Pine-Richland School District: Difference between revisions

Pine-Richland School District
Pine-Richland School District
Location
	702 Warrendale Road; Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; United States
Information
Type	Public school
Established	1958
Superintendent	Mr. Brian Miller, July 2013-June 30, 2017
Administrator	Mr Michael Pasquinelli, Asst Superintendent; Ms Dana Siford, Business Manager
Staff	201 non teaching staff
Grades	K-12
Number of students	4,650 students (2013), 4,624 (2011), 4,523
• Kindergarten	268 (2013) 259
• Grade 1	288 (2013) 349
• Grade 2	334 (2013), 355
• Grade 3	361 (2013), 323
• Grade 4	346 (2013) 365
• Grade 5	359 (2013), 385
• Grade 6	391 (2013), 360
• Grade 7	376 (2013), 357
• Grade 8	362 (2013), 382
• Grade 9	391 (2013), 417
• Grade 10	391 (2013), 387
• Grade 11	385 (2013), 382
• Grade 12	389 (2013), 381
Student to teacher ratio	Student-Teacher Ratio 14:1
Color(s)	Green, White, Gold
Mascot	Ram
Budget	$69,541,750 (2013-14); $66,779,401 (2012-13); $63,900,266 (2010-11); $61,407,233 (2009-10)
Tuition	for nonresident and charter school students ES - $9,473.72, HS -$9,633.40
Information	Mission - Why We Exist-As a community of learners that cares intensely for each person, Pine-Richland creates a strong academic foundation and enables students to realize individual strengths and passions toward their life's fulfillment. Vision - Our Ideal Future-Pine-Richland School District will be a recognized leader in education providing a customized learning environment to a growing and changing community.
Website	http://www.pinerichland.org/Domain/1

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The Pine-Richland School District is a mid-sized, suburban public school district serving northern Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Pine-Richland School District encompasses approximately 31 square miles (80 km²) serving residents of Pine Township and of Richland Township. In 2010, the US Census Bureau reported an increased population to 22,601 people. According to 2000 federal census data the District's resident population was 16,914 people. In 2009, the district residents’ per capita income was $29,680, while the median family income was $75,982.^[8] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501^[9] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.^[10]

Pine-Richland School District operates three primary schools for grades K-3: Wexford Elementary School, Hance Elementary School and Richland Elementary School; along with Eden Hall Upper Elementary School for grades 4-6; Pine-Richland Middle School for grades 7-8, and Pine-Richland High School for grades 9-12.

Pine-Richland High school students may choose to attend A. W. Beattie Career Center [1] for vocational training. The Allegheny Intermediate Unit IU3 provides the district with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, speech and visual disability services and professional development for staff and faculty.

History

Pine-Richland was first known as the Pine Richland Joint School District in 1958. It was then changed to Babcock School District in 1971 in honor of the Babcock family who donated land to the school district. In the fall of 1982 the name was changed to the current name of Pine-Richland School District.

The Pine-Richland School District has a grand and honored history. Single room schoolhouses gave way to a district with six appealing school buildings. The district's first graduating class was the Class of 1958. The first year appropriately produced 58 graduates from the Richland Jr./Sr. High School (now Richland Elementary).

Timeline

See timeline of the Pine-Richland School District here: http://pinerichland.schoolwires.net/Page/141

Governance

Pine-Richland 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.^[11] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and through the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus its resources on student success in acquiring reading skills and math skills. The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent regarding renewal of the employment contract. The board makes use of various media, including the district's website, to communicate with the community as well as video tape board meetings and airs segments on cable.

Academic achievement

Pine-Richland School District was ranked 23rd out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2015. The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the PSSAs for: reading, writing math and science The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th and the 11th grade in high school. Adapted examinations are given to children in the special education program.

2015 - 23rd
2014 - 26th
2013 - 34th^[12]
2012 - 45th^[13]
2011 - 51st^[14]
2010 - 44th^[15]
2009 - 38th
2008 - 26th
2007 - 27th out of 501 school districts.^[16]

Western Pennsylvania Local Ranking

Pine-Richland School District was ranked 8th out of 105 western Pennsylvania school districts in 2015 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on the last three years of student academic performance on the PSSAs on: math, reading, writing and science.^[17] (includes 105 districts in: Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Washington County and Westmoreland County excludes Duquesne City SD & Midland Borough SD due to no high schools)

2015 - 8th
2014 - 9th
2013 - 10th
2012 - 14th
2011 - 15th
2010 - 14th^[18]
2009 - 12th

Graduation rate

According to traditional graduation rate calculations, PRHS Graduation rates are:

2013 - 97%
2012 - 97.9%
2011 - 98%
2010 - 99%^[19]
2009 - 99.7%^[20]
2008 - 98%^[21]
2007 - 98%^[22]

High school

Pine-Richland High School is located at 700 Warrendale Road, Gibsonia. In 2013, the school's enrollment is around 1,554 pupils, with 5% coming from a low income home and 11% receiving special education services. Eight percent of students were identified as gifted.^[23]

Eden Hall Upper Elementary School

Eden Hall Upper Elementary School is located at 3900 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia,. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 1,096 pupils in grades 4th through 6th, with 5% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Among the pupils 15% receive Special Education services and 4.4% were identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.^[24]

Eden Hall Upper Elementary School is not a federally designated Title I school. In 2011, the school employed 74 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. There were 1,097 students, with 54 receiving a free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty.^[25] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.^[26]

Hance Elementary School

Hance Elementary School is located at 5518 Molnar Drive, Gibsonia. In 2013, the School's enrollment was 396 pupils (K-3) with 5% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school provides half day kindergarten.^[27]

Hance Elementary School is not a federally designated Title I school. In 2011, the enrollment was 330 pupils. The school employed 21 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.^[28] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.^[29]

Richland Elementary School

Richland Elementary School is located at 3811 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 446 pupils in grades kindergarten though 3rd grade, with 8% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Twelve percent of pupils receive special education services and 2.6% were identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides half day kindergarten.^[30]

Richland Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school.

Wexford Elementary School

Wexford Elementary School is located at 250 Brown Road, Wexford. In 2013, Wexford Elementary School's enrollment was 407 pupils with 3% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school provides half day kindergarten.^[31] In 2013, 2% of pupils were identified as gifted.

Wexford Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school. In 2011, the school's enrollment was 415 pupils with 14 children receiving a federal free lunch. The school employed 26 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.^[32] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.^[33]

Academic Achievement

For the most up-to-date academic overview of test scores, trends, areas of strength and in need of growth, visit: http://www.pinerichland.org/academicreport. The Pine-Richland School District has created the Academic Achievement Report. This document is intended to assist in the district mission of “providing a strong academic foundation which challenges students to realize their fullest potential and encourages them to become engaged, thoughtful citizens.”

The teaching and learning processes of the district serve as the core method for achieving this mission. From an educational perspective, we focus on the three big topics of curriculum, instruction, and assessment as the important elements of a successful educational program. The bottom line for our performance as an organization relates to the evidence of academic achievement and student learning.

The Academic Achievement Report contains information about student performance on a series of standardized tests during each school year. When possible, five years of data is included in the report and analyzed for levels of achievement, trends, and growth. Comparison information is also provided for each assessment.

To the greatest extent possible, this summative data is provided in a visual manner to illustrate levels, trends, and comparisons of performance. Disaggregated results help provide further insight into student achievement levels (e.g., gender and special education). The report looks at:

Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
Keystone Exams
School Performance Profile
Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS)
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
American College Test (ACT)
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

Special education

In December 2011, the Pine-Richland School District administration reported that 601 pupils or 13% of the dDstrict's pupils received Special Education services, with 31%% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.^[34] In December 2009, the District administration reported that 535 pupils or 14.6% of the District's pupils received Special Education services, with 33% of the identified students having a specific learning disability. Special education services in the Commonwealth are provided to students from ages three years to 21 years old. In the 2010-11 school year, the total student enrollment was more than 1.78 million students with approximately 275,000 students eligible for special education services. Among these students 18,959 were identified with mental retardation and 21,245 students with autism.^[35] The largest group of students are identified as Specific Learning Disabilities 126,026 students (46.9 percent) and Speech or Language Impairments with 43,542 students (16.2 percent).

