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Armstrong School District (Pennsylvania)
Encyclopedia
The Armstrong School District is a large, public school district
which encompasses approximately 437 square miles. In Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
the district covers the Boroughs of Applewold
, Atwood
, Dayton
, Elderton
, Ford City
, Ford Cliff
, Kittanning
, Manorville
, Rural Valley
, West Kittanning
and Worthington
and the Townships of Bethel Township
, Boggs Township
, Burrell Township
, Cadogan Township, Cowanshannock Township, East Franklin Township, Kittanning Township, Manor Township
, North Buffalo Township, Pine Township
, Plumcreek Township, Rayburn Township, South Bend Township, Valley Township
, Washington Township
, Wayne Township
and West Franklin Township. In Indiana County, Pennsylvania
the district includes the Borough of Smicksburg
and West Mahoning Township
. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 44,970. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $15,449, while the median family income was $36,907. According to District officials, in school year 2005–06, the Armstrong School District provided basic educational services to 6,145 pupils through the employment of 490 teachers, 173 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 33 administrators. Armstrong School District received more than $38 million in state funding in school year 2005–06.
The district operates three Junior/Senior High Schools, one Senior High School, one Junior High School, and seven Elementary Schools. The district was established 1966 when Pennsylvania consolidated several smaller school districts.
The mission statement of the Armstrong School District is 'The Armstrong School District, in partnership with our families and communities, will graduate educationally prepared, productive, morally responsible individuals'.
The district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education
and the Pennsylvania General Assembly
. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
and the No Child Left Behind Act
which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring essential reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the Armstrong School Board and school district administration a "C-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
Current as of January 18, 2010. Current information can be found on the school district website: Armstrong School District Website
181 Heritage Park Dr.
Kittaning, PA 16201
Principal:Dr. Shauna Zukowski
175 Heritaage Park Dr.
Kittanning, PA 16201
Principal: Ms.Sue Kreidler
598 Silvis Hollow Rd.
Kittanning, PA 16201
Principal: Mr. Rox Serrao
2300 Center Ave.
Ford City, PA 16226
Principal:Mr. Tom Dinga
Assistant Principal:Miss Paula Kijowski
175 E. Grant Ave.
Dayton, PA 16222
Principal: Mr. Eric Ritzert
Principal: Mrs.Paula Berry
239 S. Lytle Av
Elderton, PA 15736
Principal: Mr. Rox Serrao
210 Cowanshannock Ave.
Rural Valley, PA 16249
Principal:Mr. Russell Carson
Grades Served: 7th – 8th
210 N. McKean Street Kittanning, PA 16201-1344
Future Principal: Jennifer Reiter
Acting Principal: Charles Shoop
s for math, reading, writing and science. In 2008, the school district ranked 67th of 105 districts in the region.
In 2010, Armstrong School District was ranked 352nd out of the 498 ranked Pennsylvania School Districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated in 5 years of PSSA results in: reading, writing, mathematics and three years of science.
In 2007 Johns Hopkins University
reported that several of the district's high schools were listed among 47 Pennsylvania schools and 1700 nationwide high schools with high drop out rates.
issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Armstrong School District's rate was 83% for 2010.
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
In 2006, 51% of the graduates from Armstrong School District did not achieved proficient or better on the PSSA
's for Mathematics and Reading.
