsboro Township is a township in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 18,254 at the 2000 census. In 1990 the township had a population of 16,588. East Pennsboro is the second largest municipality in Cumberland County. The township is located along the...
and the Villages of Enola
Enola, Pennsylvania
Enola is a census-designated place located along the Susquehanna River in East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 5,627 at the 2000 census. Norfolk Southern operates Enola Yard, a large rail yard and locomotive shop in Enola...
, Summerdale
Summerdale, Pennsylvania
Summerdale is an unincorporated community located in East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2000 census, the community had a total population of 479. Central Pennsylvania College and the Capital Area Intermediate Unit are located in Summerdale...
, West Fairview
West Fairview, Pennsylvania
West Fairview, formerly a borough, is now a census-designated place located along the Susquehanna River in East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania...
and parts of the Borough of Camp Hill
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Camp Hill is a borough in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 2 miles southwest of Harrisburg. It is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 7,636 at the 2000 census...
. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 18,254. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
was $22,517, while the
median family income was $54,142. According to District officials, in school year 2007-08, the East Pennsboro Area School District provided basic educational services to 2,901 pupils. It employed 217 teachers, 129 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 15 administrators. The East Pennsboro Area School District received more than $8.6 million in state funding in school year 2007-08.
The district operates four schools: East Pennsboro Elementary School, West Creek Hills Elementary School, East Pennsboro Area Middle School, and East Pennsboro High School
East Pennsboro High School
East Pennsboro High School is a midsized suburban high school that serves East Pennsboro Township, Pennsylvania. The school is located in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania...
.
Governance
The district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of EducationPennsylvania 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...
and the Pennsylvania General Assembly
Pennsylvania General Assembly
The Pennsylvania General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The legislature convenes in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. In colonial times , the legislature was known as the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. Since the Constitution of 1776, written by...
. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act , is a United States federal statute enacted April 11, 1965. It was passed as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" and has been the most far-reaching federal legislation affecting education ever passed by Congress...
and the No Child Left Behind Act
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is a United States Act of Congress concerning the education of children in public schools.NCLB was originally proposed by the administration of George W. Bush immediately after he took office...
which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "B-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
The district is served by the Capital Area Intermediate Unit
Capital Area Intermediate Unit
The Capital Area Intermediate Unit is an Intermediate Unit based in Summerdale, a suburb of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It serves the central Pennsylvania counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, northern York, and Perry. It offers services to the regions 24 school districts and 2 area vocational technical...
15 which offers a variety of services including: a completely developed K-12 curriculum that is mapped and aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards (available online), shared services, a group purchasing program and a wide variety of special education and special needs services.
Academic achievement
East Pennsboro Area School District was ranked 187th out of the 498 ranked Pennsylvania school districts in 2011, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated by five years of 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...
results in: reading, writing, math, and three years of science.
- 2010 - 179th
- 2009 - 187th
- 2008 - 210th
- 2007 - 275th out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts.
Graduation rate
In 2011, the district's graduation rate rose to 95%. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. East Pennsboro Area School District's rate was 92% for 2010.According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
- 2010 - 94%
- 2009 - 91%
- 2008 - 96%
- 2007 - 96%
- 2006 - 93%
In 2006, 34% of the graduates from East Pennsboro High School did not achieved proficient or better on the PSSA
Pennsylvania 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 Mathematics and Reading.
High school
In 2011, the high school achieved AYP status. In 2010 and 2009 East Pennsboro Area School District achieved AYP status under No Child Left Behind.PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
- 2011 - 72% on grade level, (12% below basic). 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 67%, State - 66%
- 2009 - 65%, State - 65%
- 2008 - 67%, State - 65%
- 2007 - 66%, State - 65%
- 2006 - 70%, State - 65%
- 2005 - 71%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 65%, on grade level (17% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 62%, State - 59%
- 2009 - 63%, State - 56%
- 2008 - 59%, State - 56%
- 2007 - 58%, State - 53%
- 2006 - 65%, State - 52%
- 2005 - 57%, State - 51%
11th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 38% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 - 47%, State - 39%
- 2009 - 29%, State - 40%
- 2008 - 32%, State - 39%
College Remediation: According to a 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...
study released in January 2009, 36% of East Pennsboro Area 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.
Graduation requirements
The East Pennsboro Area School Board has determined that a student must earn 27 credits to graduate including: English 5 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Mathematics 4 credits, Science 3 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Safety/Computers - 0.5 credits, Family Consumer Science/Industrial Technology 0.5 credit, Careers 0.5 credits and Electives 7.5 credits.By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district. At East Pennsboro Area High School the it has been dubbed Project Independence.
