Southern York County School District
Encyclopedia
The Southern York County School District is a public school district in York County
in the South Central
region of Pennsylvania
. It ecompasses the following communities: Codorus Township, Glen Rock
, Railroad
, New Freedom
, Shrewsbury Township, Shrewsbury
, and a portion of Hopewell Townhip. The district features three elementary schools, one middle school, and one 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 its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives
Sunshine Review gave the Southern York County School Board and school district administration a "C-" 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.
results on: reading, writing, math and two years of science.
2009 - 70th
2008 - 89th
2007 - 99th of 500 school districts in Pennsylvania.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students in the Southern York County School District was in the 84th percentile of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)
In 2010, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Southern York County ranked 277th. In 2009 the district was 335th. The paper describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."
Graduation Rate
2010 - 93%
2009 - 94%
2008 - 93%
2007 - 93%
11th Grade Reading
2010 - 75% on grade level, In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 74%, State - 65%
2008 - 72%, State - 65%
2007 - 76%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math
2010 - 68% on grade level, In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 65%, In Pennsylvania, 56% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2008 - 71%, State - 55%
2007 - 64%, State 53%
11th Grade Science:
2010 - 50% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 49% on grade level. State - 40%
2008 - 51%, State - 39%
study released in January 2009, 39% of Susquehannock High 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.
program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school, including the graduation ceremony. 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 $7,561 for the program.
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 Southern York County School District it requires: a Career Seminar course, Two Field Experiences – Job Shadow, Career Fair, an Education Visit, and/or Education Fair Career Plan and Resume Oral Presentation and Portfolio Submission.
Eight Grade Reading:
2010 - 91% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level.
2009 - 89%, State - 80%
2008 - 91%, State - 78%
Eight Grade Math:
2010 - 88% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 82%, State - 71%
2008 - 81%, State - 70%
Eight Grade Science:
2010 - 67% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 67%, State - 55%.
2008 - 69%, State - 52%
Seventh Grade Reading:
2010 - 84% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 79%, State - 71%
2008 - 77%, State - 70%
Seventh Grade Math:
2010 - 91% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 88%, State - 75%
2008 - 83%, State - 70%
(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, physical activity, 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.
The School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The board policy Bullying Cyberbullying Policy 249 (Adopted November 20, 2008) defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying. The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. When a child experiences difficulty within the classroom, screening information will be gathered by a team located within the child’s school to determine his or her specific needs. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible make a written request for a multidisciplinary evaluation to the building principal.
In 2007, Southern York County School District employed 209 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $58,265 for 180 days worked. In 2007, the district's starting salary was $40,000 and the top teacher salary was reported as $76,000. The 2010-11 school year is the final year of a 3-year contract with our professional staff.
Southern York County School District administrative costs was $740 per pupil in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 in 2008. In 2007, the Average District Administrator salary in Southern York County School District was $111,187 which ranked second among York County school districts. The Average School Administrator salary in Southern York County School District was $81,095 which ranked fifth in York County. In February 2010, the Southern York County School Board awarded a five year contract effective July 6, 2006 to Thomas Hensley, as Superintendent. The initial salary was $145,000 with an annual raise of 5% at minimum. Additionally, he was awarded an extensive benefits package which includes: health insurance, life insurance, annual dues, paid travel, 24 days paid vacation, defined benefit pension
and more.
In May 2010, Southern Middle School Principal Kevin Helmeczi unexpectedly resigned. The Superintendent offered no explanation to the community.
Reserves - In 2008, the district reported a $2,596,646.00 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $505,198.00.
In 2008, the administration reported spending 12,719 per pupil. This ranked 3rd in York County and 195th in the state.
In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the administration and the school board.
According to an extensive study of York County school districts conducted by APA Associates in 2008, Southern York County School District achieved a -4 rating based on Performance and Relative Efficiency. Central York School District
and Northeastern York School District
both achieved a ranking of +10. Eleven out of 16 York County district achieved a positive rating.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local income tax 1.30%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, 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 both state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the wealth of the individual.
at 8.39%. Among Pennsylvania school districts, the highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District
in Chester County
which received a 23.65% increase in state funding. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.04% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $7,420,594. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $7,272,146.24. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more. Central York School District
was allotted the highest Basic Education Funding increase in York County for the 2009-10 school year at 12.54%. In York County, 12 school districts received less than 6% increase in state basic education funding in 2010 and three districts received the base 2% increase. Ninety school district in the Commonwealth received the base 2% funding increase. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, 363 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. The funding is for the 2009-2011 school years.
