Avella Area School District

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Avella Area School District
Address
1000 Avella Road
Avella, Pennsylvania, Washington, 15312
United States
Coordinates 40°16′26″N 80°25′07″W / 40.274°N 80.4185°W / 40.274; -80.4185Coordinates: 40°16′26″N 80°25′07″W / 40.274°N 80.4185°W / 40.274; -80.4185
Information
Superintendent Dr. Wayde Killmeyer
Faculty 57
Teaching staff 34
Grades K-12
Enrollment 749
Kindergarten 70
Grade 1 48
Grade 2 43
Grade 3 45
Grade 4 43
Grade 5 46
Grade 6 57
Grade 7 43
Grade 8 68
Grade 9 57
Grade 10 54
Grade 11 45
Grade 12 42
Other Enrollment projected to remain about 640 through 2019[1]
Athletics conference WPIAL
Mascot Eagles
Website http://www.avella.k12.pa.us/

The Avella Area School District is a diminutive, rural public school district serving less than 680 students in grades K-12. Approximately 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the school district's two schools are located on a beautiful rural campus that also facilitates a state certified day care and preschool. The district covers the Borough of West Middletown and Cross Creek Township, Hopewell Township and Independence Township in Washington County, Pennsylvania. The district is headquartered in the unincorporated Village of Avella. The district encompasses approximately 73 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 4,497. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $17,193, while the median family income was $42,246. According to District officials, in school year 2007–08 the Avella Area School District provided basic educational services to 670 pupils through the employment of 63 teachers, 35 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 4 administrators.

Contents

[edit] Mission

The mission of the Avella Area School District is to promote responsible citizenship and the pursuit of educational excellence for every student.

Avella Area Elementary School

[edit] Governance

The school district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[2] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "F" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.[3]

[edit] Academic achievement

In 2011, the school district ranked 354th of 498 Pennsylvania school district. The ranking was based on five years of student academic performance on the PSSAs for math, reading, writing and three years of science.[4]

  • 2010 – 334th [5]
  • 2009 – 299th
  • 2008 – 382nd
  • 2007 – 352nd out of 501 school district for student academic achievement.[6]

Avella Area School District ranked 68th out of 105 western Pennsylvania school districts in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[7]

  • 2009 – 68th[8]
  • 2008 – 79th

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of the Avella Area School DIstrict was in the bottom 25th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania School Districts. Scale – (0–99; 100 is state best)[9]

[edit] Graduation Rate

In 2001, the graduation rate was 92%.[10] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Avella Junior Senior High School's rate was 83% for 2010.[11]

Under former calculation formula
  • 2010 – 89% [12]
  • 2009 – 93% [13]
  • 2008 – 98%
  • 2007 – 98% [14]

[edit] High school

In 2011, the high school ranked 84th out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[15] In 2010, the high school ranked 86th out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools.[16] In 2009, the high school ranked 75th out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools.

US News and World Report ranked 21,000 public high schools, in the United States, based on three factors in 2009. First, the schools were analyzed for the number of students who achieved above the state average on the reading and math tests. Then they considered how the economically disadvantaged students performed against the state average. Finally, they considered the participation rate and the performance of students in college readiness by examining Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate test data. Avella Area High School was ranked Bronze. Seventy Pennsylvania high schools achieved bronze, silver or gold rating. Fifty three Pennsylvania high schools achieved bronze.[17] The district was dropped from the ranking in 2010 and 2011.

PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 74% on grade level, (12% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.[18]
  • 2010 – 73%, State - 67% [19]
  • 2009 – 73%, State – 65%.[20]
  • 2008 – 83%, State – 65%[21]
  • 2007 – 54%, State – 65%[22]
11th Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 59%, on grade level (21% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
  • 2010 – 53%, State - 59% [23]
  • 2009 – 54%, State – 56% [24]
  • 2008 – 80%, State – 56%
  • 2007 – 40%, State – 53%

11th Grade Science:

  • 2011 - 46% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level. .[25]
  • 2010 – 36%, State – 39% [26]
  • 2009 – 35%, State – 40%
  • 2008 – 41%, State – 40%

College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 44% of the Avella Area 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.[27] 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.[28] 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.

