South Middleton School District

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South Middleton School District
Address
4 Forge Road
Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, Cumberland, 17007
United States
Information
School board 9 elected members
Superintendent Dr. Patricia B. Sanker
Specialist Dr. Sandra J. Tippett, Assistant Superintendent
Grades K-12
Kindergarten 142
Grade 1 146
Grade 2 155
Grade 3 167
Grade 4 156
Grade 5 170
Grade 6 168
Grade 7 172
Grade 8 161
Grade 9 196
Grade 10 185
Grade 11 194
Grade 12 187
Other Enrollment projected to be 2,456 in 2020.[2]
Mascot Bubblers

South Middleton School District is a midsized, suburban, public school district located in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania. It also serves residents of South Middleton Township. South Middleton School District encompasses approximately 51 square miles. The district serves grades (K-12). According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 12,939. In 2009 the district residents' per capita income was $24,370, while the median family income was $60,511 a year. In school year 2007-08 the South Middleton School District provided basic educational services to 2,227 pupils. It employed 183 teachers, 118 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 16 administrators. South Middleton School District received more than $7.6 million in state funding in school year 2007-08. Total enrollment for 2005-06 was 2,143 students.

Contents

[edit] Governance

The district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[3] 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 "D-" 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.[4]

The district is served by the Capital Area Intermediate Unit 15 which offers a variety of services including: a completely developed K-12 curriculum that is mapped and aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards (available online), shared services, a group purchasing program and a wide variety of special education and special needs services.

[edit] Schools

[edit] W.G. Rice Elementary School

Located on 805 Holly Pike in Mt. Holly Springs, PA, there is a total of 616 students enrolling here attending grades K-3. There are 179 attending days and so far the student attendance rate is 96.43%. There are 42 professional staff members. The length of a day is 5.5 hours. Enrollment was 616 pupils in 2008-09. The attendance rate in 2010 was 96% and in 2011 it was 95%.[5] In 2011 and 2010, the school achieved AUP status.[6] Report Card 2010 [1] | Report Card 2009 [2]

[edit] Iron Forge Educational Center

Located on 4 Forge Road (along with the Middle School and High School) in Boiling Springs, PA, there is a total of 338 students enrolling here attending grades 4-5. There are 179 attending days and so far the student attending rate is 96.8%. There are 29 professional staff members. The length of a day is 5.75 hours. Enrollment was 338 pupils in 2008-09. The attendance rate in 2010 and 2011 was 96%.[7] The school offers after school homework assistance program of all students. In 2011 and 2010, the school achieved AUP status.[8] Report Card 2010 [3] | Report Card 2009 [4]

[edit] Yellow Breeches Middle School

There is a total of 550 students enrolling here attending grades 6-8. There are 179 attending days and so far the student attendance rate is 95.9%. There are 39 professional staff members. The length of a day is 6.32 hours. Enrollment was 550 pupils in 2008-09.

[edit] Boiling Springs High School

There is a total of 746 students enrolling here attending grades 9-12. There are 179 attending days and so far the student attending rate is 94.1%. There are 62 professional staff members. The length of a day is 6.38 hours. Enrollment was 746 pupils in 2008-09.

[edit] Academic achievement

South Middleton School District was ranked 189th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts, in 2011, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic performance on five years of PSSA results in: reading, writing, mathematics and three years of science.[9]

  • 2010 - 185th
  • 2009 - 214th[10]
  • 2008 - 217th
  • 2007 - 213th out of 501 school districts.[11]

[edit] Graduation Rate

In 2011 the graduation rate was 96%.[12] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Boiling Springs High School's rate was 83% for 2010.[13]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

[edit] High school

In 2011, the school was in Warning AYP status. In 2010 the school achieved AYP status.[18] Principal Joseph Mancuso expressed concern over the steadily declining math scores at the high school plus the school is far below the AYP level of 67% on grade level in math for 2011.[19]

PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 65% on grade level, (17% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.[20]
  • 2010 - 66% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.[21]
  • 2009 - 68%, State - 65%[22]
  • 2008 - 68%, State - 65%[23]
  • 2007 - 67%, State - 65%[24]
11th Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 50%, on grade level (27% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
  • 2010 - 54%, State - 59%[25]
  • 2009 - 54%, State - 56%[26]
  • 2008 - 55%, State - 56%[27]
  • 2007 - 55%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science:
  • 2011 - 40% on grade level (11% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level. .[28]
  • 2010 - 26%, State - 39%[29]
  • 2009 - 42%, State - 40%[30]
  • 2008 - 37%, State - 39%[31]

College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 29% of South Middleton 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.[32] 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.[33] 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 high school does not offer the Pennsylvania Dual Enrollment program which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits while still enrolled in high school. Over 400 school districts in Pennsylvania offer this state funded program.[34]Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[35] 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.[36]

[edit] Graduation requirements

The South Middleton School Board has determined that 30 total units are required for graduation including: 4.5 units of English, 3.5 units of Math, 4 units of Social Studies, 3 units of Science, 2 units of a Foreign Language, 2 units of Arts/Humanities. Microsoft Office, Physical Education, Health, Safety Education, and Personal Finance.[37]

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.[38] The project consists of two components: a written portion and an oral presentation. Students work with faculty advisors to complete the project.[39]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 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.[40]

[edit] Yellow Breeches Middle School

In 2011 and 2010, Yellow Breeches Middle School achieved AYP status.[41]

PSSA Results
8th Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 88% on grade level (7% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
  • 2010 - 86%, State - 81%
  • 2009 - 88%, State - 80%
  • 2008 - 86%, State - 78%
  • 2007 - 90%, State - 75%
8th Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 85% on grade level (6% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
  • 2010 - 86%, State - 75%
  • 2009 - 73%, State - 71%
  • 2008 - 90%, State - 70%
  • 2007 - 81%, State - 67%
8th Grade Science:
  • 2011 - 69% on grade level (15% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
  • 2010 - 73%, State - 57%
  • 2009 - 67%, State - 55%
  • 2008 - 62%, State - 52%
7th Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 82% on grade level (6% below basic). State – 76%
  • 2010 - 75%, State - 73%
  • 2009 - 88%, State - 71%
  • 2008 - 69%, State - 70%
  • 2007 - 79%, State - 66%
7th Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 90% on grade level (2% below basic). State - 78.6%
  • 2010 - 88%, State - 77%
  • 2009 - 90%, State - 75%
  • 2008 - 79%, State - 70%
  • 2007 - 78%, State - 67%
6th Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 80% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 69.9% of 6th graders are on grade level.
  • 2010 - 72%, State - 68%
  • 2009 - 75%, State - 67%
  • 2008 - 81%, State - 67%
  • 2007 - 63%, State - 63%
6th Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 84% on grade level (8% below basic). State - 78.8%
  • 2010 - 91%, State - 78%
  • 2009 - 81%, State - 75%
  • 2008 - 83%, State - 72%
  • 2007 - 65%, State - 69%

[edit] Special Education

In December 2009, the district reported that 15.7% of students or 347 children received special education services.[42] The South Middleton School District provides a variety of opportunities for the screening and evaluation of students thought to have disabilities.

In 2010=11, 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.[43]

South Middleton School District received a $970,186 supplement for special education services in 2010.[44] For the 2011-12 school year, the district received the same amount of state funding.

[edit] Gifted Education

The District Administration reported that 65 or 2.88% of its students were gifted in 2009.[45] 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.[46]

[edit] Budget

In 2007, the district employed 161 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $46,229 for 180 days worked.[47] 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.[48] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, paid sick days, life insurance, retirement bonus and other benefits.[49] Teachers' contract: will expire on June 30, 2011.[50] According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the state teacher retirement fund, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.[51] 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.[52] 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.[53]

South Middleton School District administrative costs per pupil was $977.67 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[54] The district ranked 66th out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts for administrative spending.[55]

Reserves - In 2008, the district reported an unreserved designated fund balance of $6,000,000.00 and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $3,175,788.00.[56]

In November 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Multiple significant findings were reported to the administration and school board.[57]

The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a local real property tax, a real estate transfer tax, and a per capita tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.[58] Grants provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.[59]

[edit] State basic education funding

In 2011-12, the South Middleton School District will receive $4,003,362 in state Basic Education Funding.[60] Additionally, the district will receive $75,824 in Accountability Block Grant funding.[61] The Pennsylvania Department of Education reports that 875 pupils received a federal free and reduced lunch, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

In 2010-2011, South Middleton School District received an increase of 4.52% ($187,199) in Basic Education Funding for a total of $4,324,818. Four Cumberland County school districts received increases of less than 6% in Basic Education Funding in 2010-11. In Pennsylvania, 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2010. Camp Hill School District received a 13.99% increase while Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest with a 23.65% increase in funding.[62] One hundred fifty school districts were alloted the base 2% state funding increase in 2010-11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[63]

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.35% increase, in Basic Education Funding, to South Middleton, for a total of $4,137,619. Seven Cumberland County school districts received increases of less than 6% in Basic Education Funding in 2009-10. Shippensburg Area School District received an 8.43% increase. In Pennsylvania, over 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. The state's Basic Education Funding to the South Middleton School District in 2008-09 was $4,003,361.62.[64] The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[65]

[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 the 2010-11 school year, the South Middleton School District applied for and received $205,804 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide all day kindergarten for the 6th year and for classroom based teacher coaches to improve instruction.[66][67]

[edit] Federal Stimulus Grant

The district received an extra $935,700 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.[68] This funding is for 2009-2011 school years.

In 2008, the South Middleton School District reported that 208 students received free or reduced price lunches due to low family income.[69]

[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. South Middleton School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 received $171,947 and $69,450in 2008-09 for a total funding of $241,397.[70]

[edit] Race to the Top

South Middleton School District officials did not apply for 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.[71] 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.[72] Big Spring School District was the only Cumberland County school district that applied 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.[73]

[edit] Real estate taxes

In 2011, the South Middleton School Board set the property taxes rate at 8.9245 mills for the 2011-12 school year. 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 government property. 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. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. 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, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[74] 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.

  • 2010-11 - 11.5507 mills.[75]
  • 2009-10 - 11.3800 mills.[76]
  • 2008-09 - 11.3800 mills.[77]
  • 2007-08 - 11.3800 mills.[78]

[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 permitted to raise taxes above that index, unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the Pennsylvania 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.[79] With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly voted to end most of the Act 1 exceptions leaving only special education costs and pension costs. The cost of construction projects will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum.[80]

The School District Adjusted Index for the South Middleton School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[81]

  • 2006-07 - 3.9%, Base 3.9%
  • 2007-08 - 4.0%, Base 3.4%
  • 2008-09 - 5.2%, Base 4.4%
  • 2009-10 - 4.8%, Base 4.1%
  • 2010-11 - 2.9%, Base 2.9%
  • 2011-12 - 1.4%, Base 1.4%
  • 2012-13 - 2.0%, Base1.7%

For the 2011-12 school year, the South Middleton School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the South Middleton 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 publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[82]

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.[83]

South Middleton School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 nor in 2010-11.[84][85] 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.[86]

[edit] Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the South Middleton School District was $122 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 4,404 property owners applied for the tax relief. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. In 2009 the highest property tax relief went to the residents of Chester Upland School District of Delaware County who received $632 per approved homestead.[87] 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 Cumberland County, 75.93% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[88]

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.[89]

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%).[90]

[edit] Wellness policy

South Middleton School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.[91] 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.[92]

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

[edit] Extracurriculars

The district provides a wide variety of activities, clubs and sports. Varsity and junior varsity athletic activities are under the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board policies.[93] The district performs random drug testing on students who participate in extracurricular activities.[94]

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.[95]

[edit] See also

References:

  1. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Enrollment by School District, January 2009
  2. ^ Enrollment and Projections by LEA P-Y, Pennsylvania Department of Education, July 2010
  3. ^ Pennsylvania School Code 2009
  4. ^ The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives. "The Pennsylvania Project". http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Pennsylvania_school_districts. Retrieved May 20, 2010. 
  5. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "RICE ELEMENTARY - School AYP Data Table". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/DataTable/c21/115218303/1730. 
  6. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "RICE Elementary - School AYP Overview". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c21/115218303/1730. 
  7. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "IRON FORGE EDUC CENTER - School AYP Data Table". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/DataTable/c21/115218303/6853. 
  8. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "IRON FORGE EDUC Center - School AYP Overview". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c21/115218303/6853. 
  9. ^ "Statewide Honor Roll Ranking information". Pittsburgh Business Time. April 2011. http://www2.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/events/pennsylvania_schools/statewiderank.html. 
  10. ^ "Statewide Honor Roll Ranking". Pittsburgh Business Time. April 30, 2010. http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/feature/schools/statewide_rankings.html. 
  11. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times (May 23, 2007). "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County". http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2007/05/21/daily24.html. 
  12. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "SOUTH MIDDLETON SD - District AYP Data Table". http://paayp.emetric.net/District/DataTable/c21/115218303. 
  13. ^ 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. 
  14. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 2011). "South Middleton School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 data table". http://paayp.emetric.net/District/DataTable/c21/115218303. 
  15. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "South Middleton School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2009". http://www.scribd.com/doc/30485104/South-Middleton-School-District-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009. 
  16. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "South Middleton School District Report Card 2008". http://www.scribd.com/doc/18998466/South-Middleton-School-District-Report-Card-2008. 
  17. ^ Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children - High School Graduation Rates 2007
  18. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "BOILING SPRINGS High School - School AYP Overview". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c21/115218303/6328. 
  19. ^ Katie Kuba, (October 18, 2011). "Principal: Boiling Springs High School AYP scores 'very concerning'". Sentinel Reporter. http://www.cumberlink.com/news/local/education/article_ec1da33e-f933-11e0-a940-001cc4c03286.html. 
  20. ^ 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. 
  21. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 2011). "Boiling Springs High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 Performance level". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Performance/c21/115218303/6328?prevYear=true&prevYear=false&fTarget=false&submit.x=11&submit.y=9. 
  22. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2009). "South Middleton School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2009". http://www.scribd.com/doc/30485104/South-Middleton-School-District-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009. 
  23. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2008). "Math and Reading PSSA results by school and grade 2008". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514. 
  24. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2007). "2006-2007 PSSA and AYP Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2006-2007_pssa_and_ayp_results/507511. 
  25. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442. 
  26. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2008-2009_pssa_and_ayp_results/600286. 
  27. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2008). "South Middleton School District Report Card 2008". http://www.scribd.com/doc/18998466/South-Middleton-School-District-Report-Card-2008. 
  28. ^ 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. 
  29. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 14, 2010). "Report on Science PSSA 2009 by Schools". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2009_-2010_pssa_and_ayp_results/770183. 
  30. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2009). "Report on Science PSSA 2009 by Schools.". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2008-2009_pssa_and_ayp_results/600286. 
  31. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Science PSSA 2008 report by school and grade". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514. 
  32. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report". http://www.scribd.com/doc/18999134/College-Remediation-Report. 
  33. ^ National Center for Education Statistics - IPEDS 2009
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  35. ^ Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement. site accessed March 2010.
  36. ^ Report: PA College Credit Transfer System Makes Higher Education More Affordable, Accessible, Pennsylvania Department of Education. April 29, 2010
  37. ^ Boiling Springs High School Administration. "BOILING SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL PROFILE 2010-2011". http://www.smsd.us/files/1119981/BSHS%20School%20Profile%202010-2011.pdf. 
  38. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements". http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/s4.24.html. Retrieved February 2011. 
  39. ^ Boiling Springs High School Administration (August 2010). "Boiling Springs High School Graduation Project Handbook". http://www.smsd.us/files/filesystem/Grad%20Project%202010-11.pdf. 
  40. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview". http://www.scribd.com/doc/47925315/Pennsylvania-Keystone-Exams-Overview-Sept-2010. 
  41. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "YELLOW BREECHES MID SCHOOL - School AYP Overview". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c21/115218303/7611. 
  42. ^ Bureau of Special Education (May 27, 2011). "South Middleton School District Special Education Data Report 2010". http://penndata.hbg.psu.edu/BSEReports/Public%20Reporting/2009_2010/PDF_Documents/Speced_Data_Report_SD333_289_Final.pdf. 
  43. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Pennsylvania Special Education Funding". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/proposed_special_education_funding_-/539261. 
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  46. ^ 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. 
  47. ^ Fenton, Jacob, (April 2010). "Average classroom teacher salary in Cumberland County, 2006-07". The Morning Call. http://projects.mcall.com/school_consolidation/state/county/0/10/. 
  48. ^ Teachers need to know enough is enough, PaDelcoTimes, April 20, 2010.
  49. ^ South Middleton School Boar (1011). "South Middleton School District Teachers' Union Employment Contract". http://www.publicschoolspending.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/SOUTH-MIDDLETON-SD-2008-12.pdf. 
  50. ^ Public Schools, The Sentinel. April 2010.
  51. ^ Legislature must act on educators' pension hole. The Patriot News. February 21, 2010
  52. ^ Andrew Biggs and Jason Richwine (November 1, 2011). "Are Public School Teachers Overpaid? New Evidence on Salaries, Benefits and Job Security". http://www.aei.org/EMStaticPage/100490?page=Summary. 
  53. ^ Jason Richwine, PH.D. and Andrew G. Biggs, PH.D. (November 1, 2011). "Assessing the Compensation of public-school teachers". http://www.aei.org/docLib/CDA11-03-AEI.pdf. 
  54. ^ Fenton, Jacob. Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?, The Morning Call, Feb 2009.
  55. ^ "Per Pupil Spending in Pennsylvania Public Schools in 2008 Sort Spending". 2008. http://www.scribd.com/doc/38541513/Per-Pupil-Spending-in-Pennsylvania-Public-Schools-in-2008-Sort-Spending. 
  56. ^ General Reserved Fund Balance by School District 1996-2008, Pennsylvania Department of Education Report 2008.
  57. ^ Pennsylvania Auditor General (NOVEMBER 2010). "SOUTH MIDDLETON SCHOOL DISTRICT CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT". http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/Reports/School.html#Cumberland. 
  58. ^ Penn State Cooperative Extension (2010). "What are the Local Taxes in Pennsylvania?, Local Tax Reform Education Project,". http://cax.aers.psu.edu/taxreform/. 
  59. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (2010). "Income Tax information 2010". http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/personal_income_tax/11409. 
  60. ^ 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. 
  61. ^ Pennsylvania Senate Appropriations Committee (June 2011). "Senate Budget Hearings 2011-2012 School District funding for 2011-2012". http://www.jakecorman.com/appropriations.htm. 
  62. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report on Funding by School District, August 2010
  63. ^ Governor's Budget Proposal 2010. Office of Budget, October 2009
  64. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 2009). "Report on Funding by School District". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/2009-2010_education_budget/509747. 
  65. ^ Office of the Budget (February 2010). "Pennsylvania Budget Proposal". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/past_budgets/4571. 
  66. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "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. 
  67. ^ {{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/23322599/ACCOUNTABILITY-BLOCK-GRANT-Awards |title=Accountability Block Grant 2008-2009 Mid Year Report |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2009
  68. ^ Cumberland County ARRA FUNDING Report website Accessed April 2010
  69. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education District Allocations Report 2009 and 2010
  70. ^ Pennsylvania Auditor General (December 22, 2008). "Classrooms For the Future grants audit". http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/reports/performance/special/specff122208.pdf. 
  71. ^ 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. 
  72. ^ 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. 
  73. ^ U.S. Department of Education (March 29, 2010). "Race to the Top Fund". http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/index.html. 
  74. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2004). "Act 511 Tax Report". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/summaries_of_annual_financial_report_data/7673/afr_excel_data_files/509047. 
  75. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672. 
  76. ^ 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. 
  77. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672. 
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  79. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education 2010-11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines.
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  82. ^ 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. 
  83. ^ 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. 
  84. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2010). "Pennsylvania SSAct1_Act1 Exceptions Report 2010-2011 April 2010". http://www.scribd.com/doc/40402981/Pennsylvania-SSAct1-Act1-Exceptions-Report-2010-2011-April-2010. 
  85. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2009). "Pennsylvania SSAct1 Exception requests Report_2009-2010_May 2009". http://www.scribd.com/doc/44453061/Pennsylvania-SSAct1-Exception-requests-Report-2009-2010-May-2009. 
  86. ^ 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. 
  87. ^ Tax Relief per Homestead 2009, Pennsylvania Department of Education Report May 1, 2009
  88. ^ Pennsylvania Auditor General Office (February 23, 2010). "Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief". http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/department/press/wagnerpennsylvaniansmissingoutonprop.html. 
  89. ^ Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, Department of Revenue, accessed 10/26/10
  90. ^ New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners, Tax Foundation, September 22, 2009.
  91. ^ South Middleton School Board Policy Manual
  92. ^ Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools for the School Nutrition Incentive, Pennsylvania Department of Education — Division of Food and Nutrition. July 2008
  93. ^ South Middleton School District Board Policy 122 Extracurriculars and Policy 123 Interscholastic Athletics.
  94. ^ Most central Pennsylvania school districts that administer random drug tests will keep programs, Barbara Miller, The Patriot News, October 22, 2011
  95. ^ Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release, (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities,". http://www.scribd.com/doc/35742869/Governor-Rendell-Says-Home-Schooled-Children-Can-Participate-in-School-District-Extracurricular-Activities. 

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