According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 44.7% of the Chestnut Ridge School District's pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty Level[8] as shown by their eligibility for the federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012.[9] In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $15,142, while the median family income was $36,724.[10] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501[11] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[12] In Bedford County, the median household income was $43,290.[13] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[14] In 2014, the median household income in the USA was $53,700.[15]
According to district officials, in school year 2009–10 the Chestnut Ridge School District provided basic educational services to 1,592 pupils through the employment of 129 teachers, 86 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 10 administrators. Chestnut Ridge School District received more than $12million in state funding in school year 2009-10. In school year 2005–06, Chestnut Ridge School District enrollment was 1,779 pupils. Chestnut Ridge School District employed: 122 teachers, 78 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 10 administrators. Chestnut Ridge School District received more than $10 million in state funding in school year 2005–06.[16]
High school students may choose to attend the Bedford County Career and Technology Center for training in the construction and mechanical trades. The Appalachia Intermediate Unit IU8 provides the district with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, background checks for employees, state mandated recognizing and reporting child abuse training, speech and visual disability services and criminal background check processing for prospective employees and professional development for staff and faculty.
Governance
Chestnut Ridge School District is governed by nine individually elected board members (serve without compensation for a term of four years), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[17] The federal government controls programs it funds like: Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills. The superintendent and business manager are appointed by the school board. The superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The business manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the school board. The school board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the superintendent and business manager regarding renewal of their employment contracts.[18]
Schools
Central Elementary School - Grades preschool kindergarten - 2nd
2534 Quaker Valley Road, New Paris, Pennsylvania 15554
Chestnut Ridge Middle School (Grades 3-7) was originally constructed as the district's high school in 1955, went through its last renovation/addition process in 2005.
2588 Quaker Valley Road, New Paris, Pennsylvania 15554
closed 2014 - New Paris Elementary School - Grades 3-4 4401 Cortland Road, New Paris, Pennsylvania 15554
Academic achievement
In October 2015, Pennsylvania Auditor GeneralEugene DePasquale reported that Chestnut Ridge Middle School was among the 561 academically challenged schools that have been overlooked by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[19][20] He also reported the Pennsylvania Department of Education failed to take any action to remediate the poorly performing schools to raise student academic achievement or to provide them with targeted professional assistance.[21]
Statewide academic ranking
The Chestnut Ridge School District was ranked 307th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts, in 2015, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[22] The ranking is based on the last 3 years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school.[23] Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.[24]
2007 - 262nd of 501 school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[26]
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Chestnut Ridge School District, was in the 54th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best).[27]
District AYP status history
In 2012, Chestnut Ridge School District declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, due to lagging student academic achievement.[28] In 2011, Chestnut Ridge School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of Pennsylvania public school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.[29][30] Chestnut Ridge School District achieved AYP status each year from 2006 to 2010.[31]
2005 - Making Progress in School Improvement 1 AYP status[32]
2004 - declined to 'School Improvement 1 due to low student achievement[33]
2003 - Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement[34]
Graduation rate
In 2015, Chestnut Ridge School District's graduation rate was 93.75%.[35]
Chestnut Ridge Senior High School enrollment was 639 pupils in grades 8th through 12th, with 42% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 15.9% of pupils received special education services, while 4.22% of pupils were identified as gifted.[44] The school employed 33 teachers.[45] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2013, the school reported an enrollment of 502 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 207 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. In 2012, the school employed 31 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.[46] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[47]
2015 School Performance Profile
Chestnut Ridge Senior High School achieved 61.7 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 70% of the school's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Math/Algebra 1, 70% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Science/Biology I, only 54% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[48] Statewide, 53 percent of schools with an eleventh grade achieved an academic score of 70 or better. Five percent of the 2,033 schools with 11th grade were scored at 90 and above; 20 percent were scored between 80 and 89; 28 percent between 70 and 79; 25 percent between 60 and 69 and 22 percent below 60. The Keystone Exam results showed: 73 percent of students statewide scored at grade-level in English, 64 percent in Algebra I and 59 percent in biology.[49][50]
2014 School Performance Profile
Chestnut Ridge Senior High School achieved 71.1 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 80% were on grade level. In Math/Algebra 1, 68% showed on grade level skills. In Science/Biology, only 48% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[51][52] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.[53]
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.[54] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[55][56]
2013 School Performance Profile
Chestnut Ridge Senior High School achieved 76.4 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 80% were on grade level. In Math/Algebra 1, 71% showed on grade level skills. In Science/Biology, 47.5% showed on grade level science understanding.[57] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, beginning in 2012, they take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.[58]
AYP History
In 2012, Chestnut Ridge Senior High School declined to School Improvement Level I Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, due to missing all academic metrics.[59] In 2011, Chestnut Ridge Senior High School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.[60] From 2003 to 2010, Chestnut Ridge Senior High School achieved AYP status each year. Effective with Spring 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSA's to 11th graders.
Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes. Additionally the school administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school district must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.[61] Chestnut Ridge Senior High School was eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.[62]
PSSA Results
Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[63] In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.[64]
11th Grade Reading
2012 - 65% on grade level, (6% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[65]
The district administration attributes the low achievement on the science exams to a lack of emphasis in the district's curriculum, on the content covered in the exam.[81]
Challenge Program
The Challenge Program, Inc. offers $250.00 cash incentives to Chestnut Ridge Senior High School juniors, and seniors who excel in the categories of: Academic Improvement, Attendance, Community Service and Academic Excellence. The program partners with businesses to motivate students both in and out of the classroom by encouraging good habits in students that will last throughout their education and into their future careers. For the 2010-2011 school year, the top 10% of students in each of the categories will be eligible to win $250.00.[82]
Graduation requirements
The Chestnut Ridge Board of Education has determined that students must earn 26 credits to graduate including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 3 credits, Math 4 credits, Science 3 credits, Wellness 2 credits, Physical education 1 credit, Freshman Seminar/Computer Applications 1 credit, Business Education 1 credit, Senior Seminar 0.5 credit, Senior Project 0.5 credits and Electives 7 credits.[83]
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.[84] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[85]
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class of 2018, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature. The students take the respective Keystone Exam at the end of the course.[86] Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[87]
Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Schools are mandated to provide targeted assistance to help the student be successful. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.[88][89] For the class of 2019, a Composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements.[90] In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit - 49% on grade level.[91] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.
College remediation
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 8% of Chestnut Ridge Senior 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.[92] 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.[93] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Dual enrollment
The Chestnut Ridge Senior High School offers the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. 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.[94] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[95] 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.[96]
In 2010, Chestnut Ridge School District received $4,628. in a state grant to be used assist students with tuition, fees and books. The grants were discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell in his 2010-11 budget plan.
SAT scores
In 2014, 47 Chestnut Ridge School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 483. The Math average score was 490. The Writing average score was 442.[97][98] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[99] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.
In 2013, 49 Chestnut Ridge School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 483. The Math average score was 509. The Writing average score was 444. The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.[100]
In 2012, 42 Chestnut Ridge School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 505. The Math average score was 503. The Writing average score was 477. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the US, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.
In 2011, 59 Chestnut Ridge School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 490. The Math average score was 510. The Writing average score was 450.[101] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[102] In the United States, 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing.[103]
Chestnut Ridge Middle School
In 2015, enrollment was 577 pupils, in grades 3rd through 7th, with 51.99% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 14.9% of pupils received special education services, while 2.4% of pupils were identified as gifted.[104] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[105]
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2013, the school reported an enrollment of 502 pupils, in grades 5th through 8th, with 235 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 30 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 16.5:1.[106] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[107] In 2010, the middle school reported a 95% attendance rate.
2015 School Performance Profile
The PDE reported that 66% of 7th grade students at Chestnut Ridge Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math, 27% of 7th grade students showed on grade level skills. Among 6th graders, 62% were on grade level in reading and 34% were on grade level in mathematics. Among fifth graders, 62% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 47% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 57% were on grade level in reading, while 39% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 79% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, just 57% were on grade level in reading and 43% were on grade level in mathematics.[108] Statewide 58% of eighth (8th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 29% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 7th graders were 58% on grade level in reading and 33% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among sixth (6th) graders, 60.7% were reading on grade level, while 39.7% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 4th graders were 58.6% on grade level in reading and 44.4% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 77.3% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among Pennsylvania third (3rd) graders, only 62% were reading on grade level, while just 48.5% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[109]
2014 School Performance Profile
Chestnut Ridge Middle School (grades 5-8th) achieved 66.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 73% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 73% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 61% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 67% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[110]
2013 School Performance Profile
Chestnut Ridge Middle School (5th-8th) achieved 75 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 72% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 75% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 60% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 58% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[111] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.