By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the graduating class in 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade. The Keystone Exams proposal was vigorously supported by Superintendent DiRocco, at a hearing by the State Board of Education.
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 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 $8581 for the program.
Other students, that reside in the district, who attend a private nonpublic school, charter school or are homeschooled are eligible to participate in this program.
Middle school
In 2011, the middle school achieved AYP status. The school achieved AYP status in 2010 and 2009. The attendance rate was 95% in the 2011, 2010 and 2009 school years.8th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 92% on grade level (2% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2010 - 83%. State - 82%
- 2009 - 87% on grade level. State: 80.9% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2008 - 87%, State - 78%
8th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 88% on grade level (4% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
- 2010 - 87%, State - 75%
- 2009 - 82%, State - 71%
- 2008 - 87%, State - 70%
8th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 83% on grade level (3% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 - 67%, State - 57%
- 2009 - 68%, (12% below basic). State - 55%
- 2008 - 66%, (15% below basic). State - 50%
7th Grade Reading
- 2011 - 83% on grade level (7% below basic). State – 76%
- 2010 - 83% (4% below basic). State - 73%
- 2009 - 80% (9% below basic), State - 71%
- 2008 - 83% (7% below basic), State - 70%
7th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 86% on grade level (8% below basic). State - 78.6%
- 2010 - 86% (5% below basic). State - 77%
- 2009 - 79% (7% below basic), State - 75%
- 2008 - 76% (9% below basic), State - 71%
6th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 76% on grade level (9% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 69.9% of 6th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 75% (11% below basic). State - 68%
- 2009 - 69% (12% below basic), State - 67%
- 2008 - 69% (14% below basic), State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 86% on grade level (4% below basic). State - 78.8%
- 2010 - 84% (7% below basic). State - 78%
- 2009 - 79% (10% below basic), State - 75%
- 2008 - 74% (14% below basic), State - 72%
5th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 73% on grade level (7% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 67.3% of 5th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 71% (11% below basic). State – 64%
- 2009 - 69% (14% below basic), State - 64%
- 2008 - 63% (16% below basic), State - 62%
5th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 86% on grade level (1% below basic). State - 74%
- 2010 - 79% (5% below basic). State - 76.3%
- 2009 - 78% (7% below basic), State - 73%
- 2008 - 80% (8% below basic), State - 73%
Special Education
In December 2008, the district reported that 15.4% of students or 439 children 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. East Pennsboro Area School District provides a variety of opportunities for the screening and evaluation of students thought to have disabilities. In kindergarten, all students receive a variety of screenings.
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, many other state and federal public education funding.
East Pennsboro Area School District received a $1,246,794 supplement for special education services in 2010. For the 2011-12 school year, the district received the same level of funding for special education services.
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that or 2.62% of 77 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. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to a variety of AP courses. 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.Budget
In 2007, the district employed 206 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $48,857 for 181 days worked. The school day is 6.16 hours in length. 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.In 2009, the district employed over 240 teachers with a starting salary of $40,583 and a top salary of $145,114 for 189 days. The average teacher salary was $52,812. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension
Pension
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, 5 paid days bereavement leave, 2 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, life insurance and other benefits. East Pennsboro teachers' contribution to their health insurance is among the lowest in the midstate, with family plan deductions about $23 every two weeks, with no deductibles and a $20 office co-pay. According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the state teacher retirement fund, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
The district administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $665.67 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association's report, the average salary for a superintendent for the 2007-08 school year was $122,165. Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.
In 2008, the district reported an unreserved designated fund balance of zero and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $1,026,680.00.
In 2008, East Pennsboro Area School District reported spending $11,000 per pupil. This ranked 396th in the commonwealth.
In May 2011, voted to eliminate several programs including: fourth grade band, middle school Spanish instruction and an elementary school computer program. The cuts will eliminate four teacher positions. The cuts were necessitated by a $1.2 million budget deficit for 2011-12. The board had approached the teachers union seeking a one year salary freeze in order to save $450,000. The request was rejected in a union vote.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1.6%, 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 income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless the of income level.
State basic education funding
In 2011-12, the district will receive $5,536,245 in state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the district will receive $113,503 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to uquesne City School District which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12. Districts experienced a reduction in funding due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.In 2010, the district reported that 689 pupils received a free or reduced lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level
Poverty in the United States
Poverty is defined as the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data released Tuesday September 13th, 2011, the nation's poverty rate rose to 15.1% in 2010, up from 14.3% in 2009 and to its highest level...