In order to comply with state and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules and regulations, 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 ^[36] To identify students who may be eligible for special education services, 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.^[37] 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 district's Special Education Department.^[38]^[39] The IDEA 2004 requires each school entity to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, including the student handbook and website regarding the availability of screening and intervention services and how to access them.

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for 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.^[40] The Special Education funding structure is through the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds and state appropriations. IDEA funds are appropriated to the state on an annual basis and distributed through intermediate units (IUs) to school districts, while state funds are distributed directly to the districts. Total funds that are received by school districts are calculated through a formula. The Pennsylvania Department of Education oversees four appropriations used to fund students with special needs: Special Education; Approved Private Schools; Pennsylvania Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind; and Early Intervention. The Pennsylvania Special Education funding system assumes that 16% of the district’s students receive special education services. It also assumes that each student’s needs accrue the same level of costs.^[41] Over identification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.^[42] The state requires each public school district and charter school to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.^[43] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.^[44]

The Pine-Richland School District received a $1,497,202 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[45] For the 2011-12, 2012–13 and 2013-14 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010-11. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.^[46]^[47] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The District must apply for this added funding.

Gifted education

The Pine-Richland School District Administration reported that 77 or 6.88% of its students were gifted in 2009. The highest percentage of gifted students reported among all 500 school districts and 100 public charter schools in Pennsylvania was North Allegheny School District with 15.5% of its students identified as gifted.^[48] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. 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.^[49]^[50]

Wellness policy

Pine-Richland School Board established a district wellness policy in 2010.^[51] The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 – 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006." Most districts identified the superintendent and school foodservice director as responsible for ensuring local wellness policy implementation.^[52]

The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education, physical activity, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.^[53] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

Pine-Richland School District offers a free school breakfast and free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.^[54] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.^[55]

In 2013, the USDA issued new restrictions to foods in public schools. The rules apply to foods and beverages sold on all public school district campuses during the day. They limit vending machine snacks to a maximum of 200 calories per item. Additionally, all snack foods sold at school must meet competitive nutrient standards, meaning they must have fruits, vegetables, dairy or protein in them or contain at least 10 percent of the daily value of fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D.^[56] In order to comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 all US public school districts are required to raise the price of their school lunches to $2.60 regardless of the actual cost of providing the lunch.^[57] In 2014, President Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.^[58]

Pine-Richland School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses are available in each building to conduct annual health screenings (data reported to the PDE and state Department of Health) and to dispense prescribed medications to students during the school day. Students can be excluded from school unless they comply with all the State Department of Health’s extensive immunization mandates. School nurses monitor each pupil for this compliance.^[59] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant

In 2009, the Pine-Richland School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Pine-Richland Middle School received $9,117 which was used to purchase fitness equipment and nutritional materials for the Middle School Wellness Challenge. Hance elementary School received $3,500 which was used support nutrition education and various physical activities including Dance, Dance Revolution for students in grades 1-3.^[60] Beginning in 2006, Highmark Foundation engaged in a 5-year, $100 million program to promote lifelong healthy behaviors in children and adolescents through local nonprofits and schools.

Pine-Richland School District participated in Highmark Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools which enabled mobile data collection of pertinent health and physical fitness screening data on students K-12 in a database held by InnerLink, Inc. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Health eTools for Schools also provided interdisciplinary research-based curriculum in nutrition, physical education and physical activity to participating districts. The program was discontinued in 2013.^[61]

Budget

Pennsylvania public school districts budget and expend funds according to procedures mandated by the General Assembly and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). An annual operating budget is prepared by school district administrative officials. A uniform form is furnished by the PDE and submitted to the board of school directors for approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year on July 1. Visit http://www.pinerichland.org/budget for updated budget information.

Under Pennsylvania’s Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, all public school districts of the first class A, second class, third class and fourth class must adopt a preliminary budget proposal. The proposal must include estimated revenues and expenditures and the proposed tax rates. This proposed budget must be considered by the Board no later than 90 days prior to the date of the election immediately preceding the fiscal year. The preliminary budget proposal must also be printed and made available for public inspection at least 20 days prior to its adoption. The board of school directors may hold a public hearing on the budget, but are not required to do so. The board must give at least 10 days’ public notice of its intent to adopt the final budget according to Act 1 of 2006.^[62]

In 2012, the average teacher salary in Pine-Richland School District was $61,622.96 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $23,490.54 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $85,113.50.^[63] The teachers' salaries in Pine-Richland School District ranged from $43,661 to $95,650 ($29 to $64 per hour), with 20 percent of the teaching staff, or 66 teachers, annually receives more than $92,000 in pay. The teacher union contract expired June 30, 2012. In 2011, the District employed 365 teachers with an average salary of $62,868 and a top salary of $135,200.^[64]

In 2009, the Pine-Richland School District reported employing 400 teachers and administrators with a median salary of $58,394 and a top salary of $130,000.^[65] The teacher’s work day is 7 hours 45 minutes with 186 days in the contract year. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance (teachers pay 5 percent of the premium costs per month for health insurance), professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, and other benefits.^[66] In 2006, the Pine-Richland School District reported employing 320 teachers.^[67]

Per pupil spending Pine-Richland School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $703.78 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[68] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association collects and maintains statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association's report, the average salary for a superintendent, for the 2007-08 school year, was $122,165. Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.^[69] According to PSBA, the median Superintendent salary rose to over $130,000 in 2011.^[70] In November 2012, Pine_Richland school Board voted to not renew then superintendent Mary Bucci's employment contract. She retired in January 2013. She acknowledged difficulty communicating with members of the Board.^[71] The Board hired Dr. Brian R. Miller as superintendent effective July 1, 2013, with a starting salary of $153,500 a year.

In 2008, the Pine-Richland School District administration reported that its per pupil spending was $12,471 which ranked 224th among Pennsylvania's then 501 public school districts. In 2010, the District’s per pupil spending had increased to $15,942.23 which was 88th in Pennsylvania.^[72] In 2011, Pennsylvania’s per pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.^[73] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.^[74]

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.^[75] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.^[76] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[77] Pennsylvania’s total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.^[78]

Reserves In 2008, the Pine-Richland School District reported a balance of $1,727,668, in its unreserved-designated fund. The unreserved-undesignated fund balance was reported as $4,940,691.^[79] In 2010, Pine-Richland School District Administration reported an increase to $5,031,144 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The District also reported $1,805,050 in its unreserved-designated fund in 2010. In 2013, Pine-Richland School District Administration reported $4,900,765 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The District also reported $3,744,319 in its unreserved-designated fund in 2010. Total reserves were $8,645,084.^[80] Pennsylvania public school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.^[81] In 2005, the total reserve funds held by Pennsylvania public school districts was $1.9 billion.^[82] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.^[83]

Interest swap In November 2009, Auditor General Jack Wagner reported that Pine-Richland School District entered into high risk Interest swap deals under Act 23 of 2003.^[84] By 2009, 107 Districts out of 500 Pennsylvania school districts entered into these transactions. Seven Berks County public school districts also entered into swap deals with investment banks. It was found that fees that were characterized as being paid by the investment banks were actually ultimately charged to the District.^[85]

Audit In June 2013, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the Pine-Richland School District. The findings were reported to the School Board and the District’s administration. It was found that the District did implement recommendations related to certification deficiencies and logical access control weaknesses.^[86] In January 2011, another audit found certification issues - two elementary teachers were assigned to positions for which their provisional certificate may have expired. It was the responsibility of the superintendent to assure that the District's teachers have appropriate certification. The District was fined by the PDE.