AYP History
In 2012, Chestnut Ridge Middle School declined again to Warning AYP status, due to missing all academic metrics in reading and mathematics.[112]
2010 and 2011 - achieved AYP status.
2009 - remained in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.
2008 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.
2006 and 2007 - achieved AYP status
2005 - Making Progress in School Improvement Level I AYP status
2004 - declined to School Improvement Level I AYP status due to low student achievement. The administration was required to notify parents of the poor achievement. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Education required the administration to develop and submit a plan to improve student achievement.
2003 - Warning AYP status due to lagging academic achievement
PSSA history
Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are NCLB related examination given in the Spring of each school year. Fifth graders are tested in reading, writing, and mathematics since 1995. Sixth and seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999, as a state initiative.[113] Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science.[114] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[63] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[115]
8th Grade Reading
2012 - 74% on grade level (10% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[72]
In 2015, Chestnut Ridge Central Elementary School's enrollment declined to 382 pupils in preschool through 2nd grade, with 45% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 12% of the pupils receive special education services, while 0.52% are identified as gifted.[126] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full-day kindergarten since 2003.[127] The school is a federally designated Title I school. None of the grades participate in the PSSA testing. In 2013, enrollment was 428 pupils preschool through 2nd grade.[128] The school employed 25 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 16.6:1.[129]
Chestnut Ridge School District has provided full-day kindergarten for more than a decade.[130] and taxpayer-funded preschool.[131] Proponents of full-day kindergarten claim it will reduce special education numbers and it will raise primary student academic achievement in reading.[132] Those outcomes have not been realized in the Chestnut Ridge School District.[133]
Special education
In December 2013, Chestnut Ridge School District administration reported that 241 pupils or 15% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 44% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[134] In December 2011, Chestnut Ridge School District administration reported that 236 pupils or 14.9% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 44% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[135]
In December 2009, Chestnut Ridge School District administration reported that 255 pupils or 14.6% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[136]
In 2007, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak testified before the Pennsylvania House Education Committee regarding full-day kindergarten. He claimed that districts which offered the program would see a significant decrease in special education students due to early identification and early intervention. He asserted the high cost of full-day kindergarten would be recouped by Districts in lower special education costs.[137] Chestnut Ridge School District has provided full-day kindergarten since 2003. The district has seen a slight decrease in the percentage of special education students it serves, but this has yielded no savings.
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.[138] The IDEA 2004 requires each school entity to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, including the student handbook and website regarding the availability of screening and intervention services and how to access them.
Students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may take the PSSA-M an alternative math exam rather than the PSSA.[139] Some special education students may take the PASA (Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment), rather than the PSSA.[140] Schools are permitted to provide accommodations to some students.[141]
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.[142] IDEA funds are appropriated to the state on an annual basis and distributed through intermediate units (IUs) to school districts, while state funds are distributed directly to the districts. Total funds that are received by school districts are calculated through a formula. The Pennsylvania Department of Education oversees four appropriations used to fund students with special needs: Special Education; Approved Private Schools; Pennsylvania Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind; and Early Intervention. The Pennsylvania Special Education funding system assumes that 16% of the district's students receive special education services. It also assumes that each student's needs accrue the same level of costs.[143] Over identification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.[144] The state requires each public school district and charter school to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[145] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[146]
Chestnut Ridge School District received a $985,663 supplement for special education services in 2010.[147] For the 2011–12, 2012–13 and 2013-14 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010-11. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.[148][149] For the 2014-2015 school year, Chestnut Ridge School District received an increase to $996,198 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.[150] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The district must apply for this added funding.
