Shanksville-Stonycreek School District
Encyclopedia
The Shanksville-Stonycreek School District is a public school district located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania
. In additional to serving the borough of Shanksville
and the Township of Stonycreek
, it serves the borough of Indian Lake
. The district encompasses approximately 65 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 2,916. According to District officials, in school year 2005-06 the SSSD provided basic educational services to 455 pupils through the employment of 41 teachers, 22 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 3 administrators.
The school was originally constructed in 1929 and was renovated and modified two times prior (1954 and 1988) to the recent renovation in 2000, when state-of-the-art science facilities, a gymnasium with locker rooms, art and music rooms, tech ed classrooms, and a wood shop, as well as ADA improvements were made, completing the $9.0 Million Dollar project.
s.
2009 - 137th
2008 - 131st out of 497 school districts
2007 - 106th out of 501 school districts.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of the Shanksville-Stonycreek School DIstrict was in the 52nd percentile among 500 Pennsylvania School Districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best)
Graduation Rate
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
2010 - 59% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level. (37 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 58%, State - 65%
2008 - 66%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
2010 - 48% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 64%, State - 56%
2008 - 66%, State - 56%
11th Grade Science:
2010 - 40% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 60%, State - 40%
2008 - 55%, State - 39%
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $7,142 for the program.
By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district. Culminating project guidelines include community service.
Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams in reading and math.
2010 - 91% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level. (24 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 94%, State - 80%
2008 - 91%, State - 78%
Math:
2010 - 79% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 90%, State - 71%
2008 - 79%, State - 70%
Science:
2010 - 70% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 69%, State - 55%.
2008 - 62%, State - 52%
2010 - 58% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level. (29 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 68%, State - 71%
2008 - 85%, State - 70%
Math:
2010 - 75% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 76%, State - 75%
2008 - 82%, State - 70%
2010 - 72% on grade level. State: 68% of 6th graders were on grade level. (29 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 59%, State - 67%
2008 - 81%, State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
2010 - 93% on grade level. State - 78% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 70%, State - 75%
2008 - 77%, State -72%
2010 - 83% on grade level. State - 64% of 5th graders were on grade level. (30 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 66%, State - 64%
2008 - 50%, State - 61%
5th Grade Math:
2010 - 86% on grade level. State - 74% of 5th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 85%, State - 73%
2008 - 71%, State - 73%
2010 - 62% on grade level. State - 72% of 4th graders were on grade level. (29 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 84%, State - 72%
2008 - 82%, State - 70%
4th Grade Math:
2010 - 75% on grade level. State - 84% of 4th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 90%, State - 81
2008 - 96%, State - 79%
4th Grade Science:
2010 - 82% on grade level. State - 81% of 4th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 100%, State - 83%
2008 - 100%, State - 81%
2010 - 82% on grade level. State - 75% of 3rd graders were on grade level. (34 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 79%, State - 77%
2008 - 93%, State - 77%
3rd Grade Math:
2010 - 94% on grade level. State - 84% of 3rd graders were on grade level.
2009 - 69%, State - 81%
2008 - 83%, State - 80%
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.
Intermediate Unit 8 and the Shanksville-Stonycreek School District have established and implemented procedures to locate, identify, and evaluate students and young children suspected of being exceptional. These procedures include screening activities which include but are not limited to: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, and report cards); hearing screening (at a minimum of kindergarten, special ungraded classes, first, second, third, seventh, and eleventh grades); vision screening (every grade level); motor screening; and speech and language screening. In schools which have a Pre-Referral, Child-Study, Early Intervening or Instructional Support Team, the above screening activities may lead to consideration by the teams to move the next level of screening activities. 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 District's Department of Special Education.
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.
, there are fewer than 450 students enrolled in K-12. The senior class of 2011 has 34 students, while the class of 2010 had 40 students. Enrollment is projected to continue to decline by another 100 students by the 2018 academic year. The administrative infrastructure and mandate related costs per pupil are very high. With limited local taxation resources, opportunities for students are limited. Consolidation with an adjacent school district would achieve substantial cost savings. These savings could be redirected to improving lagging student achievement, to enriching the academic programs or to reducing property taxes.
Rural Pennsylvania school enrollment is projected to decrease 8 percent by 2011. The most significant enrollment decline is projected to be in western Pennsylvania, where rural school districts may have a 16 percent decline. More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania are projected to experience significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).
Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. Less than 95 of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts have enrollment below 1250 students, in 2007.
This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity. In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the 49 respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools.
In 2007, the district employed 34 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $40,733 for 184 days worked. As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation.
Shanksville-Stonycreek School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $1,158.44 per pupil. This ranked 25th for per pupil administrative spending in the state. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, the district administration reported spending $14,070 per pupil which ranked 103rd among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts.
In August 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the administration and the school board.
Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $2,640,723 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was repoted as zero.
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 annual Title 1 grants from the federal government. 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 person's level of wealth.
and Somerset Area School District
both of which received a 2.82% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. 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 set by the Governor and the Secretary of Education as a part of the state budget proposal given each February.
In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $1,463,193. Somerset Area School District
received a 4.87%. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $1,453,194. Ninety Pennsylvania school districts received a 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.
- Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. The funding is for the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.
federal grant which will mean hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. The administration, school board and teachers' union prioritized free resources to improve student success over local control. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.
The School District Adjusted Index for the Shanksville-Stonycreek School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
2006-07 - 4.7%, Base 3.9%
2007-08 - 4.0%, Base 3.4%
2008-09 - 5.1%, Base 4.4%
2009-10 - 4.1%, Base 4.1%
2010-11 - 2.9%, Base 2.9%
2011-12 - 1.4%, Base 1.4%
The Shanksville-Stonycreek School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index for the budget year 2010-2011. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
of Delaware County
who received $632 per approved homestead. This was the third 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, individual with income much 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.
Somerset County, Pennsylvania
Somerset County is a county located in the state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 77,742. Somerset County was created on April 17, 1795, from part of Bedford County and named for Somerset, United Kingdom. Its county seat is Somerset. It is part of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania,...
. In additional to serving the borough of Shanksville
Shanksville, Pennsylvania
Shanksville is a borough in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States, with a population of 245, as of the 2000 census. It is part of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area and is approximately 60 miles southeast from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
and the Township of Stonycreek
Stonycreek Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania
Stonycreek Township is a township in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,221 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, it serves the borough of Indian Lake
Indian Lake, Pennsylvania
Indian Lake is a borough in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It is part of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 394 at the 2010 census, down from 450 in 2000...
. The district encompasses approximately 65 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 2,916. According to District officials, in school year 2005-06 the SSSD provided basic educational services to 455 pupils through the employment of 41 teachers, 22 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 3 administrators.
School history
All 550 students of SSSD attend school in one building.The school was originally constructed in 1929 and was renovated and modified two times prior (1954 and 1988) to the recent renovation in 2000, when state-of-the-art science facilities, a gymnasium with locker rooms, art and music rooms, tech ed classrooms, and a wood shop, as well as ADA improvements were made, completing the $9.0 Million Dollar project.
Academic achievement
Shanksville-Stoneycreek School District was ranked 175th out of 493 Pennsylvania school districts evaluated in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on three years of student academic performance on the reading, writing, math and two years of science PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s.
2009 - 137th
2008 - 131st out of 497 school districts
2007 - 106th out of 501 school districts.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of the Shanksville-Stonycreek School DIstrict was in the 52nd percentile among 500 Pennsylvania School Districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best)
Graduation Rate
- 2010 - 97%
- 2009 - 100%
- 2007 - 100%
- Shanksville-Stonycreek School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2009
High School
The high school has two curricular tracks: academic and tech prep. Within tech prep, students may attend the Somerset County Technology Center located in Somerset, Pennsylvania or be enrolled in the high school's business curriculum.PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
2010 - 59% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level. (37 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 58%, State - 65%
2008 - 66%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
2010 - 48% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 64%, State - 56%
2008 - 66%, State - 56%
11th Grade Science:
2010 - 40% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 60%, State - 40%
2008 - 55%, State - 39%
Dual enrollment
The high school offers a Dual Enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $7,142 for the program.
Graduation requirements
The Shanksville-Stonycreek School Board has set the requirements for graduation. They include: English 4 credits, Math 4 credits, Science 4 credits, Social Studies 3 credits, Health and Physical Education 1 credit and multiple electives.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. Culminating project guidelines include community service.
Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams in reading and math.
Challenge Program
The Challenge Program, Inc. offers $250.00 cash incentives to Shanksville-Stonycreek High School sophomores, juniors, and seniors who excel in the categories of: Academic Improvement, Attendance, Community Service and Academic Excellence. The program partners with businesses to motivate students both in and out of the classroom by encouraging good habits in students that will last throughout their education and into their future careers. For the 2010-2011 school year, the top 10% of students in each of the categories will be eligible to win $250.00.Eight Grade
Reading2010 - 91% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level. (24 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 94%, State - 80%
2008 - 91%, State - 78%
Math:
2010 - 79% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 90%, State - 71%
2008 - 79%, State - 70%
Science:
2010 - 70% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 69%, State - 55%.
2008 - 62%, State - 52%
Seventh Grade
Reading:2010 - 58% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level. (29 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 68%, State - 71%
2008 - 85%, State - 70%
Math:
2010 - 75% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 76%, State - 75%
2008 - 82%, State - 70%
Sixth Grade
6th Grade Reading:2010 - 72% on grade level. State: 68% of 6th graders were on grade level. (29 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 59%, State - 67%
2008 - 81%, State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
2010 - 93% on grade level. State - 78% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 70%, State - 75%
2008 - 77%, State -72%
Fifth Grade
5th Grade Reading:2010 - 83% on grade level. State - 64% of 5th graders were on grade level. (30 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 66%, State - 64%
2008 - 50%, State - 61%
5th Grade Math:
2010 - 86% on grade level. State - 74% of 5th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 85%, State - 73%
2008 - 71%, State - 73%
Fourth Grade
4th Grade Reading:2010 - 62% on grade level. State - 72% of 4th graders were on grade level. (29 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 84%, State - 72%
2008 - 82%, State - 70%
4th Grade Math:
2010 - 75% on grade level. State - 84% of 4th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 90%, State - 81
2008 - 96%, State - 79%
4th Grade Science:
2010 - 82% on grade level. State - 81% of 4th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 100%, State - 83%
2008 - 100%, State - 81%
Third Grade
3rd Grade Reading:2010 - 82% on grade level. State - 75% of 3rd graders were on grade level. (34 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 79%, State - 77%
2008 - 93%, State - 77%
3rd Grade Math:
2010 - 94% on grade level. State - 84% of 3rd graders were on grade level.
2009 - 69%, State - 81%
2008 - 83%, State - 80%
Bullying policy
In 2009, the administrative reported there were 19 incidents of bullying in the district.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.
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 70 pupils or 16% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.Intermediate Unit 8 and the Shanksville-Stonycreek School District have established and implemented procedures to locate, identify, and evaluate students and young children suspected of being exceptional. These procedures include screening activities which include but are not limited to: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, and report cards); hearing screening (at a minimum of kindergarten, special ungraded classes, first, second, third, seventh, and eleventh grades); vision screening (every grade level); motor screening; and speech and language screening. In schools which have a Pre-Referral, Child-Study, Early Intervening or Instructional Support Team, the above screening activities may lead to consideration by the teams to move the next level of screening activities. 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 District's Department of Special Education.
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.
Enrollment
The district's enrollment is in the bottom 5% in Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania Department of EducationPennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, there are fewer than 450 students enrolled in K-12. The senior class of 2011 has 34 students, while the class of 2010 had 40 students. Enrollment is projected to continue to decline by another 100 students by the 2018 academic year. The administrative infrastructure and mandate related costs per pupil are very high. With limited local taxation resources, opportunities for students are limited. Consolidation with an adjacent school district would achieve substantial cost savings. These savings could be redirected to improving lagging student achievement, to enriching the academic programs or to reducing property taxes.
Rural Pennsylvania school enrollment is projected to decrease 8 percent by 2011. The most significant enrollment decline is projected to be in western Pennsylvania, where rural school districts may have a 16 percent decline. More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania are projected to experience significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).
Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. Less than 95 of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts have enrollment below 1250 students, in 2007.
This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity. In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the 49 respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools.
Budget
In 2009, the district reported employing 40 teachers with a salary range of $37,000 to $115,544 0 for 184 day school year. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, personal days, 10 sick days, and other benefits. Teachers are paid for extra instructional services at an hourly rate. Additionally, there is an early retirement bonus of up to $4,500.In 2007, the district employed 34 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $40,733 for 184 days worked. As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation.
Shanksville-Stonycreek School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $1,158.44 per pupil. This ranked 25th for per pupil administrative spending in the state. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, the district administration reported spending $14,070 per pupil which ranked 103rd among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts.
In August 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the administration and the school board.
Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $2,640,723 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was repoted as zero.
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 annual Title 1 grants from the federal government. 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 person's level of wealth.
State basic education funding
For the 2010-11 budget year, the Shanksville-Stonycreek School District was allotted a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $1,523,055. The highest increase in Somerset County was provided to: North Star School DistrictNorth Star School District
The North Star School District in Boswell, Somerset County, Pennsylvania in the United States was formed in 1969 with the merger of predecssors Jenner-Boswell and Forbes school districts. The district includes the boroughs of Boswell, Stoystown, Jennerstown, and Hooversville and the townships...
and Somerset Area School District
Somerset Area School District
The Somerset Area School District is a public school district in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The district Boundaries are within Somerset Boro and the Townships of Jefferson, Lincoln and Somerset. The district encompasses and occupies five buildings...
both of which received a 2.82% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. 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 set by the Governor and the Secretary of Education as a part of the state budget proposal given each February.
In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $1,463,193. Somerset Area School District
Somerset Area School District
The Somerset Area School District is a public school district in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The district Boundaries are within Somerset Boro and the Townships of Jefferson, Lincoln and Somerset. The district encompasses and occupies five buildings...
received a 4.87%. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $1,453,194. Ninety Pennsylvania school districts received a 2% increase. 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 a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.
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 district applied for and received $49,722 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The Shanksville-Stonycreek School District uses the funding to increase instructional time for 65 pupils and to develop new courses and to align the curriculum to the academic standards.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 the required teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Shanksville-Stonycreek School District received $32,723 in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the school received $192,230 and in 2008-09 it did not apply, for a total of $224,953.Federal Stimulus grant
The district received an extra $$224,778 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 2010-2011 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 will mean hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. The administration, school board and teachers' union prioritized free resources to improve student success over local control. 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 Shanksville-Stonycreek 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:
Property tax rates in 2010 were set at 32.8700 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 the region.- 2009 - 31.9500 mills.
- 2008 - 30.7000 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 Shanksville-Stonycreek School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
2006-07 - 4.7%, Base 3.9%
2007-08 - 4.0%, Base 3.4%
2008-09 - 5.1%, Base 4.4%
2009-10 - 4.1%, Base 4.1%
2010-11 - 2.9%, Base 2.9%
2011-12 - 1.4%, Base 1.4%
The Shanksville-Stonycreek School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index for the budget year 2010-2011. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
Property tax relief
In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Shanksville-Stonycreek School District was $211 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 819 property owners applied for the tax relief. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. This was the highest relief given in Somerset County in 2010. 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. In Somerset County, 47% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School DistrictChester Upland School District
The Chester Upland School District is a public school district serving the City of Chester, the Borough of Upland and Chester Township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania...
of 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....
who received $632 per approved homestead. This was the third 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, individual with income much 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%).
Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy and the PIAA.By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
Athletics
- BaseballBaseballBaseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
- Class A - BasketballBasketballBasketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
- Class A - GolfGolfGolf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
- Class AAAA - RifleRifleA rifle is a firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder, with a barrel that has a helical groove or pattern of grooves cut into the barrel walls. The raised areas of the rifling are called "lands," which make contact with the projectile , imparting spin around an axis corresponding to the...
- Class AAAA - SoftballSoftballSoftball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand...
- Class A - Girls TennisTennisTennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
- Class AA - VolleyballVolleyballVolleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
- Class A
Cooperative Sports
SSSD contracts with other districts in other sports:- Berlin Brothersvalley School DistrictBerlin Brothersvalley School DistrictThe Berlin Brothersvalley School District covers New Baltimore and Allegheny Township, Fairhope Township and Northampton Township in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The school district consists of three schools all connected by an underground tunnel. The district encompasses 165.5 square miles....
- Soccer - Shade-Central City School DistrictShade-Central City School DistrictThe Shade-Central School District is a public school district located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It is eponymous, serving the borough of Central City and the Township of Shade.-School Complex:...
- Track and Field as well as Football are Shade sports in which eligible Shanksville students may participate. Rifle, Golf, and Tennis are Shanksville sports in which eligible Shade students may participate.