South Western School District
Encyclopedia
South Western School District is a public school district in York County, Pennsylvania
. It serves the townships of Penn, Manheim, and West Manheim, all of which border the borough of Hanover. It encompasses approximately 56 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 22,576. According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the SWSD provided basic educational services to 4,073 pupils through the employment of 298 teachers, 196 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 24 administrators. In the 2009-2010 school year, the district celebrated its fiftieth anniversary.
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 its 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 "C" 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.
results on: reading, writing, math and two years of science.
2009 - 259th
2008 - 274th
2007 - 258th of 500 school districts in Pennsylvania.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of South Western School DIstrict was in the 60th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania School Districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best)
In 2010, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. South Western School District ranked 479th. In 2009 the district was 485th. The paper describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."
Graduation rate
PSSA results
11th grade reading
2010 - 70% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 68% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 74%, State - 65%
2008 - 71%, State - 65%
11th grade math:
2010 - 66% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 60%, State - 56%
2008 - 59%, State - 56%
11th grade science:
2010 - 41% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 44.8%, State - 40%
2008 - 34%, State - 39%
2007 - Tested, The state did not make the results public.
English 4 credits, Speech Communication 0.5 credit, Mathematics 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Science 3 credits, Arts and/or Humanities 2 credits, Health 1 credit, Safety Education 0.25 credits, First Aid 0.25 credits, Physical Education (each year) 2.0 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. South Western School district requires completion by a designated date during the student's senior year.
Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams in Literature and Algebra 1.
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.
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, including the graduation ceremony. 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 $7,877 for the program.
2010 - 88% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level.
2009 - 83%, State - 80%
2008 - 85%, State - 78%
Eight grade math:
2010 - 88% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 77%, State - 71%
2008 - 78%, State - 70%
Eight grade science:
2010 - 61% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 50%, State - 55%.
2008 - 48%, State - 52%
Seventh grade reading:
2010 - 81% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 74%, State - 71%
2008 - 70%, State - 70%
Seventh grade math:
2010 - 89% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 87%, State - 75%
2008 - 74%, State - 70%
Sixth grade reading:
2010 - 76% on grade level. State: 68% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 74%, State - 67%
2008 - 74%, State - 67%
Sixth grade math:
2010 - 91% on grade level. State - 78% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 85%, State - 75%
2008 - 84%, State -72%
The School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The board policy 249 (Adopted January 15, 2009) defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying. The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. 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. When a child experiences difficulty within the classroom, screening information will be gathered by a team located within the child’s school to determine his or her specific needs. 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 make a written request, for a multidisciplinary evaluation to the building principal.
In 2007, the district employed 250 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $52,491 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.
South Western School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $607.42 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association's report, the average salary for a superintendent for the 2007-08 school year was $122,165.
Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $3,949,901 balance in a unreserved-undesignated fund. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.
In November 2010, the board entered into an agreement with PEI Industries giving them non-exclusive license to sell athletic apparel and novelty items with the district's logo. The district received $68 for signing and will receive a 8% royalty check on sales.
The district administration reported that per pupil spending in 2008 was $10,718 which ranked 421st in the state' 501 school districts.
The Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district in November 2010. Findings were reported to the administration and the school board, including possible conflicts of interests in the actions of board members.
According to an extensive study of York County school districts conducted by APA Associates in 2008, South Western School District achieved a +6 rating based on Performance and Relative Efficiency. Central York School District
and Northeastern York School District
ranked +10. Eleven of 16 York County districts achieved a positive rating.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1%, 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 level of personal wealth.
at 8.39%. Among Pennsylvania school districts, the highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District
in Chester County
which received a 23.65% increase in state funding. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.39% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $9,753,938. Four school districts in York County received increases of over 6% in Basic Education Funding in 2009. The highest increase was awarded to Central York School District
which received 12.54% in 2009. In York County, 12 school districts received a less than 6% increase in state basic education funding in 2009 and three districts received the base 2% increase. Ninety school districts in the commonwealth were given the base 2% increase. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. The state Basic Education funding to South Western School District in 2008-09 was $9,433,944.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 619 students, in the district, 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 Pennsylvania Department of Education advised the districts to use the money for nonrecurring expenses like purchasing equipment and teaching resources like computers, books, and software or for teacher training.
federal grant. When approved for the grant, the district would have received millions 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. Six ork County school districts applied to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of the majority 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 South Western School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
The South Western School Board applied for an exception to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011 citing pension costs. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
set at $495 per approved homestead. The property tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
at $641 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. CUSD was given $632 in 2009. This was the second year they were the top recipient.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially greater than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
York County, Pennsylvania
York County is a county in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 434,972. It is in the Susquehanna Valley, a large fertile agricultural region in South Central Pennsylvania....