Tuition Students who live in the Pine-Richland School District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Pine-Richland School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $11,204.66, High School - $7,927.55.^[87]

Pine_Richland School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1% of earned income and 1% of net profits,^[88] a property tax, a $10 per capita tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.^[89] Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Interest earnings on accounts also provide nontax income to the District. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the level of the individual’s personal wealth.^[90] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 a year plus they receive federal Social Security benefits: both are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.^[91]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Pine-Richland School District receives 15.2% of its annual revenue from the state.^[92]

For the 2013-14 school year’’’, the Pine-Richland School District received a 4.8% increase or $4,761,701 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $216,789 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Pine-Richland School District received $113,875 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Allegheny County, South Fayette Township School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 5.5%. The District has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth’s budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.^[93] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland district, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.^[94] As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.^[95]

For the 2012-13 school year, the Pine-Richland School District received $4,544,912.^[96] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 included $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which was an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) program. Pine-Richland School District received $113,875 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[97] This amount was a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett’s first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In 2011-12, the Pine-Richland School District received a $4,544,911 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.^[98]^[99] Additionally, the Pine-Richland School District received $113,875 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount was a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.^[100] The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District of Allegheny County, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.^[101] In 2010, the district reported that 227 students received free or reduced price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.^[102] Some public school Districts experienced a reduction in funding due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.

In the 2010-11 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.27% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $4,900,555. Among the districts in Allegheny County, the highest increase went to South Fayette Township School District which got an 11.32% 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.^[103] Fifteen (15) Pennsylvania public school districts received a BEF increase of greater than 10%. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.^[104]

In the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.44% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $4,656,203 Among the districts in Allegheny County, the highest increase went to Chartiers Valley School District which got an 8.19%. Ninety (90) Pennsylvania public school districts received the base 2% increase, with 21 of them in Allegheny County. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.^[105] The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.^[106]

The state Basic Education Funding to the District in 2008-09 was $4,545,352.05. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 188 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family poverty, in the 2007–2008 school year.^[107] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania spent $7,824 Per Pupil in the year 2000. This amount increased up to $12,085 by the year 2008.^[108]^[109]

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 $309,085 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide Intensive instruction for struggling students during the school day and for teacher training.^[110]^[111] In 2009, 100% of the kindergarteners in Pine-Richland School District attended half-day kindergarten.^[112]

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 to 2009. The Pine-Richland School District received $314,383 in 2006-07. In 2007-08, the district received $300,000. Pine-Richland School District received 45,413 in 2008-09.^[113] Among the public school districts in Allegheny County the highest award was given to Highlands School District which received $835,286. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

Other grants

The Pine-Richland School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants, PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell), Education Assistance Grants, 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, 2012 and 2013 nor Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants,^[114] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Grable Foundation grant

In September 2009, Pine-Richland School District received a $10,000 grant from the Grable Foundation, for a mentoring program. The school's crew team, along with the Three Rivers Rowing Association, will develop a fitness program for at-risk and handicapped youth. the foundation this year invited Allegheny County's 42 suburban school districts to apply for grants of up to $10,000 for projects that encourage the involvement of community groups with the schools. Eighteen public school districts received grants ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. Most of the money will be used for arts education or science and environmental projects. The Grable Foundation was founded in 1976 by Minnie Grable, widow of Erett Grable, a Pittsburgh businessman who founded Rubbermaid Inc.^[115]

Federal Stimulus grant

The Pine-Richland School District received an extra $962,173 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[116]^[117] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.^[118] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised to use the funds for one time expenditures like: acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Race to the Top grant

Pine-Richland School District officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided under one-half million dollars, in additional federal funding, to improve student academic achievement.^[119] 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.^[120] 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.^[121]^[122]^[123]

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2014-15 were set by the Pine-Richland School Board at 19.2083 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region.^[124] Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and all government property (local, state and federal). Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. 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.^[125] When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.^[126] In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.^[127]

For a look back on the tax rates through the years, visit the tax archive at http://www.pinerichland.org/Page/2128.

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 property taxes above their annual Act 1 Index unless they either: allow Districts voters to approve the increase through a vote by referendum or they receive an exception from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The base index for the school year is published by the PDE in the fall of each year. Each individual school district’s Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as local property values and the personal income of district residents. Originally, Act 1 of 2006 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.^[128]

In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation eliminating six of the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.^[129] Several exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school’s share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.^[130]^[131] The legislature also froze the payroll amount public school districts use to calculate the pension-plan exception at the 2012 payroll levels. Further increases in payroll cannot be used to raise the district’s exception for pension payments.

A specific timeline for Act I Index decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[132]

The School District Adjusted Index history for the Pine-Richland School District:

Property tax relief

Pine-Richland School District approved that homestead properties received $192.^[133] 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 (40,000 m²) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The amount of property tax relief each Pennsylvania public school district receives is announced by the PDE in May of each year. The amount of tax relief is dependent on the total tax revenue collected on the casino slots in the previous year. Thirty five percent of the slots tax revenues are used for property tax relief. In County, the highest tax relief went to School District which was set at $.^[134] The highest property tax relief provided, among Pennsylvania school districts, goes to the homesteads of Chester Upland School District in Delaware County which received $632 per approved homestead in 2010. Chester-Upland School District has consistently been the top recipient since the programs inception.^[135] The tax relief was started by Governor Rendell with passage of the gaming law. Rendell promised taxpayers substantial property tax relief from legalized gambling.

In Allegheny County, 60.82% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. This was among the mid level participation rates in Pennsylvania.^[136]

In Pennsylvania, the homestead exclusion reduces the assessed values of homestead properties, reducing the property tax on these homes. The homestead exclusion allows homeowners real property tax relief of up to one half of the median assessed value of homesteads in the taxing jurisdiction (county, school district, city, borough, or township).^[137]

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 still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This tax rebate can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief. In 2012, the Pennsylvania Secretary of the Treasury reported issuing more than half a million property tax rebates totaling $238 million.^[138] The Property tax/rent rebate program is funded by revenues from the Pennsylvania Lottery. In 2012, these property tax rebates were increased by an additional 50 percent for senior households in the state, so long as those households have incomes under $30,000 and pay more than 15% of their income in property taxes.^[139]

Extracurriculars

The District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, costly sports program. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy and in compliance with standards set by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). The District charges an $80 per year fee for students who participate in extracurriculars.

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students residing 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.^[140]

Sports

The District funds:

Varsity

Boys

Baseball - AAAA
Basketball- AAAA
Cross Country - AAA
Football - AAAA
Golf - AAA
Ice hockey - club
In-line hockey - club
Lacrosse - AAAA
Soccer - AAA
Swimming and Diving - AAA
Tennis - AAA
Track and Field - AAA
Volleyball - AAA
Wrestling - AAA

Girls

Basketball - AAAA
Cheer - AAAA
Cross Country - AAA
Field Hockey - AAA
Golf - AAA
Gymnastics - AAAA
Lacrosse - AAAA
Soccer (Fall) - AAA
Softball - AAAA
Swimming and Diving - AAA
Girls' Tennis - AAA
Track and Field - AAA
Volleyball - AAA

Middle School Sports

Boys

Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Soccer
Track and Field
Wrestling

Girls

Basketball
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer (Fall)
Softball
Track and Field
Volleyball

According to PIAA directory July 2013 ^[141]

