Northwest Area School District
Encyclopedia
In 2010, the high school is in Making Progress: in School Improvement I status due to chronically low performing student achievement. In 2009, the high school declined to Did Not Make AYP School Improvement I status due ongoing to low student achievement.
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
Beginning with the class of 2016, students must take the Keystone Exams in Literature, Biology 1 and Algebra 1.
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
program. This state funded 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. 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.
For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $9,847 for its dual enrollment program.
2010 – 69% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level. (124 pupils enrolled)
2009 – 79%, State – 80% (117 pupils enrolled)
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Math:
,PA.
The school has a large playground area. In the early 90's giant tires were stored on the playground and the children were told they are the 'Black Rubber Fun-Time Circles'; the tires were mostly filled with dirty rain water and the occasional snake.
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.
Northwest Area School District received a $824,454 supplement for special education services in 2010.
The Northwest Area School Board has not provided the district's antibully policy online. 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.
In 2007, the district employed over 94 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $51,723 for 180 days worked.
In 2009 the district reported employing over 90 teachers with a salary range of $33,426 to $67,356 Additionally, the teachers receive a benefits package that includes: health insurance, life insurance, paid sick and personal days, reimbursement for college courses and a retirement bonus based on longevity. Teachers receive extra compensation for additional duties and for extracurricular and sports coaching.
The Northwest Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $688.61 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
According to District officials, in school year 2007–08 the NASD provided basic educational services to
1,348 pupils through the employment of 104 teachers, 67 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 10 administrators.
In July 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The multiple findings were reported to the school board and administration.
In 2009, the district reported having $22,982 in outstanding debt.
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 income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's level of wealth.
at 12,61%. Sixteen Pennsylvania school districts received an increase over 10%. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. Among Pennsylvania school districts, the highest increase in 2010–11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District
in Chester County
which received a 23.65% increase in state funding. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
For the 2009–2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.32% increase in Basic Education funding for Northwest Area School District a total of $7,125,260. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008–09 was $6.896,624. The highest increase in BEF for the school districts in Luzerne County was awarded to Hazleton Area School District at a 13.36% increase. The highest increase in Pennsylvania went to Muhlenberg School District
of Berks County which received an increase of 22.31 percent. Sixteen school districts received an increase in funding of over 10 percent in 2009.
In 2009, the district reported that 513 students were eligible for a federal free or reduced lunch due to low family income.
– Federal Stimulus money to be used only in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.
federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
In 2008, Luzerne county conducted a property value reassessment.
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 Northwest Area School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.
The Northwest Area School Board applied for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011 including the district's spending on Special Education, to maintain local effort in taxation, to maintain revenues, and for pension costs. In the Spring of 2010, 135 of 500 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
set at $210 per approved homestead. The property tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
at $641 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. CUSD was given $632 in 2009. This was the second year they were the top recipient.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially greater than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
With the exception of athletics and band boosters, Northwest Area High School does not have many opportunities for parental involvement. They do not have a PTA or PTO.
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 "F" 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.
, on West Vine Street.
On May 11, 2010 in a 6–2 vote, the Northwest Area School Board voted to close the Garrison School. Students attending this school are to be reassigned to the Huntington Mills and Hunlock Creek elementary schools. According to a Times Leader article "[the] Garrison was one of the first schools in the district and a high school at one time. Closure of the school will also mean eliminating the Head Start program, which operates from that building."
11th Grade Reading
- 2010 – 63% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders are on grade level. (100 pupils enrolled)
- 2009 – 63%, State – 65%
- 2008 – 65%, State – 65%
- 2007 – 66%, State – 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 38%, on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 35%, State – 56%.
- 2008 – 41%, State – 56%
- 2007 – 49%, State – 53%
11th Grade Science:
- 2010 – 43% on grade level. State – 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 45%, State – 40%
- 2008 – 36%, State – 35.5%
Graduation requirements
By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a graduation 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.Beginning with the class of 2016, students must take the Keystone Exams in Literature, Biology 1 and Algebra 1.
College remediation
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 28% of Northwest Area 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 EducationPennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Dual enrollment
The high school offers a Dual EnrollmentDual enrollment
In education, dual enrollment involved students being enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. It may also refer to any individual who is participating in two related programs, but such a general form of usage is uncommon....
program. This state funded 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. 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.
For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $9,847 for its dual enrollment program.
Junior High School
8th Grade Reading2010 – 69% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level. (124 pupils enrolled)
2009 – 79%, State – 80% (117 pupils enrolled)
- 2008 – 84%, State – 78%
- 2007 – 85%, State – 75%
8th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 68% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 66%, State – 71%
- 2008 – 71%, State – 70%
- 2007 – 74%, State – 68%
8th Grade Science:
- 2010 – 54% on grade level. State – 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 62%, State – 55%
- 2008 – 56%, State – 52%
7th Grade Reading
- 2010 – 67% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders on grade level. (98 pupils enrolled)
- 2009 – 62%, State – 71% (126 pupils enrolled)
- 2008 – 68%, State – 70%
- 2007 – 70%, State – 67%
7th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 77% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 66%, State – 75%
- 2008 – 65%, State – 71%
- 2007 – 69%, State – 67%
Northwest Area Primary School
Formerly the Huntington Mills School, the school is located in Huntington MillsHuntington Mills, Pennsylvania
Huntington Mills is a village located in the northeastern section of the state of Pennsylvania.The village of Huntington Mills is the center of activities in Huntington Township within Luzerne County...
,PA.
The school has a large playground area. In the early 90's giant tires were stored on the playground and the children were told they are the 'Black Rubber Fun-Time Circles'; the tires were mostly filled with dirty rain water and the occasional snake.
Northwest Area Intermediate School
Formerly the Hunlock Creek Elementary School. The school is located in Hunlock Township. The playground is falling apart and has not been invested in since the hay-days of the late 90's.Special Education
The district administration reported that 257 students or 19% were receiving special education services in 2009.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.
Northwest Area School District received a $824,454 supplement for special education services in 2010.
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that 37 or 2.26% of its students were gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.Bullying policy
The school district administration reported there was 1 incident of bullying in the district in 2009.The Northwest Area School Board has not provided the district's antibully policy online. 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 2008, the district reported a $623,610 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was repoted as $1,146,110.In 2007, the district employed over 94 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $51,723 for 180 days worked.
In 2009 the district reported employing over 90 teachers with a salary range of $33,426 to $67,356 Additionally, the teachers receive a benefits package that includes: health insurance, life insurance, paid sick and personal days, reimbursement for college courses and a retirement bonus based on longevity. Teachers receive extra compensation for additional duties and for extracurricular and sports coaching.
The Northwest Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $688.61 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
According to District officials, in school year 2007–08 the NASD provided basic educational services to
1,348 pupils through the employment of 104 teachers, 67 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 10 administrators.
In July 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The multiple findings were reported to the school board and administration.
In 2009, the district reported having $22,982 in outstanding debt.
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 income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's level of wealth.
State basic education funding
For the 2010–11 school year, the state basic education funding was 2.81% for $7,326,925. The highest increase in Luzerne County was awarded to Hazleton Area School DistrictHazleton Area School District
The Hazleton Area School District is a public school district in Pennsylvania, stretching over portions of Luzerne, Schuylkill, and Carbon Counties...
at 12,61%. Sixteen Pennsylvania school districts received an increase over 10%. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. Among Pennsylvania school districts, the highest increase in 2010–11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District
Kennett Consolidated School District
The Kennett Consolidated School District,or KCSD for short, is a public school district serving portions of Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is centered on the borough of Kennett Square and also incorporates Kennett Township, New Garden Township, and the southern portion of East Marlborough Twp....
in Chester County
Chester County, Pennsylvania
-State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were...
which received a 23.65% increase in state funding. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
For the 2009–2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.32% increase in Basic Education funding for Northwest Area School District a total of $7,125,260. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008–09 was $6.896,624. The highest increase in BEF for the school districts in Luzerne County was awarded to Hazleton Area School District at a 13.36% increase. The highest increase in Pennsylvania went to 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 which received an increase of 22.31 percent. Sixteen school districts received an increase in funding of over 10 percent in 2009.
In 2009, the district reported that 513 students were eligible for a federal free or reduced lunch due to low family income.
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 Northwest Area School District applied for and received $241,215 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide Full Day Kindergarten to 92 pupils, to reduce class size K-3rd grade, to develop new curriculum, to improve instruction by using teacher coaches in classrooms and to increase instructional time for struggling students through before and after school tutoring and more.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. Northwest Area School District received $67,933 in funding in 2006–07. In 2007–08 it received $75,000. The district received $45,413 in 2008–09 for a total funding of $188,346.Federal Stimulus Grant
Northwest Area School District received an extra $119,410 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 only in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.
Race to the Top grant
School district officials did not apply for the Race to the TopRace to the Top
Race to the Top, abbreviated R2T, RTTT or RTT, is a $4.35 billion United States Department of Education competition designed to spur innovation and reforms in state and local district K-12 education...
federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
Common Cents state initiative
The Northwest Area School Board decided to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.Real estate taxes
The school board levied a real estate tax of 9.1966 mills in 2010–11. 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. On the local level, Pennsylvania district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75–85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.- 2009–10 – 8.012 mills
In 2008, Luzerne county conducted a property value reassessment.
- 2008–09 – 224.5000 mills
Act 1 Adjusted index
The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 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 Northwest Area School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.
- 2006–07 – 5.5%, Base 3.9%
- 2007–08 – 4.9%, Base 3.4%
- 2008–09 – 6.3%, Base 4.4%
- 2009–10 – 5.9%, Base 4.1%
- 2010–11 – 4.2%, Base 2.9%
- 2011–12 – 2.0%, Base 1.4%
The Northwest Area School Board applied for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011 including the district's spending on Special Education, to maintain local effort in taxation, to maintain revenues, and for pension costs. In the Spring of 2010, 135 of 500 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 Northwest Area School District was $169 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 2,869 property owners applied for the tax relief. In 2010 within Luzerne County, the highest reported amount went to Wilkes-Barre Area School DistrictWilkes-Barre Area School District
Wilkes-Barre Area School District is an urban, public school district located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Wilkes-Barre Area School District encompasses approximately 123 square miles. The district includes the city of Wilkes-Barre as well as smaller surrounding...
set at $210 per approved homestead. The property tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties....
at $641 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. CUSD was given $632 in 2009. This was the second year they were the top recipient.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially greater than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
Tax Foundation
The Tax Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank founded in 1937 that collects data and publishes research studies on tax policies at the federal and state levels. The organization is broken into three primary areas of research which are the Center for Federal Fiscal Policy, The and the...
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
Extracurriculars
The district's students have access to a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board policy.By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
Sports
Edward "Ed" Gayeski was a longtime coach of the Northwest Rangers basketball team, whom in his career had the most wins among all coaches in Pennsylvania, totaling 744 wins and 195 losses (.792 PCT). Gayeski lead the team to become two-time back-to-back PIAA State Class A basketball champions in 1982–83 and 1983–84, going 65–1 in the two years. He also brought the team to 20 wins in 24 of 34 seasons, 13 league titles and 14 District Championships. Coach Edward Gayeski died in the summer of 1985.With the exception of athletics and band boosters, Northwest Area High School does not have many opportunities for parental involvement. They do not have a PTA or PTO.
Governance
The 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 "F" 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.
Garrison Memorial School
The school is located in ShickshinnyShickshinny, Pennsylvania
Shickshinny is a borough in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 959 at the 2000 census, and declined to 896 in the 2007 Economic Census....
, on West Vine Street.
On May 11, 2010 in a 6–2 vote, the Northwest Area School Board voted to close the Garrison School. Students attending this school are to be reassigned to the Huntington Mills and Hunlock Creek elementary schools. According to a Times Leader article "[the] Garrison was one of the first schools in the district and a high school at one time. Closure of the school will also mean eliminating the Head Start program, which operates from that building."