District Wide PSSA results
11th grade reading
11th grade math:
11th grade science
Graduation rate:
2008 – 93%
11th grade reading:
11th grade math:
11th grade science:
2009 – 44%, State – 40%
2008 – 25%, State – 39%
s in: reading, math writing and one year of science. (Includes schools in: Allegheny County
, Beaver County
, Butler County
, Fayette County
, Westmoreland County
, and Washington County
8th grade reading
8th grade math:
8th grade science:
7th grade reading
7th grade math:
11th grade reading
11th grade math:
11th grade science:
2010 – 42% on grade level. State – 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 – 47%, State – 40%
2008 – 37%, State – 39%
s in: reading, math writing and one year of science. (Includes schools in: Allegheny County
, Beaver County
, Butler County
, Fayette County
, Westmoreland County
, and Washington County
8th grade reading
8th grade math:
8th grade science:
7th grade reading
7th grade math:
11th grade reading
11th grade math:
2009 – 71%, State – 56%
2008 – 48%, State – 56%
2007 – 53%, State – 53%
11th grade science:
s in: reading, math writing and one year of science. (Includes schools in: Allegheny County
, Beaver County
, Butler County
, Fayette County
, Westmoreland County
, and Washington County
2009 – 97%
2008 – 92%
11th grade math:
2009 – 37% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 56% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 60%, State – 56%
2007 – 62%, State – 53%
11th grade science:
2009 – 28% on grade level. State: 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2008 – 35%, State 39%
s in: reading, math writing and one year of science. (Includes schools in: Allegheny County
, Beaver County
, Butler County
, Fayette County
, Westmoreland County
, and Washington County
. See: Education in Pennsylvania
.
program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.
For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $12,125 for the program.
A total of 20 dual enrollment course options are currently available in the district throughout the school year in areas such as Music, Art, Psychology, Anthropology, Algebra, Calculus, Microeconomics, Spanish, French, History, and Political Science. ASD partners with Indiana University of PA (IUP), Butler County Community College (BC3) and California University of PA (Cal U) to offer these courses. The course costs are deeply discounted up to 75% off.
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
services.
In compliance with state and federal laws, the school district engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Special Education administration. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Special Education Office.
For the 2010–11 school year, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Armstrong School District received a $4,081,602 supplement for special education services in 2010.
For the 2011–12 school year, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010. 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.
The district's administrative costs per pupil was $846.91 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2011, the district reported having over $6.18 million in reserves. Some of that was used to balance the 2011–12 school year budget. The district business manager estimates having an $5.1 million fund balance in June 2012.
In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district and school board. Multiple findings were reported to the school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the income level.
In 2010, the district reported that 2,403 pupils received a free or reduced lunch due to their family meeting the federal poverty level.
For the 2010–11 budget year the Armstrong School District received a 2% increase in state basic education funding for a total of $29,290,465. Freeport Area School District
received the highest increase in Armstrong County at 5.43%. One hundred fifty school districts in Pennsylvania received the 2% base increase for budget year 2010–11. The highest increase in the state was awarded to Kennett Consolidated School District
of Chester County
which was given a 23.65% increase in state basic education funding.
In the 2009–2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided the Armstrong School District a 2.20% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $28,716,028. This was the lowest percentage point increase, in Basic Education Funding, for the school districts in Armstrong County. Two county school districts received increases of over 5% in Basic Education Funding. Sixteen school districts in Pennsylvania received an increase of over 10% in 2009. The Muhlenberg School District
of Berks County received an increase of 22.31% in 2009–10. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008–09 was $28,096,880.49. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the budget proposal made in February each year.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2366 students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.
– Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. The funding is for 2009–10 and 2010–11 school years.
federal grant. When approved for the grant, the district will receive millions of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. 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.
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.
The School District Adjusted Index for the Armstrong School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.
For the 2011–12 school year, the Armstrong School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the Armstrong School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
.
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.
Armstrong School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009–10 or in 2010–11. 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.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
School district
School districts are a form of special-purpose district which serves to operate the local public primary and secondary schools.-United States:...
which encompasses approximately 437 square miles. In Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
Armstrong County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 68,941. It is located northeast of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Armstrong County was added to the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area in 2003.The county seat is Kittanning...
the district covers the Boroughs of Applewold
Applewold, Pennsylvania
Applewold is a borough in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 356 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Applewold is located at ....
, Atwood
Atwood, Pennsylvania
Atwood is a borough in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 112 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Atwood is located at ....
, Dayton
Dayton, Pennsylvania
Dayton is a borough in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 543 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Dayton is located at ....
