Uniontown Area School District
Encyclopedia
Uniontown Area School District is a highly fragmented school district
located in Uniontown
, Fayette County, Pennsylvania
. It serves the city of Uniontown and the boroughs of Ohiopyle
, and Markleysburg
. It also serves Wharton
, Henry Clay
, Menallen
, Franklin
, and Stewart
townships. The district encompasses approximately 250 square miles. Based on 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 26,925. According to District officials, in school year 2005–06 the Uniontown Area School District provided basic educational services to 3,418 pupils through the employment of 262 teachers, 158 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 15 administrators.
The district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education
and the Pennsylvania General Assembly
.
s for: math, reading, writing and one year of science. In 2008 the school ranked 82nd.
The Uniontown Area School District was ranked 387th out of 498 Pennsylvania public school districts in 2010. The ranking is based on student academic achievement for three years on the PSSA
s for: reading, mathematics, writing and two years of science by the Pittsburgh Business Times.
2009 – 386th
2008 – 393rd
2007 – 419th of 500 school districts
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Uniontown Area School District, was in the 17th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0–99; 100 is state best)
Recently, Uniontown Area High School has made the news regarding a carbon monoxide incident that has caused several students to fall ill. Dr. Machesky, superintendent, has denied that there is any CO in the air, and stating that whatever is causing these students to fall ill is not from the High School. This is following an asebsetos incident just a month ago.
The high school ranked 66th out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools, by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2009, for academic achievement as reflected by three years of 11th grade results on: math, reading, writing and one year of science PSSAs. In 2009 the high school ranked 67th of 123 high schools in the region.
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, 40% of Uniontown Area School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions. 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.
For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $13,409 for the program.
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2015 and 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.
s for math, reading, writing and science.
8th Grade Reading:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
7th Grade Math:
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
8th Grade Reading:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
7th Grade Math:
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
7th Grade Math:
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Supervisor of Special Education.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Uniontown Area School District received a $2,103,271 supplement for special education services in 2010.
The District Administration reported that 61 students (1.99% of students) were gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to a dual enrollment program with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.
, professional development reimbursement, personal days, sick days, and other benefits. According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the state teacher retirement fund, a 40-year Pennsylvania public school educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
Uniontown Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $658.24 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Uniontown Area School District reported spending $11,758 per pupil. This ranked 300th in the commonwealth.
Reserves – In 2008, the district reported an unreserved designated fund balance of zero and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $1,602,842.00.
In December 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board. The district was cited for multiple teacehr certification irregularities.
The district is funded by the following taxes: property tax, a local earned income tax and a real estate transfer tax coupled with state and federal funding. In Pennsylvania, pension income and social security income are exempt from state income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the individual's wealth.
a 6.29% increase. Kennett Consolidated School District
in Chester County
received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010–11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010–11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In 2009–2010, Uniontown Area School District received an 3.21% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $15,169,296. The highest increase in Fayette County
went to Connellsville Area School District
with a 4.03% 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. Ninety school districts were given the base 2% increase. The state's Basic Education Funding to the Uniontown Area School District in 2008–09 was $14,697,380.14. 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.
funds in 2009–2011. This was in addition to all regular state and federal funding. These extra dollars must be focused on programs to improve the academic achievement of students receiving free and reduced lunch or special education students.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1,826 students qualified for free or reduced lunch due to low family income in 2008.
grant which would have meant millions in additional federal dollars to improve student academic achievement. The district has been identified as a turnaround school district. This means the district would have received an additional $700 to $900 per student above and beyond the primary grant funding. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state RTTT application judging will occur in June 2010.
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 Uniontown Area School District 2006–2007 through 2010–2011.
The Uniontown Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009–10 and 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.
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year CUSD was 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 whose income is 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%).
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.
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.
The rivalries start at 7th grade, when in each school, students may enter a grouped sport and play for the school. More rivalries include LaFayette—Ben Franklin, All UASD Schools----Laural Highlands Schools, All UASD Schools—Albert Gallatin Schools.
School district
School districts are a form of special-purpose district which serves to operate the local public primary and secondary schools.-United States:...
located in Uniontown
Uniontown, Pennsylvania
Uniontown is a city in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, southeast of Pittsburgh and part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. Population in 1900, 7,344; in 1910, 13,344; in 1920, 15,692; and in 1940, 21,819. The population was 10,372 at the 2010 census...
, Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the2010 census, the population was 136,606. The county is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area....
. It serves the city of Uniontown and the boroughs of Ohiopyle
Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
Ohiopyle is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 77 at the 2000 census. While Ohiopyle has a tiny year-round population, it is often filled with tourists on the weekend, who come take advantage of outdoor recreation...
, and Markleysburg
Markleysburg, Pennsylvania
Markleysburg is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 282 at the 2000 census. The town is served by the Uniontown Area School District.-Geography:Markleysburg is located at ....
. It also serves Wharton
Wharton Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Wharton Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,145 at the 2000 census. The Uniontown Area School District serves the region....
, Henry Clay
Henry Clay Township, Pennsylvania
Henry Clay Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,984 at the 2000 census. The township was created June 9, 1824 from the eastern portion of Wharton Township. It is named for 19th century American statesman Henry Clay. The northwestern corner of...
, Menallen
Menallen Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Menallen Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area. The population was 4,644 at the 2000 census...
, Franklin
Franklin Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Franklin Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,628 at the 2000 census. The township is served by the Uniontown Area School District....
, and Stewart
Stewart Township, Pennsylvania
Stewart Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. The population was 743 at the 2000 census....
townships. The district encompasses approximately 250 square miles. Based on 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 26,925. According to District officials, in school year 2005–06 the Uniontown Area School District provided basic educational services to 3,418 pupils through the employment of 262 teachers, 158 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 15 administrators.
The district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, 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...
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...
.
Schools
| School Name | Grade Level | Principal |
|---|---|---|
| A.J. McMullen Middle School | Grades 6–8 | Mr. Edward Fearer |
| Ben Franklin School | Grades K-8 | Head: Ms. Becca Maddas |
| Franklin School | Grades K-6 | Mr. Charles R. Yasechko |
| Lafayette School | Grades K-8 | Elementary: Ms. Paula Work Middle: Mr. Joseph Galie |
| Marclay School | Grades K-5 | Mr. Edward Fearer |
| Menallen School | Grades K-6 | Mr. Charles R. Yasechko |
| Wharton School | Grades K-6 | Mr. Edward Fearer |
| Uniontown Area High School | Grades 9–12 | Co-principals: Heather Sefcheck and Robert Manges |
Academic achievement
Uniontown Area School District was ranked 82nd out of 105 western Pennsylvania school districts in 2009 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on three years of student academic performance on the PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s for: math, reading, writing and one year of science. In 2008 the school ranked 82nd.
The Uniontown Area School District was ranked 387th out of 498 Pennsylvania public school districts in 2010. The ranking is based on student academic achievement for three years on the PSSA
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s for: reading, mathematics, writing and two years of science by the Pittsburgh Business Times.
2009 – 386th
2008 – 393rd
2007 – 419th of 500 school districts
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Uniontown Area School District, was in the 17th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0–99; 100 is state best)
In the News
----Recently, Uniontown Area High School has made the news regarding a carbon monoxide incident that has caused several students to fall ill. Dr. Machesky, superintendent, has denied that there is any CO in the air, and stating that whatever is causing these students to fall ill is not from the High School. This is following an asebsetos incident just a month ago.
High school
In 2010, the Uniontown Senior High School is in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.The high school ranked 66th out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools, by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2009, for academic achievement as reflected by three years of 11th grade results on: math, reading, writing and one year of science PSSAs. In 2009 the high school ranked 67th of 123 high schools in the region.
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
- 2010 – 67% on grade level. In Pennsylvania 66% (17% below basic)
- 2009 – 70%, State – 65% (17% below basic)
- 2008 – 64%, State – 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 62% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level. (23% below basic)
- 2009 – 61%, State – 56% (23% below basic)
- 2008 – 54%, State – 56%
11th Grade Science:
- 2010 – 43% on grade level. State: 39% of 11th graders were on grade level. (18% below basic)
- 2009 – 36%, State – 40% (19% below basic)
- 2008 – 33%, State – 39%
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 40% of Uniontown Area School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a large public university system in the United States. It is the tenth-largest university system in the United States and 43rd largest in the world...
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Dual enrollment
The high school offers a Dual EnrollmentDual enrollment
In education, dual enrollment involved students being enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. It may also refer to any individual who is participating in two related programs, but such a general form of usage is uncommon....
program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions. 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.
For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $13,409 for the program.
Graduation requirements
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.By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2015 and 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.
Middle schools
Eighth grades in the Pittsburgh region were ranked in 2009. A total of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools were ranked by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on three years of student academic performance on the PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s for math, reading, writing and science.
