Mount Union Area School District
Encyclopedia
The Mount Union Area School District is a public school district
based in Mount Union
, Pennsylvania
. The district encompasses approximately 151 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 9,678. The school district includes all of Mount Union borough, Mapleton
borough, Shirley Township
and Union Township
in Huntingdon County
. The school district also includes Kistler
borough, Newton Hamilton
borough, and Wayne Township
, all located in Mifflin County
. According to District officials, in school year 2005-06 the MUASD provided basic educational services to 1,516 pupils through the employment of 132 teachers,
73 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 10 administrators.
There are three elementary schools in the district (all K-6)
results in: reading, writing, mathematics and two years of science.
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Mount Union Area School District, was in the 14th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)
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, 14% of Mount Union Area 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.
In 2010 the district received $3,903 in a state grant to be used assist students with tuition, fees and books.
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 School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2015 and 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 Reading:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
7th Grade Math:
The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Supervisor of Special Education.
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.
Mount Union Area School District received a $902,644 supplement for special education services in 2010.
The Mount Union Area School Board adopted the district's antibully policy. 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. 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.
, health insurance
which is paid by district in retirement until age 65, an up to $10,000 retirement bonus, professional development reimbursement, compensation for voluntary extracurricular activities, additional payment to write IEP plans for students, 3 paid personal days, and 10 sick days, life insurance and other benefits. 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 123 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $42,902 for 180 school days worked.
Mount Union Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $720.81 per pupil. The district is ranked 289th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Mount Union Area School District reported spending $11,658 per pupil. This ranked 321st in the commonwealth.
Reserves
In 2009, the district reported a $3,177, 562in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero. The Pennsylvania General Assembly sets a limit on how much money a district can have in its fund balance. The limit is based on the amount of the district's budget. As the total spending in the budget rises, the district is permitted to hold greater amounts in reserve.
In August 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local 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 and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.
received a 5.49% increase which was the highest increase, in BEF, in Huntingdon County. Kennett Consolidated School District
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 3.79% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $8,595,494. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $8,281,537.60. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more. Ninety school district received the base 2% increase. Huntingdon Area School District received the highest increase in Huntingdon County for the 2009-10 school year at 5.59%. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, 758 district students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.
Schools eligible for School Improvement Grants included the lowest performing Title I schools whose Adequate Yearly Progress status is School Improvement or Corrective Action, and Title I-eligible schools that are the lowest achieving and have not made satisfactory progress on state assessments. Title I-eligible schools are those that have a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students.
Mount Union Kistler Elementary School was mandated to develop and implement a Continuous School Improvement Plan in 2009.
- 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 the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.
federal grant which would have brought the district over one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. The district has been identified as a low achievement turnaround district, so they would have also received an extra $750 per pupil in federal funding, in addition to the base grant. 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 Mount Union Area School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
The Mount Union Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 and 2010-11. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
In 2009-10 the school board applied for several exemptions including: Maintenance of Local Tax revenue and Maintenance of Selected Revenue Sources. In Pennsylvania, 25 school districts applied for the Maintenance of Local Tax revenue exemption while 24 school districts applied for Maintenance of Selected Revenue Sources.
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year they were the top recipient.
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 more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
- Mill Creek - Grades 10-12
On through fair and stormy weather
When e're we have a fight to fight
We will win it for the blue and gold
She our pride as spirit raises
As we stand to sing her praises
For we gladly do our school revere
And greet her with a rousing triple cheer
For old MU High
To you your sons are ever loyal
Old MU High
Your name will ever cherished be
For old MU High
We'll give a cheer for that royal
Old MU High
We'll love you ever more
By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
School district
School districts are a form of special-purpose district which serves to operate the local public primary and secondary schools.-United States:...
based in Mount Union
Mount Union, Pennsylvania
Mount Union is a borough in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, 45 miles southeast of Altoona, on the Juniata River. In the vicinity are found bituminous coal, ganister rock, fire clay, and some timber. A major Easter grass factory is located in the northern quadrant of the borough limits; until May...
, Pennsylvania
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...