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. Central Yorkg was one of six York County
school districts that applied to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved in for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
The school board levied a real estate tax of 16.22 mills in 2009-10 and 15.7500 mills in 2008-09.
in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.
The School District Adjusted Index for the Southern York County School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
2006-07 - 4.9%, Base 3.9%
2007-08 - 4.2%, Base 3.4%
2008-09 - 5.4%, Base 4.4%
2009-10 - 5.0%, Base 4.1%
2010-11 - 3.5%, Base 2.9%
2011-12 - 1.7%, Base 1.4%
The Southern York County School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 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.
set at $495 per approved homestead. The property tax 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 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year they were the top recipient.
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, consequently individuals who have income substantially greater 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%).
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.
(IU#12) region includes: Adams County
, Franklin County
and York County
. The agency provides Southern York County Schools, charter schools located in York County, the district's home schooled students and area private schools many services including: Special education services, combined purchasing, and instructional technology services. It runs Summer Academy which offers both art and academic strands designed to meet the individual needs of gifted, talented and high achieving students. Additional services include: Curriculum Mapping, Professional Development for school employees, Adult Education, Nonpublic School Services, Business Services, Migrant & ESL (English as a Second Language), Instructional Services, Special Education, Management Services, and Technology Services. The IU offers preemployment screening including fingerprinting for prospective public school employees. It also provides a GED
program to adults who want to earn a high school diploma and literacy programs. The Lincoln Intermediate Unit is governed by a 13 member Board of Directors, each a member of a local school board from the 25 school districts. Board members are elected by school directors of all 25 school districts for three-year terms that begin July 1. There are 29 intermediate units in Pennsylvania. They are funded by school districts, state and federal program specific funding and grants. IUs do not have the power to tax.
References:
York County, Pennsylvania
York County is a county in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 434,972. It is in the Susquehanna Valley, a large fertile agricultural region in South Central Pennsylvania....
in the South Central
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....
region of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The 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...
. It ecompasses the following communities: Codorus Township, Glen Rock
Glen Rock, Pennsylvania
Glen Rock is a borough in York County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,025 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Glen Rock is located at ....
, Railroad
Railroad, Pennsylvania
Railroad is a borough in York County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 278 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Railroad is located at ....
, New Freedom
New Freedom, Pennsylvania
New Freedom is a borough in York County, Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the borough had a population of 4,464.-Geography:New Freedom is located at ....
, Shrewsbury Township, Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania
Shrewsbury is a borough in York County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,823 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Shrewsbury is located at ....
, and a portion of Hopewell Townhip. The district features three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
Governance
The school 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 its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives
Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives is an independent, non-profit research and educational institute based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania...
Sunshine Review gave the Southern York County School Board and school district administration a "C-" 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.
Academic achievement
Southern York County School District was ranked 74th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on three years of student academic achievement on the PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
results on: reading, writing, math and two years of science.
2009 - 70th
2008 - 89th
2007 - 99th of 500 school districts in Pennsylvania.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students in the Southern York County School District was in the 84th percentile of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)
In 2010, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Southern York County ranked 277th. In 2009 the district was 335th. The paper describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."
Graduation Rate
2010 - 93%
2009 - 94%
2008 - 93%
2007 - 93%
Susquehannock High School
PSSA Results:11th Grade Reading
2010 - 75% on grade level, In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 74%, State - 65%
2008 - 72%, State - 65%
2007 - 76%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math
2010 - 68% on grade level, In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 65%, In Pennsylvania, 56% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2008 - 71%, State - 55%
2007 - 64%, State 53%
11th Grade Science:
2010 - 50% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 49% on grade level. State - 40%
2008 - 51%, State - 39%
College Remediation
According to a 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...
study released in January 2009, 39% of Susquehannock High 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 offers a Dual EnrollmentDual enrollment
In education, dual enrollment involved students being enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. It may also refer to any individual who is participating in two related programs, but such a general form of usage is uncommon....
program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school, including the graduation ceremony. 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 $7,561 for the program.
