South Middleton School District
Encyclopedia
South Middleton School District is a midsized, suburban, public school district
located in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
. It also serves residents of South Middleton Township. South Middleton School District encompasses approximately 51 square miles. The district serves grades (K-12). According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 12,939. In 2009 the district residents' per capita income
was $24,370, while the median family income was $60,511 a year. In school year 2007-08 the South Middleton School District provided basic educational services to 2,227 pupils. It employed 183 teachers, 118 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 16 administrators. South Middleton School District received more than $7.6 million in state funding in school year 2007-08. Total enrollment for 2005-06 was 2,143 students.
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 "D-" 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.
, there is a total of 616 students enrolling here attending grades K-3. There are 179 attending days and so far the student attendance rate is 96.43%. There are 42 professional staff members. The length of a day is 5.5 hours. Enrollment was 616 pupils in 2008-09. The attendance rate in 2010 was 96% and in 2011 it was 95%. In 2011 and 2010, the school achieved AUP status. Report Card 2010 http://www.smsd.us/files/filesystem/Rice%202010%20Report%20Card.pdf | Report Card 2009 http://www.smsd.us/files/filesystem/2008-09%20Rice%20Report%20Card.PDF
, there is a total of 338 students enrolling here attending grades 4-5. There are 179 attending days and so far the student attending rate is 96.8%. There are 29 professional staff members. The length of a day is 5.75 hours. Enrollment was 338 pupils in 2008-09. The attendance rate in 2010 and 2011 was 96%. The school offers after school homework assistance program of all students. In 2011 and 2010, the school achieved AUP status. Report Card 2010 http://www.smsd.us/files/filesystem/IFEC%202010%20Report%20Card.pdf | Report Card 2009 http://www.smsd.us/files/filesystem/2008-09%20IFEC%20Report%20Card.PDF
results in: reading, writing, mathematics and three years of science.
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
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, 29% of South Middleton School 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.
Dual Enrollment - The high school does not offer the Pennsylvania Dual Enrollment
program which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits while still enrolled in high school. Over 400 school districts in Pennsylvania offer this state funded program.Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions. The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.
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. The project consists of two components: a written portion and an oral presentation. Students work with faculty advisors to complete the project.
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 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.
PSSA Results
8th Grade Reading:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
7th Grade Math:
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
services. The South Middleton School District provides a variety of opportunities for the screening and evaluation of students thought to have disabilities.
In 2010=11, 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.
South Middleton School District received a $970,186 supplement for special education services in 2010. For the 2011-12 school year, the district received the same amount of state funding.
, health insurance
, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, paid sick days, life insurance, retirement bonus and other benefits. Teachers' contract: will expire on June 30, 2011. 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. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.
South Middleton School District administrative costs per pupil was $977.67 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. The district ranked 66th out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts for administrative spending.
Reserves - In 2008, the district reported an unreserved designated fund balance of $6,000,000.00 and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $3,175,788.00.
In November 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Multiple significant findings were reported to the administration and school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a local real property tax, a real estate transfer tax, and a per capita tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants 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 of the individual's wealth.
.
In 2010-2011, South Middleton School District received an increase of 4.52% ($187,199) in Basic Education Funding for a total of $4,324,818. Four Cumberland County school districts received increases of less than 6% in Basic Education Funding in 2010-11. In Pennsylvania, 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2010. Camp Hill School District
received a 13.99% increase while Kennett Consolidated School District
in Chester County
received the highest with a 23.65% increase in funding. One hundred fifty school districts were alloted the base 2% state funding 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 3.35% increase, in Basic Education Funding, to South Middleton, for a total of $4,137,619. Seven Cumberland County school districts received increases of less than 6% in Basic Education Funding in 2009-10. 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 South Middleton School District in 2008-09 was $4,003,361.62. 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.
- Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. This funding is for 2009-2011 school years.
In 2008, the South Middleton School District reported that 208 students received free or reduced price lunches due to low family income.
federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands in 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. Big Spring School District was the only Cumberland County
school district that applied to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
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 South Middleton School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
For the 2011-12 school year, the South Middleton School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the South Middleton 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.
South Middleton School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 nor 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.
of Delaware County
who received $632 per approved homestead. 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 contiguous acres 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 Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.
. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board policies. The district performs random drug testing on students who participate in extracurricular activities.
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.
References:
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 Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
Boiling Springs is a census-designated place in South Middleton Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States, and is part of the Harrisburg metropolitan area...
. It also serves residents of South Middleton Township. South Middleton School District encompasses approximately 51 square miles. The district serves grades (K-12). According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 12,939. 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 $24,370, while the median family income was $60,511 a year. In school year 2007-08 the South Middleton School District provided basic educational services to 2,227 pupils. It employed 183 teachers, 118 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 16 administrators. South Middleton School District received more than $7.6 million in state funding in school year 2007-08. Total enrollment for 2005-06 was 2,143 students.
