Somerset Area School District
Encyclopedia
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 156 square miles (404 km²) and occupies five buildings. The district has recently done major renovations to the Junior and Senior High Schools, as well as, the athletic field and athletic complex. The district is served by the
s.
2009 - 316th
2008 - 303rd out of 497 school districts
2007 - 303rd out of 501 school districts.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of the Somerset Area School DIstrict was in the 13th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania public school districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best)
Graduation Rate
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
2010 - 73% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level. (191 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 63%, State - 65% (183 pupils enrolled)
2008 - 59%, State - 65% (198 pupils enrolled)
11th Grade Math:
2010 - 70% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 51%, State - 56%
2008 - 44%, State - 56%
11th Grade Science:
2010 - 40% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 - %, State - 40%
2008 - 27%, State - 39%
study released in January 2009, 8% of the Somerset Area Senior High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $6,268 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.
Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams in reading and math.
Reading
2010 - 78% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level. (199 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 77%, State - 80% (179 pupils)
2008 - 78%, State - 78% (173 pupils)
Math:
2010 - 81% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 82%, State - 71%
2008 - 72%, State - 70%
Science:
2010 - 54% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 47%, State - 55%.
2008 - 54%, State - 52%
Seventh Grade
Reading:
2010 - 67% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level. (197 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 66%, State - 71% (199 pupils enrolled)
2008 - 67%, State - 70% (174 pupils enrolled)
Math:
2010 - 74% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 71%, State - 75%
2008 - 62%, State - 70%
The Somerset Area School Board has adopted a bullying policy and has posted it 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.
The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the 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.
In 2007, the district employed 172 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $54,104 for 180 days worked. As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation.
The Somerset Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $813.88 per pupil. This ranked 179th for per pupil administrative spending in the state. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In June 2010, Krista Mathais was awarded a five contract as superintendent with an annual salary of $110,000. Former Superintendent, David Pastrick, resigned March 15, 2010 after a paid, 19-week leave of absence.
Per Pupil spending In 2008, the district reported spending $12,564 per pupil which ranked 215th among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts..
Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $3,443,176 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.
In September 2010, the Pennsylvania auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the school board and the administration. It was concluded that the District did take appropriate corrective action to address the deficit fund balance of 2006.
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. 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 wealth.
and Somerset Area School District 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 the district with a 4.87% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $7,749,257. Somerset Area School District received the county's highest increase. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $3,230,215. 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.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, 875 students qualified for free or reduced lunch due to low family income in 2008.
federal grant which would have meant 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 Somerset Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
2006-07 - 5.0%, Base 3.9%
2007-08 - 4.3%, Base 3.4%
2008-09 - 5.6%, Base 4.4%
2009-10 - 5.2%, Base 4.1%
2010-11 - 3.6%, Base 2.9%
2011-12 - 1.7%, Base 1.4%
The Somerset Area 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.
at $211. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District
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%).
References:
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,...
. The district Boundaries are within Somerset Boro
Somerset, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 6,762 people, 3,035 households, and 1,717 families residing in the borough. The population density was 2,466.0 people per square mile . There were 3,313 housing units at an average density of 1,208.2 per square mile...
and the Townships of Jefferson
Jefferson Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania
Jefferson Township is a township in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,375 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
, Lincoln
Lincoln Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania
Lincoln Township is a township in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,669 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
and Somerset
Somerset Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania
Somerset Township is a township in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 12,122 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area and encompasses the census-designated place of Friedens, Pennsylvania.-Geography:According to the...
. The district encompasses 156 square miles (404 km²) and occupies five buildings. The district has recently done major renovations to the Junior and Senior High Schools, as well as, the athletic field and athletic complex. The district is served by the
Elementary schools
There are three K-3 Elementary Schools and one Grade 4-6 Elementary School in the district. Head Start pre-school and District full-day Kindergarten classes are provided.K-3 Elementary Schools
- Friedens Elementary School
1936 Stoystown Rd.
Friedens, Pennsylvania 15541 - Maple Ridge Elementary School
105 New Centerville Rd.
Somerset, Pennsylvania 15501 - Sipesville Elementary School
1036 Schoolhouse Rd.
Sipesville, Pennsylvania 15561
4-6 Elementary School
- Eagle View Elementary School
191 Discovery Ln.
Somerset, Pennsylvania 15501
Secondary schools
- Somerset Area Junior High School and Senior High Schools
(Grades 7-12)
645 So. Columbia Av.
Sommerset, Pennsylvania 15501
Academic achievement
Somerset Area School District was ranked 418th out of 493 Pennsylvania school districts in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on four 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 - 316th
2008 - 303rd out of 497 school districts
2007 - 303rd out of 501 school districts.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of the Somerset Area School DIstrict was in the 13th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania public school districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best)
- Somerset Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2005 http://www.scribd.com/doc/22435932/Somerset-Area-School-District-Report-Card-2005
Graduation Rate
- 2010 - 89%
- 2009 - 90%
- 2007 - 93%
Senior High School
In 2010, the senior high school is in Making Progress: in School Improvement I AYP status due to chronic low student achievement. In 2009, the senior high school was in School Improvement AYP status for chronic low student achievement.PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
2010 - 73% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level. (191 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 63%, State - 65% (183 pupils enrolled)
2008 - 59%, State - 65% (198 pupils enrolled)
11th Grade Math:
2010 - 70% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 51%, State - 56%
2008 - 44%, State - 56%
11th Grade Science:
2010 - 40% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 - %, State - 40%
2008 - 27%, State - 39%
Challenge Program
The Challenge Program, Inc. offers $250.00 cash incentives to Somerset Area SD 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.Eagle Excellence Program
The school has implemented a program to recognize and reward academic achievement. Each year, the names of students who earn highest, high, and honor roll for each grading period will be displayed on large placards. Upon completion of 9th grade, the names of students who earn highest honor roll for all six semesters will have their names permanently placed on a separate card near the Wall of Honor.College Remediation Rate
According to a 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...
study released in January 2009, 8% of the Somerset Area Senior High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a large public university system in the United States. It is the tenth-largest university system in the United States and 43rd largest in the world...
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Dual enrollment
The 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. By Pennsylvania Dual Enrollment regulations courses must be counted 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 $6,268 for the program.
Graduation requirements
The Somerset Area School Board requires students to earn 24 credits to graduate including: English 4 credits, Mathematics 3 credits, Science 3 credits, Social Studies - Civics, World Cultures, Government and Economics; Arts and Humanities 1 credit, Physical Education each year, Health, Internet Applications 0.5 credit, Highway Safety and Electives to complete 24 credits.By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.
Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams in reading and math.
Junior High School
Eight GradeReading
2010 - 78% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level. (199 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 77%, State - 80% (179 pupils)
2008 - 78%, State - 78% (173 pupils)
Math:
2010 - 81% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 82%, State - 71%
2008 - 72%, State - 70%
Science:
2010 - 54% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 47%, State - 55%.
2008 - 54%, State - 52%
Seventh Grade
Reading:
2010 - 67% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level. (197 pupils enrolled)
2009 - 66%, State - 71% (199 pupils enrolled)
2008 - 67%, State - 70% (174 pupils enrolled)
Math:
2010 - 74% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 71%, State - 75%
2008 - 62%, State - 70%
Bullying policy
In 2009, the administrative reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the district.The Somerset Area School Board has adopted a bullying policy and has posted it 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.
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 463 pupils or 18.7% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the 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.
Budget
In 2009, the district reported employing over 200 teachers with a salary range of $32,476 to $89,000 for 180 days. The median teacher salary is $56,090. Additionally, teachers receive an extensive benefits package including: life insurance, health insurance, defined benefit pension, paid professional development, paid sick days and paid personal days.In 2007, the district employed 172 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $54,104 for 180 days worked. As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation.
The Somerset Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $813.88 per pupil. This ranked 179th for per pupil administrative spending in the state. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In June 2010, Krista Mathais was awarded a five contract as superintendent with an annual salary of $110,000. Former Superintendent, David Pastrick, resigned March 15, 2010 after a paid, 19-week leave of absence.
Per Pupil spending In 2008, the district reported spending $12,564 per pupil which ranked 215th among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts..
Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $3,443,176 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.
In September 2010, the Pennsylvania auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the school board and the administration. It was concluded that the District did take appropriate corrective action to address the deficit fund balance of 2006.
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. 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 wealth.
State basic education funding
For the 2010-11 budget year, the Somerset Area School District was allotted a 2.82% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $7,968,522. 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 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 the district with a 4.87% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $7,749,257. Somerset Area School District received the county's highest increase. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $3,230,215. 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 $383,885 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The Somerset Area School District uses the grant to fund Full Day Kindergarten to 118 children. This is the fifth year the full day kindergarten was provided.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. In 2006, the district received $95,832, in 2007-08 - $250,000 and in 2008-09 - $45,413 for a total funding of $391,245.Federal Stimulus grant
The district received an extra $1,190,407 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.
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...
, 875 students qualified for free or reduced lunch due to low family income in 2008.
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 meant 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 Somerset Area School Board declined 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 37.9600 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 - 36.6500 mills.
- 2008 - 34.9500 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 Somerset Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
2006-07 - 5.0%, Base 3.9%
2007-08 - 4.3%, Base 3.4%
2008-09 - 5.6%, Base 4.4%
2009-10 - 5.2%, Base 4.1%
2010-11 - 3.6%, Base 2.9%
2011-12 - 1.7%, Base 1.4%
The Somerset Area 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 Somerset Area School District was $149 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 4,468 property owners applied for the tax relief. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 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. In Somerset County, the highest amount of tax relief in 2010, went to Shanksville-Stonycreek School DistrictShanksville-Stonycreek School District
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....
at $211. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District
Chester 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. 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.Arts
A comprehensive music program offers chorus, orchestra, and band beginning in the elementary grades. Annual Junior High School and Senior High School musicals are integral part of the entire program. A wide range of academic co-curricular opportunities is also available at all grade levels.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 AAA - 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 AAA - Cross CountryCross country runningCross country running is a sport in which people run a race on open-air courses over natural terrain. The course, typically long, may include surfaces of grass and earth, pass through woodlands and open country, and include hills, flat ground and sometimes gravel road...
- Class AA - FootballAmerican footballAmerican football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
- Class AA - Boys GolfGolfGolf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
- Class AAAA - 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 - Soccer - Class AA/AAA
- 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 AAA - SwimmingSwimming (sport)Swimming is a sport governed by the Fédération Internationale de Natation .-History: Competitive swimming in Europe began around 1800 BCE, mostly in the form of the freestyle. In 1873 Steve Bowyer introduced the trudgen to Western swimming competitions, after copying the front crawl used by Native...
and DivingDivingDiving is the sport of jumping or falling into water from a platform or springboard, sometimes while performing acrobatics. Diving is an internationally-recognized sport that is part of the Olympic Games. In addition, unstructured and non-competitive diving is a recreational pastime.Diving is one...
- Class AA - 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 - Track and FieldTrack and fieldTrack and field is a sport comprising various competitive athletic contests based around the activities of running, jumping and throwing. The name of the sport derives from the venue for the competitions: a stadium which features an oval running track surrounding a grassy area...
- Class AA - VolleyballVolleyballVolleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
- Class AA - WrestlingWrestlingWrestling is a form of grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. A wrestling bout is a physical competition, between two competitors or sparring partners, who attempt to gain and maintain a superior position...
- Class AA
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