References

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^ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 26, 2010). "School District Data - Pine-Richland School District". {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
^ Trozzo, Sandy., Pine-Richland hires Miller as new superintendent, The Post Gazette, April 11, 2013
^ Pennsylvania Department oF Education, Education Names and Addresses, 2013
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "School Performance Fast Facts- Pine-Richland School District".
^ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data - Pine-Richland School District, 2012
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tuition rates per LEA, 2011
^ US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2009
^ US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, State and County quick facts, 2010
^ US Census Bureau, Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010, September 2011
^ Pennsylvania Public School Code Governance 2010
^ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 4, 2013). "USC, Mt. Lebo top two scoring districts in state". {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
^ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 6, 2012). "Guide to Pennsylvania Schools Statewide ranking 2012". {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
^ "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2011". Pittsburgh Business Times. April 2011.
^ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 30, 2010). "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2010". {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
^ Pittsburgh Business Times, Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County, May 23, 2007
^ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 6, 2012). "Honor Roll Local Ranking Information". {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
^ Pittsburgh Business Times, PBT Honor Roll rank 2010, October 16, 2010
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Pine-Richland High School Academic Achievement Report Card Data table 2011".
^ The Times-Tribune (June 27, 2010). "PA School District Statistical Snapshot Database 2008-09".
^ The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "County School Districts Graduation Rates 2008".
^ Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (2008). "High School Graduation rate 2007" (PDF).
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "School Performance Profile - Pine-Richland High School Fact Facts".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Eden Hall Upper Elementary School Fast Facts, 2013
^ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core Data – Eden Hall Upper Elementary School, 2011
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Eden Hall Upper Elementary School, September 21, 2012
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Elementary School Fast Facts, 2013
^ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core Data – Hence Elementary School, 2011
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Hance Elementary School, September 21, 2012
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Richland Elementary School Fast Facts, 2013
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Wexford Elementary School Fast Facts, 2013
^ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core Data – Wexford Elementary School, 2011
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Wexford Elementary School, September 21, 2012
^ Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education Services (2010–2011). "Pine-Richland School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Testimony Hearing on Special Education Senate Republican Policy Committee, January 2013
^ Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education (2008). "Pennsylvania Parent Guide to Special Education Services".
^ Pine-Richland School District (2014). "Screening Evaluation and Placement Procedures".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education - School District Administration (January 6, 2011). "Procedural Safeguards Notice".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education (September 2005). "Gaskin Settlement Agreement Overview Facts Sheet" (PDF).
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Special Education Funding".
^ Browne, Patrick., Senate Education Committee Hearing on Special Education Funding & Accountability testimony, November 1, 2011
^ Kintisch, Baruch., Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Education Law Center, November 11, 2011
^ Amy Morton, Executive Deputy Secretary, Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Pennsylvania Department of Education, November 11, 2011
^ US Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education Clarifies Schools' Obligation to Provide Equal Opportunity to Students with Disabilities to Participate in Extracurricular Athletics, January 25, 2013
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2012). "Investing in PA kids,".
^ 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" (PDF). {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board. "CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students". Retrieved February 4, 2011.
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 26, 2010). "Special Education for Gifted Students Notice of Parental rights" (PDF).
^ Pine-Richland School Board Policy Manual, Student Wellness Policy 246, November 22, 2010
^ Probart C, McDonnell E, Weirich JE, Schilling L, Fekete V. (September 2008). "Statewide assessment of local wellness policies in Pennsylvania public school districts". J Am Diet Assoc. 108 (9): 1497–502. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2008.06.429. PMID 18755322.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education – Division of Food and Nutrition (July 2008). "Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools for the School Nutrition Incentive".
^ USDA, Child Nutrition Programs - Eligibility Manual for School Meals, 2012
^ Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center, The Pennsylvania School Breakfast Report Card, 2009
^ USDA, Child Nutrition Programs, June 27, 2013
^ United States Department of Agriculture (2011). "Food and Nutrition Service Equity in School Lunch Pricing Fact Sheet" (PDF).
^ Denver Nicks (February 25, 2014). "White House Sets New Limits on Junk Food Ads in Schools". Time Magazine.
^ Pennsylvania State Department of Health (2010). "Pennsylvania Bulletin Doc. No. 10-984 School Immunizations; Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases".
^ Highmark Foundation, 2009 School Challenge Grants, 2009
^ PR Newswire, Highmark Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools Available Free Through 2009, 2007
^ Pennsylvania General Assembly, Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, June 27, 2006
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013). "Investing in Pennsylvania Students".
^ "Pine-Richland School District Payroll report 2011". OpenPA Gov.org. 2014.
^ Asbury Park Press (2009). "PA. Public School Salaries".
^ Pine-Richland School Board (2010). "Pine-Richland School District Teacher Union Employment Contract".
^ Maureen Byko (October 19, 2006). "Contract to lengthen school day in Pine-Richland". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
^ Fenton, Jacob., Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?, The Morning Call, February 2009
^ Pennsylvania School Board Association (October 2009). "Public School Salaries 11th Annual".
^ Pennsylvania School Board Association (June 22, 2012). "School Management Salaries Report". School Leader News.
^ Tory N. Parrish (March 31, 2013). "Superintendent turnover rapid, costly".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009-10 Selected Data - 2009-10 Total Expenditures per ADM".
^ US Census Bureau, States Ranked According to Per Pupil Public Elementary-Secondary School System Finance Amounts: Fiscal Year 2011, May 2013
^ US Census Bureau (2009). "Total and current expenditures per pupil in fall enrollment in public elementary and secondary education, by function and state or jurisdiction: 2006-07".
^ US Census Bureau (March 2003). "Public Education Finances 2000-01 Annual Survey of Local Government Finances" (PDF).
^ US Census Bureau (2009). "Total and current expenditures per pupil in fall enrollment in public elementary and secondary education, by function and state or jurisdiction: 2006-07".
^ United States Census Bureau (2009). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Elementary-Secondary Public School System Finance Amounts: 2008-09" (PDF).
^ US Census Bureau (May 2013). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Public Elementary-Secondary School System Finance Amounts: Fiscal Year 2011" (PDF).
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Fund Balances by Local Education Agency 1997 to 2008".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 2014). "Investing in Pennsylvania Students".
^ Murphy, Jan., Pennsylvania's public schools boost reserves, CentreDaily Times, September 22, 2010
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^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2012). "Pennsylvania Public School District Tuition Rates".
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^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year".
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^ Office of the Budget (February 2010). "Pennsylvania Budget Proposal 2010".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 2009). "Funding Allocations by district 2009-10".
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^ U.S. Census Bureau., Annual Survey of Local Government Finances., 2000
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^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Accountability Block Grant report Grantee list 2010".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report".
^ Pennsylvania Partnership for Children, Full-Day Kindergarten Enrollment, 2011
^ Pennsylvania Auditor General (December 22, 2008). "Classrooms for the Future grants audit" (PDF).
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Press Office (October 17, 2013). "Acting Secretary of Education Says Hybrid Learning Benefits Students; Highlights Success of First-Year Pilot Program".
^ Mary Niederberger, Schools make use of first-time Grable grants, September 03, 2009
^ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (2009). "County ARRA FUNDING Report".
^ ProPublica (2009). "Recovery Tracker Eye on the stimulus".
^ "School stimulus money". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. March 12, 2009.
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Race To The Top Webinar powerpoint for districts December 2009, December 9, 2009
^ Governor's Press Office release (January 20, 2010). "Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support,".
^ Race to the Top Fund, U.S. Department of Education, March 29, 2010.
^ Dr. Gerald Zahorchak (December 2008). "Pennsylvania Race to the Top Letter to Superintendents" (PDF).
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 19, 2009). "Pennsylvania Race to the Top -School Districts Title I Allocations 2009-10".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "Real Estate Tax Rates by School District 2012-13 Real Estate Mills".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2004). "Act 511 Tax Report".
^ State Tax Equalization Board (2011). "State Tax Equalization Board About US".
^ Pennsylvania Auditor General office - Bureau of Audits (February 2011). "A Special Performance Audit of the Pennsylvania State Tax Equalization Boards" (PDF).
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2010-11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines".
^ Kaitlynn Riely (August 4, 2011). "Law could restrict school construction projects". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
^ Pennsylvania General Assembly, (June 29, 2011). "SB330 of 2011".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
^ Eric Boehm (July 1, 2011). "Property tax reform final piece of state budget". PA Independent.
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 1, 2012). "2012-2013 Estimated State Property Tax Relief per Homestead".
^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tax Relief per Homestead, May 1, 2009.
^ Tax Relief per Homestead 2009, Pennsylvania Department of Education Report, May 1, 2009
^ Pennsylvania Auditor General Office, Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief, February 23, 2010
^ Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension (1998). "Understanding the Homestead and Farmstead Exclusions" (PDF).
^ Elias, Joe., Pennsylvania Treasury Department to issue $238 million in property tax rebates, The Harrisburg Patriot-News, |June 30, 2012
^ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue., Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, June 2012
^ Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities".
^ Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (2013). "PIAA School Directory".

External links

[1] Pine-Richland School District Administration (2013). "Pine-Richland School District budget Info".

[2] Pittsburgh Business Times (April 26, 2010). "School District Data - Pine-Richland School District". {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)

[3] Trozzo, Sandy., Pine-Richland hires Miller as new superintendent, The Post Gazette, April 11, 2013

[4] Pennsylvania Department oF Education, Education Names and Addresses, 2013

[5] Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "School Performance Fast Facts- Pine-Richland School District".

[6] National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data - Pine-Richland School District, 2012

[7] Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tuition rates per LEA, 2011

[8] US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2009

[9] US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, State and County quick facts, 2010

[10] US Census Bureau, Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010, September 2011

[11] Pennsylvania Public School Code Governance 2010

[12] Pittsburgh Business Times (April 4, 2013). "USC, Mt. Lebo top two scoring districts in state". {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)

[13] Pittsburgh Business Times (April 6, 2012). "Guide to Pennsylvania Schools Statewide ranking 2012". {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)

[14] "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2011". Pittsburgh Business Times. April 2011.

[15] Pittsburgh Business Times (April 30, 2010). "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2010". {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)

[16] Pittsburgh Business Times, Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County, May 23, 2007

[17] Pittsburgh Business Times (April 6, 2012). "Honor Roll Local Ranking Information". {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)

[18] Pittsburgh Business Times, PBT Honor Roll rank 2010, October 16, 2010

[19] Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Pine-Richland High School Academic Achievement Report Card Data table 2011".

[20] The Times-Tribune (June 27, 2010). "PA School District Statistical Snapshot Database 2008-09".

[21] The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "County School Districts Graduation Rates 2008".

[22] Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (2008). "High School Graduation rate 2007" (PDF).

[23] Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "School Performance Profile - Pine-Richland High School Fact Facts".

[24] Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Eden Hall Upper Elementary School Fast Facts, 2013

[25] National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core Data – Eden Hall Upper Elementary School, 2011

[26] Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Eden Hall Upper Elementary School, September 21, 2012

[27] Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Elementary School Fast Facts, 2013

[28] National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core Data – Hence Elementary School, 2011

[29] Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Hance Elementary School, September 21, 2012

[30] Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Richland Elementary School Fast Facts, 2013

[31] Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Wexford Elementary School Fast Facts, 2013

[32] National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core Data – Wexford Elementary School, 2011

[33] Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Wexford Elementary School, September 21, 2012

[34] Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education Services (2010–2011). "Pine-Richland School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets".

[35] Pennsylvania Department of Education, Testimony Hearing on Special Education Senate Republican Policy Committee, January 2013

[36] Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education (2008). "Pennsylvania Parent Guide to Special Education Services".

[37] Pine-Richland School District (2014). "Screening Evaluation and Placement Procedures".

[38] Pennsylvania Department of Education - School District Administration (January 6, 2011). "Procedural Safeguards Notice".

[39] Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education (September 2005). "Gaskin Settlement Agreement Overview Facts Sheet" (PDF).

[40] Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Special Education Funding".

[41] Browne, Patrick., Senate Education Committee Hearing on Special Education Funding & Accountability testimony, November 1, 2011

[42] Kintisch, Baruch., Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Education Law Center, November 11, 2011

[43] Amy Morton, Executive Deputy Secretary, Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Pennsylvania Department of Education, November 11, 2011

[44] US Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education Clarifies Schools' Obligation to Provide Equal Opportunity to Students with Disabilities to Participate in Extracurricular Athletics, January 25, 2013

[45] Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011".

[46] Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year".

[47] Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2012). "Investing in PA kids,".

[48] 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" (PDF). {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

[49] Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board. "CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students". Retrieved February 4, 2011.

[50] Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 26, 2010). "Special Education for Gifted Students Notice of Parental rights" (PDF).

[51] Pine-Richland School Board Policy Manual, Student Wellness Policy 246, November 22, 2010

[52] Probart C, McDonnell E, Weirich JE, Schilling L, Fekete V. (September 2008). "Statewide assessment of local wellness policies in Pennsylvania public school districts". J Am Diet Assoc. 108 (9): 1497–502. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2008.06.429. PMID 18755322.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[53] Pennsylvania Department of Education – Division of Food and Nutrition (July 2008). "Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools for the School Nutrition Incentive".

[54] USDA, Child Nutrition Programs - Eligibility Manual for School Meals, 2012

[55] Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center, The Pennsylvania School Breakfast Report Card, 2009

[56] USDA, Child Nutrition Programs, June 27, 2013

[57] United States Department of Agriculture (2011). "Food and Nutrition Service Equity in School Lunch Pricing Fact Sheet" (PDF).

[58] Denver Nicks (February 25, 2014). "White House Sets New Limits on Junk Food Ads in Schools". Time Magazine.

[59] Pennsylvania State Department of Health (2010). "Pennsylvania Bulletin Doc. No. 10-984 School Immunizations; Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases".

[60] Highmark Foundation, 2009 School Challenge Grants, 2009

[61] PR Newswire, Highmark Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools Available Free Through 2009, 2007

[62] Pennsylvania General Assembly, Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, June 27, 2006

[63] Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013). "Investing in Pennsylvania Students".

[64] "Pine-Richland School District Payroll report 2011". OpenPA Gov.org. 2014.

[65] Asbury Park Press (2009). "PA. Public School Salaries".

[66] Pine-Richland School Board (2010). "Pine-Richland School District Teacher Union Employment Contract".

[67] Maureen Byko (October 19, 2006). "Contract to lengthen school day in Pine-Richland". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

[68] Fenton, Jacob., Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?, The Morning Call, February 2009

[69] Pennsylvania School Board Association (October 2009). "Public School Salaries 11th Annual".

[70] Pennsylvania School Board Association (June 22, 2012). "School Management Salaries Report". School Leader News.

[71] Tory N. Parrish (March 31, 2013). "Superintendent turnover rapid, costly".

[72] Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009-10 Selected Data - 2009-10 Total Expenditures per ADM".

[73] US Census Bureau, States Ranked According to Per Pupil Public Elementary-Secondary School System Finance Amounts: Fiscal Year 2011, May 2013

[74] US Census Bureau (2009). "Total and current expenditures per pupil in fall enrollment in public elementary and secondary education, by function and state or jurisdiction: 2006-07".

[75] US Census Bureau (March 2003). "Public Education Finances 2000-01 Annual Survey of Local Government Finances" (PDF).

[76] US Census Bureau (2009). "Total and current expenditures per pupil in fall enrollment in public elementary and secondary education, by function and state or jurisdiction: 2006-07".

[77] United States Census Bureau (2009). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Elementary-Secondary Public School System Finance Amounts: 2008-09" (PDF).

[78] US Census Bureau (May 2013). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Public Elementary-Secondary School System Finance Amounts: Fiscal Year 2011" (PDF).

[79] Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Fund Balances by Local Education Agency 1997 to 2008".

[80] Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 2014). "Investing in Pennsylvania Students".

[81] Murphy, Jan., Pennsylvania's public schools boost reserves, CentreDaily Times, September 22, 2010

[82] John Baer (December 9, 2013). "Pa. schools and $$ behind the curtain". Philadelphia Daily News.

[83] Melissa Daniels (June 1, 2013). "PA school districts look to cash stash to balance budgets". PA Independent.

[84] MaherDuessel CPA (June 30, 2011). "Pine_Richland School District Audit" (PDF).

[85] Auditor General Jack Wagner (November 2009). "The use of Qualified Interest Rate Management Agreements (SWAPA)" (PDF).

[86] Pennsylvania Auditor General (June 2013). "Pine_Richland School District Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Performance Audit Report".

[87] Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2012). "Pennsylvania Public School District Tuition Rates".

[88] Pennsylvania of Community and Economic Development (2012). "Earned Income Tax".

[89] Penn State Cooperative Extension (2010). "What are the Local Taxes in Pennsylvania?, Local Tax Reform Education Project" (PDF).

[90] Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. "Personal Income Taxation Guidelines date=April 2010". {{cite web}}: Missing pipe in: |title= (help)

[91] John Finnerty (2013). "PA teachers pensions". CNHI Harrisburg Bureau.