[edit] Graduation requirements

The Board requires that each candidate for graduation earn twenty-six credits.[29][30] The following minimum courses in grades 9 through 12 are a requirement for graduation in a home education program: four years of English; three years of mathematics; three years of science; three years of social studies; two years of arts and humanities.[31]

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.[32]

By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the graduating class in 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.[33]

[edit] Challenge Program

The Challenge Program, Inc. offers $250.00 cash incentives to Avella Area High School sophomores, 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.[34]

[edit] Dual enrollment

The high school offers a Dual Enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school including the graduation ceremony. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[35] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[36]

For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $5,438 for the program.

[edit] Junior High School

In 2011, the 8th grade ranked 114th out of 149 western PA school district 8th grades.[37] In 2010, the 8th grade was ranked 87th out of 106 western Pennsylvania 8th grades based on four years of results in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and two years of science.[38] In 2009, the 8th grade ranked 88th out of 141 western Pennsylvania schools based on three years of results in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and one year of science.[39] (Includes schools in: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Westmoreland County, and Washington County

8th Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 80% on grade level (2% below basic). (36 pupils) In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
  • 2010 – 79%, State – 81% (63 pupils enrolled)[40]
  • 2009 – 73%, State – 80.9%
  • 2008 – 79%, State – 78%
  • 2007 – 77%, State – 75%[41]
8th Grade*Math:
  • 2011 - 77% on grade level (5% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level.
  • 2010 – 65%, State – 75%
  • 2009 – 47%, State – 71%
  • 2008 – 75%, State – 70%
  • 2007 – 77%, State – 67%
8th Grade Science:
  • 2011 - 55% on grade level (19% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
  • 2010 – 39%, State - 57%
  • 2009 – 39%, State – 55%
  • 2008 – 49%, State – 50%

[edit] Seventh grade

In 2011, the seventh grade ranked 107th out of 148 western Pennsylvania region 7th grades.

Reading:

  • 2011 - 71% on grade level (15% below basic), (46 pupils enrolled). State – 76%
  • 2010 – 68%, State - 73% (41 pupils enrolled)
  • 2009 – 67%, State – 71%
  • 2008 – 66%, State – 70%

Math:

  • 2011 - 73% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 78.6%
  • 2010 – 71%, State - 77%
  • 2009 – 70%, State – 75%
  • 2008 – 60%, State – 70%

[edit] Avella Elementary Center

A cumulative record is maintained for each student from entrance into school through the twelfth grade. All material in each cumulative record is confidential. All students and their parents/guardians have the right to examine the student’s cumulative record and to challenge or correct any information they believe to be inaccurate. FERPA: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act-The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.[42]

[edit] Sixth grade

6th Grade Reading:

  • 2011 - 82% on grade level (10% below basic). (39 pupils enrolled). In Pennsylvania, 69.9% of 6th graders are on grade level.
  • 2010 – 76%, State – 68% (51 pupils enrolled)[43]
  • 2009 – 75%, State – 67%
  • 2008 – 87%, State – 67%

6th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 79% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 78.8% of 6th graders were on grade level.
  • 2010 – 85%, State – 78%
  • 2009 – 84%, State – 75%
  • 2008 – 80%, State −72%

[edit] Fifth grade

5th Grade Reading:

  • 2011 - 73% on grade level (8% below basic) (37 pupils enrolled). In Pennsylvania, 67.3% of 5th graders are on grade level.
  • 2010 – 65%, State – 64% (41 pupils enrolled)
  • 2009 – 67%, State – 64%
  • 2008 – 76%, State – 61%
  • 2007 – 50%, State – 60%

5th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 83% on grade level (8% below basic). State - 74%
  • 2010 – 78.9%, State – 74%
  • 2009 – 79%, State – 73%
  • 2008 – 64%, State – 73%
  • 2007 – 77%, State – 71% [44]

[edit] Fourth grade

4th Grade Reading:

  • 2011 - 90% (5% below basic), (40 pupils enrolled). State – 73.3% of 4th graders were on grade level.
  • 2010 – 77%, State – 72% (40 pupils enrolled)
  • 2009 – 76%, State – 72%
  • 2008 – 67%, State – 70%

4th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 92%, 57% advanced. State – 85.3%
  • 2010 – 97%, State – 84%
  • 2009 – 84%, State – 81%
  • 2008 – 97%, State – 79%

4th Grade Science:

  • 2011 - 95%, State – 82.9%
  • 2010 – 95%, State – 81% [45]
  • 2009 – 95%, State – 83%
  • 2008 – 91%, State – 81%

[edit] Third grade

3rd Grade Reading:

  • 2011 - 83%, (4% below basic), (41 pupils enrolled). State – 77.2%
  • 2010 – 83%, State – 75% (47 pupils enrolled)
  • 2009 – 81%, State – 77%
  • 2008 – 87%, State – 77%

3rd Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 95%, State – 83.5%
  • 2010 – 87%, State – 84%
  • 2009 – 85%, State – 81%
  • 2008 – 89%, State – 80%

[edit] Bullying policy

In 2009, the administrative reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the district.[46][47]

The Avella Area School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online.[48] 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.[49] 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.[50]

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.[51]

[edit] Wellness policy

Avella Area School Board established a district wellness policy in June 2006 – Policy 246.[52] The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 – 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."

The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education and physical education that are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.[53] The policy requires that the Superintendent or designee shall report to the Board on the district’s compliance with law and policies related to student wellness.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

[edit] Special Education

In December 2010, the district administration reported that 137 pupils or 21% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[54][55]

In order to comply with state and federal laws, the school 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.[56] 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 Special Education administration. 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 Director of Special Education.[57]

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.[58]

Avella Area School District received a $539,555 supplement for special education services in 2010.[59]

For the 2011-12 school year, 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.[60]

[edit] Gifted Education

The District Administration reported that 25 or 3.52% of its students were gifted in 2009.[61] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to a variety of AP courses. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.[62]

[edit] Budget

In 2009 the district reports employing 70 teachers with a salary range of $32,000 to $96,160.[63] In addition, the teachers receive a benefits package which includes: health insurance, life insurance, 3 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, reimbursement for college courses and other benefits. There is an early retirement incentive program that pays a maximum of $12,400.[64]

In 2007, the district employed 59 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $47,051 for 180 days worked.[65]

Avella Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $1,128 per pupil. The administrative spending ranks 32nd out of 500 school districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[66] In 2005, the school board awarded a five year contract to Wayde Killmeyer to be superintendent with an initial salary of $88,000 a year and a 3% annual raise coupled with potential merit raises. Additionally, an extensive benefit package was included in the contract.[67] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association, the average salary for a superintendent for the 2007–08 school year was $122,165.[68]

In 2008, the district administration reported spending $13,822 per pupil which ranked 115th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts.[69]

In September 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the administration and the school board by state officials.[70]

Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $1,768,573 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was repoted as $128,044.[71]

The district is funded by a combination of: an income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless the of income level.[72]

[edit] State basic education funding

In 2011–12, the district will receive $4,185,343 in state Basic Education Funding.[73] Additionally, the district will receive $49,957 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011–2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011.[74]

For the 2010–11 budget year, the Avella Area School District was allotted a 2.00% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $4,386,333. The highest increase in Washington County was provided to Charleroi School District which received a 9.90% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in 2010–11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[75] The amount of increase each school district receives is set by the Governor and the Secretary of Education as a part of the state budget proposal given each February.[76]

In the 2009–2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.75% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $4,300,326. The state Basic Education funding to the Avella Area School District in 2008–09 was $4,185,343.34. The highest increase in Washington County went to Burgettstown Area School District which received a 6.45% increase. Eleven Washington County school districts received an increase of less than 5% in 2009–10. Muhlenberg School District of Berks County received an increase of 22.31 percent. Sixteen school districts received an increase in funding of over 10 percent in 2009.[77]

In 2008, the administration reported that 221 students received a free or reduced price lunch based on the federal poverty levels.

The total estimated Fund Balance, Revenues, and other financing for the 2009–10 budget was $26,394,191.[78]

[edit] 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 district applied for and received $135,584 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The Avella Area School District uses the funding to provide Full Day Kindergarten for 34 students for the sixth year.[79][80]

[edit] 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. Avella Area School District did not apply for funding in 2006–07 or 2007–08. In 2008–09, the district received $74,691.[81]

[edit] 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 2009, Avella Area School District was awarded $3000 to develop six hands on lessons for use in the annual Stewardship Day events.[82]

[edit] Federal Stimulus Funding

The district received an extra $746,432 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.[83]

[edit] Race to the Top grant

School district officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[84] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success.[85] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[86]

[edit] Common Cents state initiative

The Avella Area School Board decided to 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.[87] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

[edit] Real estate taxes

Avella Area School Board set property tax rates in 2010 at 119.0000 mills.[88] 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.

  • 2010 - 119.0000 mills.[89]
  • 2009 – 115.0000 mills.[90]
  • 2008 – 115.0000 mills.[91]
  • 2007 – 114.5000 mills.

[edit] Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index and the adjusted index for each district are publicly announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Education In September each year.[92] 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.[93]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Avella Area School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.[94]

  • 2006–07 – 5.7%, Base 3.9%
  • 2007–08 – 4.9%, Base 3.4%
  • 2008–09 – 6.4%, Base 4.4%
  • 2009–10 – 5.9%, Base 4.1%
  • 2010–11 – 4.2%, Base 2.9%
  • 2011–12 – 2.0%, Base 1.4%
  • 2012-13 - 2.4%, Base 1.7%

For the 2011–12 school year the Avella Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Avella Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published in the fall of each school year, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[95]

According to a state report, for the 2011–2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.[96]

The Avella Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index for the budget year 2010–2011.[97] 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.[98]

[edit] Property tax relief

In 2010, property tax relief for 2,428 approved residents of Avella Area School District was set at $197 for 1278 approved homesteads.[99] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Avella Area School District was $192 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 1,311 property owners applied for the tax relief.[100] In Washington County, the highest tax relief went to Washington School District at $407 in 2009 and $414 in 2010. The greatest tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the Chester Upland School District of Delaware County set at $632 in 2009 and $641 in 2010.[101] The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Washington County, 73% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[102]

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently people who have an income of 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%).[103]

[edit] Enrollment and Consolidation

The enrollment at Avella Area School District is among the lowest 8% in Pennsylvania. Department of Education enrollment projections do not anticipate a growth in enrollment for the next decade. A Standard and Poors study found that an optimal school district size, to conserve administrative costs, was 3000 pupils. Consolidation of administrations with an adjacent school district would achieve substantial administrative cost savings for people in both communities.[104] According to a 2009 proposal by Governor Edward Rendell, the excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improving high school student academic achievement, enriching the curriculum programs or to reducing local property taxes.[105]

More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania are projected to experience significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).[106] Pennsylvania Department of Education data shows that from 1999–2000 to 2008–09 there has been a 12 percent increase in public school staff even as there was a 1 percent decline in enrollment. Pennsylvania schools added 17,345 professional employees and 15,582 support workers over this time, while enrollment declined by 26,960.[107] Total public school enrollment in 2009 was 1,787,351 pupils.

Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity.[108] In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools.[109]

[edit] Extracurriculars

The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.[110]

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.[111]

[edit] Local Educational Resources

Meadowcroft Rockshelter is an archaeological site overlooking Cross Creek (a tributary of the Ohio River) and is the oldest known Native American cultural site. A team from the University of Pittsburgh, led by James M. Adovasio excavated 19,000 year old Woodland, Archaic, and Paleoindian remains. It was given the name Meadowcroft from the nearby Meadowcroft Village historical park.

The Avella Area Public Library is a member of the Washington County Library system, serving the Avella Area School District, West Middletown Boro, Cross Creek, Hopewell, and Independence Townships.

The AD White Research Society is located in downtown Avella, Pennsylvania in the newly restored 1905 Avella Train Station. Named after A.D. White, a well known school superintendent, lecturer, author, genealogist, and historian, the center's primary objectives are to promote interest in regional and family history, to inspire individuals to record the genealogy of families from which they descend as well as human interest stories about the dangers and hardships they or their ancestors endured, and to provide a permanent public archive for those valuable documents.