Graduation requirements
The Southern York County School Board has determined that 24.5 credits are required for graduation including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Math 3 credits, Science 3 credits, Arts/Humanities 2 credits, Health & Physical Education 2 credits, Computer Technology 0.50 credits, Graduation Project 0.5 credits, Electives 5.50 credits. Students not demonstrating proficiency in mathematics on the Grade 11 PSSA will be required to take PSSA Math 12 during the senior year.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 Southern York County School District it requires: a Career Seminar course, Two Field Experiences – Job Shadow, Career Fair, an Education Visit, and/or Education Fair Career Plan and Resume Oral Presentation and Portfolio Submission.
Southern Middle School
Teachers inform parents of the need for the child to stay after school for remediation through an academic assistance card.Eight Grade Reading:
2010 - 91% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level.
2009 - 89%, State - 80%
2008 - 91%, State - 78%
Eight Grade Math:
2010 - 88% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 82%, State - 71%
2008 - 81%, State - 70%
Eight Grade Science:
2010 - 67% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 67%, State - 55%.
2008 - 69%, State - 52%
Seventh Grade Reading:
2010 - 84% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 79%, State - 71%
2008 - 77%, State - 70%
Seventh Grade Math:
2010 - 91% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 88%, State - 75%
2008 - 83%, State - 70%
Wellness Policy
The Southern York County 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, physical activity, 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.
Bullying policy
In 2009, the administration reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the district.The School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The board policy Bullying Cyberbullying Policy 249 (Adopted November 20, 2008) defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying. The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 509 pupils or 15% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. When a child experiences difficulty within the classroom, screening information will be gathered by a team located within the child’s school to determine his or her specific needs. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible make a written request for a multidisciplinary evaluation to the building principal.
Budget
In 2009, the district reported employing over 270 teachers with a salary range of $42,000 to $161,385. The average salary in the district is $68,000.In 2007, Southern York County School District employed 209 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $58,265 for 180 days worked. In 2007, the district's starting salary was $40,000 and the top teacher salary was reported as $76,000. The 2010-11 school year is the final year of a 3-year contract with our professional staff.
Southern York County School District administrative costs was $740 per pupil in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 in 2008. In 2007, the Average District Administrator salary in Southern York County School District was $111,187 which ranked second among York County school districts. The Average School Administrator salary in Southern York County School District was $81,095 which ranked fifth in York County. In February 2010, the Southern York County School Board awarded a five year contract effective July 6, 2006 to Thomas Hensley, as Superintendent. The initial salary was $145,000 with an annual raise of 5% at minimum. Additionally, he was awarded an extensive benefits package which includes: health insurance, life insurance, annual dues, paid travel, 24 days paid vacation, 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...
and more.
In May 2010, Southern Middle School Principal Kevin Helmeczi unexpectedly resigned. The Superintendent offered no explanation to the community.
Reserves - In 2008, the district reported a $2,596,646.00 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $505,198.00.
In 2008, the administration reported spending 12,719 per pupil. This ranked 3rd in York County and 195th in the state.
In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the administration and the school board.
According to an extensive study of York County school districts conducted by APA Associates in 2008, Southern York County School District achieved a -4 rating based on Performance and Relative Efficiency. Central York School District
Central York School District
The Central York School District is a large, suburban, public school district that encompasses 24 square miles. Central York School District serves: the Borough of North York and Manchester Township and the greater part of Springettsbury Township in York County, Pennsylvania. According to 2010...
and Northeastern York School District
Northeastern York School District
The Northeastern School District is a midsized, rural public school district in York County in the South Central region of Pennsylvania. Municipalities served by the district include: Mount Wolf, Manchester, East Manchester Township, York Haven, Goldsboro, Newberry Township, and Conewago Township....
both achieved a ranking of +10. Eleven out of 16 York County district achieved a positive rating.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local income tax 1.30%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, 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 both state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the wealth of the individual.
State basic education funding
For the 2010-11 budget year, the Southern York County School District received a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $7,569,006. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in York County was awarded to Hanover Public School DistrictHanover Public School District
Hanover Public School District is a group of schools located in the borough of Hanover, Pennsylvania. The district encompasses approximately 4 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 14,535...
at 8.39%. Among Pennsylvania school districts, the highest increase in 2010-11 went to 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...
which received a 23.65% increase in state funding. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.04% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $7,420,594. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $7,272,146.24. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more. Central York School District
Central York School District
The Central York School District is a large, suburban, public school district that encompasses 24 square miles. Central York School District serves: the Borough of North York and Manchester Township and the greater part of Springettsbury Township in York County, Pennsylvania. According to 2010...
was allotted the highest Basic Education Funding increase in York County for the 2009-10 school year at 12.54%. In York County, 12 school districts received less than 6% increase in state basic education funding in 2010 and three districts received the base 2% increase. Ninety school district in the Commonwealth received the base 2% funding increase. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District
Muhlenberg School District
The Muhlenberg Area School District is a public school district serving parts of Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. It encompasses the borough of Laureldale and the Muhlenberg Township. The district encompasses approximately 13 square miles. Per the 2000 federal census data it serves a resident...
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
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...
, 363 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 Southern York County School District applied for and received $432,202 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide extensive teacher training to improve instruction, to use in classroom teacher coaches to train teachers, and to provide all day kindergarten for the fifth 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. Southern York County School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07. In 2007-08 received $311,829 and $56,076 in 2008-09 for a total funding of $367,905.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, Southern York County School District was awarded$700 to coordinate a Watershed Day Exploration program for fourth grade students.Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $1,730,781 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. The funding is for the 2009-2011 school years.
Race to the Top grant
Southern York County School District officials applied 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. Central Yorkg was one of six York County
York County, Pennsylvania
York County is a county in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 434,972. It is in the Susquehanna Valley, a large fertile agricultural region in South Central Pennsylvania....
school districts that applied to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved in for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
Real estate taxes
The school board levied a real estate tax of 16.6200 mills in 2010-11. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. On the local level, Pennsylvania 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.The school board levied a real estate tax of 16.22 mills in 2009-10 and 15.7500 mills in 2008-09.
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.
The School District Adjusted Index for the Southern York County School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
2006-07 - 4.9%, Base 3.9%
2007-08 - 4.2%, Base 3.4%
2008-09 - 5.4%, Base 4.4%
2009-10 - 5.0%, Base 4.1%
2010-11 - 3.5%, Base 2.9%
2011-12 - 1.7%, Base 1.4%
The Southern York County School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 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 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Southern York County School District was $176 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 6,035 property owners applied for the tax relief. In 2009, the district's property tax relief amount was set at $178 to 5,955 approved homestead owners. In 2010 within York County, the highest amount went to York City School DistrictYork City School District
The School District of York City is a public school district serving the City of York, Pennsylvania in York County. The district encompasses approximately 5 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 40,968...
set at $495 per approved homestead. The property tax 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 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties....
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year they were the top recipient.
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, consequently individuals who have income substantially greater 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
Tax Foundation
The Tax Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank founded in 1937 that collects data and publishes research studies on tax policies at the federal and state levels. The organization is broken into three primary areas of research which are the Center for Federal Fiscal Policy, The and the...
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board.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.
Intermediate Unit
Lincoln Intermediate UnitIntermediate Unit
In Pennsylvania, Intermediate Units are regional educational service agencies, established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Intermediate Units serve a given geographic area's educational needs and function as a step of organization above that of a public school district, but below that of the...
(IU#12) region includes: Adams County
Adams County, Pennsylvania
Adams County is a county in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 101,407. It was created on January 22, 1800, from part of York County and named in honor of the second President of the United States, John Adams...
, Franklin County
Franklin County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 129,313 people, 50,633 households, and 36,405 families residing in the county. The population density was 168 people per square mile . There were 53,803 housing units at an average density of 70 per square mile...
and York County
York County, Pennsylvania
York County is a county in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 434,972. It is in the Susquehanna Valley, a large fertile agricultural region in South Central Pennsylvania....
. The agency provides Southern York County Schools, charter schools located in York County, the district's home schooled students and area private schools many services including: Special education services, combined purchasing, and instructional technology services. It runs Summer Academy which offers both art and academic strands designed to meet the individual needs of gifted, talented and high achieving students. Additional services include: Curriculum Mapping, Professional Development for school employees, Adult Education, Nonpublic School Services, Business Services, Migrant & ESL (English as a Second Language), Instructional Services, Special Education, Management Services, and Technology Services. The IU offers preemployment screening including fingerprinting for prospective public school employees. It also provides a GED
GED
General Educational Development tests are a group of five subject tests which, when passed, certify that the taker has American or Canadian high school-level academic skills...
program to adults who want to earn a high school diploma and literacy programs. The Lincoln Intermediate Unit is governed by a 13 member Board of Directors, each a member of a local school board from the 25 school districts. Board members are elected by school directors of all 25 school districts for three-year terms that begin July 1. There are 29 intermediate units in Pennsylvania. They are funded by school districts, state and federal program specific funding and grants. IUs do not have the power to tax.
References: