Valley Grove School District
Encyclopedia
The Valley Grove School District is a diminutive, rural public school district
in Venango County
, Pennsylvania, serving the boroughs of Sugarcreek
and Cooperstown
, as well as Jackson Township
. Valley Grove School District encompasses approximately 63 square miles. According to 2001 local census data, it serves a resident population of 6,708. In 2009, the per capita income was $16,297, while the median family income was $37,177 a year. Per Valley Grove Area School District officials, in school year 2007–08 the Valley Grove School District provided basic educational services to 1,029 pupils through the employment of 76 teachers, 51 full-time and part-time support personnel and 7 administrators. In 2006, the 2,122 student population was 98% White, 2% Black, < 0.1% Asian, Native American none and < 0.1% Hispanic.
The district operates two schools: Valley Grove Elementary School and Rocky Grove Junior/Senior High School.
Valley Grove School District was ranked 465th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2011 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on five years of student academic performance based on the PSSA
s for: reading, writing, math and three years of science.
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Valley Grove School District, was in the bottom 7th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0–99; 100 is state best)
The Valley Grove School District scores much lower in nearly every category on the annual PSSA
tests than the rest of the state, and currently holds a 3 out of 10 on GreatSchools.com.
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
By Pennsylvania law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a special 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 0.5 credits or a completed project.
By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
College remediation:
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education
study released in January 2009, 4% of Rocky Grove 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.
program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions. The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.
In 2010, the district received a $2,891 state grant to be used to assist students with tuition, fees and books.
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Math:
Report Card 2010 http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S106618603000007920.PDF
PSSA Results:
6th Grade Reading
6th Grade Math
5th Grade Reading
5th Grade Math
4th Grade Reading
4th Grade Math
4th Grade Science
3rd Grade Reading
3rd Grade Math
services.
In accordance with state and federal law, 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 Special Education Department. An Individualized Education Program is created to address the specialized services that are needed for those students who qualify for special education services.
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.
Valley Grove School District received a $648,541 supplement for special education services in 2010. The state provided the same level of funding for 2011–12.
The District Administration reported that 66 or 6.49% 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 by the classroom teacher. 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.
The Valley Grove School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, 3 religious leave days and many other benefits. Teachers are paid extra when they are required to work outside of the regular school day hours. Teachers receive extra compensation for additional duties. After ten years of active service teachers are eligible for a terminal leave payment of $80 per year or $50 per unused sick day. According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
In 2007, the district employed 69 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $44,595 for 180 school days worked.
Valley Grove School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $749.68 per pupil. The district is ranked 258th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for school administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Valley Grove School District reported spending $12,881 per pupil. This ranked 181st in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Reserves – In 2010, Valley Grove School District reported $315,984 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $11,644,633. In 2009, Valley Grove School District reported $2,272,944 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $9,679,064. In 2008, the district reported a balance of $4,525,590.00 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.
In January 2011, 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 0.5%, 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 level of wealth.
In 2010, the district reported that 540 pupils received a free or reduced lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level
.
For 2010–11 the Valley Grove School District received a 3.88% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $6,877,685 payment. The district received the highest increase in BEF state funding among the school districts in Venango County. Kennett Consolidated School District
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 4.08% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,620,850. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008–09 was $6,361,064.18. 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. Franklin Area School District
received 6.43% which was the highest increase in BEF awarded by the Commonwealth, to districts in Venango 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
, 445 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 Valley Grove School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.
For the school budget year 2011–12, the Valley Grove School Board did not apply for any exceptions to the Act 1 index. Each year, the school district has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
For the 2011–2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction. With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly repealed most of the Act 1 tax increase exceptions leaving only special education costs, pension costs and prior voter approved (ballot referendum) debt for construction. The cost of construction projects in the future will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum. Districts can no longer raise property taxes to cover increasing health insurance costs for employees.
Valley Grove School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2010–11. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year Chester Upland School District was the top recipient.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
The district offers other sports through a cooperative agreement, with neighboring Franklin Area School District. These sports include: football, tennis, volleyball, soccer, track (Boys & Girls), and wrestling. Students pay a $25 fee (2010) to Franklin Area School District to participate in these cooperative sports.
Additionally, the marching band programs is in cooperation with Franklin Area School District
.
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 home schooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
School district
School districts are a form of special-purpose district which serves to operate the local public primary and secondary schools.-United States:...
in Venango County
Venango County, Pennsylvania
Venango County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 54,984. Its county seat is Franklin.-History:Venango County was created on March 12, 1800 from parts of Allegheny and Lycoming Counties...
, Pennsylvania, serving the boroughs of Sugarcreek
Sugarcreek, Pennsylvania
Sugarcreek is a borough in Venango County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 5,331 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Sugarcreek is located at ....
and Cooperstown
Cooperstown, Pennsylvania
Cooperstown is a borough in Venango County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 460 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Cooperstown is located at ....
, as well as Jackson Township
Jackson Township, Pennsylvania
Jackson Township is the name of some places in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania:*Jackson Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania*Jackson Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania*Jackson Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania...
. Valley Grove School District encompasses approximately 63 square miles. According to 2001 local census data, it serves a resident population of 6,708. In 2009, the per capita income was $16,297, while the median family income was $37,177 a year. Per Valley Grove Area School District officials, in school year 2007–08 the Valley Grove School District provided basic educational services to 1,029 pupils through the employment of 76 teachers, 51 full-time and part-time support personnel and 7 administrators. In 2006, the 2,122 student population was 98% White, 2% Black, < 0.1% Asian, Native American none and < 0.1% Hispanic.
The district operates two schools: Valley Grove Elementary School and Rocky Grove Junior/Senior High School.
Academic achievement
Valley Grove School District academic achievement has steadily declined to being among the lowest performing public school districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.Valley Grove School District was ranked 465th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2011 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on five years of student academic performance based on the PSSA
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s for: reading, writing, math and three years of science.
- 2010 – 461st
- 2009 – 434th
- 2008 – 412th
- 2007 – 406th out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts.
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Valley Grove School District, was in the bottom 7th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0–99; 100 is state best)
The Valley Grove School District scores much lower in nearly every category on the annual PSSA
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
tests than the rest of the state, and currently holds a 3 out of 10 on GreatSchools.com.
Graduation rate
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Valley Grove School District's rate was 87% for 2010.According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
- 2010 – 95%
- 2009 – 97%
- 2008 – 90%
- 2007 – 90%
Graduation Requirements
The Valley Grove School Board has determined that a student must earn between 24 and 26 credits to graduate including: English 4 credits, Math 4 credits (including Algebra and Geometry), Social Studies 4 credits, Science 5 credits with two labs (including biology), Health 0.5 credit, Physical Education 2 credits, credits, Family and Consumer Science and 3 electives. Accelerated and academic focused students are expected earn two foreign language credits.By Pennsylvania law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a special 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 0.5 credits or a completed project.
By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.
High school
In 2010 and 2009, the school achieved AYP status.11th Grade Reading
- 2010 – 60% on grade level (22% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 44% (34% below basic), State – 65%
- 2008 – 54% (23% below basic), State – 65%
- 2007 – 58% (18% below basic), State – 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 64%, on grade level (22% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 55% (26% below basic). State – 56%.
- 2008 – 54% (26% below basic), State – 56%
- 2007 – 46% (24% below basic), State – 53%
11th Grade Science:
- 2010 – 35% on grade level (18% below basic). State – 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 36% (20% below basic). 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, 4% of Rocky Grove High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a large public university system in the United States. It is the tenth-largest university system in the United States and 43rd largest in the world...
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Dual enrollment
The high school offers the Pennsylvania 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. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions. The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.
In 2010, the district received a $2,891 state grant to be used to assist students with tuition, fees and books.
Junior High School
8th Grade Reading- 2010 – 65% on grade level (19% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 61% (13% below basic), State – 80%
- 2008 – 61% (16% below basic), State – 78%
- 2007 – 76% (7% below basic), State – 75%
8th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 54% on grade level (26% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 54% (14% below basic), State – 71%
- 2008 – 61% (12% below basic), State – 70%
- 2007 – 79% (11% below basic), State – 68%
8th Grade Science:
- 2010 – 47% on grade level (36% below basic). State – 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 45% (30% below basic), State – 55%
- 2008 – 36%, State – 52%
7th Grade Reading
- 2010 – 64% on grade level (12% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 64% (18% below basic), State – 71%
- 2008 – 57% (13% below basic), State – 70%
- 2007 – 42% (23% below basic), State – 67%
7th Grade Math:
- 2010 – 67% on grade level (20% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 – 66% (14% below basic), State – 75%
- 2008 – 65% (13% below basic), State – 71%
- 2007 – 66% (15% below basic), State – 67%
Elementary school
The school achieved AYP status in 2010. In 2009, it was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement. The attendance rate was 95% for both years.PSSA Results:
6th Grade Reading
- 2010 – 67% on grade level (14% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 68% of 6th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 70% (8% below basic), State – 67%
- 2008 – 78% (6% below basic), State – 67%
6th Grade Math
- 2010 – 55% on grade level (18% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 78% of 6th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 69% (14% below basic), State – 75%
- 2008 – 82% (8% below basic), State – 72%
5th Grade Reading
- 2010 – 51% on grade level (11% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 64% of 5th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 49% (28% below basic), State – 64%
- 2008 – 62% (7% below basic), State – 62%
5th Grade Math
- 2010 – 55% on grade level (8% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 74% of 5th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 38% (27% below basic), State – 73%
- 2008 – 57% (10% below basic), State – 73%
4th Grade Reading
- 2010 – 68% on grade level (18% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 73% of 4th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 82% (5% below basic), State – 72%
- 2008 – 67% (16% below basic), State – 70%
4th Grade Math
- 2010 – 80% on grade level (5% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 84% of 4th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 90% (6% below basic), State – 81%
- 2008 – 79% (11% below basic), State – 80%
4th Grade Science
- 2010 – 97% on grade level 66% advanced, (0% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81% of 4th graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 95%, 55% advanced (1% below basic), State – 83%
- 2008 – 92%, 48% advanced. State – 80%
3rd Grade Reading
- 2010 – 80% on grade level (8% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 75% of 3rd graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 78% (11% below basic), State – 77%
- 2008 – 92% (2% below basic), State – 70%
3rd Grade Math
- 2010 – 85% on grade level (0% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 84% of 3rd graders on grade level.
- 2009 – 65% (7% below basic), State – 81%
- 2008 – 83% (5% below basic), State – 80%
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 161 pupils or 15.5% of the district's pupils received Special EducationSpecial education
Special education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students' individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials,...
services.
In accordance with state and federal law, 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 Special Education Department. An Individualized Education Program is created to address the specialized services that are needed for those students who qualify for special education services.
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.
Valley Grove School District received a $648,541 supplement for special education services in 2010. The state provided the same level of funding for 2011–12.
The District Administration reported that 66 or 6.49% 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 by the classroom teacher. 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.
Bullying and school safety
The Valley Grove School District administration reported there were no incidents of bullying in the district in 2010.The Valley Grove School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
Budget
In 2009, the district reports employing over 80 teachers with a starting salary of $36,500 for 180 days of pupil instruction. The average teacher salary was $50,803 while the maximum salary is $110,000. As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation. The school day is limited by the union contract to 7.5 hours with a 30 minute duty free lunch. The administration is required to appoint 11 teacher coordinators who receive compensation for the title. Additionally, Valley Grove School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insuranceHealth insurance
Health insurance is insurance against the risk of incurring medical expenses among individuals. By estimating the overall risk of health care expenses among a targeted group, an insurer can develop a routine finance structure, such as a monthly premium or payroll tax, to ensure that money is...
, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, 3 religious leave days and many other benefits. Teachers are paid extra when they are required to work outside of the regular school day hours. Teachers receive extra compensation for additional duties. After ten years of active service teachers are eligible for a terminal leave payment of $80 per year or $50 per unused sick day. According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
In 2007, the district employed 69 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $44,595 for 180 school days worked.
Valley Grove School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $749.68 per pupil. The district is ranked 258th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for school administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Valley Grove School District reported spending $12,881 per pupil. This ranked 181st in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Reserves – In 2010, Valley Grove School District reported $315,984 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $11,644,633. In 2009, Valley Grove School District reported $2,272,944 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $9,679,064. In 2008, the district reported a balance of $4,525,590.00 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.
In January 2011, 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 0.5%, 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 level of wealth.
State basic education funding
In 2011–12, the Valley Grove School District will receive $6,361,064 in state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the district will receive $78,617 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011–2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to uquesne City School District which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12. Districts experienced a reduction in funding due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.In 2010, the district reported that 540 pupils received a free or reduced lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level
Poverty in the United States
Poverty is defined as the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data released Tuesday September 13th, 2011, the nation's poverty rate rose to 15.1% in 2010, up from 14.3% in 2009 and to its highest level...
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For 2010–11 the Valley Grove School District received a 3.88% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $6,877,685 payment. The district received the highest increase in BEF state funding among the school districts in Venango County. Kennett Consolidated School District
Kennett Consolidated School District
The Kennett Consolidated School District,or KCSD for short, is a public school district serving portions of Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is centered on the borough of Kennett Square and also incorporates Kennett Township, New Garden Township, and the southern portion of East Marlborough Twp....
in Chester County
Chester County, Pennsylvania
-State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were...
received the highest increase in the state 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 4.08% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,620,850. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008–09 was $6,361,064.18. 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. Franklin Area School District
Franklin Area School District
Franklin Area School District is a rural, public school system headquartered in Franklin, Venango County, located in western Pennsylvania. Franklin Area School District encompasses approximately 186 square miles...
received 6.43% which was the highest increase in BEF awarded by the Commonwealth, to districts in Venango 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...
, 445 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 Valley Grove School District applied for and received $213,386 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide all day kindergarten for the 7th year.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 Valley Grove School District did not apply.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. Valley Grove School District did not apply funding in any of the three years it was available. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future state grant awards.Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $1,685,198 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 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 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 Valley Grove School Board chose 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
In 2010–11, the property taxes were 11.2362 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.- 2009–10 – 10.7730 mills. A new downtown bookstore, owned by Bucknell University, has brought $23,559 in additional tax revenue.
- 2008–09 – 10.7725 mills.
- 2007–08 – 10.7730 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 Valley Grove School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.
- 2006–07 – 5.6%, Base 3.9%
- 2007–08 – 4.9%, Base 3.4%
- 2008–09 – 6.4%, Base 4.4%
- 2009–10 – 6.0%, Base 4.1%
- 2010–11 – 4.3%, Base 2.9%
- 2011–12 – 2.1%, Base 1.4%
For the school budget year 2011–12, the Valley Grove School Board did not apply for any exceptions to the Act 1 index. Each year, the school district has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
For the 2011–2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction. With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly repealed most of the Act 1 tax increase exceptions leaving only special education costs, pension costs and prior voter approved (ballot referendum) debt for construction. The cost of construction projects in the future will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum. Districts can no longer raise property taxes to cover increasing health insurance costs for employees.
Valley Grove School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2010–11. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
Property tax relief
In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Valley Grove School District was $172 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 1,987 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. The Pennsylvania Auditor General found that 73% of property owners applied for tax relief in Venango County. In Venango County, the highest property tax relief in 2009 was $274 awarded to the approved property owners in Oil City Area School DistrictOil City Area School District
The Oil City Area School District is a midsized, rural public school district in Venango County, Pennsylvania, centered on the city of Oil City. Other communities that it serves include: the borough of Rouseville, and townships of Oakland, President, and Cornplanter. The district covers...
. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties....
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year Chester Upland School District was the top recipient.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
Tax Foundation
The Tax Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank founded in 1937 that collects data and publishes research studies on tax policies at the federal and state levels. The organization is broken into three primary areas of research which are the Center for Federal Fiscal Policy, The and the...
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
Extracurriculars
The district offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate in these activities is determined by school board policy. When a student-athlete is failing two or more subjects, then they become academically ineligible. They are required to attend a tutoring program two times a week. VGSD funded athletic programs available to students: Baseball, Basketball (Boys & Girls), Cross Country (Boys & Girls, Golf (Boys & Girls), Softball, Swimming (Boys & Girls), Volleyball (Girls) and Cheerleading.The district offers other sports through a cooperative agreement, with neighboring Franklin Area School District. These sports include: football, tennis, volleyball, soccer, track (Boys & Girls), and wrestling. Students pay a $25 fee (2010) to Franklin Area School District to participate in these cooperative sports.
Additionally, the marching band programs is in cooperation with Franklin Area School District
Franklin Area School District
Franklin Area School District is a rural, public school system headquartered in Franklin, Venango County, located in western Pennsylvania. Franklin Area School District encompasses approximately 186 square miles...
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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 home schooled, 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.