McKeever Study Library is a public archive of historical documents and pictures dating back to as early as the 19th century. The quaint library located at 84 W. Main Street, West Middletown, PA.

[edit] Notable alumni

Ralph E. Cindrich, former NFL Linebacker of the New England Patriots (1972), and Houston Oilers (1973–1975).

[edit] References

  1. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Enrollment and Projections for Avella Area School District January 2009.
  2. ^ Pennsylvania Public School Code Governance 2010
  3. ^ The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives. "The Pennsylvania Project". http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Pennsylvania_school_districts. Retrieved May 20, 2010. 
  4. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 11, 2011). "Statewide Ranking Information Pennsylvania Schools,". http://www2.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/events/pennsylvania_schools/statewiderank.html. 
  5. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 30, 2010). "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings, Pennsylvania Schools,". http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/feature/schools/statewide_rankings.html. 
  6. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times (May 23, 2007). "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County,". http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/education/13346734/detail.html. 
  7. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 30, 2010). "PBT Honor Roll rank,". http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/feature/schools/pbt_honor_roll_rank.html. 
  8. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times (May 15, 2009). "Western Pennsylvania School District Rankings". http://pittsburgh.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2009/05/18/focus17.html. 
  9. ^ The Morning Call (2009). "2009 PSSA RESULTS Avella Area SD". http://projects.mcall.com/PSSA-results/district/101630504/AVELLA%20AREA%20SD/. 
  10. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Avella Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2011 - District AYP Data Table". http://paayp.emetric.net/District/DataTable/c63/101630504. 
  11. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented". http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennsylvania_department_of_education/7237/info/757639. 
  12. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2010). "Avella Area School District AYP Data Table 2010". http://paayp.emetric.net/District/DataTable/c63/101630504. 
  13. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2009). "Avella Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2009". http://www.avella.k12.pa.us/pdf/PSSA.pdf. 
  14. ^ Pennsylvania Partnership for Children. "High School Graduation Rates 2007". http://www.scribd.com/doc/23571629/PA-High-School-Graduation-Info-by-School-District-2007. 
  15. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 4, 2011). "PBT SCHOOL RANK". http://www2.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/events/pennsylvania_schools/schooldetails.html?DistrictNumber=101630504&SchoolNumber=4165. 
  16. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 29, 2010). "PBT 2010 11th Grade School Rankings.". http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/feature/schools/school_test.html. 
  17. ^ US News and World Report. (December 9, 2009). "Best High Schools 2008,". http://education.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-high-schools/search.result/name+Search%2520for%2520a%2520school%2520by%2520name/state+PA. 
  18. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442. 
  19. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2010). "Avella Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2010". http://www.avella.k12.pa.us/pdf/PSSA.pdf. 
  20. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2009). "PSSA Reading Results 2009". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442. 
  21. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2008). "2008–2009 PSSA and AYP Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2008-2009_pssa_and_ayp_results/600286. 
  22. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Report on PSSA Math and Reading by School and Grade 2007". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2006-2007_pssa_and_ayp_results/507511. 
  23. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2010). "AVELLA AREA Junior Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010". http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S101630504000004165.PDF. 
  24. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Mathematics Results by School and Grade". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442. 
  25. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA results in Science". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442. 
  26. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2010). "2009-2010 PSSA and AYP Science Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2009_-2010_pssa_and_ayp_results/770183. 
