Hazleton Area School District
Encyclopedia
The Hazleton Area School District is a public school district in Pennsylvania
, stretching over portions of Luzerne
, Schuylkill
, and Carbon
Counties. The large district is centered on the city of Hazleton and serves the surrounding Luzerne County municipalities of Freeland
, Jeddo
, Foster Township
, Butler Township
, Conyngham
, West Hazleton
, Hazle Township, Sugarloaf Township
, and Black Creek Township. In Schuylkill County, the district encompasses Kline Township, North Union Township
, and East Union Township, plus the borough of McAdoo
. Beaver Meadows
and Banks Township
in Carbon County are also within district boundaries. The Hazleton Area School District encompasses approximately 250 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 70,042. In 2009, the district resident's per capita income was $18,055, while the median family income was $42,206. Per school district officials, in school year 2007-08 the Hazleton Area School District provided basic educational services to 10,442 pupils through the employment of 697 teachers, 482 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 42 administrators.
The district operates nine schools including: Arthur Street and McAdoo Elementary Schools serve grades K-2; Drums, Freeland, Hazle, Heights, McAdoo, Valley, and West Hazleton Elementary-Middle Schools serve grades K-8. Students culminate their schooling at the Hazleton Area High School.
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 reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and 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.
In March 2010, Superintendent Sam Marolo sought a policy of limiting his responses to school board member's inquiries.
s for math, reading, writing and three years of science.
In 2007 the district had the lowest mathematics achievement and ranked 10th of 11 school districts for reading in Luzerne County. Additionally, SAT scores from 2006-2008 remained among the lowest in the county.
In 2009, the district is in Making Progress: in Corrective Action II for chronically low student achievement.
Hazleton Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2009
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
PSSA Results:
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math
11th Grade Science:
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 21% of Hazleton Area 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, earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduates 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.
program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school, including the graduation ceremony. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. 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 $14,678 for the program.
8th Grade Reading:
2009 - 62% on grade level. State: 80.9% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 73%, State - 78% on grade level
2007 - 70%, State - 75%
8th Grade Math:
2009 - 68% on grade level. State: 71% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 66%, State - 70% on grade level
2007 - 66%, State - 67%
8th Grade Science:
2009 - 43% on grade level. State: 55% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 46%, State - 50% on grade level
7th Grade Reading:
2009 - 57% on grade level. State: 71% of 7th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 66%, State - 70%
2007 - 68%, State - 66%
7th Grade Math:
2009 - 62% on grade level. State: 75% of 7th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 66%, State - 70%
2007 - 60%, State - 67%
6th Grade Reading:
2009 - 59% on grade level. State: 67% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 54%, State - 67%
2007 - 58%, State - 63%
6th Grade Math:
2009 - 69% on grade level. State: 75% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 70%, State - 72%
2007 - 78%, State - 69%
5th Grade Reading:
2009 - 41% on grade level. State: 64% of 5th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 42%, State - 61%
2007 - 54%, State - 60%
5th Grade Math:
2009 - 62% on grade level. State: 73% of 5th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 62%, State - 73%
2007 - 72%, State - 71%
4th Grade Reading:
2009 - 55% on grade level. State - 72%
2008 - 51%, State - 70%
4th Grade Math:
2009 - 75% on grade level. State - 81%
2008 - 90%, State - 79%
4th Grade Science:
2009 - 80%. State - 83%
2008 - 74%, State - 81%
3rd Grade Reading:
2009 - 81% on grade level. State - 77%
2008 - 68%, State - 77%
3rd Grade Math:
2009 - 87% on grade level. State - 81%
2008 - 78%, State - 80%
8th Grade Reading:
2009 - 69% on grade level. State: 80.9% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 66%, State - 78% on grade level
In 2009, 57% of males (2008 - 69%) and 77% (2008 - 64%) of females are on grade level for reading in eighth grade.
8th Grade Math:
2009 - 73% on grade level. State: 71% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 50%, State - 70% on grade level
8th Grade Science:
2009 - 32% on grade level. State: 55% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 40%, State - 50% on grade level
7th Grade Reading:
2009 - 58% on grade level. State: 71% of 7th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 64%, State - 70%
7th Grade Math:
2009 - 67% on grade level. State: 75% of 7th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 75%, State - 70%
6th Grade Reading:
2009 - 61% on grade level. State: 67% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 63%, State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
2009 - 77% on grade level. State: 75% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 69%, State - 72%
5th Grade Reading:
2009 - 77% on grade level. State: 64% of 5th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 68%, State - 61%
5th Grade Math:
2009 - 76% on grade level. State: 73% of 5th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 65%, State - 73%
4th Grade Reading:
2009 - 66% on grade level. State - 72%
2008 - 52%, State - 70%
4th Grade Math:
2009 - 77% on grade level. State - 81%
2008 - 72%, State - 79%
4th Grade Science:
2009 - 93%. State - 83%
2008 - 90%, State - 81%
3rd Grade Reading:
2009 - 79% on grade level. State - 77%
2008 - 60%, State - 77%
3rd Grade Math:
2009 - 83% on grade level. State - 81%
2008 - 76%, State - 80%
, health insurance
, professional development reimbursement, personal days, sick days, and other benefits. According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the state teacher retirement fund, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
In September 2006, the Board of Education and Hazleton teachers' union agreed to a four year contract that gave 4% increases in the first two years and 4.25% raises in the second two years. In 2010 over 213 Hazleton administrators and teachers earn over $70,000 annually plus benefits.
Hazleton Area School District administrative costs was $438.92 per pupil in 2008. The lowest administrative cost in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In March 2009, the Board of Education awarded a contract to Sam Marolo, as superintendent, with an initial salary of $125,000. In July 2009 the board appointed Francis X. Antonelli as acting deputy superintendent with an initial salary of $122,500. Both positions include extensive benefits packages.
In 2008, Hazelton Area School District reported spending $9,420 per pupil. This ranked 498th among the 500 school districts, in the commonwealth.
Reserves - In 2008, the Hazleton Area School District reported an unreserved designated fund balance of zero and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $1,698,292.00.
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 provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Both pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state income tax and local income tax regardless of the level of wealth.
in Chester County
which received a 23.65% increase in state funding. 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 13.36% increase in Basic Education Funding for Hazleton Area School District a total of $31,381,865. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $27,682,357.04. This was the highest percentage of state funding increase in Luzerne County and among the highest among 500 Pennsylvania School Districts, in 2009-10. Muhlenberg School District
of Berks County received an increase of 22.31% which was the highest in the commonwealth. Sixteen school districts received an increase in funding of over 10 percent in 2009. Ninety school districts received the base 2% increase. 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.
- 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 2009-2011 school years.
In 2009, the district reported that 5.284 students received a federal free or reduced lunch due to low family income.
federal grant. The district is identified as a turnaround district due to the chronically low academic achievement of its students. When approved for the grant, the district will receive hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Turnaround status also brings an extra $700 per student, in supplemental funding above the basic grant amount. 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 in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state RTTT application judging will occur in June 2010.
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 Hazleton Area School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
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.
set at $210 per approved homestead. Dallas School District
received $53 per homestead. 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. 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. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
at $641 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. CUSD was given $632 in 2009. This was the second year they were the top recipient. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General released a report finding that 35% of Pennsylvania property owners did not get property tax relief in 2009. One issue identified was the failure of the property owner to apply for 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, consequently individuals who have income substantially greater 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.
Extracurricular Sports Include:
The Hazleton Area Athletic Department web page; including coach contacts, sports schedules, and announcements can be found linked to the HASD website.
(42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006." The Superintendent annually reports to the Board on the district’s compliance with law and policies related to student wellness. The policy establishes a Wellness Committee that serves as an advisory committee regarding student health issues and developed a Student Wellness Policy.
The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education and physical education that are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, stretching over portions of Luzerne
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
- Demographics :As of the 2010 census, the county was 90.7% White, 3.4% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 3.3% were of some other race, and 1.5% were two or more races. 6.7% of the population was of Hispanic or Latino ancestry...
, Schuylkill
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
-Notable people:*Boxing heavyweight great Muhammad Ali had his training camp in Deer Lake.*Charles Justin Bailey, commanding general of the 81st Division in World War I, was born in Tamaqua on June 21, 1859....
, and Carbon
Carbon County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 58,802 people, 23,701 households, and 16,424 families residing in the county. The population density was 154 people per square mile . There were 30,492 housing units at an average density of 80 per square mile...
Counties. The large district is centered on the city of Hazleton and serves the surrounding Luzerne County municipalities of Freeland
Freeland, Pennsylvania
Freeland, originally called Birbeckville after founder Joseph Birkbeck, then South Heberton, is a borough in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, south of Wilkes-Barre, and 10 miles northeast of Hazleton in an agricultural region. Freeland was officially incorporated as a borough on September 11, 1876....
, Jeddo
Jeddo, Pennsylvania
Jeddo is a borough in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 98 at the 2010 census. It was named after a Japanese port to which coal was exported by the Hazleton Coal Company.-Geography:Jeddo is located at ....
, Foster Township
Foster Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Foster Township is a township in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,323 at the 2000 census. It was first settled in 1824 by John Lines and incorporated as a township in 1855.-Geography:...
, Butler Township
Butler Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Butler Township is a township in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 7,166 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. It is drained by the Nescopeck Creek...
, Conyngham
Conyngham, Pennsylvania
Conyngham is a borough in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,958 at the 2000 census.- History :The Lehigh-Susquehanna Turnpike traveled through the middle of modern-day Main Street in Conyngham and at least one of the tollgates was situated near the village...
, West Hazleton
West Hazleton, Pennsylvania
West Hazleton, founded by Conrad Horn, is a borough in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, south of Wilkes Barre. In 1900, 2,516 people lived here; in 1910, 4,715 people lived here. The population was 4,594 at the 2010 census...
, Hazle Township, Sugarloaf Township
Sugarloaf Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Sugarloaf Township is a township in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,652 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 21.9 square miles , of which, 21.9 square miles of it is land and...
, and Black Creek Township. In Schuylkill County, the district encompasses Kline Township, North Union Township
North Union Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
North Union Township is a township in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,225 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
, and East Union Township, plus the borough of McAdoo
McAdoo, Pennsylvania
McAdoo is a borough in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, United States, south of Hazleton and 7 miles north of Tamaqua. McAdoo contains the picturesque Silver Brook Meadow. In the past, anthracite coal mining and a shirt factory, The McAdoo Manufacturing Company, provided gainful employment to the...
. Beaver Meadows
Beaver Meadows, Pennsylvania
Beaver Meadows is a borough in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 968 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Beaver Meadows is located at ....
and Banks Township
Banks Township, Carbon County, Pennsylvania
Banks Township is a township in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,359 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , all of it land...
in Carbon County are also within district boundaries. The Hazleton Area School District encompasses approximately 250 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 70,042. In 2009, the district resident's per capita income was $18,055, while the median family income was $42,206. Per school district officials, in school year 2007-08 the Hazleton Area School District provided basic educational services to 10,442 pupils through the employment of 697 teachers, 482 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 42 administrators.
The district operates nine schools including: Arthur Street and McAdoo Elementary Schools serve grades K-2; Drums, Freeland, Hazle, Heights, McAdoo, Valley, and West Hazleton Elementary-Middle Schools serve grades K-8. Students culminate their schooling at the Hazleton Area High School.
Governance
The Hazleton Area School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (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 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 reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and 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.
In March 2010, Superintendent Sam Marolo sought a policy of limiting his responses to school board member's inquiries.
Academic achievement
Hazleton Area School District was ranked 402nd out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2011 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on five 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 three years of science.
- 2010 - 401st
- 2009 - 394th
- 2008 - 371st
- 2007 - 368th of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts.
In 2007 the district had the lowest mathematics achievement and ranked 10th of 11 school districts for reading in Luzerne County. Additionally, SAT scores from 2006-2008 remained among the lowest in the county.
In 2009, the district is in Making Progress: in Corrective Action II for chronically low student achievement.
Hazleton Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2009
Graduation Rate
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Hazleton Area School District's graduation rate was 76% for 2010.According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
- 2010 - 82%
- 2009 - 88%
- 2008 - 88%
- 2007 - 88%
High school
In 2010, the high school declined to Corrective Action II 4th Year due to chronic low achievement of the students. In 2009, the high school was in Corrective Action II 3rd Year.PSSA Results:
11th Grade Reading
- 2010 - 53% on grade level, In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders on grade level.
- 2009 - 52%, State - 65%.
- 2008 - 54%, State - 65%
- 2007 - 60%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math
- 2010 - 42%, In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 - 42%, State - 56%
- 2008 - 48%, State - 56%
- 2007 - 49%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science:
- 2010 - 22% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 30%, State - 40%
- 2008 - 20%, State - 39%
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 21% of Hazleton Area 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
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a large public university system in the United States. It is the tenth-largest university system in the United States and 43rd largest in the world...
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduates 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 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, including the graduation ceremony. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. 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 $14,678 for the program.
Graduation Culminating Project
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.Heights Terrace Elementary/Middle School
The school is in Corrective Action I due to chronic low performance of its students. Heights Terrace Elementary/Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 20098th Grade Reading:
2009 - 62% on grade level. State: 80.9% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 73%, State - 78% on grade level
2007 - 70%, State - 75%
8th Grade Math:
2009 - 68% on grade level. State: 71% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 66%, State - 70% on grade level
2007 - 66%, State - 67%
8th Grade Science:
2009 - 43% on grade level. State: 55% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 46%, State - 50% on grade level
7th Grade Reading:
2009 - 57% on grade level. State: 71% of 7th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 66%, State - 70%
2007 - 68%, State - 66%
7th Grade Math:
2009 - 62% on grade level. State: 75% of 7th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 66%, State - 70%
2007 - 60%, State - 67%
6th Grade Reading:
2009 - 59% on grade level. State: 67% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 54%, State - 67%
2007 - 58%, State - 63%
6th Grade Math:
2009 - 69% on grade level. State: 75% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 70%, State - 72%
2007 - 78%, State - 69%
5th Grade Reading:
2009 - 41% on grade level. State: 64% of 5th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 42%, State - 61%
2007 - 54%, State - 60%
5th Grade Math:
2009 - 62% on grade level. State: 73% of 5th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 62%, State - 73%
2007 - 72%, State - 71%
4th Grade Reading:
2009 - 55% on grade level. State - 72%
2008 - 51%, State - 70%
4th Grade Math:
2009 - 75% on grade level. State - 81%
2008 - 90%, State - 79%
4th Grade Science:
2009 - 80%. State - 83%
2008 - 74%, State - 81%
3rd Grade Reading:
2009 - 81% on grade level. State - 77%
2008 - 68%, State - 77%
3rd Grade Math:
2009 - 87% on grade level. State - 81%
2008 - 78%, State - 80%
West Hazleton Elementary/Middle School
The school is in School Improvement I due to chronic low performance of its students. West Hazleton Elementary/Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 20098th Grade Reading:
2009 - 69% on grade level. State: 80.9% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 66%, State - 78% on grade level
In 2009, 57% of males (2008 - 69%) and 77% (2008 - 64%) of females are on grade level for reading in eighth grade.
8th Grade Math:
2009 - 73% on grade level. State: 71% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 50%, State - 70% on grade level
8th Grade Science:
2009 - 32% on grade level. State: 55% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 40%, State - 50% on grade level
7th Grade Reading:
2009 - 58% on grade level. State: 71% of 7th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 64%, State - 70%
7th Grade Math:
2009 - 67% on grade level. State: 75% of 7th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 75%, State - 70%
6th Grade Reading:
2009 - 61% on grade level. State: 67% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 63%, State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
2009 - 77% on grade level. State: 75% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 69%, State - 72%
5th Grade Reading:
2009 - 77% on grade level. State: 64% of 5th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 68%, State - 61%
5th Grade Math:
2009 - 76% on grade level. State: 73% of 5th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 65%, State - 73%
4th Grade Reading:
2009 - 66% on grade level. State - 72%
2008 - 52%, State - 70%
4th Grade Math:
2009 - 77% on grade level. State - 81%
2008 - 72%, State - 79%
4th Grade Science:
2009 - 93%. State - 83%
2008 - 90%, State - 81%
3rd Grade Reading:
2009 - 79% on grade level. State - 77%
2008 - 60%, State - 77%
3rd Grade Math:
2009 - 83% on grade level. State - 81%
2008 - 76%, State - 80%
Budget
In 2010 the district reports employing 724 teachers (whose salaries are public information in the state of Pennsylvania and disseminated at the following web link; www.blogginghazleton.blogspot.com). Two teachers have doctorate degrees, 241 have masters plus 60 credits, 33 have masters plus 45, 46 have masters plus 36, 49 have masters plus 15, 82 have master's degrees, 214 have bachelor degrees, and 8 have standard vocational degrees. In 2007, the district employed 533 teachers and the average teacher salary in the district was $50,057 for 180 days worked. 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 pensionPension
In general, a pension is an arrangement to provide people with an income when they are no longer earning a regular income from employment. Pensions should not be confused with severance pay; the former is paid in regular installments, while the latter is paid in one lump sum.The terms retirement...
, 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...
, professional development reimbursement, personal days, sick days, and other benefits. According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the state teacher retirement fund, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
In September 2006, the Board of Education and Hazleton teachers' union agreed to a four year contract that gave 4% increases in the first two years and 4.25% raises in the second two years. In 2010 over 213 Hazleton administrators and teachers earn over $70,000 annually plus benefits.
Hazleton Area School District administrative costs was $438.92 per pupil in 2008. The lowest administrative cost in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In March 2009, the Board of Education awarded a contract to Sam Marolo, as superintendent, with an initial salary of $125,000. In July 2009 the board appointed Francis X. Antonelli as acting deputy superintendent with an initial salary of $122,500. Both positions include extensive benefits packages.
In 2008, Hazelton Area School District reported spending $9,420 per pupil. This ranked 498th among the 500 school districts, in the commonwealth.
Reserves - In 2008, the Hazleton Area School District reported an unreserved designated fund balance of zero and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $1,698,292.00.
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 provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Both pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state income tax and local income tax regardless of the level of wealth.
State basic education funding
For the 2010-11 school year, the state basic education funding to Hazelton Area School District was increased 12.61% for a total of $35,336,465. This was the highest increase in Luzerne County. Sixteen Pennsylvania school districts received an increase over 10%. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. Among all Pennsylvania school districts, the highest increase in 2010-11 went to 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...
which received a 23.65% increase in state funding. 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 13.36% increase in Basic Education Funding for Hazleton Area School District a total of $31,381,865. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $27,682,357.04. This was the highest percentage of state funding increase in Luzerne County and among the highest among 500 Pennsylvania School Districts, in 2009-10. 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% which was the highest in the commonwealth. Sixteen school districts received an increase in funding of over 10 percent in 2009. Ninety school districts received the base 2% increase. 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.
Classrooms for the Future Grant
This statewide initiative provided high schools with computers and other technology equipment like whiteboards with the intent to improve student achievement in core courses like math and science. Training for teachers getting the equipment was required by the state. Districts had to apply for funding. In 2006-2007 Hazleton Area School District did not apply for the grant. In 2007-2008 it received $998,439. In 2008-09 it received an additional 168,344. The grant was terminated in 2009 due to a state economic crisis.Education Assistance Grant
The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010-11 the Hazelton Area School District received $242,256.Federal Stimulus Grant
The Hazleton Area School District received an extra $7,291,203 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 2009-2011 school years.
In 2009, the district reported that 5.284 students received a federal free or reduced lunch due to low family income.
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. The district is identified as a turnaround district due to the chronically low academic achievement of its students. When approved for the grant, the district will receive hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Turnaround status also brings an extra $700 per student, in supplemental funding above the basic grant amount. 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 in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state RTTT application judging will occur in June 2010.
Real estate taxes
The school board levied a real estate tax of 29.5620 mills for residents in Carbon County, 187.3920 mills for residents in Luzerne County and 36.5880 mills for residents in Schuylkill County, in 2008-09. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. 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. 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. On the local level, Pennsylvania 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.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 Hazleton Area School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
- 2006-07 - 5.3%, Base 3.9%
- 2007-08 - 4.7%, Base 3.4%
- 2008-09 - 6.1%, Base 4.4%
- 2009-10 - 5.8%, Base 4.1%
- 2010-11 - 4.1%, Base 2.9%
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 2009, the Hazleton Area School District's property tax relief amount was set at $136 to 19,924 approved homestead owners. In 2010 within Luzerne County, the highest amount went to Wilkes-Barre Area School DistrictWilkes-Barre Area School District
Wilkes-Barre Area School District is an urban, public school district located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Wilkes-Barre Area School District encompasses approximately 123 square miles. The district includes the city of Wilkes-Barre as well as smaller surrounding...
set at $210 per approved homestead. Dallas School District
Dallas School District
The Dallas School District is a school district covering the Borough of Dallas and Dallas Township, Franklin Township and Kingston Township in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Dallas School District encompasses approximately 46 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident...
received $53 per homestead. 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. 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. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties....
at $641 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. CUSD was given $632 in 2009. This was the second year they were the top recipient. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General released a report finding that 35% of Pennsylvania property owners did not get property tax relief in 2009. One issue identified was the failure of the property owner to apply for 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, consequently individuals who have income substantially greater 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%).
Extracurricular Activities
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. The school board sets policies regarding eligibility to participate in these activities.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.
Extracurricular Sports Include:
- Boys & Girls Basketball
- Football
- Boys & Girls Volleyball
- Baseball
- Softball
- Boys & Girls Soccer
- Swimming
- Cross Country
- Track & Field
- Boys and Girls Tennis
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Water Polo
- Bowling
- Wrestling
The Hazleton Area Athletic Department web page; including coach contacts, sports schedules, and announcements can be found linked to the HASD website.
Wellness policy
Hazleton Area Board of Education established a district wellness policy in 2006. The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 - 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch ActNational School Lunch Act
The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act is a United States federal law signed by President Harry S. Truman in 1946. The act created the National School Lunch Program , a program to provide low-cost or free school lunch meals to qualified students through subsidies to schools...
(42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006." The Superintendent annually reports to the Board on the district’s compliance with law and policies related to student wellness. The policy establishes a Wellness Committee that serves as an advisory committee regarding student health issues and developed a Student Wellness Policy.
The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education and physical education that are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.