, Elderton
Elderton, Pennsylvania
Elderton is a borough in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 358 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Elderton is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of , all of it land....
, Ford City
Ford City, Pennsylvania
Ford City is a borough in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States, northeast of Pittsburgh along the east bank of the Allegheny River and 4 miles south of Kittanning, the county seat....
, Ford Cliff
Ford Cliff, Pennsylvania
Ford Cliff is a borough in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 412 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Ford Cliff is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of , all of it land....
, Kittanning
Kittanning, Pennsylvania
Kittanning is a borough and the county seat of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania in the United States. It is situated northeast of Pittsburgh, along the east bank of the Allegheny River. The name means "at the great stream" in the Delaware language...
, Manorville
Manorville, Pennsylvania
Manorville is a borough in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 401 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Manorville is located at ....
, Rural Valley
Rural Valley, Pennsylvania
Rural Valley is a borough in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 922 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Rural Valley is located at ....
, West Kittanning
West Kittanning, Pennsylvania
West Kittanning is a borough in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,199 at the 2000 census.- Geography :West Kittanning is located at ....
and Worthington
Worthington, Pennsylvania
Worthington is a borough in Armstrong County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The population was 778 at the 2000 census.-History:Worthington was laid out on a tract of land called Mt...
and the Townships of Bethel Township
Bethel Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
Bethel Township is a township in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,290 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of...
, Boggs Township
Boggs Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
Boggs Township is a township in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 979 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000,...
, Burrell Township
Burrell Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
Burrell Township is a township in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 749 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of...
, Cadogan Township, Cowanshannock Township, East Franklin Township, Kittanning Township, Manor Township
Manor Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
Manor Township is a township in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,231 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 17.2 square miles , of which, 16.6 square miles of it is land and...
, North Buffalo Township, Pine Township
Pine Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
Pine Township is a township in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 499 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 5.2 square miles , of which, 4.9 square miles of it is land and...
, Plumcreek Township, Rayburn Township, South Bend Township, Valley Township
Valley Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
Valley Township is a township in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 681 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 14.7 square miles , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there...
, Washington Township
Washington Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
Washington Township is a township in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,029 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 23.0 square miles , of which, 22.0 square miles of it is land and...
, Wayne Township
Wayne Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
Wayne Township is a township in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,117 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 44.9 square miles , of which, 44.7 square miles of it is land and...
and West Franklin Township. In Indiana County, Pennsylvania
Indiana County, Pennsylvania
-Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 58,077 registered voters in Indiana County .* Democratic: 26,653 * Republican: 24,159 * Other Parties: 7,265 -County commissioners:*Rodney Ruddock, Chairman, Republican...
the district includes the Borough of Smicksburg
Smicksburg, Pennsylvania
Smicksburg is a borough in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 49 at the 2000 census, and is one of the smallest incorporated boroughs in Pennsylvania. It was founded by Reverend J. George Schmick...
and West Mahoning Township
West Mahoning Township, Pennsylvania
West Mahoning Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,128 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 44,970. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $15,449, while the median family income was $36,907. According to District officials, in school year 2005–06, the Armstrong School District provided basic educational services to 6,145 pupils through the employment of 490 teachers, 173 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 33 administrators. Armstrong School District received more than $38 million in state funding in school year 2005–06.
The district operates three Junior/Senior High Schools, one Senior High School, one Junior High School, and seven Elementary Schools. The district was established 1966 when Pennsylvania consolidated several smaller school districts.
The mission statement of the Armstrong School District is 'The Armstrong School District, in partnership with our families and communities, will graduate educationally prepared, productive, morally responsible individuals'.
The district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
and the Pennsylvania General Assembly
Pennsylvania General Assembly
The Pennsylvania General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The legislature convenes in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. In colonial times , the legislature was known as the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. Since the Constitution of 1776, written by...
. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act , is a United States federal statute enacted April 11, 1965. It was passed as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" and has been the most far-reaching federal legislation affecting education ever passed by Congress...
and the No Child Left Behind Act
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is a United States Act of Congress concerning the education of children in public schools.NCLB was originally proposed by the administration of George W. Bush immediately after he took office...
which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring essential reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the Armstrong School Board and school district administration a "C-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
Board of education
The Armstrong School District's Board of Education consists of the following people.- Stan Berdell – President
- Dr. Paul J. Lobby – Vice President
- Christopher E. Choncek
- Amy Lhote
- Michael J. Markilinski
- John L. Monroe, Jr
- James T. Rearic
- D. Royce Smeltzer
- Sara J. Yassem
- Lee V. Price – Solicitor
- Linda J. Shirley – Board Secretary
- Eric A. Brandenburg – Board Treasurer
Current as of January 18, 2010. Current information can be found on the school district website: Armstrong School District Website
Elementary schools
- West Hills Primary School
181 Heritage Park Dr.
Kittaning, PA 16201
Principal:Dr. Shauna Zukowski
- West Hills Intermediate School
175 Heritaage Park Dr.
Kittanning, PA 16201
Principal: Ms.Sue Kreidler
- Kittanning Township Elementary
598 Silvis Hollow Rd.
Kittanning, PA 16201
Principal: Mr. Rox Serrao
- Lenape Elementary School
2300 Center Ave.
Ford City, PA 16226
Principal:Mr. Tom Dinga
Assistant Principal:Miss Paula Kijowski
- Dayton Elementary School
175 E. Grant Ave.
Dayton, PA 16222
Principal: Mr. Eric Ritzert
Principal: Mrs.Paula Berry
- Elderton Elementary School
239 S. Lytle Av
Elderton, PA 15736
Principal: Mr. Rox Serrao
- Shannock Valley Elementary School
210 Cowanshannock Ave.
Rural Valley, PA 16249
Principal:Mr. Russell Carson
Junior high schools
- Kittanning Junior High SchoolKittanning Junior High SchoolKittanning Junior High School is a middle school in Kittanning, Pennsylvania within the Armstrong School District. The school serves students in grades 7 and 8 in the Kittanning Attendance Area.-History:...
Grades Served: 7th – 8th
210 N. McKean Street Kittanning, PA 16201-1344
Future Principal: Jennifer Reiter
Acting Principal: Charles Shoop
Senior high schools
| School name | Grades served |
|---|---|
| Elderton Jr,/Sr. High School Elderton High School Elderton High School is a public high school in Elderton in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It is part of the Armstrong School District. The school officially closed after the 2008–09 school year; it reopened for 2010–11.-Academic achievement:... |
7th – 12th |
| Ford City Jr./Sr. High School Ford City High School Ford City High School is a public high school located in Ford City, Pennsylvania. The school serves grades 7 through 12 as part of the Armstrong School District .-Academic achievement:... |
7th – 12th |
| Kittanning Sr. High School Kittanning High School Kittanning Senior High School is a public high school located in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. The school serves grades 9 through 12 as part of the Armstrong School District .Graduation Rate:2009 - 87%2008 - 89%-Academic achievement:... |
9th – 12th |
| West Shamokin Jr./Sr. High School West Shamokin High School West Shamokin High School is a public high school located in Rural Valley, Pennsylvania, USA. It is part of the Armstrong School District.-History:... |
7th – 12th |
Closed schools
- East Franklin Elementary School
- North Buffalo Elementary School
- Shannock Valley Jr/Sr High School
- Worthington High School (Closed 1980's)
- East Brady Jr/Sr High School (Closed, early 1990s, partially consolidated with Kittanning High School, other students sent to Karns City Jr/Sr High School in the Karns City School District)
Academic achievements
Armstrong School District was ranked 72nd out of 105 western Pennsylvania school districts in 2010 and 2009 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on three years of student academic performance on the PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s for math, reading, writing and science. In 2008, the school district ranked 67th of 105 districts in the region.
In 2010, Armstrong School District was ranked 352nd out of the 498 ranked Pennsylvania School Districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated in 5 years of PSSA results in: reading, writing, mathematics and three years of science.