- Lafayette Middle School – 132nd
- Ben Franklin School 8th grade – 92nd
- A.J. McMullen School Middle School – 60th
Lafayette Middle School
In 2010 the school is in Making Progress: School Improvement. In 2009, the school is in School Improvement I AYP status for poor student achievement The Pennsylvania Department of Education identified the middle school as chronically low achieving in its application for School Improvement Grant funding, in 2010. The middle school was identified as a low performing school due to lagging student achievement in 2007–2009.8th Grade Reading:
- 2010 – 71% on grade level. State – 81% of 8th graders were on grade level. (15% below basic)
- 2009 – 54%, State – 80.9% (22% below basic)
- 2008 – 54%, State – 78%
8th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 70% on grade level. State – 75% of 8th graders were on grade level. (9% below basic)
- 2009 – 58%, State – 71% (17% below basic)
- 2008 – 40%, State – 70%
8th Grade Science:
- 2010 – 32% on grade level. State – 57% of 8th graders were on grade level. (47% below basic)
- 2009 – 14%, State – 55% (48% below basic)
- 2008 – 25%, State – 50%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2010 – 35% on grade level. State – 73% of 7th graders were on grade level. (33% below basic)
- 2009 – 31%, State – 71% (41% below basic)
7th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 40% on grade level. State – 78% of 7th graders were on grade level. (31% below basic)
- 2009 – 43%, State – 75% (31% below basic)
6th Grade Reading:
- 2010 – 28% on grade level. State – 68% of 6th graders were on grade level. (49% below basic)
- 2009 – 20%, State – 67% (54% below basic)
6th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 45% on grade level. State – 78% of 6th graders were on grade level. (34% below basic)
- 2009 – 26%, State – 75% (46% below basic)
Ben Franklin School
In 2010, the school achieved AYP.8th Grade Reading:
- 2010 – 75% on grade level. State – 81% of 8th graders were on grade level. (14% below basic)
- 2009 – 74%, State – 80.9%
- 2008 – 68%, State – 78%
8th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 54% on grade level. State – 71% of 8th graders were on grade level. (24% below basic)
- 2009 – 75%, State – 71% (17% below basic)
- 2008 – 65%, State −70%
8th Grade Science:
- 2010 – 51% on grade level. State – 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 43%, State – 55%
- 2008 – 58%, State – 50%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2010 – 74% on grade level. State – 73% of 7th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 58%, State – 71%
7th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 74% on grade level. State – 78% of 7th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 56%, State – 75%
6th Grade Reading:
- 2010 – 68% on grade level. State – 68% of 6th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 61%, State – 67%
6th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 79% on grade level. State – 78% of 6th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 67%, State – 75%
A.J. McMullen School Middle School
8th Grade Reading:- 2010 – 85% on grade level. State – 82% of 8th graders were on grade level. (7% below basic)
- 2009 – 87%, State – 80.9% (5% below basic)
- 2008 – 84%, State – 78%
8th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 91% on grade level. State – 75% of 8th graders were on grade level. (0% below basic)
- 2009 – 84%, State – 71% (3% below basic)
- 2008 – 81%, State −70%
8th Grade Science:
- 2010 – 72% on grade level. State – 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 66%, State – 55%
- 2008 – 54%, State – 50%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2010 – 79% on grade level. State – 73% of 7th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 83%, State – 71%
7th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 88% on grade level. State – 78% of 7th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 90%, State – 75%
6th Grade Reading:
- 2010 – 72% on grade level. State – 68% of 6th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 79%, State – 67%
6th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 81% on grade level. State – 78% of 6th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 86%, State – 75%
Fifth Grade
5th Grade achievement ranking- Lafayette Elementary School was ranked 290th out of 291 Western Pennsylvania 5th grades for academic achievement in reading, math and writing.
- Marclay Elementary School was ranked 23rd.
- Ben Franklin School was ranked 187th.
- Franklin School was ranked 122nd.
- Warton School was ranked 62nd.
- Menallen School was ranked 179th.
Third Grade
3rd Grade achievement ranking- Lafayette Elementary School was ranked 323rd out of 327 Western Pennsylvania 3rd grades for academic achievement in reading, math and writing.
- Marclay Elementary School was ranked 75th.
- Ben Franklin School was ranked 197th.
- Franklin School was ranked 212th.
- Warton School was ranked 222nd.
- Menallen School was ranked 247th.
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 468 pupils or 15.4% 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. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Supervisor of Special Education.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Uniontown Area School District received a $2,103,271 supplement for special education services in 2010.
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that 61 students (1.99% of students) were gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to a dual enrollment program with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.
Budget
In 2007, the average teacher salary in the district was $43,555 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 pension, health insuranceHealth 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, personal days, sick days, and other benefits. According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the state teacher retirement fund, a 40-year Pennsylvania public school educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
Uniontown Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $658.24 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Uniontown Area School District reported spending $11,758 per pupil. This ranked 300th in the commonwealth.
Reserves – In 2008, the district reported an unreserved designated fund balance of zero and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $1,602,842.00.
In December 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board. The district was cited for multiple teacehr certification irregularities.
The district is funded by the following taxes: property tax, a local earned income tax and a real estate transfer tax coupled with state and federal funding. In Pennsylvania, pension income and social security income are exempt from state income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the individual's wealth.
