Southern Huntingdon County School District
Encyclopedia
The Southern Huntingdon County School District is a public rural school district
based in the southeastern part of Huntingdon County
, Pennsylvania
in Three Springs
,
Pennsylvania
. The school district includes all of Three Springs
Borough, Cassville
Borough, Orbisonia
Borough, Rockhill Furnace
Borough, Saltillo
Borough, Shade Gap
Borough, and including the townships of Cass Township
, Clay Township
, Cromwell Township
, Dublin Township
, Springfield Township
and Tell Township
. The district encompasses approximately 221 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 8,030. According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the SHCSD provided basic educational services to 1,358 pupils through the employment of 113 teachers, 67 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 8 administrators.
results in: reading, writing, mathematics and two years of science.
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Southern Huntingdon County School District, was in the 14th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
College remediation:
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education
study released in January 2009, 13% of Southern Huntingdon County 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.
Southern Huntingdon County SD received a state grant of $846 to assist students with the cost of books, tuition and fees.
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. Students, at Southern Huntingdon County HS are required to create a portfolio of a career project which includes a job shadowing experience.
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2015 and 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.
BlendedSchools courses may be utilized by students who are involved with home schooling, homebound instruction, remediation, summer school, credit recovery, enrichment, alternative education, and regular education students. Students taking a BlendedSchools course for remediation, summer school, early graduation, or credit recovery are charged a designated fee for the course and any other applicable fees. Student may participate in all district extracurriculars.
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
7th Grade Math:
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Supervisor of Special Education.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Southern Huntingdon County School District received a $721,048 supplement for special education services in 2010.
The Southern Huntingdon County School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
(42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."
The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education, physical activity hat are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for its approval.
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.
, health insurance
, additional payments for work outside of regular school hours, professional development reimbursement, 3 paid family sick leave, 3 paid personal days, and 10 sick days, life insurance and other benefits. The president of the local union gets 5 days with pay each year to conduct union business According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
The average teacher salary at the district was $45,989 while the maximum salary is $91,052. In Pennsylvania, the average teacher salary for Pennsylvania's 124,100 public school teachers was $54,977 in 2008.
In 2007, the Southern Huntingdon County School District employed 100 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $43,426 for 180 school 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.
Southern Huntingdon County School District administration costs per pupil in 2008 was $721.45 per pupil. The district is ranked 288th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Southern Huntingdon County School District administration reported spending $10,374 per pupil. This spending ranked 451st in the commonwealth.
Reserves
In 2009, the district reported a $1,495,941 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. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.
in Chester County
received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.35% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,725,532. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $6,507,799.74. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more. HASD received the highest increase in Huntingdon County for the 2009-10 school year. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, 504 district students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.
- Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. The funding is for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.
federal grant which would have brought the district up to one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
in 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 Southern Huntingdon County School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
The Southern Huntingdon County School Board applied for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2010-11 including: Maintenance of local Tax Revenue, Maintenance of Selected Revenue resources, Health Care Benefits, and Pension costs. The district was approved by the PDE to raise taxes beyond the Act 1 Index limit. 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 $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. 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 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.
References:
School district
School districts are a form of special-purpose district which serves to operate the local public primary and secondary schools.-United States:...
based in the southeastern part of Huntingdon County
Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania
Huntingdon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. In 2010, its population was 45,913.Huntingdon County was created on September 20, 1787, from part of Bedford County. Its county seat is Huntingdon.-Geography:According to the U.S...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
in Three Springs
Three Springs, Pennsylvania
Three Springs is a borough in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 445 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Three Springs is located at ....
,
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. The school district includes all of Three Springs
Three Springs, Pennsylvania
Three Springs is a borough in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 445 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Three Springs is located at ....
Borough, Cassville
Cassville, Pennsylvania
Cassville is a borough in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the borough population was 152.-Geography:Cassville is located at ....
Borough, Orbisonia
Orbisonia, Pennsylvania
Orbisonia is a borough in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 425 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Orbisonia is located at ....
Borough, Rockhill Furnace
Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania
Rockhill is a borough in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 414 at the 2000 census. It is the site of the East Broad Top Railroad....