In 2013, the state's Special Education Funding Reform Commission provided a report on the state of funding for special education in the Commonwealth.[151] Funding for special education programs is borne largely on a local basis at 60%, with the state contributing $1 billion or 30% and the federal government providing 10% of the funding.
Gifted education
Chestnut Ridge School District Administration reported that 48 students (2.86% of students) were gifted in 2009.[152] 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.[153] 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.[154]
School Safety and Bullying policy
The Chestnut Ridge School District administration reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the district in 2013. Additionally, there was one sexual incident involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in six incidents at the schools.[155][156] Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center which then publishes the compiled reports online. Nationally, nearly 20% of pupils report being bullied at school.[157]
The Chestnut Ridge School District administration reported there was 1 incident of bullying in the district in 2009.[158][159]
The Chestnut Ridge School Board approved a district antibully policy in November 2008.[160] The district uses the Olweus Bullying Prevention program. 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.[161] 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.[162]
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.[163]
Safe School grant
In 2015, Chestnut Ridge School District was awarded $24,000 in a state Safe Schools Targeted Grant. The maximum of $25,000 grants were awarded through a competitive application process.[164] The funds must be used for research based interventions, like: peer mediation, staff training in managing behavioral issues and creating a positive school climate. The district did not participate in 2012 nor in 2013.
Budget
Pennsylvania public school districts budget and expend funds according to procedures mandated by the General Assembly and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). An annual operating budget is prepared by school district administrative officials. A uniform form is furnished by the PDE and submitted to the board of school directors for approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year on July 1.
Under Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, all school districts of the first class A, second class, third class and fourth class must adopt a preliminary budget proposal. The proposal must include estimated revenues and expenditures and the proposed tax rates. This proposed budget must be considered by the Board no later than 90 days prior to the date of the election immediately preceding the fiscal year. The preliminary budget proposal must also be printed and made available for public inspection at least 20 days prior to its adoption. The board of school directors may hold a public hearing on the budget, but are not required to do so. The board must give at least 10 days' public notice of its intent to adopt the final budget according to Act 1 of 2006.[165]
In 2013, the average teacher salary in Chestnut Ridge School District was $52,987 a year.[166] The district employed 215 teachers with a top salary of $99,882.[167][168] Pennsylvania teacher salaries (2013–14) are searchable in a statewide database provided by TribLive News.[169] Chestnut Ridge School District teacher and administrator retirement benefits are equal to at least 2.00% x Final Average Salary x Total Credited Service. (Some teachers benefits utilize a 2.50% benefit factor.)[170] After 40 years of service, Pennsylvania public school teachers and administrators can retire with 100% of the average salary of their final 3 years of employment. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers' total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.[171] In 2014-15, Pennsylvania public school district mandated teacher pension contribution rose to 21.40% of employee salaries and in 2015-16 it rose again to 25.84% of total salaries.[172] In 2014-15, the state mandated district contribution to the teacher pension fund rose to 21.40% of employee salaries and in 2015-16 it rose again to 25.84% of total district salaries.[173]
In 2011, Chestnut Ridge School District reported employing 121 teachers and administrators with a median salary of $49,995 and a top salary of $95,000.[174]
In 2009, Chestnut Ridge School District reported employing over 130 teachers with a starting salary of $34,000 for 184.5 days work.[175] The average teacher salary was $50,518 while the maximum salary is $98,800.[176] In Pennsylvania, the average teacher salary for Pennsylvania's 124,100 public school teachers was $54,977 in 2008.[177] 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.[178] Additionally, Chestnut Ridge School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, 5 days paid bereavement leave, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10 sick days, life insurance and other benefits. Department Heads and lead teachers receive extra compensation beyond their salary.[179] According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.[180]
In 2007, the district employed 110 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $47,706 for 182 school days worked.[181]
Administrative costs
Chestnut Ridge School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $967.57 per pupil. Chestnut Ridge School District is ranked 70th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[182] Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.[183]
Per-pupil spending
In 2008, Chestnut Ridge School District reported spending $12,190 per pupil. This ranked 253rd in the commonwealth.[184] In 2010, the district's per-pupil spending had decreased to $11,732.83.[185] In 2013, the per-pupil spending was reported as $11,595.85.[186] In 2011, Pennsylvania's per-pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.[187] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[188]
The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.[189] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[188] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.[190] Pennsylvania's total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.[191]
Reserves
In 2009, Chestnut Ridge School District reported a $1,804,108 in a reserved-undesignated fund balance. The undesignated fund balance was reported as zero.[192] In 2010, Chestnut Ridge School District Administration reported an increase to $3,984,686 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The district also reported zero dollars in its unreserved-designated fund in 2010. In 2012, the district's reserves rose to $3,528,938 in its reserved-undesignated fund and $1,713,781 in its undesignated fund balance.[193] Pennsylvania public school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.[194] In 2005, the total reserve funds held by Pennsylvania public school districts was $1.9 billion.[195] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.[196][197][198]
Audits
In December 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of Chestnut Ridge School District. Findings were reported to the administration and school board. Issues included that three individuals teaching with lapsed certificates during the 2007-2008 school year. The district was fined by the PDE.[199] In August 2012, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board. It was found the district erroneously reported inflated enrollment numbers thereby receiving over payments in several funding streams, from the Commonwealth.[200]
Interest Swap deals
In November 2009, Auditor General Jack Wagner reported that Chestnut Ridge School District entered into high risk Interest swap deals under Act 23 of 2003.[201][202] By 2009, 107 Districts out of 500 Pennsylvania school districts entered into these transactions. Seven Berks County public school districts also entered into swap deals with investment banks. It was found that fees that were characterized as being paid by the investment banks were actually ultimately charged to the district.[203][204][205][206]
Tuition
Students who live in the Chestnut Ridge School District attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Chestnut Ridge School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the district's schools. The 2013 tuition rates are Elementary School - $7,323.89, High School - $8,110.79.[207]
Chestnut Ridge School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1%, a per capita tax of $5, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.[208] Grants provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Interest earnings on accounts also provide nontax income to the district. 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 level of the individual's personal wealth.[209] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 a year plus they receive federal Social Security benefits: both are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.[210]
State basic education funding
According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, School District receives 65.2% of its annual revenue from the state.[211] This exceeds some education advocates goal of the state providing 50% of district funding.[212]
For the 2014-15 school year, Chestnut Ridge School District received $8,011,543 in State Basic Education funding. The district also received $224,888 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[213] The Education budget also included Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State is paying $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania's Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[214]
In the 2013-2014 school year, Chestnut Ridge School District received a 1.4% increase or $8,008,834 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $111,374 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Chestnut Ridge School District received $113,408 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Bedford County, Bedford Area School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 2.0%. The district had the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth's budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[215] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland School District, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.[216] As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[217]
For the 2012-13 school year, the Chestnut Ridge School District received $7,897,460.[218] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 included $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which was an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) program. Chestnut Ridge School District received $113,408. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees' Social Security and $856 million for School Employees' Retirement fund called PSERS.[219] This amount was a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett's first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.
In 2011-12 school year, Chestnut Ridge School District received a $7,897,460 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[220][221] Additionally, Chestnut Ridge School District received another $113,408 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount was a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted state appropriation for 2010-2011.[222] The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District of Allegheny County, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.[223] In 2010, the district reported that 696 students received free or reduced price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[224] Some Pennsylvania public school districts experienced a reduction of total funding due to the termination of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.
For 2010-11 school year, Chestnut Ridge School District received a 3.35% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $8,456,203 payment.[225] The highest increase in BEF in Bedford County was awarded to Bedford Area School District a 6.25% 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 received was determined by then Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[226]
In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.61% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $8,182,492 to Chestnut Ridge School District. 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.[227]Everett Area School District received the highest increase in Bedford County for the 2009-10 school year. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.[228]
In 2008-09, the state Basic Education funding to Chestnut Ridge School District was $7,897,460. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 800 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.[229]
All Pennsylvania school districts have also received additional funding streams from the state through several funding allocations, including: Reimbursement of Charter School Expenditures; Special Education Funding; Secondary Career & Technical Education Subsidy; PA Accountability Grants; and low achieving schools were eligible for Educational Assistance Program Funding. Plus all Pennsylvania school districts receive federal dollars for various programs including: Special Education funding and Title I funding for children from low income families. In 2010, Pennsylvania spent over $24 billion for public education - local, state and federal dollars combined.[230] By 2015, Pennsylvania is spending over $27 billion on public education (local, state and federal resources combined).[231]
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 Chestnut Ridge School District applied for and received $307,818 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the 7th year.[232][233]
Ready to Learn grant
Beginning in the 2014-2015 budget, the State funded a new Ready to Learn Grant for public schools. A total of $100 million is allocated through a formula to districts based on the number of students, level of poverty of community as calculated by its market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) and the number of English language learners. Ready to Learn Block Grant funds may be used by the districts for: school safety; Ready by 3 early childhood intervention programs; individualized learning programs; and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.[234]
Chestnut Ridge School District received $224,888 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, PreK Counts funding, transportation reimbursement, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply for to receive.
PreK Counts grant
Chestnut Ridge School District receives state funding to provide taxpayer-funded preschool at the elementary school. For the 2011-12 school year, Chestnut Ridge School District received a Pre K Counts grant of $252,800 for 70 pupils.[235] For the 2011 school year, Chestnut Ridge School District was a high priority for funding due to the 41% poverty level of children in the district's attendance area.[236][237][238] Enrollment for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is targeted to children living in families earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level or $60,000 per year. In 2013, the district received $250,240 in PreKCounts funds.
In 2013, the state's PreK Counts program received $87,284,000. In 2010, the PreK Counts program received $83.6 million statewide in Governor Corbett's education budget. In 2007-08 the state funded Pre-K Counts at $75 million. Chestnut Ridge School District did not receive funding in 2007-08.[239] In 2009-10, the district received $209,350 to provide preschool to 52 children.[240][241] The district received $268,600 enrolling 68 students for 2011-12.[242]
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. Chestnut Ridge School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08, the district received $156,342. For the 2008-09 school year, the district received $45,413. Among Bedford County public school districts, Bedford Area School District received the greatest funding at $579,086 over two years. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 applied for and received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[243]
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 2012, Chestnut Ridge School District was awarded $4,149.[244]
Project 720
Project 720 was a high school reform program implemented for three years under the Rendell administration. The intent was to increase academic rigor and improve the instruction of teachers in the Commonwealth's high schools. Teachers were expected to use data driven instructional practices and to meet the needs of diverse learners.[245] The 720 in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades.[246] High schools applied for funding and were required to agree to report to the PDE their plans, their actions and the outcomes. In 2007-08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. Chestnut Ridge School District was one of 161 PA public school districts to apply, receiving $150,718 funding over three years.[247][248] For 2010-11, Project 720 funding was decreased to $1.7 million by Governor Rendell. The grant program was discontinued effective with the 2011-12 state budget.[249]
Other grants
Chestnut Ridge School District did not participate in: PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell);[250] Education Assistance Grants; 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;[251] 2013 Resource Officer grants; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;[252] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.
Federal grants
The district received an extra $2,151,943 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[253] The funding was for the 2009–10 and 2010-11 school years.[254] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, the Governor and the Pennsylvania School Board Association, to use the funds for one-time expenditures like acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.
Race to the Top grant
Chestnut Ridge School District officials did not apply to participate in the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[255] 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.[255] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[256]
Title II grants
The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to be used to improve the quality of teacher instructions to pupils. The goal is provide each child in public schools with "High Quality" teachers and principals as defined by the state.[257] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[258] Beginning in 2002, the federal funding committed to Title II was $3,175,000,000.
Public school district administrations must apply to the state annually for the Title II funds. In 2012-13, Chestnut Ridge School District received $96,751 in federal Title II funding.[259] In 2014-15, Chestnut Ridge School District applied for and received $96,751.[260]
English language learners grant
The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.[261] Upon registering for school a language survey is done for all new enrollment pupils, typically in kindergarten or preschool. They identify the primary language spoken at home. This data is collected and submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which in turn notifies the federal government.[262]
In 2012-13, Chestnut Ridge School District received $1,086 in Title III funding for English language learners.[263]
Common Cents state initiative
The Chestnut Ridge 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.[264] 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 2015-16 were set by the school board at 7.9312 mills.[265] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and all government property (local, state and federal). Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. According to state tax policy, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes. 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. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections (Local Tax Enabling Act), which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[266] When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two or more counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.[267] In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.[268]
2010-11 - 9.7307 mills.[273] A reassessment of Bedford County real estate values lead to the sharp decline in rate. By state law, the revenue to the school district remained neutral.
The average yearly property tax paid by Bedford County residents amounts to about 2.56% of their yearly income. Bedford County ranked 916th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[279] According to a report prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the total real estate taxes collected by all school districts in Pennsylvania rose from $6,474,133,936 in 1999-00 to $10,438,463,356 in 2008-09 and to $11,153,412,490 in 2011.[280] 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%).[281] Pennsylvania's 2011 tax burden of 10.35% ranked 10th highest out of 50 states. The tax burden was above the national average of 9.8%. Pennsylvania's taxpayers paid $4,374 per capita in state and local taxes, including school taxes.[282]
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 Statistics 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.[283]
In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation eliminating six of the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[284] Several exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school's share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.[285][286] The legislature also froze the payroll amount public school districts use to calculate the pension-plan exception at the 2012 payroll levels. Further increases in payroll cannot be used to raise the district's exception for pension payments. A specific timeline for Act I Index decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[287]
The School District Adjusted Index for the Chestnut Ridge School District:
For the 2015-16 budget year, Chestnut Ridge School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget 2015-16, 310 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 187 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Regarding the pension costs exception, 172 school districts received approval to exceed the Index limit in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 119 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. No Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[295]
For the 2014-15 budget year, Chestnut Ridge School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[296] For the school budget 2014-15, 316 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 181 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Districts may apply for multiple exceptions each year. For the pension costs exception, 163 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 104 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Seven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[297]
For the 2013-14 budget year, Chestnut Ridge School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2013-14, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 16.93% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[298]
For the 2012-13 budget year, Chestnut Ridge School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. In 2012-13, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 12.36% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). For 2012-2013 budget year, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; while 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[299]
For the 2011-12 school year, the Chestnut Ridge School Board applied for two exception to exceed the Act 1 Index: for rising special education costs and escalating teacher pension costs. In 2011-12, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make an 8.65% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund. Each year, the Chestnut Ridge School Board has the option of adopting either: 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index
The Chestnut Ridge School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2010-11.[300] 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.[301]
Property tax relief
In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Chestnut Ridge School District was $173 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 2,616 property owners applied for the tax relief.[302] The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's 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 (40,000m2) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption.[303] In Bedford County the highest property tax relief went to the Tussey Mountain School District at $363 per homestead/farmstead. 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.[304] This was the second year they were the top recipient.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians living in Chestnut Ridge School District who are 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 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.[305]
Wellness policy
Chestnut Ridge School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006.[306] 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." Most districts identified the superintendent and school foodservice director as responsible for ensuring local wellness policy implementation.[307]
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.[308] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.
Chestnut Ridge School District offers both a free school breakfast and a free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.[309] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[310]
In 2013, the USDA issued new restrictions to foods in public schools. The rules apply to foods and beverages sold on all public school district campuses during the day. They limit vending machine snacks to a maximum of 200 calories per item. Additionally, all snack foods sold at school must meet competitive nutrient standards, meaning they must have fruits, vegetables, dairy or protein in them or contain at least 10 percent of the daily value of fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D.[311] In order to comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 all US public school districts are required to raise the price of their school lunches to $2.60 regardless of the actual cost of providing the lunch.[312] The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 mandates that Districts raise their full pay lunch prices every year until the price of non-subsidized lunches equals the amount the federal government reimburses schools for free meals. That subsidy in 2013-2014 was $2.93.