[92] Pennsylvania Representative Todd Stephens (January 23, 2014). "LEEF Funding Chart 2014".

[93] Democrat Appropriations Committee, Report on Education funding by LEA, July 2, 2013

[94] Sam Wood and Brian X. McCrone (January 29, 2014). "Montgomery County lawmaker proposes using Pa. horse racing funds for education". Philadelphia Inquirer.

[95] Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, 2013-14 State Budget Highlights, 2013

[96] Senator Jake Corman (June 28, 2012). "Pennsylvania Education funding by Local School District" (PDF).

[97] Pennsylvania General Assembly Sen Jake Corman (June 29, 2012). "SB1466 of 2012 General Fund Appropriation".

[98] PA Senate Appropriations Committee (June 28, 2011). "School District 2011-12 Funding Report".

[99] Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2011). "Basic Education Funding".

[100] Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding".

[101] Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year".

[102] Pennsylvania Department of Education, District Allocations Report 2009, 2009-10

[103] Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee (June 30, 2010). "PA Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010-2011" (PDF).

[104] Office of the Budget (February 2010). "Pennsylvania Budget Proposal 2010".

[105] Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 2009). "Funding Allocations by district 2009-10".

[106] Pennsylvania Office of Budget (February 2009). "Governor's Budget Proposal 2009 Pennsylvania Department of Education Budget Proposal 2009".

[107] Pennsylvania Department of Education, Funding Report by LEA, 2009

[108] U.S. Census Bureau., Annual Survey of Local Government Finances., 2000

[109] U.S. Census Bureau., 2008 Survey of Local Government Finances – School Systems, 2010

[110] Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Accountability Block Grant report Grantee list 2010".

[111] Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report".

[112] Pennsylvania Partnership for Children, Full-Day Kindergarten Enrollment, 2011

[113] Pennsylvania Auditor General (December 22, 2008). "Classrooms for the Future grants audit" (PDF).

[114] Pennsylvania Department of Education Press Office (October 17, 2013). "Acting Secretary of Education Says Hybrid Learning Benefits Students; Highlights Success of First-Year Pilot Program".

[115] Mary Niederberger, Schools make use of first-time Grable grants, September 03, 2009

[116] Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (2009). "County ARRA FUNDING Report".

[117] ProPublica (2009). "Recovery Tracker Eye on the stimulus".

[118] "School stimulus money". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. March 12, 2009.

[119] Pennsylvania Department of Education, Race To The Top Webinar powerpoint for districts December 2009, December 9, 2009

[120] Governor's Press Office release (January 20, 2010). "Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support,".

[121] Race to the Top Fund, U.S. Department of Education, March 29, 2010.

[122] Dr. Gerald Zahorchak (December 2008). "Pennsylvania Race to the Top Letter to Superintendents" (PDF).

[123] Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 19, 2009). "Pennsylvania Race to the Top -School Districts Title I Allocations 2009-10".

[124] Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "Real Estate Tax Rates by School District 2012-13 Real Estate Mills".

[125] Pennsylvania Department of Education (2004). "Act 511 Tax Report".

[126] State Tax Equalization Board (2011). "State Tax Equalization Board About US".

[127] Pennsylvania Auditor General office - Bureau of Audits (February 2011). "A Special Performance Audit of the Pennsylvania State Tax Equalization Boards" (PDF).

[128] Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2010-11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines".

[129] Kaitlynn Riely (August 4, 2011). "Law could restrict school construction projects". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

[130] Pennsylvania General Assembly, (June 29, 2011). "SB330 of 2011".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)

[131] Eric Boehm (July 1, 2011). "Property tax reform final piece of state budget". PA Independent.

[132] Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information".

[133] Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 1, 2012). "2012-2013 Estimated State Property Tax Relief per Homestead".

[134] Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tax Relief per Homestead, May 1, 2009.

[135] Tax Relief per Homestead 2009, Pennsylvania Department of Education Report, May 1, 2009

[136] Pennsylvania Auditor General Office, Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief, February 23, 2010

[137] Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension (1998). "Understanding the Homestead and Farmstead Exclusions" (PDF).

[138] Elias, Joe., Pennsylvania Treasury Department to issue $238 million in property tax rebates, The Harrisburg Patriot-News, |June 30, 2012

[139] Pennsylvania Department of Revenue., Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, June 2012

[140] Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities".

[141] Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (2013). "PIAA School Directory".

