Coudersport Area School District
Encyclopedia
The Coudersport Area School District is a small rural, public school district which covers the Borough of Coudersport
and the southern and western portions of Allegany Township, Eulalia Township, Hebron Township, Homer Township, Summit Township
and Sweden Township in Potter County, Pennsylvania
. Coudersport Area School District encompasses approximately 214 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 5,892. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $20,176 while, their median family income was $47,180. Per school district officials, in school year 2007-08 the Coudersport Area School District provided basic educational services to just
892 pupils through the employment of 69 teachers, 35 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 11 administrators.
The district operates two schools: Coudersport Jr/Sr High School (7th-12th) and Coudersport Elementary School (K-6th).
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 President George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind Act
which mandates that the district focus its federal funding resources on student reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "D" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
s for: reading, writing, math and three years of science.
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Coudersport Area School District, was in the 43rd percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education
study released in January 2009, 25% of the Coudersport Area Junior-Senior High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the [Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education] or community colleges. 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 Education
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Dual Enrollment - The high school does not offer the Pennsylvania Dual Enrollment
program which permits Pennsylvania students to earn deeply discounted college credits while still enrolled in high school. Over 400 school districts in Pennsylvania offer this state funded program.
By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.
By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the graduating classes 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Math:
services.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Coudersport Area School District received a $515,086 supplement for special education services in 2010.
All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. Coudersport ASD has posted the policy online. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
, there are 854 students enrolled in K-12. There were 72 students in the Class of 2009. The senior class of 2010 has 73 students. Enrollment in Coudersport Area School District is projected to continue to sharply decline for the foreseeable future.
The district administrative costs per pupil were $1,069 in 2008. The district ranks 48th of Pennsylvania's 500 school district for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In a Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study on school consolidation, 63% of the superintendents that responded expressed agreement that consolidation with another district could help them provide additional academic enrichment opportunities for their students. In 2009, Governor Edward Rendell proposed consolidating to 100 public school districts. Consolidation of the administrations with adjacent school districts would achieve substantial administrative cost savings for people in both communities. These excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improve lagging academic achievement, to enrich the academic programs or to substantially reduce property taxes. Consolidation of multiple central administrations into one would not necessitate the closing of any schools. Neighboring Port Allegany School District
has an enrollment of less than 950 with declining enrollment projected through 2015.
Over the next 10 years, rural Pennsylvania school enrollment is projected to decrease 8 percent. The most significant enrollment decline is projected to be in western Pennsylvania, where rural school districts may have a 16 percent decline. More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania are projected to experience significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).
Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity. In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the 49 respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools.
In 2007, the district employed over 70 teachers and the average teacher salary in the district was $51,723 for 180 instructional days worked. The beginning salary was $37,077 and the top salary was reported as $80,420 As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance
, life insurance, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, and other benefits. Teachers work a 7 hour thirty minute day that includes a 30 minute duty free lunch. Teachers receive daily prep time for grading and curriculum work. The union heads receive 2 paid days per year to conduct union business. According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
In 2007, the district employed 63 teachers and the average teacher salary in the district was $45,647 for 180 days worked.
In 2008 the district reported spending $13,538 per pupil which ranked 133rd in the state.
In February 2010, Superintendent Rick Toner resigned amidst contentious issues with the school board.
In September 2010, Coudersport Area School District was audited by the Pennsylvania Auditor General. Several findings were cited including issues about professional credentials. In a 2009 performance audit, several findings were noted.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, 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 income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the individual's wealth.
in Chester County
received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.6% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $4,135,656. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $4,030,845.47. In Potter County, the majority of school districts received a 2% increase in funding in 2009. Oswayo Valley School District
received the highest state education funding increase in Potter County at 3.01%. The Pennsylvania Department of Education
gave 15 school districts an increase of Basic Education Funding of over 10% in 2009 - 2010. Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in 2009. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, 321 district students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.
(NCLB). In 2010 the district received $121,085 for 94 pupils. Academic instruction in reading, math or science is provided before or after the normal school hours. Such instruction is designed to increase the academic achievement of students in Title I schools that have not met state targets for student progress for three or more years. Services may be offered to low- income students through public schools, districts, charter schools, higher education agencies, for-profit, non-profit or faith-based agencies that are state approved providers.
- Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.
federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands 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. 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.
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 Coudersport Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
2006-07 - 5.0%, Base 3.9%
2007-08 - 4.5%, Base 3.4%
2008-09 - 5.8%, Base 4.4%
2009-10 - 5.3%, Base 4.1%
2010-11 - 3.9%, Base 2.9%
2011-12 - 1.9%, Base 1.4%
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. For the 2010-11 school year budget the Coudersport School Board did not seek any Act 1 exceptions.
set at $324 per approved homestead for 409 recipients. The property tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office.
In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Coudersport Area School District was $217 per approved permanent primary residence. This was among the lowest amounts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the district, 1159 property owners applied for the tax relief. 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 acres (40,468.6 m²) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption.
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.
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.
References:
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
Coudersport is a borough in Potter County, Pennsylvania, east by south of Erie on the Allegheny River. The populations were these: 1,530 in 1890; 3,217 in 1900; and 3,100 in 1910. The population was 2,650 at the 2000 census...
and the southern and western portions of Allegany Township, Eulalia Township, Hebron Township, Homer Township, Summit Township
Summit Township, Potter County, Pennsylvania
Summit Township is a township in Potter County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 112 at the 2000 census. Two of the smallest Pennsylvania state parks, Prouty Place State Park and Patterson State Park are in Summit Township.-Geography:...
and Sweden Township in Potter County, Pennsylvania
Potter County, Pennsylvania
Potter County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It is in the Allegheny Plateau region. As of 2010, the population was 17,457. Its county seat is Coudersport. Potter County was named after James Potter, who was a general from Pennsylvania in the Continental Army during the...
. Coudersport Area School District encompasses approximately 214 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 5,892. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $20,176 while, their median family income was $47,180. Per school district officials, in school year 2007-08 the Coudersport Area School District provided basic educational services to just
892 pupils through the employment of 69 teachers, 35 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 11 administrators.
The district operates two schools: Coudersport Jr/Sr High School (7th-12th) and Coudersport Elementary School (K-6th).
Governance
The district is governed by a 9 member school board that is elected to serve four year terms, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, 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...
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 President George W. Bush's 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 that the district focus its federal funding resources on student reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "D" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
Academic Achievement
The district ranked 277th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts for student academic achievement by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2011. The ranking was based on five years of student 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: reading, writing, math and three years of science.
- 2010 - 301st
- 2009 - 318th
- 2008 - 291st
- 2007 - 295th of 501 school districts.
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Coudersport Area School District, was in the 43rd percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)
Graduation rate
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Coudersport Area High School's rate was 83% for 2010.According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
- 2010 - 89%
- 2009 - 95%
- 2008 - 95%
- 2007 - 95%
High School
PSSA Results11th Grade Reading
- 2010 - 68% on grade level. State - 67% on grade level (74 pupils)
- 2009 - 76%, State - 65%
- 2008 - 69%, State - 65%
- 2007 - 79%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 42% on grade level, State - 67% on grade level
- 2009 - 58%, State - 56%
- 2008 - 55%, State - 55%
- 2007 - 66%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science:
- 2010 - 45% on grade level. State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 48%, State - 40%
- 2008 - 45%, State - 39%
College remediation: According to a 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...
study released in January 2009, 25% of the Coudersport Area Junior-Senior High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the [Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education] or community colleges. 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 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...
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Dual Enrollment - The high school does not offer the Pennsylvania Dual Enrollment
Dual 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 which permits Pennsylvania students to earn deeply discounted college credits while still enrolled in high school. Over 400 school districts in Pennsylvania offer this state funded program.
Graduation Requirements
The Coudersport Area School Board has determined that in order to graduate students must earn 26.5 credits including: English 4 credits, Social Studies/Government 4 credits, Science 4 credits, Math 4 credits, Health 1 credit, Physical Education 2 credits, Independent Living 0.5 credit and Electives 7 credits.By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.
By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the graduating classes 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.
Eighth Grade
8th Grade Reading:- 2010 - 95% on grade level. State: 81% of 8th graders were on grade level. (61 pupils)
- 2009 - 82%, State: 80.9%
- 2008 - 78%, State - 78%
8th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 72% on grade level. State - 75% of 8th graders were on grade level
- 2009 - 54%, State - 71%
- 2008 - 54%, State -70%
8th Grade Science:
- 2010 - 73% on grade level. State: 55% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 53%, State: 57%
- 2008 - 55%, State - 50%
Seventh Grade
7th Grade Reading:- 2010 - 70% on grade level. State: 73% of 7th graders were on grade level. (54 pupils)
- 2009 - 76%, State - 71%
- 2008 - 60%, State - 70%
7th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 71% on grade level. State - 77% of 7th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 73%, State - 75%
- 2008 - 52%, State - 70%
Elementary School
The school achieved AYP in 2010 and 2009. The attendance rate was 95% for both years.- Coudersport Area Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S109531304000003868.PDF
- Coudersport Area Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 http://www.scribd.com/doc/35768117/Coudersport-Area-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 102 pupils or 11.9% 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 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Coudersport Area School District received a $515,086 supplement for special education services in 2010.
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that 52 or 5.92% of its students were gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. 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.Bullying policy
The school district administration reported there were no incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. Coudersport ASD has posted the policy online. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
Enrollment
According to 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...
, there are 854 students enrolled in K-12. There were 72 students in the Class of 2009. The senior class of 2010 has 73 students. Enrollment in Coudersport Area School District is projected to continue to sharply decline for the foreseeable future.
The district administrative costs per pupil were $1,069 in 2008. The district ranks 48th of Pennsylvania's 500 school district for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In a Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study on school consolidation, 63% of the superintendents that responded expressed agreement that consolidation with another district could help them provide additional academic enrichment opportunities for their students. In 2009, Governor Edward Rendell proposed consolidating to 100 public school districts. Consolidation of the administrations with adjacent school districts would achieve substantial administrative cost savings for people in both communities. These excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improve lagging academic achievement, to enrich the academic programs or to substantially reduce property taxes. Consolidation of multiple central administrations into one would not necessitate the closing of any schools. Neighboring Port Allegany School District
Port Allegany School District
Port Allegany School District is a Public school district located in McKean County, Pennsylvania, United States. Geographically the district is situated in the north-central-west part of the state. The district bridges two counties: McKean and Potter. The offices for the school system are in Port...
has an enrollment of less than 950 with declining enrollment projected through 2015.
Over the next 10 years, rural Pennsylvania school enrollment is projected to decrease 8 percent. The most significant enrollment decline is projected to be in western Pennsylvania, where rural school districts may have a 16 percent decline. More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania are projected to experience significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).
Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity. In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the 49 respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools.
Budget
Reserves - In 2009, the district reported $1,551,667 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $191,359.In 2007, the district employed over 70 teachers and the average teacher salary in the district was $51,723 for 180 instructional days worked. The beginning salary was $37,077 and the top salary was reported as $80,420 As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance
Health insurance
Health insurance is insurance against the risk of incurring medical expenses among individuals. By estimating the overall risk of health care expenses among a targeted group, an insurer can develop a routine finance structure, such as a monthly premium or payroll tax, to ensure that money is...
, life insurance, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, and other benefits. Teachers work a 7 hour thirty minute day that includes a 30 minute duty free lunch. Teachers receive daily prep time for grading and curriculum work. The union heads receive 2 paid days per year to conduct union business. According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
In 2007, the district employed 63 teachers and the average teacher salary in the district was $45,647 for 180 days worked.
In 2008 the district reported spending $13,538 per pupil which ranked 133rd in the state.
In February 2010, Superintendent Rick Toner resigned amidst contentious issues with the school board.
In September 2010, Coudersport Area School District was audited by the Pennsylvania Auditor General. Several findings were cited including issues about professional credentials. In a 2009 performance audit, several findings were noted.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, 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 income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the individual's wealth.
State Basic Education Funding
For 2010-11 the Coudersport Area School District received a 5.50% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $4,363,178 payment. It was the highest percentage increase in BEF in Lycoming County for 2010-11. Kennett Consolidated School DistrictKennett 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....
in 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...
received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.6% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $4,135,656. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $4,030,845.47. In Potter County, the majority of school districts received a 2% increase in funding in 2009. Oswayo Valley School District
Oswayo Valley School District
The Oswayo Valley School District is a public school district in Potter County. The school serves the boroughs of Oswayo and Shinglehouse, as well as Clara Township, Sharon Township, and Oswayo Township. McKean County's Ceres Township is also within district boundaries...
received the highest state education funding increase in Potter County at 3.01%. 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...
gave 15 school districts an increase of Basic Education Funding of over 10% in 2009 - 2010. 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...
in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in 2009. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
According to 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...
, 321 district students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.
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 Montgomery Area School District applied for and received $134,957 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full day kindergarten for the second year.Classrooms for the Future grant
The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Coudersport Area School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07. The district received $103,860 in 2007-08 and $45,413 in 2008-09 for a total of $149,273 in state funding.Environmental Education Grant
The district is participating in a collaborative environmental education program called "Project Wet". Funding is from a federal grant. It will fund teacher preparation and be used to purchase water montoring equipment for the students to use in a hands on science curriculumSupplemental Educational Services Funding
Supplemental Educational Services is a federal initiative for free tutoring and part of the No Child Left Behind ActNo 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...
(NCLB). In 2010 the district received $121,085 for 94 pupils. Academic instruction in reading, math or science is provided before or after the normal school hours. Such instruction is designed to increase the academic achievement of students in Title I schools that have not met state targets for student progress for three or more years. Services may be offered to low- income students through public schools, districts, charter schools, higher education agencies, for-profit, non-profit or faith-based agencies that are state approved providers.
Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received $702,785 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.
Race to the Top Grant
School district officials did not apply 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 which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands 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. 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
The school board elected 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.Real Estate Taxes
Property tax rates in 2010-11 were set at 41.7570 mills. The board increased taxes by 1.53 mills in a split 5-3 vote. 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.- 2009-10 - 40.1900 mills
- 2008-09 - 40.1900 mills
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 1.4 percent, but it can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as local 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, increasing rising health care 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 Coudersport Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
2006-07 - 5.0%, Base 3.9%
2007-08 - 4.5%, Base 3.4%
2008-09 - 5.8%, Base 4.4%
2009-10 - 5.3%, Base 4.1%
2010-11 - 3.9%, Base 2.9%
2011-12 - 1.9%, Base 1.4%
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. For the 2010-11 school year budget the Coudersport School Board did not seek any Act 1 exceptions.
Property Tax Relief
In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Coudersport Area School District was $188 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 1,339 property owners applied for the tax relief. In 2010 within Potter County, the highest reported amount went to Austin Area School DistrictAustin Area School District
The Austin Area School District covers the Austin Boro as well as Keating, Portage, Sylvania and Wharton townships in Potter County, Pennsylvania. The district is part of the which provides services for special education students, curriculum development and teacher training.The district operates...
set at $324 per approved homestead for 409 recipients. The property tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office.
In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Coudersport Area School District was $217 per approved permanent primary residence. This was among the lowest amounts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the district, 1159 property owners applied for the tax relief. 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 acres (40,468.6 m²) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption.
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.
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%).
Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. The eligibility to participate is determined by school board policy.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.
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