In 2014, President Barack Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.[313][314]
The Food and Drug Administration requires that students take milk as their beverage at lunch. In accordance with this law, any student requesting water in place of milk with their lunch must present a written request, signed by a doctor, documenting the need for water instead of milk.[315][316]
Chestnut Ridge School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses are available in each building to conduct annual health screenings (data reported to the PDE and state Department of Health) and to dispense prescribed medications to students during the school day. Students can be excluded from school unless they comply with all the State Department of Health's extensive immunization mandates. School nurses monitor each pupil for this compliance.[317][318] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.[319]
Highmark Healthy High 5 grant
In 2009, Chestnut Ridge School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Chestnut Ridge Middle School received $9,990 which was used to purchase two treadmills and one elliptical for students in grades 5-8.[320] In 2011, the Middle School received a second grant of $9,891 which was used to implement FIT-tastic. Beginning in 2006, Highmark Foundation engaged in a 5-year, $100 million program to promote lifelong healthy behaviors in children and adolescents through local nonprofits and schools.[321]
Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies.[322][323]
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.[324] They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[325][326]
According to PA Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act 126 of 2014, all volunteer coaches and all those who assist in student activities, must have criminal background checks. Like all school district employees, they must also attend an anti child abuse training once every three years.[327][328][329]
Sports
Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[330] Chestnut RIdge School District is mandated to provide its athletics disclosure form on its web site. Article XVI-C of the Public School Code requires the disclosure of interscholastic athletic opportunities for all public secondary school entities in Pennsylvania. All school entities with grades 7-12 are required to annually collect data concerning team and financial information for all male and female athletes beginning with the 2012-13 school year and submit the information to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, all non-school (booster club and alumni) contributions and purchases must also be reported to PDE.[331]
According to Pennsylvania's Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.[332][333]
In 2013, New Paris Center Elementary School's enrollment was 227 pupils in grades 3rd through 4th, with 56% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 11.79% of the pupils receive special education services, while 3.4% are identified as gifted.[335] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school was a federally designated Title I school. A the end of the school year the school was shut down. Grades 3 and 4 were moved to the middle school. In 2010, the school reported a 96% attendance rate.[336]
2014 School Performance Profile
New Paris Center Elementary School achieved a score of 72.6 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 65.9% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 78.6% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 73.5% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, just 74.7% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[337]
2013 School Performance Profile
New Paris Center Elementary School achieved a score of 81.2 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 70% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, just 65% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 80% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 90% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[338]
AYP status history
From 2004 through 2012, New Paris Center Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.[339]
PSSA history
Third graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science.[340] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[341][342][343] The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.[344] The first cohort of children who attended Accountability Block Grant funded full-day kindergarten reached third grade and took the PSSAs in the spring of 2008.
For numerous years, Chestnut Ridge has been devoted to community service work through their various organizations and clubs. Chestnut Ridge FBLA has won many awards through the years with their partnership with the elderly, Humane Society, hospitals, among other organizations. Chestnut Ridge offers eight other organizations for the students to choose from and to help raise awareness on issues such as obesity and tobacco use for younger children.
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References
↑ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data - Chestnut Ridge School District, 2013
↑ "2012 HHS Poverty Guidelines". Office of The Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. 2015-11-23.
↑ Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, Education Facts Student Poverty Concentration by LEA, 2012
↑ Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq, Acting Secretary of Education Announces Results of 2013-14 School Performance Profile; Strong Performance in 72 Percent of Schools, November 6, 2014
↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Education Finalizes Adoption of Pennsylvania Common Core State Academic Standards and High School Graduation Requirements, March 14, 2013
↑ Browne, Patrick., Senate Education Committee Hearing on Special Education Funding & Accountability testimony, November 1, 2011
↑ Kintisch, Baruch., Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Education Law Center, November 11, 2011
↑ Amy Morton, Executive Deputy Secretary, Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Pennsylvania Department of Education, November 11, 2011
↑ Robert Hayes Postupac, PROJECT 720: A CASE STUDY OF HIGH SCHOOL REFORM, University of Pittsburgh, 2011
↑ PA Office of the Budget, 2011-12 Budget General Fund - State Appropriations, June 28, 2011
↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Science: It's Elementary Grantees Students in 143 Schools Benefit from Intensive Science Curriculum, July 22, 2008
↑ Probart C, McDonnell E, Weirich JE, Schilling L, Fekete V (September 2008). "Statewide assessment of local wellness policies in Pennsylvania public school districts". J Am Diet Assoc. 108 (9): 1497–502. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2008.06.429. PMID18755322.
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