. It serves the townships of Penn, Manheim, and West Manheim, all of which border the borough of Hanover. It encompasses approximately 56 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 22,576. According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the SWSD provided basic educational services to 4,073 pupils through the employment of 298 teachers, 196 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 24 administrators. In the 2009-2010 school year, the district celebrated its fiftieth anniversary.
District schools
- Baresville Elementary School
- Manheim Elementary School
- Park Hills Elementary School
- West Manehim Elementary School
- Emory H. Markle Intermediate School
- South Western High School
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 its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives
Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives is an independent, non-profit research and educational institute based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania...
Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "C" 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.
Academic achievement
South Western School District was ranked 246th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on four years of student academic achievement on the PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
results on: reading, writing, math and two years of science.
2009 - 259th
2008 - 274th
2007 - 258th of 500 school districts in Pennsylvania.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of South Western School DIstrict was in the 60th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania School Districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best)
In 2010, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. South Western School District ranked 479th. In 2009 the district was 485th. The paper describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."
Graduation rate
- 2010 - 90%
- 2009 - 92%
- 2008 - 87%
- 2007 - 87%
Senior high school
The school offers over 150 courses to meet the needs of college preparatory and general education students. Honors courses and advanced placement courses are available in: English, social studies, mathematics, and science. Students interested in specific trades may attend the York County School of Technology on a full time basis.PSSA results
11th grade reading
2010 - 70% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 68% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 74%, State - 65%
2008 - 71%, State - 65%
11th grade math:
2010 - 66% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 60%, State - 56%
2008 - 59%, State - 56%
11th grade science:
2010 - 41% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 44.8%, State - 40%
2008 - 34%, State - 39%
2007 - Tested, The state did not make the results public.
Graduation requirements
To graduate from South Western School District, students must complete a minimum of 28.0 credits, including:English 4 credits, Speech Communication 0.5 credit, Mathematics 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Science 3 credits, Arts and/or Humanities 2 credits, Health 1 credit, Safety Education 0.25 credits, First Aid 0.25 credits, Physical Education (each year) 2.0 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. South Western School district requires completion by a designated date during the student's senior year.
Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams in Literature and Algebra 1.
College remediation
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 32% of South Western School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher EducationPennsylvania 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 EnrollmentDual enrollment
In education, dual enrollment involved students being enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. It may also refer to any individual who is participating in two related programs, but such a general form of usage is uncommon....
program. This state 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, including the graduation ceremony. 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 $7,877 for the program.
Emory H. Markle Intermediate School
Eight grade reading:2010 - 88% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level.
2009 - 83%, State - 80%
2008 - 85%, State - 78%
Eight grade math:
2010 - 88% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 77%, State - 71%
2008 - 78%, State - 70%
Eight grade science:
2010 - 61% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 50%, State - 55%.
2008 - 48%, State - 52%
Seventh grade reading:
2010 - 81% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 74%, State - 71%
2008 - 70%, State - 70%
Seventh grade math:
2010 - 89% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 87%, State - 75%
2008 - 74%, State - 70%
Sixth grade reading:
2010 - 76% on grade level. State: 68% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 74%, State - 67%
2008 - 74%, State - 67%
Sixth grade math:
2010 - 91% on grade level. State - 78% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 85%, State - 75%
2008 - 84%, State -72%
Bullying policy
In 2009, the administration reported there were 13 incidents of bullying in the district.The School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The board policy 249 (Adopted January 15, 2009) defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying. The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. 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 544 pupils or 13% 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. When a child experiences difficulty within the classroom, screening information will be gathered by a team located within the child’s school to determine his or her specific needs. 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 make a written request, for a multidisciplinary evaluation to the building principal.
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that 144 or 3.56% of its students were gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.Budget
In 2009, the district reported employing 405 teachers with a salary range of $40,527 to $116,930. The average salary in the district is $59,058. Additionally, the district's teachers receive: a defined benefit pension, health insurance, life insurance, college credit reimbursement, paid personal days, sick days and other benefits. Teachers receive additional pay for extra duties and meetings held outside of regular school hours.In 2007, the district employed 250 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $52,491 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.
South Western School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $607.42 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association's report, the average salary for a superintendent for the 2007-08 school year was $122,165.
Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $3,949,901 balance in a unreserved-undesignated fund. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.
In November 2010, the board entered into an agreement with PEI Industries giving them non-exclusive license to sell athletic apparel and novelty items with the district's logo. The district received $68 for signing and will receive a 8% royalty check on sales.
The district administration reported that per pupil spending in 2008 was $10,718 which ranked 421st in the state' 501 school districts.
The Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district in November 2010. Findings were reported to the administration and the school board, including possible conflicts of interests in the actions of board members.
According to an extensive study of York County school districts conducted by APA Associates in 2008, South Western School District achieved a +6 rating based on Performance and Relative Efficiency. Central York School District
Central York School District
The Central York School District is a large, suburban, public school district that encompasses 24 square miles. Central York School District serves: the Borough of North York and Manchester Township and the greater part of Springettsbury Township in York County, Pennsylvania. According to 2010...
and Northeastern York School District
Northeastern York School District
The Northeastern School District is a midsized, rural public school district in York County in the South Central region of Pennsylvania. Municipalities served by the district include: Mount Wolf, Manchester, East Manchester Township, York Haven, Goldsboro, Newberry Township, and Conewago Township....
ranked +10. Eleven of 16 York County districts achieved a positive rating.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1%, 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 level of personal wealth.
State basic education funding
For the 2010-11 budget year, the South Western School District received a 2.38% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $9,986,555. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in York County was awarded to Hanover Public School DistrictHanover Public School District
Hanover Public School District is a group of schools located in the borough of Hanover, Pennsylvania. The district encompasses approximately 4 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 14,535...
at 8.39%. Among Pennsylvania school districts, the highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District
Kennett Consolidated School District
The Kennett Consolidated School District,or KCSD for short, is a public school district serving portions of Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is centered on the borough of Kennett Square and also incorporates Kennett Township, New Garden Township, and the southern portion of East Marlborough Twp....
in Chester County
Chester County, Pennsylvania
-State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were...
which received a 23.65% increase in state funding. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.39% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $9,753,938. Four school districts in York County received increases of over 6% in Basic Education Funding in 2009. The highest increase was awarded to Central York School District
Central York School District
The Central York School District is a large, suburban, public school district that encompasses 24 square miles. Central York School District serves: the Borough of North York and Manchester Township and the greater part of Springettsbury Township in York County, Pennsylvania. According to 2010...
which received 12.54% in 2009. In York County, 12 school districts received a less than 6% increase in state basic education funding in 2009 and three districts received the base 2% increase. Ninety school districts in the commonwealth were given the base 2% increase. 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. The state Basic Education funding to South Western School District in 2008-09 was $9,433,944.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 619 students, in the district, 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 to improve instruction, 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 South Western School District applied for and received $604,206 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide extensive teacher training to improve instruction and to provide Full day Kindergarten (5th year).Classrooms for the Future grant
The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006-2009. South Western School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07. In 2007-08 received $423,577 and $77,237 in 2008-09 for a total funding of $500,814.Federal Stimulus Funding
The district received an extra $1,351,681 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 Pennsylvania Department of Education advised the districts to use the money for nonrecurring expenses like purchasing equipment and teaching resources like computers, books, and software or for teacher training.
Race to the Top grant
School district officials applied 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. When approved for the grant, the district would have received millions 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. Six ork County school districts applied to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of the majority of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
Common Cents state initiative
The School Board decided to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.Real estate taxes
The school board levied a property tax of 16.2800 mills in 2010-11. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. On the local level, Pennsylvania district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.- 2009-10 - 15.6200 mills
- 2008-09 - 15.0200 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 South Western School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
- 2006-07 - 5.0%, Base 3.9%
- 2007-08 - 4.3%, Base 3.4%
- 2008-09 - 5.5%, 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 South Western School Board applied for an exception to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011 citing pension costs. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
Property tax relief
In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the South Western School District was $152 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 7,354 property owners applied for the tax relief. In 2009, the district's property tax relief amount was set at $152 to 7,298 approved homestead owners. In 2010 within York County, the highest amount went to York City School DistrictYork City School District
The School District of York City is a public school district serving the City of York, Pennsylvania in York County. The district encompasses approximately 5 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 40,968...
set at $495 per approved homestead. The property tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties....
at $641 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. CUSD was given $632 in 2009. This was the second year they were the top recipient.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially greater than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
Tax Foundation
The Tax Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank founded in 1937 that collects data and publishes research studies on tax policies at the federal and state levels. The organization is broken into three primary areas of research which are the Center for Federal Fiscal Policy, The and the...
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
Extracurriculars
The district's students have access to a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board policy.By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.