- 2010 – 328th
- 2009 – 319th
- 2008 – 283rd
- 2007 – 283rd of 501 school districts
In 2007 Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
The Johns Hopkins University, commonly referred to as Johns Hopkins, JHU, or simply Hopkins, is a private research university based in Baltimore, Maryland, United States...
reported that several of the district's high schools were listed among 47 Pennsylvania schools and 1700 nationwide high schools with high drop out rates.
District-wide graduation rate
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of EducationPennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Armstrong School District's rate was 83% for 2010.
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
- 2010 – 91%
- 2009 – 92%
- 2008 – 91%
- 2007 – 91%
In 2006, 51% of the graduates from Armstrong School District did not achieved proficient or better on the PSSA
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
's for Mathematics and Reading.
District Wide PSSA results
11th grade reading
- 2010 – 65% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 74%, State – 65%
- 2008 – 64%, State – 65%
11th grade math:
- 2010 – 53% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 61%, State – 565%
- 2008 – 49%, State – 56%
11th grade science
- 2010 – 35%, State – 39%
- 2009 – 48%, State – 39%
Ford City Junior Senior High School
In 2010 the school was in Warning status for academic achievement. In 2009 the school achieved AYP.Graduation rate:
- 2010 – 88%
- 2009 – 91%
2008 – 93%
11th grade reading:
- 2010 – 70%, State – 66%
- 2009 – 74%, State – 65%
- 2008 – 67%, State – 65%
- 2007 – 74%, State – 65%
11th grade math:
- 2010 – 64% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 63% , State – 56%
- 2008 – 52%, State – 56%
- 2007 – 61%, State – 53%
11th grade science:
- 2010 – 43% on grade level. State – 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 – 44%, State – 40%
2008 – 25%, State – 39%
Eighth grade
In 2009, the 8th grade was ranked 93rd out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s in: reading, math writing and one year of science. (Includes schools in: Allegheny County
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Allegheny County is a county in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,223,348; making it the second most populous county in Pennsylvania, following Philadelphia County. The county seat is Pittsburgh...
, Beaver County
Beaver County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 181,412 people, 72,576 households, and 50,512 families residing in the county. The population density was 418 people per square mile . There were 77,765 housing units at an average density of 179 per square mile...
, Butler County
Butler County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 174,083 people, 65,862 households, and 46,827 families residing in the county. The population density was 221 people per square mile . There were 69,868 housing units at an average density of 89 per square mile...
, Fayette County
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the2010 census, the population was 136,606. The county is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area....
, Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
, and Washington County
Washington County, Pennsylvania
-Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 152,534 registered voters in Washington County .* Democratic: 89,027 * Republican: 49,025 * Other Parties: 14,482...
8th grade reading
- 2010 – 76% on grade level (9% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 81% (6% below basic), State – 80%
8th grade math:
- 2010 – 69% on grade level (12% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 83% (5% below basic), State – 71%
8th grade science:
- 2010 – 54% on grade level (25% below basic). State – 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 57% (19% below basic), State – 55%
7th grade reading
- 2010 – 70% on grade level (14% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 66% (16% below basic), State – 71%
7th grade math:
- 2010 – 74% on grade level (13% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 74% (12% below basic), State – 75%
Kittanning Senior High School
Graduation Rate:- 2010 – 88%
- 2009 – 87%
- 2008 – 89%
11th grade reading
- 2010 – 73% on grade level (16% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 69% (17% below basic), State – 65%
11th grade math:
- 2010 – 64% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 60%, State – 56%
- 2008 – 46%, State – 56%
- 2007 – 49%, State – 53%
11th grade science:
2010 – 42% on grade level. State – 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 – 47%, State – 40%
2008 – 37%, State – 39%
Kittanning Middle School
In 2009, the 8th grade was ranked 74th out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s in: reading, math writing and one year of science. (Includes schools in: Allegheny County
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Allegheny County is a county in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,223,348; making it the second most populous county in Pennsylvania, following Philadelphia County. The county seat is Pittsburgh...