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@@ Line 106: / Line 106: @@
 ===High school===
 Pine-Richland High School is located at 700 Warrendale Road, Gibsonia. In 2013, the school's enrollment is around 1,554 pupils, with 5% coming from a low income home and 11% receiving special education services. Eight percent of students were identified as gifted.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paschoolperformance.org/Profile/4272 |title=School Performance Profile - Pine-Richland High School Fact Facts |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=October 4, 2013}}</ref>
-;
-;'''Test Scores'''
-;'''For recent data, please visit the PR Academic Achievement report that is produced annually:''' '''[http://www.pinerichland.org/Domain/802 http://www.pinerichland.org/Domain/802.]''' '''Within the theme of Focused on Learning, the Pine-Richland School District has created the 2014 Academic Achievement Report. This document is intended to assist in the district mission of “providing a strong academic foundation which challenges students to realize their fullest potential and encourages them to become engaged, thoughtful citizens.”'''  '''The teaching and learning processes of the district serve as the core method for achieving this mission. From an educational perspective, we focus on the three big topics of curriculum, instruction, and assessment as the important elements of a successful educational program. The bottom line for our performance as an organization relates to the evidence of academic achievement and student learning.'''  '''The 2014 Academic Achievement Report contains information about student performance on a series of standardized tests during the 2013-2014 school year. When possible, five years of data is included in the report and analyzed for levels of achievement, trends, and growth. Comparison information is also provided for each assessment.'''  '''To the greatest extent possible, this summative data is provided in a visual manner to illustrate levels, trends, and comparisons of performance. Disaggregated results help provide further insight into student achievement levels (e.g., gender and special education).  The report looks at:'''
-;* '''Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)'''
-;* '''Keystone Exams'''
-;* '''School Performance Profile<br> '''
-;* '''Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS)'''
-;* '''Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)'''
-;* '''American College Test (ACT)'''
-;* '''Advanced Placement (AP) Exams'''
 ===Eden Hall Upper Elementary School===
 Eden Hall Upper Elementary School is located at 3900 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia,. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 1,096 pupils in grades 4th through 6th, with 5% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Among the pupils 15% receive Special Education services and 4.4% were identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Eden Hall Upper Elementary School Fast Facts, 2013</ref>
 Eden Hall Upper Elementary School is not a federally designated Title I school. In 2011, the school employed 74 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. There were 1,097 students, with 54 receiving a free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty.<ref>National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core Data – Eden Hall Upper Elementary School, 2011</ref> According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Eden Hall Upper Elementary School, September 21, 2012</ref>
-;2013 School Performance Profile:
-Eden Hall Upper Elementary School achieved a score of 79.2 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 81% of the students were reading on grade level, with 44% advanced. In math, 89.97% were on grade level, with 67% advanced. In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding and 53% being advanced. In writing, only 76% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paschoolperformance.org/Profile/4270 |title=Eden Hall Upper Elementary School Academic Performance Data 2013 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=October 4, 2013}}</ref>
-;AYP History:
-In 2009 through 2012, Eden Hall Upper Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Eden Hall Upper Elementary School AYP Overview, September 21, 2012</ref>
-In 2012, 85% of the students were reading on grade level. In math, 90% of the students were on grade level and 69% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils were on grade level, with 57% having advanced science skills.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC12S103021003000007999.PDF |title=Eden Hall Upper Elementary School Report Card 2012 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref>
 ===Hance Elementary School===
 Hance Elementary School is located at 5518 Molnar Drive, Gibsonia. In 2013, the School's enrollment was 396 pupils (K-3) with 5% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school provides half day kindergarten.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Elementary School Fast Facts, 2013</ref>
 Hance Elementary School is not a federally designated Title I school. In 2011, the enrollment was 330 pupils. The school employed 21 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.<ref>National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core Data – Hence Elementary School, 2011</ref> According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Hance Elementary School, September 21, 2012</ref>
-;2013 School Performance Profile:
-Hance Elementary School achieved a score of 93.4 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 91% of the students were reading on grade level in 3rd grade. In math, 91% were on grade level in 3rd grade, with 57% demonstrating advanced skills.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paschoolperformance.org/Profile/4271 |title=Hance Elementary School Academic Performance Data 2013 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=October 4, 2013}}</ref>
-;AYP History:
-Each year from 2009 through 2012, Hance Elementary School achieved AYP status.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Hance Elementary School AYP Overview 2012<2012</ref>
-;PSSA history:
-{{col-begin}}
-{{col-1-of-2}}
-;3rd Grade Reading:
-*2012 - 88%, (9% below basic). State - 74% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/PSSA/2012/ |title=How is your school doing? |author=Pittsburgh Post Gazette |date=October 15, 2012}}</ref>
-*2011 - 92%, (4% below basic). State - 77%<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Hance Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011</ref>
-*2010 - 89%, (4% below basic). State - 75%<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Hance Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010</ref>
-{{col-2-of-2}}
-;3rd Grade Math:
-*2012 - 94%, 65% advanced (2% below basic). State - 80%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC12S103021003000007998.PDF |title=Hance Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref>
-*2011 - 96%, 65% advanced (0% below basic). State - 83%
-*2010 - 95%, 68% advanced (0% below basic). State - 84%
-{{col-end}}
 ===Richland Elementary School===
 Richland Elementary School is located at 3811 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 446 pupils in grades kindergarten though 3rd grade, with 8% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Twelve percent of pupils receive special education services and 2.6% were identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides half day kindergarten.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Richland Elementary School Fast Facts, 2013</ref>
+Richland Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school.
-Richland Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school. In 2011, enrollment was 503 pupils with 36 pupils receiving a federal free lunch. The school employed 29 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 17:1.<ref>National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core Data – Richland Elementary School, 2011</ref> According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Richland Elementary School, September 21, 2012</ref>
-;2013 School Performance Profile:
-Richland Elementary School achieved a score of 90.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 86% of the students were reading on grade level in 3rd grade. In math, 93% were on grade level in 3rd grade, with 65% demonstrating advanced math skills.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paschoolperformance.org/ |title=Richland Elementary School Academic Performance Data 2013 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=October 4, 2013}}</ref>
-;AYP History
-Each school year 2009 through 2012, Richland Elementary School achieved AYP status.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Richland Elementary School AYP Overview 2012, September 21, 2012</ref>
-;PSSA history
-{{col-begin}}
-{{col-1-of-2}}
-;3rd Grade Reading:
-*2012 - 96%, (1% below basic). State - 74%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/PSSA/2012/ |title=How is your school doing? |author=Pittsburgh Post Gazette |date=October 15, 2012}}</ref>
-*2011 - 90%, (3% below basic). State - 77%<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Richland Elementary School Academic Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011</ref>
-*2010 - 95%, (2% below basic). State - 75%<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Richland Elementary School Academic Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010</ref>
-{{col-2-of-2}}
-;3rd Grade Math:
-*2012 - 99%, 72% advanced (0% below basic). State - 80%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC12S103021003000007997.PDF |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Richland Elementary School AYP Overview 2012, |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref>
-*2011 - 98%, 70% advanced (0% below basic). State - 83%
-*2010 - 97%, 72% advanced (0% below basic). State - 84%
-{{col-end}}
 ===Wexford Elementary School===
 Wexford Elementary School is located at 250 Brown Road, Wexford. In 2013, Wexford Elementary School's enrollment was 407 pupils with 3% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school provides half day kindergarten.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Wexford Elementary School Fast Facts, 2013</ref> In 2013, 2% of pupils were identified as gifted.
 Wexford Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school. In 2011, the school's enrollment was 415 pupils with 14 children receiving a federal free lunch. The school employed 26 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.<ref>National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core Data – Wexford Elementary School, 2011</ref> According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Wexford Elementary School, September 21, 2012</ref>
+==Academic Achievement==
-;2013 School Performance Profile:
+For the most up-to-date academic overview of test scores, trends, areas of strength and in need of growth, visit: [http://www.pinerichland.org/academicreport http://www.pinerichland.org/academicreport.]   The Pine-Richland School District has created the Academic Achievement Report. This document is intended to assist in the district mission of “providing a strong academic foundation which challenges students to realize their fullest potential and encourages them to become engaged, thoughtful citizens.”
-Wexford Elementary School achieved a score of 96 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 93% of the students were reading on grade level in 3rd grade, with 47% advanced. In math, 96.7% were on grade level in 3rd grade, with 78% advanced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paschoolperformance.org/Profile/4275 |title=Wexford Elementary School Academic Performance Data 2013 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=October 4, 2013}}</ref>
+The teaching and learning processes of the district serve as the core method for achieving this mission. From an educational perspective, we focus on the three big topics of curriculum, instruction, and assessment as the important elements of a successful educational program. The bottom line for our performance as an organization relates to the evidence of academic achievement and student learning.
-;Adequate Yearly Progress History
-Each year 2009 through 2012, Wexford Elementary School achieved AYP status.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c2/103021003/7996 |title=Wexford Elementary School AYP Overview 2012, |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref>
+The Academic Achievement Report contains information about student performance on a series of standardized tests during each school year. When possible, five years of data is included in the report and analyzed for levels of achievement, trends, and growth. Comparison information is also provided for each assessment.
-;PSSA History
-;3rd Grade Reading:
-*2012 - 92%, 59% advanced (5% below basic). State - 74% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/PSSA/2012/ |title=How is your school doing? |author=Pittsburgh Post Gazette |date=October 15, 2012}}</ref>
-*2011 - 96%, 40% advanced (2% below basic). State - 77%<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Wexford Elementary School AYP Overview 2012, September 29, 2011</ref>
-*2010 - 83%, 39% advanced (8% below basic). State - 75%
+To the greatest extent possible, this summative data is provided in a visual manner to illustrate levels, trends, and comparisons of performance. Disaggregated results help provide further insight into student achievement levels (e.g., gender and special education).  The report looks at:
