Newport School District (Pennsylvania)
Encyclopedia
Newport School District is a Class 3 district in Perry County, Pennsylvania
situated in the town of Newport, Pennsylvania
, located in the eastern section of Perry County along the Juniata River
23 miles (37 km) northwest of Harrisburg
, the Capital. The District encompasses about 73 square miles (189.1 km²) with a population of approximately 8,000 citizens. Newport Schools enroll less than 1,100 students annually from the borough of Newport and five townships in Perry County; Buffalo, Howe, Juniata, Miller, and Oliver. The district consists of one PreK-5 elementary school
, one 6-12 middle
/high school
, and the district office. It employs approximately 118 professional staff, 7 administrators and 65 support staff. Newport reports that it employes 100% highly qualified professional staff.
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 "D-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
The district is served by the Capital Area Intermediate Unit
15 which offers a variety of services including: a completely developed K-12 curriculum that is mapped and aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards (available online), shared services, a group purchasing program and a wide variety of special education and special needs services.
for students at the elementary and middle level. Art and music departments offer students instruction in instrumental music, voice, music theory, drawing & painting, ceramics, design, and glasswork. Students may participate in marching band
, orchestral band, jazz band, chorus, and Innovations, our premier singing ensemble. The high school also has journalism
classes and produces a high school newspaper, the Blue & White several times during the school year. In addition, students may participate in audio-visual activities at our television studios at both buildings where several students have produced quality news and human interest reports. The district offers a gifted acceleration program.
math, reading, writing and three years of science results.
In 2011, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Newport School District ranked 449th. The paper describes the ranking as: "the ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."
In 2009 the student achievement of the district fell in the 11th percentile among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania. (0-99; 100 is state best)
Former calculation graduation rate:
was an inaugural participant in Project720. It was a participant in Project540 through the University of Pennsylvania
. The high school offers an academy system which allows students to specialize in one of two areas; Arts & Humanities or Science & Industry. AP courses are offered in all core subject areas and full-range agricultural education
, business education
and technology education
programs are available for all students. Approximately 50 students attend Cumberland Perry Career and Technical School annually.
In January 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Education identified the district as in the bottom 5% of the state's school districts, for student academic achievement. Newport High School is in School Improvement Level 1 status due to chronically low academic achievement through 2010.
In August 2010, the high school was required by law to notify students that they could transfer out of the Newport High School to another high school within the district due to Newport High School's chronic low achievement in reading and mathematics.
In a November 2010 report by the The 21st Century Partnership for STEM Education, Newport High School was cited as the most regressed district in Pennsylvania on the 11th Grade Math PSSA from 2004 to 2010. The study found the 11th grade math average dropped almost 30 percentage points on the test.
In a February 2011, Newport School District Strategic Plan Report to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the school administration acknowledged it had not revised the curriculum nor implemented other academic achievement improvement strategies that had been stated in its 2008 strategic plan.
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, 44% of Newport School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of 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.
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $5,008 for the program.
By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.
By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 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.
. Middle school teams meet regularly to assess performance and student progress to provide the personal attention so important to students at this age. Many students at the Newport Middle School did not achieve adequate yearly progress in 2009 and 2010. This resulted in the school being placed in School Improvement level 1 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2009 and 2010.
8th Grade Reading:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
7th Grade Math:
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
, music
, speech, technology, science, and health & PE. The elementary features full-day kindergarten
, a student-operated television studio
, an elementary student assistance program, and a breakfast program.
In 2010 the district reported a 95% attendance rate at the elementary school. Although the student achievement was universally below state level, the school was rated as making Adequate Yearly Progress.
5th Grade Reading:
5th Grade Math:
4th Grade Reading:
4th Grade Math:
4th Grade Science:
3rd Grade Reading:
3rd Grade Math:
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 Special Education Department.
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.
Newport School District received a $833,205 supplement for special education services in 2010.
with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.
, health insurance
, professional development reimbursement, personal days, sick days, and other benefits. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, 165 students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.
The district administrative costs per pupil were $784 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. At the December 16, 2009 meeting the school board eliminated the following administration positions effective July 1, 2010: Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Director of Building and Grounds, Middle School Principal.
In 2008, the Newport School District spent $12,622 per pupil which ranked 207th out of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts.
Reserves
In 2009, the district reported $117,100 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.
The district budget was $16 million (2009–2010). In mid 2009, it was revealed that the district had a $1.1 million shortfall. The Board projects a $1.2 million dollar deficit by the end of the 2009-2010 school year.
For the 2010-2011 school year, the school board is projecting a substantial property tax increase to fund a $16.1 million dollar budget. This will mean a property tax increase of nearly $300 for the average property owner. The school board sought multiple Act 1 Index exceptions to permit this tax increase.
In March 2010, the board chose to eliminate 14 teaching positions. The elementary school had 50 teachers during the 2009 - 2010 school year. The cuts will save the district $552,000. They include eliminating the non mandatory preschool program, a music teacher and the elective Discovery Program. The cuts are effective for the 2010-2011 school year.
Superintendent Buyout
Dr. Kerry W. Helm, Superintendent since 2006, resigned in December 2009, under board pressure due to taxpayer anger over the financial mismanagement. He negotiated a severance package that included: cash payments of $100,000 in two installments: $80,000 to be paid in January and $20,000 to be paid by Oct. 1, 2010. The district also agreed to make $981.63 in COBRA health insurance payments through June 2010. Helm had recently signed a new three-year contract in February 2009. Per that contract, the district would have needed to spend in excess $258,000 to buy him out of the $99,302 annual superintendent position.
In January 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 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. 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.
For 2010-11, the Newport School District received a 2% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $5,883,294 payment. West Perry School District
received a 5.14% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF in Perry 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 4.07% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $5,767,935. Newport School District received the lowest increase in funding from the state, among all the public school districts in Perry County. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $5,542,619.13.The district also received supplemental funding for: Title I (federal funding for low income students), for district size, a poverty supplement from the Commonwealth and more. In Dauphin County the highest state funding increase was 10.66% to Susquehanna Township School District
. Seventy school districts received a 2% increase in 2009. The Muhlenberg School District
of Berks County received a 22.31% increase in funding in 2009. Individual district basic education funding is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education in the annual budget process.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, 403 students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.
- Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.
For 2010-11, Newport School District did not apply for a School Improvement Grant. It was eligible for funding due to the chronic, low achievement at the high school and middle school.
In 2010, Pennsylvania received $141 million from the federal department of education, to turn around its worst-performing schools. The funds were dispersed via a competitive grant program. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has identified 200 Pennsylvania schools as "persistently lowest achieving," making them eligible for this special funding. Pennsylvania required low performing schools to apply or provide documentation about why they had not applied. The funds must be used, by the district, to turn around schools in one of four ways: school closure, restart - close the school and reopen it as a charter school. The other two options involve firing the principal. One would require at least half the faculty in a chronically poor performing school be dismissed. The second involves intensive teacher training coupled with strong curriculum revision or a longer school day.
federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars for committing to improve student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
The district employs three full-time technology
personnel who service four fully equipped computer lab
s at the high school, two at the elementary school and five mobile wireless labs (Classrooms for the Future). In addition every classroom has at least one computer and many are equipped with Smartboards. The middle/high school library operates a mobile wireless lab of laptops for student use. Wireless internet access is available throughout the district. Both buildings in the district are monitored by digital surveillance
equipment.
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 Newport School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
Newport School Board applied for multiple exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2010-11 including: Maintenance of revenues and pension costs. 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 Delaware County, at $632 in 2009 and 2010.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
, there are fewer than 1200 students enrolled in K-12. There were 97 students in the Class of 2009. The senior class of 2010 has 68 students. Enrollment in Newport School District is projected to continue to remain below 1150 through 2019. With limited local taxation resources, opportunities for students are limited. Consolidation of the administrations with adjacent school districts would achieve substantial administrative cost savings for people in each community. These excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improve lagging mathematics and science achievement, to enrich the academic programs or to substantially reduce property taxes. Consolidation of the central administrations would not require the closing of any schools. A new district composed of Greenwood School District
and Newport School District would have a student population of 2000 with stable enrollment projected for the next two decades.
Newport School District has an athletic partnership with the Greenwood High School for football, track, soccer, and wrestling.
Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity. In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the 49 respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools. Less than 95 of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts have enrollment below 1250 students, in 2007.
Over the next 10 years, rural Pennsylvania school enrollment is projected to decrease 8 percent per a report by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.
Silver certified. The HVAC
system has been converted to using geo-thermal energy
to help reduce dependence on foreign oil as well as save money. A six thousand gallon cistern collects gray water to operate toilet facilities on all three floors of the building. The building features 21st century classrooms wired for technology, an 8000 square feet (743.2 m²) auxiliary gymnasium and a new 10000 square feet (929 m²) main gymnasium which seats approximately 1,500, a state of the art auditorium which seats 800, and state of the art technology education, agricultural education, and technology labs. The building is fully accessible to handicapped students and patrons.
, baseball
, softball
, soccer, field hockey
, basketball
, wrestling
, band and orchestra, chorus, and a wide variety of clubs and organizations. Newport students have represented the district at all levels of competition in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. Newport School District has an athletic partnership with Greenwood School District
for football, track, soccer, and wrestling. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board.
The athletic stadium is named after George Katchmer who coached the school to its only undefeated season in 1953. There is a Buffalo pattern made from rocks displayed proudly behind the field.
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.
Perry County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 43,602 people, 16,695 households, and 12,320 families residing in the county. The population density was 79 people per square mile . There were 18,941 housing units at an average density of 34 per square mile...
situated in the town of Newport, Pennsylvania
Newport, Pennsylvania
Newport is a borough in Perry County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,506 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Newport is located at ....
, located in the eastern section of Perry County along the Juniata River
Juniata River
The Juniata River is a tributary of the Susquehanna River, approximately long, in central Pennsylvania in the United States. The river is considered scenic along much of its route, having a broad and shallow course passing through several mountain ridges and steeply-lined water gaps...
23 miles (37 km) northwest of Harrisburg
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 49,528, making it the ninth largest city in Pennsylvania...
, the Capital. The District encompasses about 73 square miles (189.1 km²) with a population of approximately 8,000 citizens. Newport Schools enroll less than 1,100 students annually from the borough of Newport and five townships in Perry County; Buffalo, Howe, Juniata, Miller, and Oliver. The district consists of one PreK-5 elementary school
Elementary school
An elementary school or primary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as elementary or primary education. Elementary school is the preferred term in some countries, particularly those in North America, where the terms grade school and grammar...
, one 6-12 middle
Middle school
Middle School and Junior High School are levels of schooling between elementary and high schools. Most school systems use one term or the other, not both. The terms are not interchangeable...
/high school
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
, and the district office. It employs approximately 118 professional staff, 7 administrators and 65 support staff. Newport reports that it employes 100% highly qualified professional staff.
Governance
Newport 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 "D-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
The district is served by the Capital Area Intermediate Unit
Capital Area Intermediate Unit
The Capital Area Intermediate Unit is an Intermediate Unit based in Summerdale, a suburb of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It serves the central Pennsylvania counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, northern York, and Perry. It offers services to the regions 24 school districts and 2 area vocational technical...
15 which offers a variety of services including: a completely developed K-12 curriculum that is mapped and aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards (available online), shared services, a group purchasing program and a wide variety of special education and special needs services.
Schools
All three schools maintain a full-time student assistance program and extra instructional support for all students. An alternative education program is offered on-site after-school. The Zone after-school program provides after-school activitiesAfter-school activity
An after-school activity is any organized program which invites youth to participate outside of the traditional school day. Some programs are run by a primary or secondary school and some by externally funded non-profit or commercial organizations...
for students at the elementary and middle level. Art and music departments offer students instruction in instrumental music, voice, music theory, drawing & painting, ceramics, design, and glasswork. Students may participate in marching band
Marching band
Marching band is a physical activity in which a group of instrumental musicians generally perform outdoors and incorporate some type of marching with their musical performance. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments...
, orchestral band, jazz band, chorus, and Innovations, our premier singing ensemble. The high school also has journalism
Journalism
Journalism is the practice of investigation and reporting of events, issues and trends to a broad audience in a timely fashion. Though there are many variations of journalism, the ideal is to inform the intended audience. Along with covering organizations and institutions such as government and...
classes and produces a high school newspaper, the Blue & White several times during the school year. In addition, students may participate in audio-visual activities at our television studios at both buildings where several students have produced quality news and human interest reports. The district offers a gifted acceleration program.
Academic achievement
Newport School District was ranked 451st out of 498 Pennsylvania School Districts in 2011 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic achievement based on five years of 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...
math, reading, writing and three years of science results.
- 2010 - 444th
- 2009 - 440th
- 2008 - 453rd
- 2007 - 409th of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts.
In 2011, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Newport School District ranked 449th. The paper describes the ranking as: "the ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."
- 2010 - 464th
- 2009 - 478th
In 2009 the student achievement of the district fell in the 11th percentile among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania. (0-99; 100 is state best)
Graduation Rate
In 2011, the graduation rate was 93%. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Newport School District's rate was 82% for 2010.Former calculation graduation rate:
- 2010 - 87%
- 2009 - 91%
- 2007 - 88%
- 2006 - 87%
High school
Newport High SchoolNewport High School (Pennsylvania)
Newport High School is a public high school located in Newport, Pennsylvania. It is part of the Newport School District. It is a very small community school that has approximately 100 students to each grade level. Its construction was finished in 2008. The third floor of the school is now the...
was an inaugural participant in Project720. It was a participant in Project540 through the University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
. The high school offers an academy system which allows students to specialize in one of two areas; Arts & Humanities or Science & Industry. AP courses are offered in all core subject areas and full-range agricultural education
Agricultural education
Agricultural education is instruction about crop production, livestock management, soil and water conservation, and various other aspects of agriculture. Agricultural education includes instruction in food education, such as nutrition...
, business education
Business education
Business education involves teaching students the fundamentals, theories, and processes of business. Education in this field occurs at several levels, including secondary education and higher education or university education. Approximately 38% of student enroll in one or more business courses...
and technology education
Technology education
Technology education is a study of technology, in which students "learn about the processes and knowledge related to technology". As a study, it covers the human ability to shape and change the physical world to meet needs, by manipulating materials and tools with techniques.-External links:...
programs are available for all students. Approximately 50 students attend Cumberland Perry Career and Technical School annually.
In January 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Education identified the district as in the bottom 5% of the state's school districts, for student academic achievement. Newport High School is in School Improvement Level 1 status due to chronically low academic achievement through 2010.
In August 2010, the high school was required by law to notify students that they could transfer out of the Newport High School to another high school within the district due to Newport High School's chronic low achievement in reading and mathematics.
In a November 2010 report by the The 21st Century Partnership for STEM Education, Newport High School was cited as the most regressed district in Pennsylvania on the 11th Grade Math PSSA from 2004 to 2010. The study found the 11th grade math average dropped almost 30 percentage points on the test.
In a February 2011, Newport School District Strategic Plan Report to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the school administration acknowledged it had not revised the curriculum nor implemented other academic achievement improvement strategies that had been stated in its 2008 strategic plan.
PSSA Results:
11th Grade Reading
- 2011 - 61% on grade level, (15% below basic). 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 53% on grade level, In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.
- 2009 - 58.7%, State- 65%
- 2008 - 58%, State - 65%
- 2007 - 59%, State - 65%
- 2006 - 52%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math
- 2011 - 45.5%, on grade level (29% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 25%, State - 59%
- 2009 - 41%, State - 56%
- 2008 - 49%, State - 56%
- 2007 - 44%, State - 53%
- 2006 - 49%, State - 52%
11th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 44% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 - 29%, State - 30%
- 2009 - 26%, State - 40%
- 2008 - 34%, State - 39%
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 44% of Newport 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, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Dual enrollment
The high school offers a 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 at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $5,008 for the program.
Graduation requirements
The Board requires that each candidate for graduation shall have earned twenty-four (24) credits.By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.
By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 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.
Middle school
Newport Middle School is housed on the third floor of the middle/high school building and offers a full range of activities in addition to a challenging core curriculumCore Curriculum
The Core Curriculum was originally developed as the main curriculum used by Columbia University's Columbia College. It began in 1919 with "Contemporary Civilization," about the origins of western civilization. It became the framework for many similar educational models throughout the United States...
. Middle school teams meet regularly to assess performance and student progress to provide the personal attention so important to students at this age. Many students at the Newport Middle School did not achieve adequate yearly progress in 2009 and 2010. This resulted in the school being placed in School Improvement level 1 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2009 and 2010.
8th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 72% on grade level (10% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2010 - 78%, (13% below basic). State - 81%
- 2009 - 76% (12% below basic). State - 80%
- 2008 - 71%, State - 78%
8th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 67% on grade level (11% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
- 2010 - 70%, (22% below basic). State - 75%
- 2009 - 60% (18% below basic), State - 71%
- 2008 - 66%, State - 70%
8th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 41% on grade level (29% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 - 45%, (32% below basic). State - 57%
- 2009 - 54% (24% below basic), State - 54%
- 2008 - 41%, State - 52%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 61% on grade level (17% below basic). State – 76%
- 2010 - 73%, (11% below basic). State - 73%
- 2009 - 64% (11% below basic), State - 71%
- 2008 - 55%, State - 70%
7th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 75% on grade level (13% below basic). State - 78.6%
- 2010 - 79% (7% below basic), State - 77%
- 2009 - 65% (11% below basic), State - 75%
- 2008 - 72%, State - 70%
6th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 65% on grade level (16% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 69.9% of 6th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 57%, (21% below basic). State - 68%
- 2009 - 57%, (12% below basic), State - 67%
- 2008 - 61%, State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 62% on grade level (18% below basic). State - 78.8%
- 2010 - 64%, (24% below basic). State - 78%
- 2009 - 66% (8% below basic), State - 75%
- 2008 - 60%, State - 72%
Elementary School
Newport Elementary School offers small class sizes and specials in artArt
Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect....
, music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
, speech, technology, science, and health & PE. The elementary features full-day kindergarten
Kindergarten
A kindergarten is a preschool educational institution for children. The term was created by Friedrich Fröbel for the play and activity institute that he created in 1837 in Bad Blankenburg as a social experience for children for their transition from home to school...
, a student-operated television studio
Television studio
A television studio is an installation in which a video productions take place, either for the recording of live television to video tape, or for the acquisition of raw footage for post-production. The design of a studio is similar to, and derived from, movie studios, with a few amendments for the...
, an elementary student assistance program, and a breakfast program.
In 2010 the district reported a 95% attendance rate at the elementary school. Although the student achievement was universally below state level, the school was rated as making Adequate Yearly Progress.
5th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 68% on grade level (15% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 67.3% of 5th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 61%, (27% below basic). State - 64%
- 2009 - 52%, (25% below basic)., State - 64%
- 2008 - 39%, State - 61%
5th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 63% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 74%
- 2010 - 60%, (23% below basic). State - 74%
- 2009 - 55%, (18% below basic)., State - 73%
- 2008 - 58%, State - 73%
4th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 71%, (19% below basic), State – 73.3%
- 2010 - 68%, (16% below basic). State - 72%
- 2009 - 65%, (19% below basic), State - 72%
- 2008 - 59%, State - 70%
4th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 83% (8% below basic), State – 85.3%
- 2010 - 71%, (15% below basic). State - 84%
- 2009 - 80%, (7% below basic)., State - 81%
- 2008 - 73%, State - 79%
4th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 83%, (3% below basic), State – 82.9%
- 2010 - 77% on grade level, State - 81%
- 2009 - 84%, State - 83%
- 2008 - 69%, State - 81%
3rd Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 81%, (4% below basic), State – 77.2%
- 2010 - 74%, (13% below basic). State - 75%
- 2009 - 86%, (7% below basic), State - 77%
- 2008 - 76%, State - 77%
3rd Grade Math:
- 2011 - 89%, (4% below basic), State – 83.5%
- 2010 - 82%, (3% below basic). State - 84.5%
- 2009 - 86%, (5% below basic), State - 81%
- 2008 - 78%, State - 80%
Preschool
The district operates a preschool that is funded by a state Pre K Counts grant. Perry County Early Childhood, Newport Public Library, Head Start, and the Girl Scouts of America all partner with Newport Elementary to provide a preschool activity night called “Play Stations”. Newport Elementary also operates the only PreK program in Perry County.Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 236 pupils or 20% of the district's pupils received Special EducationSpecial education
Special education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students' individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials,...
services.
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 Special Education Department.
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.
Newport School District received a $833,205 supplement for special education services in 2010.
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that 19 or 1.61% 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. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to 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....
with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.
Budget
In 2007, the district employed 96 teachers who earned an average teacher salary of $47,811 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 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...
, 165 students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.
The district administrative costs per pupil were $784 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. At the December 16, 2009 meeting the school board eliminated the following administration positions effective July 1, 2010: Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Director of Building and Grounds, Middle School Principal.
In 2008, the Newport School District spent $12,622 per pupil which ranked 207th out of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts.
Reserves
In 2009, the district reported $117,100 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.
The district budget was $16 million (2009–2010). In mid 2009, it was revealed that the district had a $1.1 million shortfall. The Board projects a $1.2 million dollar deficit by the end of the 2009-2010 school year.
For the 2010-2011 school year, the school board is projecting a substantial property tax increase to fund a $16.1 million dollar budget. This will mean a property tax increase of nearly $300 for the average property owner. The school board sought multiple Act 1 Index exceptions to permit this tax increase.
In March 2010, the board chose to eliminate 14 teaching positions. The elementary school had 50 teachers during the 2009 - 2010 school year. The cuts will save the district $552,000. They include eliminating the non mandatory preschool program, a music teacher and the elective Discovery Program. The cuts are effective for the 2010-2011 school year.
Superintendent Buyout
Dr. Kerry W. Helm, Superintendent since 2006, resigned in December 2009, under board pressure due to taxpayer anger over the financial mismanagement. He negotiated a severance package that included: cash payments of $100,000 in two installments: $80,000 to be paid in January and $20,000 to be paid by Oct. 1, 2010. The district also agreed to make $981.63 in COBRA health insurance payments through June 2010. Helm had recently signed a new three-year contract in February 2009. Per that contract, the district would have needed to spend in excess $258,000 to buy him out of the $99,302 annual superintendent position.
In January 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 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. 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
In 2011-12, the district will receive $5,542,619 in state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the district will receive $81,880 in Accountability Block Grant funding. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 480 students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2010–11 school year.For 2010-11, the Newport School District received a 2% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $5,883,294 payment. West Perry School District
West Perry School District
The West Perry School District is a public school district located in Perry County, Pennsylvania. It encompasses over , covering virtually all of the western half of the county, with Newport School District, Greenwood School District, and Susquenita School District located in the more populated east...
received a 5.14% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF in Perry 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 4.07% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $5,767,935. Newport School District received the lowest increase in funding from the state, among all the public school districts in Perry County. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $5,542,619.13.The district also received supplemental funding for: Title I (federal funding for low income students), for district size, a poverty supplement from the Commonwealth and more. In Dauphin County the highest state funding increase was 10.66% to Susquehanna Township School District
Susquehanna Township School District
The Susquehanna Township School District is a midsized, suburban, public school district serving students from Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The school district is located in suburban Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, a high...
. Seventy school districts received a 2% increase in 2009. The Muhlenberg School District
Muhlenberg School District
The Muhlenberg Area School District is a public school district serving parts of Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. It encompasses the borough of Laureldale and the Muhlenberg Township. The district encompasses approximately 13 square miles. Per the 2000 federal census data it serves a resident...
of Berks County received a 22.31% increase in funding in 2009. Individual district basic education funding is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education in the annual budget process.
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...
, 403 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 Newport School District applied for and received $222,242 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full day kindergarten for the 7th year.Classrooms for the Future grant
The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math), along with other specialized equipment and provided funding for teacher training to optimize the use of the computers. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Newport School District was not approved for funding in 2006-07. The Newport School district received $152,561 in 2007-08 and was given $45,413 for the 2008-09 school year.Education Assistance Grant
Newport School Administration did not apply for the state's 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.Common Cents state initiative
The school board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.Federal Stimulus Funding
The district received $1,084,472 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.
School Improvement Grant
In the summer of 2011, the district administration did not apply for School Improvement Grant funding, from the federal government (over $9.9 million available). Both Newport High School and Newport MIddle School were eligible for funding. The grant stipulates the funds be used for improving student achievement using one of four federally dictated strategies. The strategies are: transformation, turnaround, restart with new faculty and administration or closure of failing schools. Transformation calls for a change in faculty and administration evaluations, mandated training in proven teaching techniques and rigorous curriculum change that focuses on student achievement. The Pennsylvania Education Secretary awarded $66 Million to reform Pennsylvania's lowest achieving schoolsFor 2010-11, Newport School District did not apply for a School Improvement Grant. It was eligible for funding due to the chronic, low achievement at the high school and middle school.
In 2010, Pennsylvania received $141 million from the federal department of education, to turn around its worst-performing schools. The funds were dispersed via a competitive grant program. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has identified 200 Pennsylvania schools as "persistently lowest achieving," making them eligible for this special funding. Pennsylvania required low performing schools to apply or provide documentation about why they had not applied. The funds must be used, by the district, to turn around schools in one of four ways: school closure, restart - close the school and reopen it as a charter school. The other two options involve firing the principal. One would require at least half the faculty in a chronically poor performing school be dismissed. The second involves intensive teacher training coupled with strong curriculum revision or a longer school day.
Race to the Top grant
School district officials did not apply for the Race to the TopRace to the Top
Race to the Top, abbreviated R2T, RTTT or RTT, is a $4.35 billion United States Department of Education competition designed to spur innovation and reforms in state and local district K-12 education...
federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars for committing to improve student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
The district employs three full-time technology
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
personnel who service four fully equipped computer lab
Computer lab
A computer lab, also known as a computer suite or computer cluster is typically a room which contains many networked computers for public use...
s at the high school, two at the elementary school and five mobile wireless labs (Classrooms for the Future). In addition every classroom has at least one computer and many are equipped with Smartboards. The middle/high school library operates a mobile wireless lab of laptops for student use. Wireless internet access is available throughout the district. Both buildings in the district are monitored by digital surveillance
Surveillance
Surveillance is the monitoring of the behavior, activities, or other changing information, usually of people. It is sometimes done in a surreptitious manner...
equipment.
Real estate taxes
The Newport School Board set property tax rates for school year 2011-12 at 13.7670 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.- 2010-11 - 17.8270 mills.
- 2009-10 - mills.
- 2008-09 - mills.
- 2007-08 - mills.
Act 1 Adjusted index
The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not 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 Newport School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
- 2006-07 - 5.5%, Base 3.9%
- 2007-08 - 4.8%, Base 3.4%
- 2008-09 - 6.1%, Base 4.4%
- 2009-10 - 5.7%, Base 4.1%
- 2010-11 - 4.1%, Base 2.9%
- 2011-12 - 2.0%, Base 1.4%
Newport School Board applied for multiple exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2010-11 including: Maintenance of revenues and pension costs. 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 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Newport School District was $194 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 2129 property owners applied for the tax relief. In 2009, the district's property tax relief was set at $194 for 2,174 approved homesteads. This was the highest tax relief in Perry County in 2010. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 acres (40,468.6 m²) contiguous and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania was given to residents in Chester Upland School DistrictChester Upland School District
The Chester Upland School District is a public school district serving the City of Chester, the Borough of Upland and Chester Township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania...
in Delaware County, at $632 in 2009 and 2010.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
Enrollment
According to the Pennsylvania Department of EducationPennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, there are fewer than 1200 students enrolled in K-12. There were 97 students in the Class of 2009. The senior class of 2010 has 68 students. Enrollment in Newport School District is projected to continue to remain below 1150 through 2019. With limited local taxation resources, opportunities for students are limited. Consolidation of the administrations with adjacent school districts would achieve substantial administrative cost savings for people in each community. These excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improve lagging mathematics and science achievement, to enrich the academic programs or to substantially reduce property taxes. Consolidation of the central administrations would not require the closing of any schools. A new district composed of Greenwood School District
Greenwood School District
The Greenwood School District is the smallest and northernmost lying, public school district in Perry County, Pennsylvania. The district serves students residing in Millerstown Borough, Liverpool Borough, Greenwood Township , Greenwood Township , Liverpool Township , and Tuscarora Township...
and Newport School District would have a student population of 2000 with stable enrollment projected for the next two decades.
Newport School District has an athletic partnership with the Greenwood High School for football, track, soccer, and wrestling.
Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity. In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the 49 respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools. Less than 95 of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts have enrollment below 1250 students, in 2007.
Over the next 10 years, rural Pennsylvania school enrollment is projected to decrease 8 percent per a report by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.
Renovations
The middle/high school recently underwent a $25 million renovation and additions project which is LEEDLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods....
Silver certified. The HVAC
HVAC
HVAC refers to technology of indoor or automotive environmental comfort. HVAC system design is a major subdiscipline of mechanical engineering, based on the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer...
system has been converted to using geo-thermal energy
Geothermal power
Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. Thermal energy is the energy that determines the temperature of matter. Earth's geothermal energy originates from the original formation of the planet and from radioactive decay of minerals...
to help reduce dependence on foreign oil as well as save money. A six thousand gallon cistern collects gray water to operate toilet facilities on all three floors of the building. The building features 21st century classrooms wired for technology, an 8000 square feet (743.2 m²) auxiliary gymnasium and a new 10000 square feet (929 m²) main gymnasium which seats approximately 1,500, a state of the art auditorium which seats 800, and state of the art technology education, agricultural education, and technology labs. The building is fully accessible to handicapped students and patrons.
Extracurricular
Newport Schools offer a full-range of extracurricular activities including footballAmerican football
American 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...
, baseball
Baseball
Baseball 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...
, softball
Softball
Softball 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...
, soccer, field hockey
Field hockey
Field Hockey, or Hockey, is a team sport in which a team of players attempts to score goals by hitting, pushing or flicking a ball into an opposing team's goal using sticks...
, basketball
Basketball
Basketball 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...
, wrestling
Wrestling
Wrestling 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...
, band and orchestra, chorus, and a wide variety of clubs and organizations. Newport students have represented the district at all levels of competition in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. Newport School District has an athletic partnership with Greenwood School District
Greenwood School District
The Greenwood School District is the smallest and northernmost lying, public school district in Perry County, Pennsylvania. The district serves students residing in Millerstown Borough, Liverpool Borough, Greenwood Township , Greenwood Township , Liverpool Township , and Tuscarora Township...
for football, track, soccer, and wrestling. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board.
The athletic stadium is named after George Katchmer who coached the school to its only undefeated season in 1953. There is a Buffalo pattern made from rocks displayed proudly behind the field.
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.