, Beaver County
Beaver County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 181,412 people, 72,576 households, and 50,512 families residing in the county. The population density was 418 people per square mile . There were 77,765 housing units at an average density of 179 per square mile...
, Butler County
Butler County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 174,083 people, 65,862 households, and 46,827 families residing in the county. The population density was 221 people per square mile . There were 69,868 housing units at an average density of 89 per square mile...
, Fayette County
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the2010 census, the population was 136,606. The county is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area....
, Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
, and Washington County
Washington County, Pennsylvania
-Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 152,534 registered voters in Washington County .* Democratic: 89,027 * Republican: 49,025 * Other Parties: 14,482...
8th grade reading
- 2010 – 86% on grade level (6% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 79% (14% below basic), State – 80%
8th grade math:
- 2010 – 76% on grade level (12% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 63% (16% below basic), State – 71%
8th grade science:
- 2010 – 49% on grade level (27% below basic). State – 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 52% (21% below basic), State – 55%
7th grade reading
- 2010 – 75% on grade level (10% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 79% (11% below basic), State – 71%
7th grade math:
- 2010 – 89% on grade level (6% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 79% (11% below basic), State – 75%
West Shamokin Junior Senior High School
Graduation Rate:- 2010 – 95%
- 2009 – 100%
- 2008 – 92%
11th grade reading
- 2010 – 73% on grade level (14% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 83% (8% below basic), State – 65%
11th grade math:
- 2010 – 54% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2009 – 71%, State – 56%
2008 – 48%, State – 56%
2007 – 53%, State – 53%
11th grade science:
- 2010 – 38% on grade level. State – 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 64%, State – 40%
- 2008 – 27%, State – 39%
Eighth grade
In 2009, the 8th grade was ranked 75th out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s in: reading, math writing and one year of science. (Includes schools in: Allegheny County
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Allegheny County is a county in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,223,348; making it the second most populous county in Pennsylvania, following Philadelphia County. The county seat is Pittsburgh...
, Beaver County
Beaver County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 181,412 people, 72,576 households, and 50,512 families residing in the county. The population density was 418 people per square mile . There were 77,765 housing units at an average density of 179 per square mile...
, Butler County
Butler County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 174,083 people, 65,862 households, and 46,827 families residing in the county. The population density was 221 people per square mile . There were 69,868 housing units at an average density of 89 per square mile...
, Fayette County
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the2010 census, the population was 136,606. The county is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area....
, Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
, and Washington County
Washington County, Pennsylvania
-Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 152,534 registered voters in Washington County .* Democratic: 89,027 * Republican: 49,025 * Other Parties: 14,482...
Elderton Junior Senior High School
Graduation Rate:2009 – 97%
2008 – 92%
11th grade math:
2009 – 37% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 56% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2008 – 60%, State – 56%
2007 – 62%, State – 53%
11th grade science:
2009 – 28% on grade level. State: 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2008 – 35%, State 39%
Eighth grade
In 2009, the 8th grade was ranked 104th out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s in: reading, math writing and one year of science. (Includes schools in: Allegheny County
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Allegheny County is a county in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,223,348; making it the second most populous county in Pennsylvania, following Philadelphia County. The county seat is Pittsburgh...
, Beaver County
Beaver County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 181,412 people, 72,576 households, and 50,512 families residing in the county. The population density was 418 people per square mile . There were 77,765 housing units at an average density of 179 per square mile...
, Butler County
Butler County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 174,083 people, 65,862 households, and 46,827 families residing in the county. The population density was 221 people per square mile . There were 69,868 housing units at an average density of 89 per square mile...
, Fayette County
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the2010 census, the population was 136,606. The county is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area....
, Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
, and Washington County
Washington County, Pennsylvania
-Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 152,534 registered voters in Washington County .* Democratic: 89,027 * Republican: 49,025 * Other Parties: 14,482...
Cyber education
As of the 2008–2009 school year, the Armstrong School District is offering its Cyber Academy. It is available for students in grades 7 through 12. The school district's cyber school is an alternative to other statewide public cyber charter schools, such as the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter SchoolPennsylvania Cyber Charter School
The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, also known as PA Cyber, is a public virtual charter school based out of Midland, Pennsylvania. Enrollment is open to Pennsylvania students in grades PreK-12.-Origins:...
. See: Education in Pennsylvania
Education in Pennsylvania
There are numerous elementary, secondary, and higher institutions of learning in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is home to 501 public school districts, thousands of private schools, many publicly funded colleges and universities, and over 100 private institutions of higher education.In general, under...
.
Dual enrollment
The high school offers a Dual EnrollmentDual enrollment
In education, dual enrollment involved students being enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. It may also refer to any individual who is participating in two related programs, but such a general form of usage is uncommon....
program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.
For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $12,125 for the program.
A total of 20 dual enrollment course options are currently available in the district throughout the school year in areas such as Music, Art, Psychology, Anthropology, Algebra, Calculus, Microeconomics, Spanish, French, History, and Political Science. ASD partners with Indiana University of PA (IUP), Butler County Community College (BC3) and California University of PA (Cal U) to offer these courses. The course costs are deeply discounted up to 75% off.
College remediation
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 20% of Armstrong School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of EducationPennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 1009 pupils or 16.9% of the district's pupils received Special EducationSpecial education
Special education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students' individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials,...
services.
In compliance with state and federal laws, the school district engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Special Education administration. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Special Education Office.
For the 2010–11 school year, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Armstrong School District received a $4,081,602 supplement for special education services in 2010.
For the 2011–12 school year, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010. 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.
Budget
In 2007, the Armstrong School District employed 440 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $57,646 for 180 days worked. The average teacher salary in Pennsylvania was $54,977.The district's administrative costs per pupil was $846.91 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2011, the district reported having over $6.18 million in reserves. Some of that was used to balance the 2011–12 school year budget. The district business manager estimates having an $5.1 million fund balance in June 2012.
In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district and school board. Multiple findings were reported to the school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the income level.
State basic education funding
In 2011–12, the district will receive $28,096,880 in state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the district will receive $473,482 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011–2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to uquesne City School District which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.In 2010, the district reported that 2,403 pupils received a free or reduced lunch due to their family meeting the federal poverty level.
For the 2010–11 budget year the Armstrong School District received a 2% increase in state basic education funding for a total of $29,290,465. Freeport Area School District
Freeport Area School District
Freeport Area School District is home of the Yellow Jackets and Buffalo Elementary, South Buffalo, Junior High School, and Senior High School. Buffalo Elementary School and the Senior High, along with the Administration building, are in Sarver, Butler County, and the Freeport Junior High School...
received the highest increase in Armstrong County at 5.43%. One hundred fifty school districts in Pennsylvania received the 2% base increase for budget year 2010–11. The highest increase in the state was awarded to Kennett Consolidated School District
Kennett Consolidated School District
The Kennett Consolidated School District,or KCSD for short, is a public school district serving portions of Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is centered on the borough of Kennett Square and also incorporates Kennett Township, New Garden Township, and the southern portion of East Marlborough Twp....
of Chester County
Chester County, Pennsylvania
-State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were...
which was given a 23.65% increase in state basic education funding.
In the 2009–2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided the Armstrong School District a 2.20% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $28,716,028. This was the lowest percentage point increase, in Basic Education Funding, for the school districts in Armstrong County. Two county school districts received increases of over 5% in Basic Education Funding. Sixteen school districts in Pennsylvania received an increase of over 10% in 2009. The Muhlenberg School District
Muhlenberg School District
The Muhlenberg Area School District is a public school district serving parts of Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. It encompasses the borough of Laureldale and the Muhlenberg Township. The district encompasses approximately 13 square miles. Per the 2000 federal census data it serves a resident...
of Berks County received an increase of 22.31% in 2009–10. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008–09 was $28,096,880.49. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the budget proposal made in February each year.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2366 students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.