. The district encompasses approximately 151 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 9,678. The school district includes all of Mount Union borough, Mapleton
Mapleton, Pennsylvania
Mapleton is a borough in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 473 at the 2000 census.-History:The H.O. Andrews Feed Mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.-Geography:...
borough, Shirley Township
Shirley Township, Pennsylvania
Shirley Township is a township in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,526 at the 2000 census.-History:The Runk Bridge and Lewis Smalley Homestead are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.-Geography:...
and Union Township
Union Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania
Union Township is a township in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,005 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 39.4 square miles , of which, 39.2 square miles of it is land and...
in Huntingdon County
Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania
Huntingdon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. In 2010, its population was 45,913.Huntingdon County was created on September 20, 1787, from part of Bedford County. Its county seat is Huntingdon.-Geography:According to the U.S...
. The school district also includes Kistler
Kistler, Pennsylvania
Kistler is a borough in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 344 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Kistler is located at ....
borough, Newton Hamilton
Newton Hamilton, Pennsylvania
Newton Hamilton is a borough in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 272 at the 2000 census.-General information:* ZIP Code: 17075* Area Code: 814* Local Phone Exchanges: 542, 543...
borough, and Wayne Township
Wayne Township, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania
Wayne Township is a township in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,414 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 49.8 square miles , of which, 49.1 square miles of it is land and...
, all located in Mifflin County
Mifflin County, Pennsylvania
Mifflin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 46,682. Its county seat is Lewistown. It is named after Thomas Mifflin, the first Governor of Pennsylvania.-Geography:...
. According to District officials, in school year 2005-06 the MUASD provided basic educational services to 1,516 pupils through the employment of 132 teachers,
73 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 10 administrators.
Schools
- Mount Union Area Senior High School - (Grades 9-12)
706 N. Shaver Street
Mount Union, Pennsylvania 17066
- Mount Union Area Junior High School - (Grades 7-8)
Pine Street
Mount Union, Pennsylvania 17066
There are three elementary schools in the district (all K-6)
- Kistler Elementary School Report Card 2010 http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S111316003000007733.PDF
154 School Street
Mount Union, Pennsylvania 17066 - Shirley Township Elementary School Report Card http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S111316003000002291.PDF
14188 2nd Street
Mount Union, Pennsylvania 17066 - Mapleton-Union Elementary School Report Card 2010 http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S111316003000002295.PDF
13606 Smith Valley Road
Mapleton Pennsylvania 17052
Academic achievement
The Mount Union Area School District was ranked 457th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts, in 2010, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic performance on four years of 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...
results in: reading, writing, mathematics and two years of science.
- 2009 - 456th
- 2008 - 460th
- 2007 - 472nd of 501 school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times.
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Mount Union Area School District, was in the 14th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)
Senior High School
The high school is in School Improvement II AYP status due to chronic, low student achievement in 2010.PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
- 2010 - 55% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders on grade level.
- 2009 - 46%, State - 65%
- 2008 - 52%, State - 65%
- 2007 - 53%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 49% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 - 49%, State - 56%
- 2008 - 47%, State - 56%
- 2007 - 42%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science:
- 2010 - 24% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 19%, State - 40%
- 2008 - 20%, 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, 14% of Mount Union Area 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
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, 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 senior high school offers the Pennsylvania Dual Enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions. The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.In 2010 the district received $3,903 in a state grant to be used assist students with tuition, fees and books.
Graduation Requirements
The Mount Union Area School Board has determined that, in order to graduate, a student must earn 25 credits including: English 4 credits, Math 3 credits, Science 3 credits, Social Studies 3 credits, Humanities 2 credits, Health and Physical Education 1.60 credits and Electives & Graduation Project 8.40 credits. Additionally, students must demonstrate proficiency on the PSSAs or pass remediation courses. If a student successfully completes course work at the Career and Technology Center in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades he/she will attain 3 credits per successful grade which supplant elective 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 School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2015 and 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.
Junior High School
The school is in Warning status AYP status due to chronic low student achievement in 2010.8th Grade Reading:
- 2010 - 68% on grade level. State - 81%
- 2009 - 66%, State - 80%
- 2008 - 65%, State - 78%
- 2007 - 62%, State - 75%
8th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 75% on grade level. State - 75%
- 2009 - 66%, State - 71%
- 2008 - 58%, State - 70%
- 2007 - 68%, State - 67%
8th Grade Science:
- 2010 - 44% on grade level. State - 57%.
- 2009 - 51%, State: - 54%
- 2008 - 39%, State - 52%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2010 - 64% on grade level. State - 73%
- 2009 - 65%, State - 71.7%
- 2008 - 61%, State - 70%
- 2007 - 55%, State - 66%
7th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 79% on grade level. State - 77%
- 2009 - 76%, State - 75%
- 2008 - 66%, State - 72%
- 2007 - 55%, State - 67%
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 287 pupils or 19% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Supervisor of Special Education.
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.
Mount Union Area School District received a $902,644 supplement for special education services in 2010.
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that 17 or 1.13% 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. 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 Mount Union Area School District administration reported there were 2 incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.The Mount Union Area School Board adopted the district's antibully policy. 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. 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.
Budget
In 2009, the district reports employing over 150 teachers with a starting salary of $30,675 for 180 days work. The average teacher salary was $47,691 while the maximum salary is $105,575. In Pennsylvania, the average teacher salary for Pennsylvania's 124,100 public school teachers was $54,977 in 2008. 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, Mount Union Area School District 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...
which is paid by district in retirement until age 65, an up to $10,000 retirement bonus, professional development reimbursement, compensation for voluntary extracurricular activities, additional payment to write IEP plans for students, 3 paid personal days, and 10 sick days, life insurance and other benefits. 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 123 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $42,902 for 180 school days worked.
Mount Union Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $720.81 per pupil. The district is ranked 289th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Mount Union Area School District reported spending $11,658 per pupil. This ranked 321st in the commonwealth.
Reserves
In 2009, the district reported a $3,177, 562in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero. The Pennsylvania General Assembly sets a limit on how much money a district can have in its fund balance. The limit is based on the amount of the district's budget. As the total spending in the budget rises, the district is permitted to hold greater amounts in reserve.
In August 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local 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 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 Mount Union Area School District received a 5.20% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $9,042,407 payment. Huntingdon Area School DistrictHuntingdon Area School District
The Huntingdon Area School District, commonly abbreviated HASD, is a large rural public school district based in the borough of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania...
received a 5.49% increase which was the highest increase, in BEF, in Huntingdon County. Kennett Consolidated School District
Kennett Consolidated School District
The Kennett Consolidated School District,or KCSD for short, is a public school district serving portions of Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is centered on the borough of Kennett Square and also incorporates Kennett Township, New Garden Township, and the southern portion of East Marlborough Twp....
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 3.79% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $8,595,494. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $8,281,537.60. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more. Ninety school district received the base 2% increase. Huntingdon Area School District received the highest increase in Huntingdon County for the 2009-10 school year at 5.59%. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, 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 the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.
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...
, 758 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 Mount Union Area School District applied for and received $359,692 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide prekindergarten and full day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade and science instruction.School Improvement Grant
Mount Union Area Senior HIgh School received a $2,546,600, three year federal/state grant for a Transformation reform program in 2010. According to the grant information, the Transformation model includes the use of rigorous, transparent, and equitable evaluation systems for teachers and principals, high-quality professional development and design and development of curriculum with teacher and principal involvement. The grant is to implement specific, aggressive reforms designed to substantially improve student performance in schools that have a high percentage of students performing below grade level, and where insufficient progress has been made over the past 5 years.Schools eligible for School Improvement Grants included the lowest performing Title I schools whose Adequate Yearly Progress status is School Improvement or Corrective Action, and Title I-eligible schools that are the lowest achieving and have not made satisfactory progress on state assessments. Title I-eligible schools are those that have a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students.
Mount Union Kistler Elementary School was mandated to develop and implement a Continuous School Improvement Plan in 2009.
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. Mount Union Area School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07 nor in 2007-08. For the 2008-09, school year the district received $78,140. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $1,415,128 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 the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.
Race to the Top grant
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 which would have brought the district over one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. The district has been identified as a low achievement turnaround district, so they would have also received an extra $750 per pupil in federal funding, in addition to the base grant. 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 Mount Union Area School Board did 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
The school board set property tax rates in 2010-2011 at 68.9200 mills in Huntingdon County. For Mifflin County - 22.57 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections (Local Tax Enabling Act), which are around 15% of revenues for school districts. The school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, necessitating a state board equalization of the tax rates between the counties.- 2009-10 - 65.8900 mills for Huntingdon County and Mifflin County - 21.6900 mills.
- 2008-09 - 59.6500 mills for Huntingdon County and Mifflin County - 20.4400.
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 authorized 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 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor 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 Mount Union Area School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
- 2006-07 - 5.8%, Base 3.9%
- 2007-08 - 5.0%, Base 3.4%
- 2008-09 - 6.6%, Base 4.4%
- 2009-10 - 6.1%, Base 4.1%
- 2010-11 - 4.4%, Base 2.9%
- 2011-12 - 2.1%, Base 1.4%
The Mount Union Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 and 2010-11. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
In 2009-10 the school board applied for several exemptions including: Maintenance of Local Tax revenue and Maintenance of Selected Revenue Sources. In Pennsylvania, 25 school districts applied for the Maintenance of Local Tax revenue exemption while 24 school districts applied for Maintenance of Selected Revenue Sources.
Property tax relief
In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Mount Union Area School District was $89 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 2,671 property owners applied for the tax relief. This was the lowest property tax relief allotted in Huntingdon County for 2009. The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Auditor General 64.95% of homeowners in Huntingdon County had applied for the tax relief. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware CountyDelaware 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 $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year they were the top recipient.
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 more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
Tax Foundation
The Tax Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank founded in 1937 that collects data and publishes research studies on tax policies at the federal and state levels. The organization is broken into three primary areas of research which are the Center for Federal Fiscal Policy, The and the...
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
Career & Technology Centers
High school students can attend Huntingdon County Career & Technology CenterHuntingdon County Career and Technology Center
Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center is a small rural vocational school that serves the area around Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Its classes are open to 10th graders to 12th graders in local high schools and in special circumstances to 9th graders...
- Mill Creek - Grades 10-12
High School Alma Mater
Now we all march togetherOn through fair and stormy weather
When e're we have a fight to fight
We will win it for the blue and gold
She our pride as spirit raises
As we stand to sing her praises
For we gladly do our school revere
And greet her with a rousing triple cheer
For old MU High
To you your sons are ever loyal
Old MU High
Your name will ever cherished be
For old MU High
We'll give a cheer for that royal
Old MU High
We'll love you ever more
Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies. The policy specifies that all students in Grades 9 through 12 must be passing five subjects at all times and two of those subjects must be core courses (math, English, science and social studies). In the event that a student, most likely a senior, is enrolled in three or less core subject areas, he/she will be required to be passing at least one core subject area to be eligible for athletic activities. All students in Grades 7 through 8 must maintain a passing grade in four full credit classes with two of those classes being core subject areas.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.
Athletics
- BaseballBaseballBaseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
- Class AA - BasketballBasketballBasketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
- Class AA - Cross CountryCross country runningCross country running is a sport in which people run a race on open-air courses over natural terrain. The course, typically long, may include surfaces of grass and earth, pass through woodlands and open country, and include hills, flat ground and sometimes gravel road...
- Class AA - FootballAmerican footballAmerican football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
- Class AA - Boys GolfGolfGolf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
- Class AAAA - SoftballSoftballSoftball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand...
- Class AA - Track and FieldTrack and fieldTrack and field is a sport comprising various competitive athletic contests based around the activities of running, jumping and throwing. The name of the sport derives from the venue for the competitions: a stadium which features an oval running track surrounding a grassy area...
- Class AA - VolleyballVolleyballVolleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
- Class AA - WrestlingWrestlingWrestling is a form of grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. A wrestling bout is a physical competition, between two competitors or sparring partners, who attempt to gain and maintain a superior position...
- Class AA