-;3rd Grade Math:
+* Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
-*2012 - 97%, 85% advanced. State - 80%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC12S103021003000007996.PDF |title=Wexford Elementary School Academic Report card 2012, |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref>
+* Keystone Exams
-*2011 - 100%, 79% advanced. State - 83%
+* School Performance Profile<br>
-*2010 - 96%, 59% advanced (0% below basic). State - 84%
+* Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS)
+* Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
+* American College Test (ACT)
+* Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
 ==Special education==
@@ Line 232: / Line 172: @@
 ==Budget==
-Pennsylvania public school districts budget and expend funds according to procedures mandated by the General Assembly and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). An annual operating budget is prepared by school district administrative officials. A uniform form is furnished by the PDE and submitted to the board of school directors for approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year on July 1.
+Pennsylvania public school districts budget and expend funds according to procedures mandated by the General Assembly and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). An annual operating budget is prepared by school district administrative officials. A uniform form is furnished by the PDE and submitted to the board of school directors for approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year on July 1. Visit http://www.pinerichland.org/budget for updated budget information.
 Under Pennsylvania’s Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, all public school districts of the first class A, second class, third class and fourth class must adopt a preliminary budget proposal. The proposal must include estimated revenues and expenditures and the proposed tax rates. This proposed budget must be considered by the Board no later than 90 days prior to the date of the election immediately preceding the fiscal year. The preliminary budget proposal must also be printed and made available for public inspection at least 20 days prior to its adoption. The board of school directors may hold a public hearing on the budget, but are not required to do so. The board must give at least 10 days’ public notice of its intent to adopt the final budget according to Act 1 of 2006.<ref>Pennsylvania General Assembly, Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, June 27, 2006</ref>
@@ Line 290: / Line 230: @@
 ===Real estate taxes===
-Property tax rates in 2013-14 were set by the Pine-Richland School Board at 19.2083 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672 |title=Real Estate Tax Rates by School District 2012-13 Real Estate Mills |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2012}}</ref> Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The [[property tax]] is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and all government property (local, state and federal). Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/summaries_of_annual_financial_report_data/7673/afr_excel_data_files/509047 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Act 511 Tax Report |year=2004}}</ref> When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.steb.state.pa.us/aboutusmain.asp |title=State Tax Equalization Board About US |author=State Tax Equalization Board |year=2011}}</ref> In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/reports/performance/special/spesteb021011.pdf |title=A Special Performance Audit of the Pennsylvania State Tax Equalization Boards |author=Pennsylvania Auditor General office - Bureau of Audits |date=February 2011}}</ref>
+Property tax rates in 2014-15 were set by the Pine-Richland School Board at 19.2083 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672 |title=Real Estate Tax Rates by School District 2012-13 Real Estate Mills |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2012}}</ref> Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The [[property tax]] is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and all government property (local, state and federal). Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/summaries_of_annual_financial_report_data/7673/afr_excel_data_files/509047 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Act 511 Tax Report |year=2004}}</ref> When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.steb.state.pa.us/aboutusmain.asp |title=State Tax Equalization Board About US |author=State Tax Equalization Board |year=2011}}</ref> In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/reports/performance/special/spesteb021011.pdf |title=A Special Performance Audit of the Pennsylvania State Tax Equalization Boards |author=Pennsylvania Auditor General office - Bureau of Audits |date=February 2011}}</ref>
+For a look back on the tax rates through the years, visit the tax archive at [http://www.pinerichland.org/Page/2128 http://www.pinerichland.org/Page/2128.]
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-*2012-13 - 22.8150 mills <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Finances_Real Estate Tax Rates 2012-13, 2012</ref>
-*2011-12 - 21.9084 mills.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672 |title=Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2011}}</ref>
-*2010-11 - 21.9084 mills <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672 |title=Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2010}}</ref>
-*2009-10 - 20.2000 mills.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Financial Elements Reports, 2010</ref>
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-*2008-09 - 20.2000 mills.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Financial Elements Reports 2008-09 Real Estate Mills, 2009</ref>
-*2007-08 - 20.2000 mills.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2008</ref>
-*2006-07 - 20.2000 mills.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2006</ref>
-*2005-06 - 20.2000 mills.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2005</ref>
-{{col-end}}
-The average yearly property tax paid by Schuylkill County residents amounts to about 4.09% of their yearly income. Schuylkill County ranked 209th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.<ref>Tax-rates.org., The 2013 Tax Resource County Property Taxes 2012, 2012</ref> According to a report prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the total real estate taxes collected by all school districts in Pennsylvania rose from $6,474,133,936 in 1999-00 to $10,438,463,356 in 2008-09 and to $11,153,412,490 in 2011.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania School Finances - Summaries of Annual Financial Report Data 2010-11, 2011</ref> 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%).<ref>New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners, Tax Foundation, September 22, 2009.</ref>
 ====Act 1 Adjusted Index====
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 The School District Adjusted Index history for the Pine-Richland School District:
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-*2006-07 - 3.9%, Base 3.9%<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_relief/7452/act_1_index/510332 |title=Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006-2007 through 2011-2012 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=May 2011}}</ref>
-*2007-08 - 3.4%, Base 3.4%
-*2008-09 - 6.2%, Base 4.4%
-*2009-10 - 5.1%, Base 4.1%
-*2010-11 - 4.9%, Base 2.9%
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-*2011-12 - 3.4%, Base 1.4%
-*2012-13 - 1.7%, Base 1.7% <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2012-2013 School District Adjusted Index, September 2011</ref>
-*2013-14 - 2.0%, Base 1.7% <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2013-2014 School District Adjusted Index, September 2012</ref>
-*2014-15 - 2.5%, Base 2.1% <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2014-2015 School District Adjusted Index, September 2013</ref>
-{{col-end}}
-For the 2013-14 budget year, Pine-Richland School Board applied for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit due to rapidly escalating teacher pension costs. For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2013-2014, April 2013</ref>
-For the 2012-13 budget year, Pine-Richland School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: teacher pension costs and special education costs. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2012-2013, March 30, 2012</ref>
-For the 2011-12 school year, the Pine-Richland School Board applied for several exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: School Construction Academic Project, Maintenance of Local Tax Revenue, special education costs and teacher pension costs. Each year, the 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.
-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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/referendum_exceptions/7456/report_on_referendum_exceptions/510336 |title=Report on Exceptions |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=April 2011}}</ref>
-The Pine-Richland School Board applied for multiple exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2010-11, including: Maintenance of Local Tax, teacher pension costs, and special education costs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/referendum_exceptions/7456/report_on_referendum_exceptions/510336 |title=Report on Referendum Exceptions for 2010-2011 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=May 2010}}</ref>
-For the 2009-10 school budget, the Pine-Richland School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Index.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/referendum_exceptions/7456/report_on_referendum_exceptions/510336 |title=Report on Referendum Exceptions for 2009-2010 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=May 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dailyitem.com/0100_news/x1174308659/Local-school-tax-assessments-exceed-state-averages |author=Scarcella, Frank and Pursell, Tricia |title=Local school tax assessments exceed state averages |publisher=The Daily Item |date=May 25, 2010}}</ref>
 ====Property tax relief====
-In 2012, Pine-Richland School District approved 6,498 homestead properties received $192.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_relief/7452/property_tax_reduction_allocations/510335 |author=Pennsylvania Department of  Education |title=2012-2013 Estimated State Property Tax Relief per Homestead |date=May 1, 2012}}</ref> 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 {{convert|10|acre|m2|adj=pre|contiguous}} and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The amount of property tax relief each Pennsylvania public school district receives is announced by the PDE in May of each year. The amount of tax relief is dependent on the total tax revenue collected on the casino slots in the previous year. Thirty five percent of the slots tax revenues are used for property tax relief. In  County, the highest tax relief went to [[School District]] which was set at $.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of  Education, Tax Relief per Homestead, May 1, 2009.</ref> The highest property tax relief provided, among Pennsylvania school districts, goes to the homesteads of [[Chester Upland School District]] in [[Delaware County, Pennsylvania|Delaware County]] which received $632 per approved homestead in 2010. Chester-Upland School District has consistently been the top recipient since the programs inception.<ref>Tax Relief per Homestead 2009, Pennsylvania Department of Education Report, May 1, 2009</ref> The tax relief was started by Governor Rendell with passage of the gaming law. Rendell promised taxpayers substantial property tax relief from legalized gambling.
+Pine-Richland School District approved  that homestead properties received $192.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_relief/7452/property_tax_reduction_allocations/510335 |author=Pennsylvania Department of  Education |title=2012-2013 Estimated State Property Tax Relief per Homestead |date=May 1, 2012}}</ref> 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 {{convert|10|acre|m2|adj=pre|contiguous}} and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The amount of property tax relief each Pennsylvania public school district receives is announced by the PDE in May of each year. The amount of tax relief is dependent on the total tax revenue collected on the casino slots in the previous year. Thirty five percent of the slots tax revenues are used for property tax relief. In  County, the highest tax relief went to [[School District]] which was set at $.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of  Education, Tax Relief per Homestead, May 1, 2009.</ref> The highest property tax relief provided, among Pennsylvania school districts, goes to the homesteads of [[Chester Upland School District]] in [[Delaware County, Pennsylvania|Delaware County]] which received $632 per approved homestead in 2010. Chester-Upland School District has consistently been the top recipient since the programs inception.<ref>Tax Relief per Homestead 2009, Pennsylvania Department of Education Report, May 1, 2009</ref> The tax relief was started by Governor Rendell with passage of the gaming law. Rendell promised taxpayers substantial property tax relief from legalized gambling.
 In Allegheny County, 60.82% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. This was among the mid level participation rates in Pennsylvania.<ref>Pennsylvania Auditor General Office, Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief, February 23, 2010</ref>