  27. ^ Pennsylvania College Remediation Report
  28. ^ National Center for Education Statistics
  29. ^ Avella Area School Board. "Avella Area School District Graduation Requirements Policy 200". http://www.avella.k12.pa.us/pdf/200.pdf. 
  30. ^ Avella Area School Administration (December 2005). "Avella Area School District Strategic Plan". http://www.avella.k12.pa.us/pdf/StrategicPlan.pdf. 
  31. ^ Avella Area School Board (September 20, 2006). "Avella Area School District Home Education Programs Policy 137". http://www.avella.k12.pa.us/pdf/100.pdf. 
  32. ^ "Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements". http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/s4.24.html. 
  33. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview". http://www.scribd.com/doc/47925315/Pennsylvania-Keystone-Exams-Overview-Sept-2010. 
  34. ^ "The Challenge Program 2010". http://www.tcpinc.org/Participating_Schools. 
  35. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Dual Enrollment Guidelines". http://www.scribd.com/doc/24901214/Pennsylvania-Department-of-Education-Dual-Enrollment-Guidelines-2010-2011. 
  36. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement.". http://www.patrac.org/. Retrieved March 2010. 
  37. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 4, 2011). "Pittsburgh Business Times SCHOOL RANK". http://www2.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/events/pennsylvania_schools/schooldetails.html?DistrictNumber=101630504&SchoolNumber=4165. 
  38. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 26, 2010). "The Rankings: Eighth grade,". http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/feature/schools/avella_area_school_district.html. 
  39. ^ The Rankings: Eighth grade, Pittsburgh Business Times, May 15, 2009.
  40. ^ The Scranton Times Tribune (2010). "Avella Area School District 2010 results, Grading Our Schools, PSSA Database,". http://thetimes-tribune.com/data-center/2010-math-and-reading-pssa-scores-database-1.1011563?parentPage=2.1252#axzz18pKsWurc. 
  41. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Results for Math and Reading 2007". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2006-2007_pssa_and_ayp_results/507511. 
  42. ^ Avella Elementary Center Student Handbook 2010
  43. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2010). "AVELLA Elementary Center Academic Achievement Report Card 2010". http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S101630504000007098.PDF. 
  44. ^ Pennsylvania Economy League of Southwestern Pennsylvania (February 2008). ""Proficiency by 2010", The Annual Report on Fifth-Grade Reading and Mathematics Proficiency in Southwestern Pennsylvania,". http://www.alleghenyconference.org/PEL/ProficiencyBy10.asp. 
  45. ^ Times Tribune (September 14, 2010). "PSSA Science database". http://thetimes-tribune.com/data-center/2010-science-pssa-scores-database-1.1011995?appSession=968191801602321#axzz18pPmZsox. 
  46. ^ Pennsylvania Office of Safe Schools (2009). "Avella Area SD School Safety Annual Report 2008 – 2009". https://www.safeschoolsreports.state.pa.us/historic/historic/2009/aae89080-e912-444c-838a-a328c45ff9a3.pdf. 
  47. ^ Pennsylvania Office of Safe Schools (2009). "Pennsylvania Safe Schools Online Reports". https://www.safeschools.state.pa.us/Main.aspx?App=6a935f44-7cbf-45e1-850b-e29b2f1ff17f&Menu=dbd39a1f-3319-4a75-8f69-d1166dba5d70&res=. 
  48. ^ Antibullying Policy 249
  49. ^ Regular Session 2007–2008 House Bill 1067, Act 61 Section 6 page 8
  50. ^ Center for Safe Schools of Pennsylvania,. "Bullying Prevention advisory". http://www.center-school.org/bullyingprevention/about.php. 
  51. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Academic Standards". http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/chap4toc.html. 
  52. ^ Avella Area School Board (June 2006). "Avella Area School Board Policy Manual – Student Wellness Policy 246". http://www.avella.k12.pa.us/pdf/200.pdf. 
  53. ^ Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools for the School Nutrition Incentive, Pennsylvania Department of Education – Division of Food and Nutrition. July 2008
  54. ^ Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education Services (2010). "Avella Area School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets". http://penndata.hbg.psu.edu/BSEReports/PR_AlphaList.aspx. 
  55. ^ Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee (2010). "PA House Majority Policy Committee May 12, 2010 Hearing Testimony and Handouts". http://www.scribd.com/doc/54287233/PA-House-Majority-Policy-Committee-May-12-Hearing-Testimony-and-Handouts. 
  56. ^ Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education (2008). "Pennsylvania Parent Guide to Special Education Services". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=2157&&PageID=401659&mode=2. 
  57. ^ Avella Area School District administration (2011). "NOTICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES AND PROGRAMS". http://www.avella.k12.pa.us/specialeducation/NOTICE%20OF%20SPECIAL%20EDUCATION%20SERVICES%20AND%20PROGRAMS.pdf. 
  58. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Special Education Funding". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/proposed_special_education_funding_-/539261. 
  59. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011". https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AvscmN--D7LbdEhsSW1pY3lxZnBfSWZEdnU2WE5hUWc&hl=en#gid=0. 
  60. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/proposed_special_education_funding_-/539261. 
  61. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (Revised December 1, 2009 Child Count (Collected July 2010)). "Gifted Students as Percentage of Total Enrollment by School District/Charter School". http://penndata.hbg.psu.edu/BSEReports/docs/Ad_Hoc_Gifted_0910_from_Revised_Count.pdf. 
  62. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board. "CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students". http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter16/chap16toc.html. Retrieved February 4, 2011. 
  63. ^ PA Public School Salaries, 2009
  64. ^ Avella Area School Board. "Avella Area School District Teachers Union Contract". http://www.openpagov.org/k12_payroll.asp. 
  65. ^ Fenton, Jacob, Average classroom teacher salaries in Allegheny County, 2006–07. The Morning Call. accessed March 2009.
  66. ^ Fenton, Jacob (February 2009). "Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?,". The Morning Call,. http://projects.mcall.com/school_consolidation/state/county/0/23/. 
  67. ^ The Altoona Mirror. (July 2007). "Benefits of Learning,". http://extras.altoonamirror.com/schools/. 
  68. ^ Pennsylvania School Board Association (October 2009). "Public School Employee Salaries 2007–08 – 11th Annual,". http://www.psba.org/issues-advocacy/issues-research/school-salaries/. 
  69. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Per Pupil Spending in Pennsylvania Public Schools in 2008 Sort Spending". http://www.scribd.com/doc/38541513/Per-Pupil-Spending-in-Pennsylvania-Public-Schools-in-2008-Sort-Spending. 
  70. ^ Pennsylvania Auditor General (September 2010). "Avella Area School District WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT". http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/Reports/School.html#Washington. 
  71. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Fund Balances by Local Education Agency 1997 to 2008". http://www.scribd.com/doc/25254368/Pennsylvania-Public-Schools-Finances-AFR-General-Fund-Balance-1996-97-to-2007-08. 
  72. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (2009). "Income Tax Information". http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/personal_income_tax/11409. 
  73. ^ PA Senate Appropriations Committee (June 28, 2011). "School District 2011–12 funding Report". http://www.scribd.com/doc/58929810/PA-Senate-Appropriations-Committee-Report-School-District-2011-12. 
  74. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/basic_education_funding/539259. 
  75. ^ PA Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010–2011 Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee Education Budget information.
  76. ^ Office of Budget, (February 2009). "Governor's Budget Proposal 2009, The Pennsylvania Department of Education Budget Proposal 2009,". http://www.budget.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=4566&&level=1&css=L1&mode=2. 
  77. ^ "Pennsylvania Department of Education Report on Funding by school district". October 2009. http://www.scribd.com/doc/21865360/Basic-Education-Funding-Pennsylvania-Public-Schools-2009-10. 
  78. ^ Avella Area School District 2009–10 Budget
  79. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant report 2010, Grantee list 2010". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/pa_accountability_grants/604468. 
  80. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report". http://www.scribd.com/doc/23322599/ACCOUNTABILITY-BLOCK-GRANT-Awards. 
  81. ^ Pennsylvania Auditor General (December 12, 2008). "Classrooms For the Future grants audit". http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/reports/performance/special/specff122208.pdf. 
  82. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. (August 2009). "2009 Environmental Education Grants Program Events and Products Report,". http://www.scribd.com/doc/31858133/Environmental-Education-Grants-Pennsylvania-0130-BK-DeP2325-2009. 
  83. ^ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (April 2010). "Washington County ARRA FUNDING Report website". http://www.recovery.pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/recovery_pa_gov/5994. 
  84. ^ Governor's Press Office. (January 20, 2010). "Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support,". http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pennsylvanias-race-to-the-top-fueled-by-effective-reforms-strong-local-support-82086397.html. 
  85. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchek (December 2009). "Pennsylvania Race to the Top Letter to Superintendents". http://www.scribd.com/doc/25365273/Pennsylvania-Race-to-the-Top-Letter-to-Superintendents. 
  86. ^ U.S. Department of Education, (March 29, 2010). "Race to the Top Fund,". http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/index.html. 
  87. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Common Cents program – Making Every Dollar Count". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/common_cents/8781. 
  88. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. (2011). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,". http://www.scribd.com/doc/40000011/Pennsylvania-Department-of-Education-Finances-Real-Estate-Tax-Rates-2010-11. 
  89. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. (2010). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,". http://www.scribd.com/doc/40000011/Pennsylvania-Department-of-Education-Finances-Real-Estate-Tax-Rates-2010-11. 
  90. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. (2009). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,". http://www.scribd.com/doc/40403084/Pennsylvania-School-District-Finances-Real-Estate-Tax-Rates-0910. 
  91. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Pennsylvania School District Real Estate Tax Rates 2008–09". http://www.scribd.com/doc/25369575/Pennsylvania-School-District-Real-Estate-Tax-Rates-2008-09. 
  92. ^ Pennsylvania General Assembly (2006). "Notice – Index Calculation Required by the Taxpayer Relief Act". http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol40/40-38/1760.html. 
  93. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education 2010–11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines.
  94. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, (May 2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006–2007 through 2011–2012,". https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AqCAjQ6eteArdFFCaWRjMUhzSkl5RTYxMjNJN1RQemc&hl=en#gid=0. 
  95. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_relief/7452. 
  96. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2011). "Report on Exceptions". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/referendum_exceptions/7456/report_on_referendum_exceptions/510336. 
  97. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2010). "Pennsylvania SSAct1_Act1 Exceptions Report 2010-2011". http://www.scribd.com/doc/40402981/Pennsylvania-SSAct1-Act1-Exceptions-Report-2010-2011-April-2010. 
  98. ^ Scarcella, Frank and Pursell, Tricia, (May 25, 2010). "Local school tax assessments exceed state averages.". The Daily Item. http://dailyitem.com/0100_news/x1174308659/Local-school-tax-assessments-exceed-state-averages. 
  99. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 1, 2010). "Tax Relief per Homestead". http://www.scribd.com/doc/41505536/SSAct1-Property-Tax-Relief-Per-HomeStead-5-1-10-Pennsylvania. 
  100. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 1, 2009). "Estimated Tax Relief Per Homestead and Farmstead". http://www.wgal.com/download/2009/0501/19345089.pdf. 
  101. ^ Tax Relief per Homestead May 1, 2010, Pennsylvania Department of Education Report 2010.
  102. ^ Auditor General Office, (May 23, 2010). "Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief". http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/department/press/wagnerpennsylvaniansmissingoutonprop.html. 
  103. ^ Tax Foundation, (September 22, 2009). "New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners,". http://www.taxfoundation.org/news/show/26742.html. 
  104. ^ Study of the cost-effectiveness of consolidating Pennsylvania School Districts, Standard and Poor's School Evaluation Services, 2007.
  105. ^ Edward Rendell, Governor and Mary Soderberg, Secretary of the Budget. (February 2009). "2009–10 Executive Budget Facts Pennsylvania School District Consolidation,". http://www.governor.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_24980_2985_368304_43/http;/pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_general_government_operations/pagov/media/latest_news/09_10_fs_schoolconsolidation_final.pdf. 
  106. ^ The Center for Rural Pennsylvania. (October 2009). "Research Analyzes Rural School District Enrollment and Building Capacity". http://www.rural.palegislature.us/school_enrollment_build_cap.pdf. 
  107. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Enrollment data and Public School Staffing data.
  108. ^ Rendell, E. & Soderberg, M. (2009). Pennsylvania school district consolidation. 2009–10 Executive Budget Fast Facts. Pennsylvania Office of the Governor.
  109. ^ Study of the cost-effectiveness of consolidating Pennsylvania districts. New York: Standard & Poor’s School Evaluation Services. 2007, p. 6.
  110. ^ Avella Area School Board Policy Manual Extracurriculars Policy 122 and Interscholastic Athletics Policy 123
  111. ^ Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release, November 10, 2005

[edit] External links

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