Accountability Block Grant
The state provides additional education funding to schools in the form of Accountability Block Grants. The use of these funds is strictly focused on specific state approved uses designed to improve student academic achievement. Armstrong School District uses its $1,285,148 to fund reduce class size K-3rd, to pay teachers to attend training to improve their instruction and to fund full day kindergarten. These annual funds are in addition to the state's basic education funding. Schools Districts apply each year for Accountability Block Grants. In 2009–10, the state provided $271.4 million dollars in Accountability Block grants $199.5 million went to providing all day kindergartens.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, Mathematics) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006–2009. Armstrong School District did not apply in 2006–07. In 2007–08 the district received $413,503 in funding. For the 2008–09, school year the district received a final $181,651 for a total funding of $595,154. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.Federal Stimulus Funding
The district received an extra $5,641,209 in ARRAArra
Arra is a census town in Puruliya district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Demographics: India census, Arra had a population of 19,911. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Arra has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the...
– Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. The funding is for 2009–10 and 2010–11 school years.
Race to the Top
School district officials applied for the Race to the TopRace to the Top
Race to the Top, abbreviated R2T, RTTT or RTT, is a $4.35 billion United States Department of Education competition designed to spur innovation and reforms in state and local district K-12 education...
federal grant. When approved for the grant, the district will receive millions of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
Common Cents state initiative
Armstrong School District School Board chose to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes. The report found multiple opportunities for savings.Real estate taxes
Property tax rates in 2011–2012 were set by the school board at: Armstrong County residents – 53.0000 mills and the residents in Indiana County was 116.8300 mills. School districts located in more than one county are required to apportion the tax levy based on the market value in each county as determined by the State Tax Equalization Board pursuant to section 672.1 of the School Code. As a result, the tax rate increases are not the same for each county in a multi-county school district. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate – land and buildings. The property taxProperty tax
A property tax is an ad valorem levy on the value of property that the owner is required to pay. The tax is levied by the governing authority of the jurisdiction in which the property is located; it may be paid to a national government, a federated state or a municipality...
is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. 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.
- 2010–11 – 55.000 mills Armstrong County, 111.2500 mills Indiana County
- 2009–10 – 55.000 mills Armstrong County, 117.7400 mills Indiana County
- 2008–09 – 55.0000 mills Armstrong County, 118.8300 mills Indiana County
- 2007–08 – 55.0000 mills Armstrong County, 121.5200 mills Indiana County
Act 1 Adjusted index
The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2010–2011 school year is 2.9 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor StatisticsBureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a unit of the United States Department of Labor. It is the principal fact-finding agency for the U.S. government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. The BLS is a governmental statistical agency that collects, processes, analyzes, and...
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.
The School District Adjusted Index for the Armstrong School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.
- 2006–07 – 5.6%, Base 3.9%
- 2007–08 – 4.9%, Base 3.4%
- 2008–09 – 6.2%, Base 4.4%
- 2009–10 – 5.8%, Base 4.1%
- 2010–11 – 4.1%, Base 2.9%
- 2011–12 – 2.0%, Base 1.4%
For the 2011–12 school year, the Armstrong School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the Armstrong School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
.
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.
Armstrong School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009–10 or in 2010–11. 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.
Property tax relief
In 2011, 2,758 approved residential property owners received a $319 Property Tax Relief reduction in their property taxes. In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Armstrong School District was $303 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 11,855 property owners applied for the tax relief. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Clarion County, 47% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. In Indiana County, 65% of residents applied for property tax relief.Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
Tax Foundation
The Tax Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank founded in 1937 that collects data and publishes research studies on tax policies at the federal and state levels. The organization is broken into three primary areas of research which are the Center for Federal Fiscal Policy, The and the...
, 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%).
Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Armstrong School Board determines eligibility policies to participate in these programs.By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.