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 "D-" 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.
W.G. Rice Elementary School
Located on 805 Holly Pike in Mt. Holly Springs, PAMount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania
Mount Holly Springs is a borough in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,925 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
, there is a total of 616 students enrolling here attending grades K-3. There are 179 attending days and so far the student attendance rate is 96.43%. There are 42 professional staff members. The length of a day is 5.5 hours. Enrollment was 616 pupils in 2008-09. The attendance rate in 2010 was 96% and in 2011 it was 95%. In 2011 and 2010, the school achieved AUP status. Report Card 2010 http://www.smsd.us/files/filesystem/Rice%202010%20Report%20Card.pdf | Report Card 2009 http://www.smsd.us/files/filesystem/2008-09%20Rice%20Report%20Card.PDF
Iron Forge Educational Center
Located on 4 Forge Road (along with the Middle School and High School) in Boiling Springs, PABoiling Springs, Pennsylvania
Boiling Springs is a census-designated place in South Middleton Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States, and is part of the Harrisburg metropolitan area...
, there is a total of 338 students enrolling here attending grades 4-5. There are 179 attending days and so far the student attending rate is 96.8%. There are 29 professional staff members. The length of a day is 5.75 hours. Enrollment was 338 pupils in 2008-09. The attendance rate in 2010 and 2011 was 96%. The school offers after school homework assistance program of all students. In 2011 and 2010, the school achieved AUP status. Report Card 2010 http://www.smsd.us/files/filesystem/IFEC%202010%20Report%20Card.pdf | Report Card 2009 http://www.smsd.us/files/filesystem/2008-09%20IFEC%20Report%20Card.PDF
Yellow Breeches Middle School
There is a total of 550 students enrolling here attending grades 6-8. There are 179 attending days and so far the student attendance rate is 95.9%. There are 39 professional staff members. The length of a day is 6.32 hours. Enrollment was 550 pupils in 2008-09.Boiling Springs High School
There is a total of 746 students enrolling here attending grades 9-12. There are 179 attending days and so far the student attending rate is 94.1%. There are 62 professional staff members. The length of a day is 6.38 hours. Enrollment was 746 pupils in 2008-09.Academic achievement
South Middleton School District was ranked 189th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts, in 2011, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic performance on 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, mathematics and three years of science.
- 2010 - 185th
- 2009 - 214th
- 2008 - 217th
- 2007 - 213th out of 501 school districts.
Graduation Rate
In 2011 the graduation rate was 96%. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Boiling Springs High School's rate was 83% for 2010.According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
- 2010 - 91%
- 2009 - 96%
- 2008 - 91%
- 2007 - 91%
High school
In 2011, the school was in Warning AYP status. In 2010 the school achieved AYP status. Principal Joseph Mancuso expressed concern over the steadily declining math scores at the high school plus the school is far below the AYP level of 67% on grade level in math for 2011.PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 65% on grade level, (17% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 66% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.
- 2009 - 68%, State - 65%
- 2008 - 68%, State - 65%
- 2007 - 67%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 50%, on grade level (27% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 54%, State - 59%
- 2009 - 54%, State - 56%
- 2008 - 55%, State - 56%
- 2007 - 55%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 40% on grade level (11% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level. .
- 2010 - 26%, State - 39%
- 2009 - 42%, State - 40%
- 2008 - 37%, State - 39%
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 29% of South Middleton School 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 does not offer the Pennsylvania Dual Enrollment
Dual 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 which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits while still enrolled in high school. Over 400 school districts in Pennsylvania offer this state funded program.Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions. The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.
Graduation requirements
The South Middleton School Board has determined that 30 total units are required for graduation including: 4.5 units of English, 3.5 units of Math, 4 units of Social Studies, 3 units of Science, 2 units of a Foreign Language, 2 units of Arts/Humanities. Microsoft Office, Physical Education, Health, Safety Education, and Personal Finance.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. The project consists of two components: a written portion and an oral presentation. Students work with faculty advisors to complete the project.
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 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.