Borough, Saltillo
Saltillo, Pennsylvania
Saltillo is a borough in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 343 at the 2000 census.-History:Saltillo was named after the Mexican War Battle of Saltillo . It was a major tanning center during the late 18th and early 19th century. The Leas and McVitty Tannery was...
Borough, Shade Gap
Shade Gap, Pennsylvania
Shade Gap is a borough in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 97 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Shade Gap is located at ....
Borough, and including the townships of Cass Township
Cass Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania
Cass Township is a township in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,062 at the 2000 census.-General information:*ZIP Codes: 16622, 16623*Area Code: 814*Local Phone Exchanges: 447, 448...
, Clay Township
Clay Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania
Clay Township is a township in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 920 at the 2000 census.-General information:*ZIP Codes: 17253, 17264*Area Code: 814*Local Phone Exchanges: 447, 448...
, Cromwell Township
Cromwell Township, Pennsylvania
Cromwell Township is a township in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,632 at the 2000 census.-History:The St...
, Dublin Township
Dublin Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania
Dublin Township is a township in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,280 at the 2000 census.-General information:*ZIP Code: 17255*Area Code: 814*Local Phone Exchange: 259...
, Springfield Township
Springfield Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania
Springfield Township is a township in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 612 at the 2000 census.-General information:*ZIP Code: 17243*Area Code: 814*Local Phone Exchanges: 447, 448...
and Tell Township
Tell Township, Pennsylvania
Tell Township is a township in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 648 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 42.5 square miles , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there...
. The district encompasses approximately 221 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 8,030. According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the SHCSD provided basic educational services to 1,358 pupils through the employment of 113 teachers, 67 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 8 administrators.
Schools
The Southern Huntingdon County School District operates one combined high school/middle school and four elementary schools. The school also sends students to the regional career & technology center, used by every school district in Huntingdon County. The district administrative office is located on 10339 Pogue Road, Three Springs, PA 17264.Middle / High School
- Southern Huntingdon County Middle/High School (Grades 6-12)
10339 Pouge Road
Three Springs, Pennsylvania 17264
Elementary Schools
There are four Elementary Schools, all Grades K-5- Rockhill Elementary School
510 Meadow Street
Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania 17249 - Spring Farms Elementary School
12075 Old Plank Road
Three Springs, Pennsylvania 17264 - Shade Gap Elementary School
22251 Shade Valley Road
Shade Gap, Pennsylvania 17255 - Trough Creek Elementary School
18546 Cooks Road
Cassville, Pennsylvania 16623
Academic achievement
The Southern Huntingdon County School District was ranked 442nd out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts, in 2010, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic performance on four years of 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 in: reading, writing, mathematics and two years of science.
- 2009 - 1st
- 2008 - 2nd
- 2007 - 459th of 501 school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times.
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Southern Huntingdon County School District, was in the 14th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)
High School Middle School
In 2010, the school has declined to School Improvement I AYP status due to the chronic very low achievement of its students.PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
- 2010 - 48% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders on grade level.
- 2009 - 59%, State - 65%
- 2008 - 55%, State - 65%
- 2007 - 42%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 32% on grade level. (56% Below Basic). State - 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 - 38%, (34% Below Basic). State - 56%
- 2008 - 39%, (48% Below Basic). State - 56%
- 2007 - 24%, (52% Below Basic). State - 53%
11th Grade Science:
- 2010 - 21% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 37%, State - 40%
- 2008 - 28%, State - 39%
College remediation:
According to a 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...
study released in January 2009, 13% of Southern Huntingdon County 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
Southern Huntingdon County School District offers a dual enrollment program. Dual Enrollment is a state education program which allows high school students to attend Pennsylvania colleges and universities while remaining enrolled at their high school. The program is open to juniors and seniors. The credits they earn count towards high school gradation and earn college credits. Colleges offer the credits at a deeply discounted rate. Students have full access to their high school's extracurricular programs and participate in the high school's graduation event.Southern Huntingdon County SD received a state grant of $846 to assist students with the cost of books, tuition and fees.
Graduation Requirements
The Southern Huntingdon County School Board has determined that students must earn 24.6 credits to graduate including: 4 credits of English, 4 credits of Social Studies, 3 credits of Mathematics, 3 credits of Science, 1.8 credits of Physical Education/Health, 2 credits Humanities, 1 credit Child Development, 0.6 credist in Pre-DP or DP1 and 4 credits in electivesBy 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. Students, at Southern Huntingdon County HS are required to create a portfolio of a career project which includes a job shadowing experience.
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2015 and 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.
Blended Schools
The high school students may attend a virtual academic program offered by the district. The curriculum is standards based. It requires approximately 165 to 170 hours to complete a full credit course. Each student is provided with the technology equipment and services as needed by the student. Equipment includes: home personal computer, printer and reimbursement for dial-up internet service. The Southern Huntingdon County School District also provides all the textbooks and workbooks necessary for completing each SHCSD BlendedSchools course. Students who are taking BlendedSchools courses and are working toward an SHCSD diploma are required to take the appropriate state PSSA assessments.BlendedSchools courses may be utilized by students who are involved with home schooling, homebound instruction, remediation, summer school, credit recovery, enrichment, alternative education, and regular education students. Students taking a BlendedSchools course for remediation, summer school, early graduation, or credit recovery are charged a designated fee for the course and any other applicable fees. Student may participate in all district extracurriculars.
Middle School
8th Grade Reading:- 2010 - 76% on grade level. State - 81%
- 2009 - 77%, State - 80%
- 2008 - 86%, State - 78%
- 2007 - 64%, State - 75%
8th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 72% on grade level. State - 75%
- 2009 - 74%, State - 71%
- 2008 - 80%, State - 70%
- 2007 - 68%, State - 67%
8th Grade Science:
- 2010 - 51% on grade level. State - 57%.
- 2009 - 44%, State: - 54%
- 2008 - 49%, State - 52%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2010 - 64% on grade level. State - 73%
- 2009 - 57%, State - 71.7%
- 2008 - 63%, State - 70%
- 2007 - 64%, State - 66%
7th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 78% on grade level. State - 77%
- 2009 - 85%, State - 75%
- 2008 - 69%, State - 72%
- 2007 - 68%, State - 67%
6th Grade Reading:
- 2010 - 52% on grade level. State - 68%
- 2009 - 56%, State - 67%
- 2008 - 68%, State - 67%
- 2007 - 53%, State - 63%
6th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 81% on grade level. State - 78%
- 2009 - 79%, State - 75.9%
- 2008 - 76%, State - 72%
- 2007 - 68%, State - 69%
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 216 pupils or 16.1% 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 Supervisor of Special Education.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Southern Huntingdon County School District received a $721,048 supplement for special education services in 2010.
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that 21 or 1.63% of its students were gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.Bullying policy
The Southern Huntingdon County School District administration reported there were 11 incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.The Southern Huntingdon County School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
Wellness policy
Southern Huntingdon County School Board established a district wellness policy June 20, 2006 - Student Wellness Policy 246. The policy deals with nutrition of meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 - 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch ActNational School Lunch Act
The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act is a United States federal law signed by President Harry S. Truman in 1946. The act created the National School Lunch Program , a program to provide low-cost or free school lunch meals to qualified students through subsidies to schools...
(42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."
The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education, physical activity hat are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for its approval.
Governance
The Southern Huntingdon County 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 reports employing over 100 teachers with a starting salary of $30,742 for 185 days work. Additionally, Southern Huntingdon County School District teachers receive a defined benefit pensionPension
In general, a pension is an arrangement to provide people with an income when they are no longer earning a regular income from employment. Pensions should not be confused with severance pay; the former is paid in regular installments, while the latter is paid in one lump sum.The terms retirement...
, health insurance
Health insurance
Health insurance is insurance against the risk of incurring medical expenses among individuals. By estimating the overall risk of health care expenses among a targeted group, an insurer can develop a routine finance structure, such as a monthly premium or payroll tax, to ensure that money is...
, additional payments for work outside of regular school hours, professional development reimbursement, 3 paid family sick leave, 3 paid personal days, and 10 sick days, life insurance and other benefits. The president of the local union gets 5 days with pay each year to conduct union business According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
The average teacher salary at the district was $45,989 while the maximum salary is $91,052. In Pennsylvania, the average teacher salary for Pennsylvania's 124,100 public school teachers was $54,977 in 2008.
In 2007, the Southern Huntingdon County School District employed 100 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $43,426 for 180 school 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.
Southern Huntingdon County School District administration costs per pupil in 2008 was $721.45 per pupil. The district is ranked 288th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Southern Huntingdon County School District administration reported spending $10,374 per pupil. This spending ranked 451st in the commonwealth.
Reserves
In 2009, the district reported a $1,495,941 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. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.
State basic education funding
For 2010-11 the Southern Huntingdon County School District received a 2.44% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $6,889,575 payment. This was the highest increase in BEF in Huntingdon County. Kennett Consolidated School DistrictKennett Consolidated School District
The Kennett Consolidated School District,or KCSD for short, is a public school district serving portions of Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is centered on the borough of Kennett Square and also incorporates Kennett Township, New Garden Township, and the southern portion of East Marlborough Twp....
in Chester County
Chester County, Pennsylvania
-State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were...
received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.35% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,725,532. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $6,507,799.74. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more. HASD received the highest increase in Huntingdon County for the 2009-10 school year. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District
Muhlenberg School District
The Muhlenberg Area School District is a public school district serving parts of Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. It encompasses the borough of Laureldale and the Muhlenberg Township. The district encompasses approximately 13 square miles. Per the 2000 federal census data it serves a resident...
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, 504 district students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.
Accountability Block Grants
Beginning in 2004-2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania’s school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, All Day Kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010-11 the Southern Huntingdon County School District applied for and received $278,749 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide prekindergarten, full day kindergarten and reduced class size.Education Assistance Grant
The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010-11 the Southern Huntingdon County School District received $92,419.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. Southern Huntingdon County School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07 nor in 2007-08. For the 2008-09, school year the district received $83,715. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $410,000 in ARRAArra
Arra is a census town in Puruliya district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Demographics: India census, Arra had a population of 19,911. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Arra has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the...
- Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. The funding is for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.
Race to the Top grant
School district officials did not apply for the Race to the TopRace to the Top
Race to the Top, abbreviated R2T, RTTT or RTT, is a $4.35 billion United States Department of Education competition designed to spur innovation and reforms in state and local district K-12 education...
federal grant which would have brought the district up to one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
Common Cents state initiative
The Southern Huntingdon County School Board did not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.Real estate taxes
The school board set property tax rates in 2010-2011 at 65.5000 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections (Local Tax Enabling Act), which are around 15% of revenues for school districts. The school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, necessitating a state board equalization of the tax rates between the counties.- 2009-10 - 60.5000 mills.
- 2008-09 - 60.5000 mills.
Act 1 Adjusted index
The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not authorized to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the 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 Southern Huntingdon County School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
- 2006-07 - 5.6%, Base 3.9%
- 2007-08 - 4.9%, Base 3.4%
- 2008-09 - 6.3%, Base 4.4%
- 2009-10 - 5.9%, Base 4.1%
- 2010-11 - 4.2%, Base 2.9%
- 2011-12 - 2.0%, Base 1.4%
The Southern Huntingdon County School Board applied for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2010-11 including: Maintenance of local Tax Revenue, Maintenance of Selected Revenue resources, Health Care Benefits, and Pension costs. The district was approved by the PDE to raise taxes beyond the Act 1 Index limit. 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 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Southern Huntingdon County School District was $115 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 2,483 property owners applied for the tax relief. The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware CountyDelaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties....
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year 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 more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
Tax Foundation
The Tax Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank founded in 1937 that collects data and publishes research studies on tax policies at the federal and state levels. The organization is broken into three primary areas of research which are the Center for Federal Fiscal Policy, The and the...
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies.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 AA - 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 AA - Girls Field HockeyField hockeyField Hockey, or Hockey, is a team sport in which a team of players attempts to score goals by hitting, pushing or flicking a ball into an opposing team's goal using sticks...
- 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 - 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 - 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
Career & Technology Centers
- Huntingdon County Career and Technology CenterHuntingdon County Career and Technology CenterHuntingdon County Career and Technology Center is a small rural vocational school that serves the area around Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Its classes are open to 10th graders to 12th graders in local high schools and in special circumstances to 9th graders...
- Mill Creek - Grades 10-12
External links
References: