Waynesboro Area School District
Encyclopedia
The Waynesboro Area School District is a public school district located in Franklin County, Pennsylvania
. It encompasses the boroughs of Waynesboro
and Mont Alto
, as well as all of Washington Township
and Quincy Township, and a portion of Guilford Township. The district operates four elementary schools: Fairview Avenue Elementary School, Hooverville Elementary School, Mowery Elementary School, and Summitview. It also features one middle school, and one high school.
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
.
The district is served by the Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 which offers a variety of services including: assistance in developing K-12 curriculum that is mapped and aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards, shared services, a group purchasing program and a wide variety of special education and special needs services.
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
2009 – 52% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 65% of 11th graders on grade level.
2008 – 61%, State – 65%
2007 – 61%, State – 65%
11th Grade Math:
2009 – 46% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 56% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 51%, State – 56%
2007 – 49%, State – 53%
11th Grade Science:
2009 – 20% on grade level. State: 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2008 – 20%
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, including the graduation ceremony. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions. 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 $34,151 for the program.
Other students that reside in the district who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school or are homeschooled are eligible for the university courses contained in the dual enrollment contract.
8th Grade Reading
2009 – 81% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 80% of 8th graders on grade level.
2008 – 76%, State – 78%
8th Grade Math:
2009 – 69% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 71% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 72%, State – 70%
8th Grade Science:
2009 – 49% on grade level. State – 55% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 – 45%, State – 52%
7th Grade Reading
2009 – 78% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 71% of 7th graders on grade level.
2008 – 70%, State – 70%
7th Grade Math:
2009 – 80% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 74%, State – 70%
2009 – 64% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 6th graders on grade level.
2008 – 78%, State – 67%
6th Grade Math:
2009 – 84% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 6th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 80%, State – 72%
5th Grade Reading
2009 – 70% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 64% of 5th graders on grade level.
2008 – 58%, State – 61%
5th Grade Math:
2009 – 88% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 5th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 69%, State – 73%
4th Grade Reading
2009 – 69% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 72% of 4th graders on grade level.
2008 – 73%, State – 70%
4th Grade Math:
2009 – 84% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 4th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 79%, State – 79%
4th Grade Science:
2009 – 83% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 83% of 4th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 84%, State – 81%
3rd Grade Reading
2009 – 75% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 3rd graders on grade level.
2008 – 69%, State – 77%
3rd Grade Math:
2009 – 77% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 3rd graders are on grade level.
2008 – 72%, State – 80%
2009 – 69% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 6th graders on grade level.
2008 – 94%, State – 67%
6th Grade Math:
2009 – 89% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 6th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 94%, State – 72%
5th Grade Reading
2009 – 71% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 64% of 5th graders on grade level.
2008 – 63%, State – 61%
5th Grade Math:
2009 – 86% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 5th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 79%, State – 73%
4th Grade Reading
2009 – 85% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 72% of 4th graders on grade level.
2008 – 80%, State – 70%
4th Grade Math:
2009 – 90% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 4th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 89%, State – 79%
4th Grade Science:
2009 – 94% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 83% of 4th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 89%, State – 81%
3rd Grade Reading
2009 – 88% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 3rd graders on grade level.
2008 – 91%, State – 77%
3rd Grade Math:
2009 – 92% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 3rd graders are on grade level.
2008 – 91%, State – 80%
2009 – 64% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 6th graders on grade level.
2008 – 77%, State – 67%
6th Grade Math:
2009 – 87% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 6th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 81%, State – 72%
5th Grade Reading
2009 – 58% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 64% of 5th graders on grade level.
2008 – 69%, State – 61%
5th Grade Math:
2009 – 69% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 5th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 80%, State – 73%
4th Grade Reading
2009 – 71% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 72% of 4th graders on grade level.
2008 – 60%, State – 70%
4th Grade Math:
2009 – 78% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 4th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 76%, State – 79%
4th Grade Science:
2009 – 91% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 83% of 4th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 79%, State – 81%
3rd Grade Reading
2009 – 83% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 3rd graders on grade level.
2008 – 71%, State – 77%
3rd Grade Math:
2009 – 77% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 3rd graders are on grade level.
2008 – 71%, State – 80%
, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, paid sick days, life insurance, retirement bonus 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.
Waynesboro Area School District administrative costs per pupil was $471.62 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In 2008, the board hired James L. Robertson as superintendent of schools with an initial salary of $122,000 and an extensive benefits package. The Pennsylvania School Board Association tracks salaries for Pennsylvania public school employees. It reports that in 2008 the average superintendent salary in Pennsylvania was $122,165.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a local real property tax, a real estate transfer tax, and a per capita tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the income level.
went to Tuscarora School District
with a 5.50% increase. In Pennsylvania, over 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. The state's Basic Education Funding to the Waynesboro Area School District in 2008–09 was $12,350,739.85. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
– Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. This was in addition to all regular state and federal funding. This funding is for 2009–2011 school years.
In 2008, the district reported that 1,163 students received free or reduced price lunches due to low family income.
federal grant which would have brought the district millions of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of school 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.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
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.
Varsity and junior varsity athletic activities are under the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association
.
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.
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...
. It encompasses the boroughs of Waynesboro
Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
Waynesboro is a borough in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, located northwest of Baltimore, Maryland, 67 miles southwest of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and north of the Mason-Dixon Line. The population within the borough limits was 9,614 at the 2000 census. When combined with the surrounding...
and Mont Alto
Mont Alto, Pennsylvania
Mont Alto is a borough in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,357 at the 2000 census.-History:John Funk built the first house in the borough in 1817 on what is now Main Street. At this time the town was known as Funkstown...
, as well as all of Washington Township
Washington Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Washington Township is a township in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 11,559 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 38.9 square miles , of which, 38.9 square miles of it is land and...
and Quincy Township, and a portion of Guilford Township. The district operates four elementary schools: Fairview Avenue Elementary School, Hooverville Elementary School, Mowery Elementary School, and Summitview. It also features one middle school, and one high school.
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...
.
The district is served by the Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 which offers a variety of services including: assistance in developing K-12 curriculum that is mapped and aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards, shared services, a group purchasing program and a wide variety of special education and special needs services.
High school
The high school is in Warning level for lagging student academic achievement.PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
2009 – 52% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 65% of 11th graders on grade level.
2008 – 61%, State – 65%
2007 – 61%, State – 65%
11th Grade Math:
2009 – 46% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 56% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 51%, State – 56%
2007 – 49%, State – 53%
11th Grade Science:
2009 – 20% on grade level. State: 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2008 – 20%
College Remediation
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 16% of Waynesboro 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 EducationPennsylvania 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, including the graduation ceremony. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions. 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 $34,151 for the program.
Other students that reside in the district who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school or are homeschooled are eligible for the university courses contained in the dual enrollment contract.
Middle school
PSSA Results8th Grade Reading
2009 – 81% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 80% of 8th graders on grade level.
2008 – 76%, State – 78%
8th Grade Math:
2009 – 69% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 71% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 72%, State – 70%
8th Grade Science:
2009 – 49% on grade level. State – 55% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 – 45%, State – 52%
7th Grade Reading
2009 – 78% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 71% of 7th graders on grade level.
2008 – 70%, State – 70%
7th Grade Math:
2009 – 80% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 74%, State – 70%
Fairview Avenue Elementary School
6th Grade Reading2009 – 64% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 6th graders on grade level.
2008 – 78%, State – 67%
6th Grade Math:
2009 – 84% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 6th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 80%, State – 72%
5th Grade Reading
2009 – 70% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 64% of 5th graders on grade level.
2008 – 58%, State – 61%
5th Grade Math:
2009 – 88% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 5th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 69%, State – 73%
4th Grade Reading
2009 – 69% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 72% of 4th graders on grade level.
2008 – 73%, State – 70%
4th Grade Math:
2009 – 84% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 4th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 79%, State – 79%
4th Grade Science:
2009 – 83% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 83% of 4th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 84%, State – 81%
3rd Grade Reading
2009 – 75% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 3rd graders on grade level.
2008 – 69%, State – 77%
3rd Grade Math:
2009 – 77% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 3rd graders are on grade level.
2008 – 72%, State – 80%
Hooverville Elementary School
6th Grade Reading2009 – 69% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 6th graders on grade level.
2008 – 94%, State – 67%
6th Grade Math:
2009 – 89% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 6th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 94%, State – 72%
5th Grade Reading
2009 – 71% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 64% of 5th graders on grade level.
2008 – 63%, State – 61%
5th Grade Math:
2009 – 86% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 5th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 79%, State – 73%
4th Grade Reading
2009 – 85% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 72% of 4th graders on grade level.
2008 – 80%, State – 70%
4th Grade Math:
2009 – 90% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 4th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 89%, State – 79%
4th Grade Science:
2009 – 94% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 83% of 4th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 89%, State – 81%
3rd Grade Reading
2009 – 88% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 3rd graders on grade level.
2008 – 91%, State – 77%
3rd Grade Math:
2009 – 92% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 3rd graders are on grade level.
2008 – 91%, State – 80%
Mowrey Elementary School
6th Grade Reading2009 – 64% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 6th graders on grade level.
2008 – 77%, State – 67%
6th Grade Math:
2009 – 87% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 6th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 81%, State – 72%
5th Grade Reading
2009 – 58% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 64% of 5th graders on grade level.
2008 – 69%, State – 61%
5th Grade Math:
2009 – 69% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 5th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 80%, State – 73%
4th Grade Reading
2009 – 71% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 72% of 4th graders on grade level.
2008 – 60%, State – 70%
4th Grade Math:
2009 – 78% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 4th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 76%, State – 79%
4th Grade Science:
2009 – 91% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 83% of 4th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 79%, State – 81%
3rd Grade Reading
2009 – 83% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 3rd graders on grade level.
2008 – 71%, State – 77%
3rd Grade Math:
2009 – 77% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 3rd graders are on grade level.
2008 – 71%, State – 80%
Budget
In 2007, the district employed 268 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $51,054 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, paid personal days, paid sick days, life insurance, retirement bonus 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.
Waynesboro Area School District administrative costs per pupil was $471.62 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In 2008, the board hired James L. Robertson as superintendent of schools with an initial salary of $122,000 and an extensive benefits package. The Pennsylvania School Board Association tracks salaries for Pennsylvania public school employees. It reports that in 2008 the average superintendent salary in Pennsylvania was $122,165.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a local real property tax, a real estate transfer tax, and a per capita tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the income level.
Unreserved Funds
In 2008, the district reported a $5,394,759.00 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance.State basic education funding
In 2009–2010, Waynesboro Area School District received an 4.49% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $12,905,087. The highest increase in Franklin CountyFranklin 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...
went to Tuscarora School District
Tuscarora School District
The Tuscarora School District is a public school district located in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. It encompasses the borough of Mercersburg, as well as the townships of St...
with a 5.50% increase. In Pennsylvania, over 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District
Muhlenberg School District
The Muhlenberg Area School District is a public school district serving parts of Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. It encompasses the borough of Laureldale and the Muhlenberg Township. The district encompasses approximately 13 square miles. Per the 2000 federal census data it serves a resident...
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. The state's Basic Education Funding to the Waynesboro Area School District in 2008–09 was $12,350,739.85. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $2,499,012 in ARRAArra
Arra is a census town in Puruliya district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Demographics: India census, Arra had a population of 19,911. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Arra has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the...
– Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. This was in addition to all regular state and federal funding. This funding is for 2009–2011 school years.
In 2008, the district reported that 1,163 students received free or reduced price lunches due to low family income.
Race to the Top grant
School district officials did not apply for the Race to the TopRace to the Top
Race to the Top, abbreviated R2T, RTTT or RTT, is a $4.35 billion United States Department of Education competition designed to spur innovation and reforms in state and local district K-12 education...
federal grant which would have brought the district millions of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of school 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.
Real estate taxes
Property tax rates in 2009 were set at 82.5900 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.Property tax relief
In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Waynesboro Area School District was set per approved permanent primary residence and farmstead. 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.Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
Wellness policy
Waynesboro 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, 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.
Extracurriculars
The Waynesboro Area School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and sport. The school board determines eligibility for participation in coordination with respective individual governing organizations.Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. is one of the governing bodies of high school and junior high school sports for the state of Pennsylvania, United States....
.
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.