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For 2010-11 the East Pennsboro Area School District received a 12.45% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $6,119,976 payment. This was the highest increase in BEF in Cumberland County. Fifteen school district received increased above 10%. 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 2010 the East Pennsboro School Board set the real estate tax rate at 13,2080 mills. The expenditures were set at $37,617,234 for 2010-2011 school year.
For the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 8.35% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $5,442,452. Seven county school districts received increases of less than 6.1% in Basic Education Funding in 2008-10. Shippensburg Area School District
Shippensburg Area School District
The Shippensburg Area School District is a public school district in Franklin County, Pennsylvania and Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. It is centered on the borough of Shippensburg and also serves Orrstown, Newburg, Hopewell Township, Shippensburg Township, and two interconnected Southampton...
received an 8.43% increase. In Pennsylvania, over 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. 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. The state's Basic Education Funding to the East Pennsboro Area School District in 2008-09 was $5,023,009.62. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation made in the budget proposal made in February each year.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 589 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 East Pennsboro Area School District applied for and received $308,076 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to fund all day kindergarten for the 7th year.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. The East Pennsboro Area School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08, it received a $320,803 grant. The district received $58,545 in 2008-09 for a total funding of $379,348.Environmental Education Grant
The Environmental Education Grant Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that 5 percent of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Department of Environmental Protection be set aside for environmental education. In 2010, East Pennsboro Area School district did not seek funding.Federal Stimulus Funding
The district received an extra $1,346,099 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. This funding was for 2009-10 to 2010-11.
Race to the Top grant
East Pennsboro Area 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 which would have brought the district millions 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. 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 East Pennsboro Area School District 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 the recommended cost savings changes.Real estate taxes
Property tax rates in 2011–12 were set at 10.3090 mills. The district had just gone through a reassessment of property. Under the old assessment, the tax rate would have been 16.21 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property taxProperty tax
A property tax is an ad valorem levy on the value of property that the owner is required to pay. The tax is levied by the governing authority of the jurisdiction in which the property is located; it may be paid to a national government, a federated state or a municipality...
is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. 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. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. 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, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts. 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.
- 2010–11 – 12.8990 mills for district residents.
- 2009–10 – 12.8990 mills
- 2008-09 - 12.8990 mills.
- 2007-08 - 12.2500 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 allowed 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. With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly voted to end most of the Act 1 exceptions leaving only special education costs and pension costs. The cost of construction projects will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum.
The School District Adjusted Index for the East Pennsboro Area School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.
- 2006–07 – 4.6%, Base 3.9%
- 2007–08 – 4.0%, Base 3.4%
- 2008–09 – 5.3%, Base 4.4%
- 2009–10 – 5.0%, Base 4.1%
- 2010–11 – 3.5%, Base 2.9%
- 2011–12 – 1.7%, Base 1.4%
- 2012-13 - 2.1%, Base 1.7%
For the 2011–12 school year, the East Pennsboro Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the East Pennsboro Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by 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...
.
According to a state report, for the 2011–2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.
East Pennsboro Area School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index for the budget year 2010–2011. 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 East Pennsboro Area School District was $126 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 5,292 property owners applied for the tax relief. In Cumberland County the highest amount of tax relief in 2009, went to Mechanicsburg Area School DistrictMechanicsburg Area School District
The Mechanicsburg School District is a midsized, suburban, public school district serving the Harrisburg suburbs of Mechanicsburg and Upper Allen Township in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The Mechanicsburg Area School District encompasses approximately 16 square miles. According to the 2000...
at $140. The highest property tax relief, among Pennsylvania school districts, went to the residents of Chester Upland School District
Chester Upland School District
The Chester Upland School District is a public school district serving the City of Chester, the Borough of Upland and Chester Township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania...
of 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....
who received $632 per approved homestead. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property 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 Cumberland County, 75.93% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
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%).
Wellness policy
East Pennsboro Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246. The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 - 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch ActNational School Lunch Act
The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act is a United States federal law signed by President Harry S. Truman in 1946. The act created the National School Lunch Program , a program to provide low-cost or free school lunch meals to qualified students through subsidies to schools...
(42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."
The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education and physical education that are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus. The policy requires that the Superintendent or designee shall report to the Board on the district’s compliance with law and policies related to student wellness.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.
Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined through school board policy.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.