State basic education funding
For 2010–11 the Uniontown Area School District received a 2.75% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $15,586,043 payment. The highest increase in BEF in Fayette County was awarded to Laurel Highlands School DistrictLaurel Highlands School District
Laurel Highlands School District is a school district located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. It serves North and South Union Townships. The current superintendent is Dr. Gary Brain. District enrollment is 3591.-Creation of LHSD:...
a 6.29% increase. Kennett Consolidated School District
Kennett Consolidated School District
The Kennett Consolidated School District,or KCSD for short, is a public school district serving portions of Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is centered on the borough of Kennett Square and also incorporates Kennett Township, New Garden Township, and the southern portion of East Marlborough Twp....
in Chester County
Chester County, Pennsylvania
-State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were...
received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010–11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010–11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In 2009–2010, Uniontown Area School District received an 3.21% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $15,169,296. The highest increase in Fayette County
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the2010 census, the population was 136,606. The county is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area....
went to Connellsville Area School District
Connellsville Area School District
The Connellsville Area School District covers the City of Connellsville, the Boroughs of Dawson, Dunbar, Ohiopyle, Seven Springs, South Connellsville and Vanderbilt and Bullskin Township, Connellsville Township, Dunbar Township, Saltlick Township, Springfield Township and Stewart Township in...
with a 4.03% 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. Ninety school districts were given the base 2% increase. The state's Basic Education Funding to the Uniontown Area School District in 2008–09 was $14,697,380.14. 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 2010–11 the Uniontown Area School District applied for and received $643,171 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full day kindergarten for the 7th year and to increase instructional time for struggling students during the school day.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. Uniontown Area School District was denied funding in 2006–07. In 2007–08 it did not apply. For the 2008–09 school year, the district received $188,223. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.Federal Stimulus Funding
The district received $3,597,197 in Federal Stimulus 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...
funds in 2009–2011. This was in addition to all regular state and federal funding. These extra dollars must be focused on programs to improve the academic achievement of students receiving free and reduced lunch or special education students.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1,826 students qualified for free or reduced lunch due to low family income in 2008.
Race to the Top grant
Uniontown Area District officials did not apply for the federal 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...
grant which would have meant millions in additional federal dollars to improve student academic achievement. The district has been identified as a turnaround school district. This means the district would have received an additional $700 to $900 per student above and beyond the primary grant funding. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state RTTT application judging will occur in June 2010.
Common Cents state initiative
The Uniontown Area School Board did not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.Real estate taxes
Property tax rates in 2009 were set at 13.8500 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region.Act 1 Adjusted index
The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not authorized to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011–2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor StatisticsBureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a unit of the United States Department of Labor. It is the principal fact-finding agency for the U.S. government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. The BLS is a governmental statistical agency that collects, processes, analyzes, and...
in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.
The School District Adjusted Index for the Uniontown Area School District 2006–2007 through 2010–2011.
- 2006–07 – 5.6%, Base 3.9%
- 2007–08 – 4.9%, Base 3.4%
- 2008–09 – 6.4%, Base 4.4%
- 2009–10 – 5.9%, Base 4.1%
- 2010–11 – 4.2%, Base 2.9%
- 2011–12 – 2.0%, Base 1.4%
The Uniontown Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009–10 and 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 Uniontown Area School District was set at $200 for the 5.601 approved primary homesteads and farmsteads. This was the highest tax relief in Fayette County. Uniontown Area School District tax relief was set at $202 for 5,550 homesteads. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Fayette County, 72% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware CountyDelaware 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 CUSD was 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 whose income is 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
Uniontown Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 – Policy 246. The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 – 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (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 offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
| Sport | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | Class AAA | |
| Basketball | Class AAA | Class AAA |
| Cross Country Cross country running Cross country running is a sport in which people run a race on open-air courses over natural terrain. The course, typically long, may include surfaces of grass and earth, pass through woodlands and open country, and include hills, flat ground and sometimes gravel road... |
Class AAA | Class AAA |
| Football American football American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by... |
Class AAA | |
| Golf | Class AAA | |
| Soccer | Class AA | Class AAA |
| Swimming and Diving Diving Diving is the sport of jumping or falling into water from a platform or springboard, sometimes while performing acrobatics. Diving is an internationally-recognized sport that is part of the Olympic Games. In addition, unstructured and non-competitive diving is a recreational pastime.Diving is one... |
Class AA | Class AA |
| Track and Field | Class AAA | Class AAA |
| Volleyball | Class AA | |
| Wrestling Wrestling Wrestling is a form of grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. A wrestling bout is a physical competition, between two competitors or sparring partners, who attempt to gain and maintain a superior position... |
Class AAA |
The rivalries start at 7th grade, when in each school, students may enter a grouped sport and play for the school. More rivalries include LaFayette—Ben Franklin, All UASD Schools----Laural Highlands Schools, All UASD Schools—Albert Gallatin Schools.