Yellow Breeches Middle School
In 2011 and 2010, Yellow Breeches Middle School achieved AYP status.PSSA Results
8th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 88% on grade level (7% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2010 - 86%, State - 81%
- 2009 - 88%, State - 80%
- 2008 - 86%, State - 78%
- 2007 - 90%, State - 75%
8th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 85% on grade level (6% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
- 2010 - 86%, State - 75%
- 2009 - 73%, State - 71%
- 2008 - 90%, State - 70%
- 2007 - 81%, State - 67%
8th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 69% on grade level (15% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 - 73%, State - 57%
- 2009 - 67%, State - 55%
- 2008 - 62%, State - 52%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 82% on grade level (6% below basic). State – 76%
- 2010 - 75%, State - 73%
- 2009 - 88%, State - 71%
- 2008 - 69%, State - 70%
- 2007 - 79%, State - 66%
7th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 90% on grade level (2% below basic). State - 78.6%
- 2010 - 88%, State - 77%
- 2009 - 90%, State - 75%
- 2008 - 79%, State - 70%
- 2007 - 78%, State - 67%
6th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 80% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 69.9% of 6th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 72%, State - 68%
- 2009 - 75%, State - 67%
- 2008 - 81%, State - 67%
- 2007 - 63%, State - 63%
6th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 84% on grade level (8% below basic). State - 78.8%
- 2010 - 91%, State - 78%
- 2009 - 81%, State - 75%
- 2008 - 83%, State - 72%
- 2007 - 65%, State - 69%
Special Education
In December 2009, the district reported that 15.7% of students or 347 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. The South Middleton School District provides a variety of opportunities for the screening and evaluation of students thought to have disabilities.
In 2010=11, 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.
South Middleton School District received a $970,186 supplement for special education services in 2010. For the 2011-12 school year, the district received the same amount of state funding.
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that 65 or 2.88% 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 161 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $46,229 for 180 days worked. 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, the 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, paid sick days, life insurance, retirement bonus and other benefits. Teachers' contract: will expire on June 30, 2011. 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. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.
South Middleton School District administrative costs per pupil was $977.67 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. The district ranked 66th out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts for administrative spending.
Reserves - In 2008, the district reported an unreserved designated fund balance of $6,000,000.00 and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $3,175,788.00.
In November 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Multiple significant findings were reported to the administration and school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a local real property tax, a real estate transfer tax, and a per capita tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants 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 of the individual's wealth.
State basic education funding
In 2011-12, the South Middleton School District will receive $4,003,362 in state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the district will receive $75,824 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The Pennsylvania Department of Education reports that 875 pupils received a federal free and reduced lunch, due to the family meeting the federal poverty levelPoverty 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...
.
In 2010-2011, South Middleton School District received an increase of 4.52% ($187,199) in Basic Education Funding for a total of $4,324,818. Four Cumberland County school districts received increases of less than 6% in Basic Education Funding in 2010-11. In Pennsylvania, 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2010. Camp Hill School District
Camp Hill School District
The Camp Hill School District, is a diminutive, suburban public school district serving the Borough of Camp Hill in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. At just two square miles, Camp Hill is the smallest school district in the county and it is one of the smallest in the Commonwealth of state...
received a 13.99% increase while 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 with a 23.65% increase in funding. One hundred fifty school districts were alloted the base 2% state funding 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 3.35% increase, in Basic Education Funding, to South Middleton, for a total of $4,137,619. Seven Cumberland County school districts received increases of less than 6% in Basic Education Funding in 2009-10. 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 South Middleton School District in 2008-09 was $4,003,361.62. 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.
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 the 2010-11 school year, the South Middleton School District applied for and received $205,804 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide all day kindergarten for the 6th year and for classroom based teacher coaches to improve instruction.Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $935,700 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 is for 2009-2011 school years.
In 2008, the South Middleton School District reported that 208 students received free or reduced price lunches due to low family income.
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. South Middleton School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 received $171,947 and $69,450in 2008-09 for a total funding of $241,397.Race to the Top
South Middleton 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 hundreds of thousands in 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. Big Spring School District was the only Cumberland County
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:...
school district that applied to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
Real estate taxes
In 2011, the South Middleton School Board set the property taxes rate at 8.9245 mills for the 2011-12 school year. 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 - 11.5507 mills.
- 2009-10 - 11.3800 mills.
- 2008-09 - 11.3800 mills.
- 2007-08 - 11.3800 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 permitted to raise taxes above that index, unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the Pennsylvania 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 South Middleton School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
- 2006-07 - 3.9%, Base 3.9%
- 2007-08 - 4.0%, Base 3.4%
- 2008-09 - 5.2%, Base 4.4%
- 2009-10 - 4.8%, Base 4.1%
- 2010-11 - 2.9%, Base 2.9%
- 2011-12 - 1.4%, Base 1.4%
- 2012-13 - 2.0%, Base1.7%
For the 2011-12 school year, the South Middleton School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the South Middleton 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.
South Middleton School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 nor 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 South Middleton School District was $122 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 4,404 property owners applied for the tax relief. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. In 2009 the highest property tax relief went to the residents of Chester Upland School DistrictChester 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. 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 contiguous acres 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
South Middleton 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 Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.
Extracurriculars
The district provides a wide variety of activities, clubs and sports. Varsity and junior varsity athletic activities are under the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic AssociationPennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. is one of the governing bodies of high school and junior high school sports for the state of Pennsylvania, United States....
. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board policies. The district performs random drug testing on students who participate in extracurricular activities.
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.
See also
- Cumberland CountyCumberland County, PennsylvaniaCumberland 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:...
- South Middleton Township, PA
- PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
References: