Peters Township School District
Encyclopedia
Peters Township School District is a large, suburban, public school district
located in Peters Township
, Washington County, Pennsylvania
and encompasses an area of 19.5 square miles. The school district has a population of 17,566, according to the 2000 federal census. In 2009, the per capita income was $36,159, while the median family income was $86,661. In school year 2003–04, the Peters Township School District provided basic educational services to 3,917 pupils through the employment of 21 administrators, 224 teachers, and 185 full-time and part-time support personnel. Special education was provided by the district and the Intermediate Unit #1.
The district operates five schools:
In 2005, all five schools met the federal "No Child Left Behind
" requirements. The mission of the Peters Township High School is to ensure that all students receive the highest quality education delivered by an excellent staff making full use of resources so that students may become contributing members of society and lifelong learners.
In 2007, the district was noted as an academically high performing school district in a state school report called Costing out the Resources need to meet Pennsylvania's Public Education Goals. It was one of 67 districts who were recognized.
for math, reading, writing and three years of science.
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Peters Township School District, was in the 97th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0–99; 100 is state best).
issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Peters Township School District's rate was 98% for 2010.
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
PSSAs:
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
College remediation:
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 27% of Peters Township High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
4 credits, Science 4 credits, Drivers theory/speech 1 credit, Health 0.5 credit, Physical Education 1 credit, Arts/Humanities 1 credits and Electives 6 credits. Beginning with the Graduating Class of 2013, at least 0.5 of these credits must be from an online course.
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. At Peters Township High School, students focus on career exploration and present their culminating project in an interview.
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class 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.
In 2011, the Peters Township Middle School eighth grade ranked 5th within a seven-county Western Pennsylvania region. It was the highest-scoring middle school in Washington County. In 2009, the 8th grade was ranked 5th out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSA
s in: reading, math writing and one year of science. (Includes schools in: Allegheny County
, Beaver County
, Butler County
, Fayette County
, Westmoreland County
, and Washington County
).
8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Math:
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
5th Grade Reading:
5th Grade Math:
4th Grade Reading;
4th Grade Math;
4th Grade Science;
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. If the 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 Student Services 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.
Peters Township School District received a $1,520,799 supplement for special education services in 2010.
The Peters Township School Board has 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.
, professional development reimbursement, 3 paid personal days, 5 paid bereavement days and 10 paid sick days (which accumulate), life insurance and other benefits. Teachers may take a one semester sabbatical with full pay. The teachers can qualify for a substantial bonus upon retirement. Teacher are paid extra if they cover a class during their paid prep time. According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
In 2007, the district employed 242 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $56,841 for 180 school days worked. This was the highest teacher compensation among Washington County school districts.
Peters Township School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $681.21 per pupil. The district is ranked 340th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Peters Township School District reported spending $9,999 per pupil. This ranked 480th in the commonwealth.
Reserves
In 2009, the district reported a $761,811 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.
In October 2006, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board. The district was cited for repeated violations of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act by school board members.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.
which received an over 49% increase.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 122 students in the Peters Township School District received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2009–2010 school year.
For 2010–11, Peters Township School District received a 7.97% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $5,439,344 payment. Charleroi School District
received 9.90% which was the highest increase in BEF in Washington County. Kennett Consolidated School District
in Chester County
received the highest increase in the state – a 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 4.73% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $5,037,750. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008–09 was $4,810,108.28. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more. Burgettstown Area School District
received a 6.45% increase, the highest increase in Washington County for the 2009–10 school year. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, 110 district 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. The funding is for the 2009–10 and 2010–11 school years.
federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands in 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.
rates in 2010–2011 at 95.1800 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 local 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.
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 Peters Township School District 2006–2007 through 2010–2011.
For the 2011–12 school year the Peters Township School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Peters Township School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
According to a state report, for the 2011–2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.
Peters Township School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009–10 or in 2010–11. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Peters Township School District was $123 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 5,925 property owners applied for the tax relief. Washington School District
received $407 which was the highest property tax relief allotted in Washington County for 2009. The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The Pennsylvania Auditor General found that 73% of property owners applied for tax relief in Washington County. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year the Chester-Upland School District was the top recipient.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
School district
School districts are a form of special-purpose district which serves to operate the local public primary and secondary schools.-United States:...
located in Peters Township
Peters Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania
Peters Township is a township in Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 17,566 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
, Washington County, Pennsylvania
Washington County, Pennsylvania
-Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 152,534 registered voters in Washington County .* Democratic: 89,027 * Republican: 49,025 * Other Parties: 14,482...
and encompasses an area of 19.5 square miles. The school district has a population of 17,566, according to the 2000 federal census. In 2009, the per capita income was $36,159, while the median family income was $86,661. In school year 2003–04, the Peters Township School District provided basic educational services to 3,917 pupils through the employment of 21 administrators, 224 teachers, and 185 full-time and part-time support personnel. Special education was provided by the district and the Intermediate Unit #1.
The district operates five schools:
- Bower Hill Elementary School Kindergarten through Grade 3, Report Card 2010 http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S101636503000007594.PDF
- Pleasant Valley Elementary School Kindergarten through Grade 3, Report Card 2010 http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S101636503000004255.PDF
- McMurray Elementary School Grades 4 – 6, Report Card 2010 http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S101636503000007393.PDF
- Peters Township Middle School Grades 7–8
- Peters Township High School.
In 2005, all five schools met the federal "No Child Left Behind
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...
" requirements. The mission of the Peters Township High School is to ensure that all students receive the highest quality education delivered by an excellent staff making full use of resources so that students may become contributing members of society and lifelong learners.
In 2007, the district was noted as an academically high performing school district in a state school report called Costing out the Resources need to meet Pennsylvania's Public Education Goals. It was one of 67 districts who were recognized.
Academic achievement
Peters Township School District was ranked 10th out of 500 Pennsylvania school districts in 2011 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on five years of student academic performance on the PSSAsPennsylvania 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...
for math, reading, writing and three years of science.
- 2010 – 13th
- 2009 – 12th
- 2008 – 9th
- 2007 – 12th of 501 school districts.
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Peters Township School District, was in the 97th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0–99; 100 is state best).
Graduation rate
In 2011, 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...
issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Peters Township School District's rate was 98% for 2010.
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
- 2010 – 99%
- 2009 – 98%
- 2008 – 98%
- 2007 – 98%
HIgh School
In both 2009 and 2010 the school achieved AYP Status.PSSAs:
11th Grade Reading
- 2010 – 90% on grade level (4% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 86% (5% below basic), State – 65%
- 2008 – 84% (7% below basic), State – 65%
- 2007 – 92% (1% below basic), State – 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 81%, on grade level (7% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 79% (8% below basic). State – 56%.
- 2008 – 77% (9% below basic), State – 56%
- 2007 – 87% (3% below basic), State – 53%
11th Grade Science:
- 2010 – 75% on grade level (4% below basic). State – 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 64% (5% below basic). State – 40%
- 2008 – 58%, State – 39%
College remediation:
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 27% of Peters Township High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a large public university system in the United States. It is the tenth-largest university system in the United States and 43rd largest in the world...
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Graduation Requirements
The Peters Township School Board has determined that students must earn 26 credits to graduate including: English 4 credits, Math 4 credits, Social StudiesSocial studies
Social studies is the "integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence," as defined by the American National Council for the Social Studies...
4 credits, Science 4 credits, Drivers theory/speech 1 credit, Health 0.5 credit, Physical Education 1 credit, Arts/Humanities 1 credits and Electives 6 credits. Beginning with the Graduating Class of 2013, at least 0.5 of these credits must be from an online course.
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. At Peters Township High School, students focus on career exploration and present their culminating project in an interview.
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class 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.
Curriculum
In addition to a wide variety of regular high school courses, the school offers 9 AP Courses which permit students to earn college credits.Middle school
In 2009 and 2010, the Peters Township Middle School achieved AYP status. The attendance rate was 97%.In 2011, the Peters Township Middle School eighth grade ranked 5th within a seven-county Western Pennsylvania region. It was the highest-scoring middle school in Washington County. In 2009, the 8th grade was ranked 5th out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSA
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s in: reading, math writing and one year of science. (Includes schools in: Allegheny County
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Allegheny County is a county in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,223,348; making it the second most populous county in Pennsylvania, following Philadelphia County. The county seat is Pittsburgh...
, Beaver County
Beaver County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 181,412 people, 72,576 households, and 50,512 families residing in the county. The population density was 418 people per square mile . There were 77,765 housing units at an average density of 179 per square mile...
, Butler County
Butler County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 174,083 people, 65,862 households, and 46,827 families residing in the county. The population density was 221 people per square mile . There were 69,868 housing units at an average density of 89 per square mile...
, Fayette County
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the2010 census, the population was 136,606. The county is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area....
, Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
, and Washington County
Washington County, Pennsylvania
-Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 152,534 registered voters in Washington County .* Democratic: 89,027 * Republican: 49,025 * Other Parties: 14,482...
).
8th Grade Reading
- 2010 – 97% on grade level (1% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 98% (1% below basic), State – 80%
- 2008 – 96% (2% below basic), State – 78%
- 2007 – 94% (1% below basic), State – 75%
8th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 90% on grade level (1% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 92% (2% below basic), State – 71%
- 2008 – 91% (3% below basic), State – 70%
- 2007 – 90% (1% below basic), State – 68%
8th Grade Science:
- 2010 – 84% on grade level (6% below basic). State – 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 83% (4% below basic), State – 55%
- 2008 – 82%, State – 52%
7th Grade Reading
- 2010 – 95% on grade level (1% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 94% (2% below basic), State – 71%
- 2008 – 92% (1% below basic), State – 70%
- 2007 – 96% (1% below basic), State – 67%
7th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 97% on grade level (1% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 93% (3% below basic), State – 75%
- 2008 – 93% (1% below basic), State – 71%
- 2007 – 92% (2% below basic), State – 67%
McMurray Elementary School
McMurray Elementary School achieved AYP status in both 2009 and 2010. The attendance rate was 96% for both years.6th Grade Reading:
- 2010 – 87% on grade level (3% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 68% of 6th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 87% (3% below basic), State – 67%
- 2008 – 88% (7% below basic), State – 67%
- 2007 – 91% (1% below basic), State – 63%
6th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 96% on grade level (1% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 78% of 6th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 89% (2% below basic), State – 75%
- 2008 – 88% (2% below basic), State – 72%
- 2007 – 89% (2% below basic), State – 69%
5th Grade Reading:
- 2010 – 85% on grade level (5% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 64% of 5th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 80% (5% below basic), State – 64%
- 2008 – 81% (6% below basic), State – 62%
- 2007 – 80% (5% below basic), State – 60%
5th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 90% on grade level (0% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 74% of 5th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 89% (1% below basic), State – 73%
- 2008 – 87% (2% below basic), State – 73%
- 2007 – 87% (3% below basic), State – 71%
4th Grade Reading;
- 2010 – 88% (2% below basic), State – 73%
- 2009 – 90% (3% below basic), State – 72%
- 2008 – 86% (2% below basic), State – 70%
- 2007 – 87% (4% below basic), State – 60%
4th Grade Math;
- 2010 – 95% (1% below basic), State – 84%
- 2009 – 93% (2% below basic), State – 81%
- 2008 – 89% (5% below basic), State – 80%
- 2007 – 90% (3% below basic), State – 78%
4th Grade Science;
- 2010 – 96%, (1% below basic), State – 81%
- 2009 – 96%, (1% below basic), State – 83%
- 2008 – 94%, State – 81%
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 272 pupils or 6% 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. If the 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 Student Services 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.
Peters Township School District received a $1,520,799 supplement for special education services in 2010.
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that 156 or 3.60% of the district's students were identified as gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. Services designed to meet the needs of gifted students include the annual development of a Gifted Individual Education Plan, support services and specially-designed instruction designed to challenge the student. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal, requesting an evaluation. All requests should be made in writing which commences a 60 day evaluation deadline. 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 Peters Township School District administration reported there were three incidents of bullying in the district in 2009. There were 2 incidents of harassment and 19 reports of fighting. Four students were placed in alternative educationThe Peters Township School Board has 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 2009, the district reports employing over 305 teachers with a starting salary of $39,900 for 193 days work with 180 for pupil instruction. The average teacher salary was $61,638 while the maximum salary is $130,000. 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. Teachers work 7 hour and 30 minutes per day including a paid 30 minute lunch period and daily prep time. Additionally, Peters Township School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insuranceHealth 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, 3 paid personal days, 5 paid bereavement days and 10 paid sick days (which accumulate), life insurance and other benefits. Teachers may take a one semester sabbatical with full pay. The teachers can qualify for a substantial bonus upon retirement. Teacher are paid extra if they cover a class during their paid prep time. According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
In 2007, the district employed 242 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $56,841 for 180 school days worked. This was the highest teacher compensation among Washington County school districts.
Peters Township School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $681.21 per pupil. The district is ranked 340th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Peters Township School District reported spending $9,999 per pupil. This ranked 480th in the commonwealth.
Reserves
In 2009, the district reported a $761,811 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.
In October 2006, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board. The district was cited for repeated violations of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act by school board members.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.
State basic education funding
In 2011–12, the district will receive $4,987,704 in state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the Peters Township School District district will receive $86,100 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011–2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School DistrictDuquesne City School District
The is a tiny, suburban public school district in the state of Pennsylvania. It is located in the east hills of Allegheny County, and serves the City of Duquesne , a former mill town on the banks of the Monongahela River. Duquesne City School District encompasses approximately 2 square miles...
which received an over 49% increase.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 122 students in the Peters Township School District received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2009–2010 school year.
For 2010–11, Peters Township School District received a 7.97% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $5,439,344 payment. Charleroi School District
Charleroi School District
The Charleroi School District is a public school district covering the Boroughs of Charleroi, Dunlevy, North Charleroi, Speers, Stockdale and Twilight and Fallowfield Township in Washington County, Pennsylvania.- Schools :...
received 9.90% which was the highest increase in BEF in Washington 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 – a 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 4.73% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $5,037,750. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008–09 was $4,810,108.28. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more. Burgettstown Area School District
Burgettstown Area School District
The Burgettstown Area School District is a small, rural public school district located in Washington County, in southwestern Pennsylvania. It services the Borough of Burgettstown and Hanover Township, Jefferson Township, and Smith Township in Washington County, Pennsylvania. The Burgettstown Area...
received a 6.45% increase, the highest increase in Washington County for the 2009–10 school year. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District
Muhlenberg School District
The Muhlenberg Area School District is a public school district serving parts of Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. It encompasses the borough of Laureldale and the Muhlenberg Township. The district encompasses approximately 13 square miles. Per the 2000 federal census data it serves a resident...
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, 110 district students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.
Accountability Block Grants
Beginning in 2004–2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania’s school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, All Day Kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010–11 the Peters Township School District applied for and received $233,697 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to reduce class size K-3rd grade, and to improve science instruction.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. Peters Township School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07nor did it apply in 2007–08. For the 2008–09, school year the district received $188,223. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $1,578,433 in ARRAArra
Arra is a census town in Puruliya district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Demographics: India census, Arra had a population of 19,911. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Arra has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the...
– Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. The funding is for the 2009–10 and 2010–11 school years.
Race to the Top grant
School district officials 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 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 Peters Township School Board did not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.Real estate taxes
The school board set property taxProperty tax
A property tax is an ad valorem levy on the value of property that the owner is required to pay. The tax is levied by the governing authority of the jurisdiction in which the property is located; it may be paid to a national government, a federated state or a municipality...
rates in 2010–2011 at 95.1800 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 local 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.
- 2009–10 – 92.5000 mills.
- 2008–09 – 89.5000 mills.
- 2077-08 – 89.5000 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 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 Pennsylvania 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 Peters Township School District 2006–2007 through 2010–2011.
- 2006–07 – 3.9%, Base 3.9%
- 2007–08 – 3.4%, Base 3.4%
- 2008–09 – 4.4%, Base 4.4%
- 2009–10 – 4.1%, Base 4.1%
- 2010–11 – 2.9%, Base 2.9%
- 2011–12 – 1.4%, Base 1.4%
For the 2011–12 school year the Peters Township School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Peters Township School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
According to a state report, for the 2011–2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.
Peters Township School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009–10 or in 2010–11. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
Property tax relief
In 2011, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Peters Township School District was $120 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 6,063 property owners applied for the tax relief.In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Peters Township School District was $123 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 5,925 property owners applied for the tax relief. Washington School District
Washington School District
The Washington School District is a small, urban, public school district in Washington County, Pennsylvania. It serves the city of Washington, Pennsylvania and the borough of East Washington, Pennsylvania. The district encompasses approximately 9 square miles. According to 2000 local census data,...
received $407 which was the highest property tax relief allotted in Washington County for 2009. The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The Pennsylvania Auditor General found that 73% of property owners applied for tax relief in Washington County. 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 $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year the Chester-Upland School District was the top recipient.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
Tax Foundation
The Tax Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank founded in 1937 that collects data and publishes research studies on tax policies at the federal and state levels. The organization is broken into three primary areas of research which are the Center for Federal Fiscal Policy, The and the...
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
Extracurriculars
The district offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and over 16 sports. The board stipulates eligibility to participate in district policy. The Student Help and Remediation Program monitors the weekly academic progress of students who participate in activities, determine their eligibility to participate. Where needed, the teachers provide a program of support.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.