West Greene School District
Encyclopedia
West Greene School District is a diminutive, rural, public school district
located in Greene County, Pennsylvania
. An estimated 500 students attend West Greene School District serves a large rural region, including Morris Township
, Center Township
, Gray Township
, Jackson Township
, Gilmore Township
, Freeport Township
, Springhill Township
, Aleppo Township
, and Richhill Township
According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 5,917. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $14,228, while the median family income was $35,149. Per school district officials, in school year 2007–08 the West Greene School District provided basic educational services to just 866 pupils through the employment of 86 teachers, 43 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 8 administrators. The West Greene School District received more than $5.1 million in state funding in school year 2007–08.
West Greene encompasses an area of approximately 256 square miles (663 km²).
The district operates three schools: Graysville Elementary School, Springhill-Freeport Elementary School, and West Greene Middle-Senior High School.
s.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of West Greene School DIstrict was in the 5th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania School Districts. Scale – (0–99; 100 is state best)
Graduation Rate
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
2010 – 57% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level. (71 pupils enrolled)
2009 – 55%, State – 65%
2008 – 54%, State – 65%
2007 – 54%, State – 65%
11th Grade Math:
2010 – 52% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 – 44.5%, State – 56%
2008 – 44%, State – 56%
2007 – 44%, State – 53%
11th Grade Science:
2010 – 34% on grade level. State – 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 – 29%, State – 40%
2008 – 22%, State – 39%
study released in January 2009, 50% of the West Greene 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. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. West Greene is currently partnered with The University of Pittsburgh to offer these courses. 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.
Successful completion of 26 credits. Included in the 26 credits are the following requirements: four credits of Language Arts, Social Studies 4 credits, Mathematics 4 credits, Science 4 credits, four years of Physical Education and health for 1.5 credits, Computer/Technology 1 credit, Senior Graduation Project 1 credit and Electives 6.5 credits. Students must meet specific requirements to be promoted each year from 6th through 11th grades.
By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.
Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams (Algebra I, Literature (reading) and Biology)
2010 – 60% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level. (60 pupils enrolled)
2009 – 66%, State – 80% (66 pupils enrolled)
2008 – 78%, State – 78%
Math:
2010 – 44% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 – 59%, State – 71%
2008 – 56%, State – 70%
Science:
2010 – 31% on grade level. State – 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 – 52%, State – 55%.
2008 – 47%, State – 52%
2010 – 48% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level. (62 pupils enrolled)
2009 – 66%, State – 71% (59 pupils enrolled)
2008 – 44%, State – 70%
Math:
2010 – 59% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 – 59%, State – 75%
2008 – 52%, State – 70%
2010 – 46% on grade level. State: 68% of 6th graders were on grade level. (56 pupils enrolled)
2009 – 36%, State – 67%
2008 – 40%, State – 67%
Math:
2010 – 88% on grade level. State – 78% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2009 – 68%, State – 75%
2008 – 54%, State −72%
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 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. The initial evaluation shall be completed and a copy of the evaluation report shall be presented to the parents no later than 60 days after the school district receives written parental consent. Parents who think their child is a child with a disability may request, at any time, that the school district conduct an evaluation to determine if the child is eligible to receive special education and related services. This request must be made in writing to the district office.
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.
The West Greene School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The policy defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying. The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
(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, 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 approval.
In 2007, the district employed 80 teachers and the average teacher salary in the district was $48,775 for 180 days worked.
West Greene School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $1,042.31 per pupil. The district ranked 54th among Pennsylvania public schools for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
Reserves In 2008, the district reported $3,354,042 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The unreserved-designated fund balance was repoted as zero.
In 2008 the district administration reported that per pupil spending was $22,101 which ranked 6th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts.
In August 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the school board and administration.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless the of personal wealth.
in Chester County
which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.
In the 2009–2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.13% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $3,195,886. Among the school districts in Greene County, the highest increase went to Southeastern Greene School District
which got a 6.92%. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008–09 was $4,787,151.79. Ninety school districts received a 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009. The amount of increase each school district receives is set by the Governor and the Secretary of Education as a part of the state budget proposal given each February.
– Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. The funding is for the 2009–10 and 2010–2011 school years.
grant which would have provided over one million dollars in additional federal funding to improve 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 West Greene School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.
2006–07 – 4.9%, Base 3.9%
2007–08 – 4.4%, Base 3.4%
2008–09 – 5.6%, Base 4.4%
2009–10 – 4.8%, Base 4.1%
2010–11 – 3.4%, Base 2.9%
2011–12 – 1.4%, Base 1.4%
The West Greene School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District
of Delaware County
who received $632 per approved homestead. This was the third year they were the top recipient.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently, individual with income much more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
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.
School district
School districts are a form of special-purpose district which serves to operate the local public primary and secondary schools.-United States:...
located in Greene County, Pennsylvania
Greene County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 40,672 people, 15,060 households, and 10,587 families residing in the county. The population density was 71 people per square mile . There were 16,678 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile...
. An estimated 500 students attend West Greene School District serves a large rural region, including Morris Township
Morris Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania
Morris Township is a township in Greene County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,040 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.8 square miles , of which, 35.8 square miles of it is land and...
, Center Township
Center Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania
Center Township is a township in Greene County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,393 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and 0.02% is water.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000,...
, Gray Township
Gray Township, Pennsylvania
Gray Township is a township in Greene County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 236 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:...
, Jackson Township
Jackson Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania
Jackson Township is a township in Greene County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 516 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and 0.03% is water....
, Gilmore Township
Gilmore Township, Pennsylvania
Gilmore Township is a township in Greene County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 295 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:...
, Freeport Township
Freeport Township, Pennsylvania
Freeport Township is a township in Greene County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 302 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:...
, Springhill Township
Springhill Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania
Springhill Township is a township in Greene County,Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 476 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 22.1 square miles , of which, 22.1 square miles of it is land and 0.05%...
, Aleppo Township
Aleppo Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania
Aleppo Township is a township in Greene County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 597 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:...
, and Richhill Township
Richhill Township, Pennsylvania
Richhill Township is a township in Greene County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,062 at the 2000 census. Ryerson Station State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on Duke Lake in the township.-History:...
According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 5,917. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $14,228, while the median family income was $35,149. Per school district officials, in school year 2007–08 the West Greene School District provided basic educational services to just 866 pupils through the employment of 86 teachers, 43 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 8 administrators. The West Greene School District received more than $5.1 million in state funding in school year 2007–08.
West Greene encompasses an area of approximately 256 square miles (663 km²).
The district operates three schools: Graysville Elementary School, Springhill-Freeport Elementary School, and West Greene Middle-Senior High School.
Academic achievement
West Greene School District was ranked 469th out of 493 Pennsylvania school districts in 2011 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on five years of student academic performance on the reading, writing, math and three years of science PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s.
- 2010 – 468th
- 2009 – 465th
- 2008 – 467th
- 2007 – 457th out of 501 school districts.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of West Greene School DIstrict was in the 5th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania School Districts. Scale – (0–99; 100 is state best)
Graduation Rate
- 2010 – 97%
- 2009 – 84%
- 2007 – 91%
West Greene Middle-Senior High School
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education identified the high school as a Tier II school which was eligible for large scale interventions to improve student achievement through School Improvement Grants. Tier II schools are the State’s persistently-lowest achieving secondary schools. The schools is on the state's list of 144 persistently low achievement – failing schools.PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
2010 – 57% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level. (71 pupils enrolled)
2009 – 55%, State – 65%
2008 – 54%, State – 65%
2007 – 54%, State – 65%
11th Grade Math:
2010 – 52% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 – 44.5%, State – 56%
2008 – 44%, State – 56%
2007 – 44%, State – 53%
11th Grade Science:
2010 – 34% on grade level. State – 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 – 29%, State – 40%
2008 – 22%, State – 39%
College Remediation Rate
According to a Pennsylvania Department of EducationPennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
study released in January 2009, 50% of the West Greene High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a large public university system in the United States. It is the tenth-largest university system in the United States and 43rd largest in the world...
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Dual enrollment
The high school offers a Dual EnrollmentDual enrollment
In education, dual enrollment involved students being enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. It may also refer to any individual who is participating in two related programs, but such a general form of usage is uncommon....
program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. 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. West Greene is currently partnered with The University of Pittsburgh to offer these courses. 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.
Graduation requirements
The graduation requirements for the West Greene School District are as follows:Successful completion of 26 credits. Included in the 26 credits are the following requirements: four credits of Language Arts, Social Studies 4 credits, Mathematics 4 credits, Science 4 credits, four years of Physical Education and health for 1.5 credits, Computer/Technology 1 credit, Senior Graduation Project 1 credit and Electives 6.5 credits. Students must meet specific requirements to be promoted each year from 6th through 11th grades.
By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.
Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams (Algebra I, Literature (reading) and Biology)
West Greene Middle School
In 2010, the middle school is in Making Progress: in School Improvement I due to chronic low student achievement. In 2009, the middle school is in School Improvement I due to chronic low student achievement.Eight Grade
Reading2010 – 60% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level. (60 pupils enrolled)
2009 – 66%, State – 80% (66 pupils enrolled)
2008 – 78%, State – 78%
Math:
2010 – 44% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 – 59%, State – 71%
2008 – 56%, State – 70%
Science:
2010 – 31% on grade level. State – 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 – 52%, State – 55%.
2008 – 47%, State – 52%
Seventh Grade
Reading:2010 – 48% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level. (62 pupils enrolled)
2009 – 66%, State – 71% (59 pupils enrolled)
2008 – 44%, State – 70%
Math:
2010 – 59% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 – 59%, State – 75%
2008 – 52%, State – 70%
6th Grade
Reading:2010 – 46% on grade level. State: 68% of 6th graders were on grade level. (56 pupils enrolled)
2009 – 36%, State – 67%
2008 – 40%, State – 67%
Math:
2010 – 88% on grade level. State – 78% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2009 – 68%, State – 75%
2008 – 54%, State −72%
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 205 pupils or 26% 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 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. The initial evaluation shall be completed and a copy of the evaluation report shall be presented to the parents no later than 60 days after the school district receives written parental consent. Parents who think their child is a child with a disability may request, at any time, that the school district conduct an evaluation to determine if the child is eligible to receive special education and related services. This request must be made in writing to the district office.
Governance
The school district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of EducationPennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
and the Pennsylvania General Assembly
Pennsylvania General Assembly
The Pennsylvania General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The legislature convenes in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. In colonial times , the legislature was known as the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. Since the Constitution of 1776, written by...
. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act , is a United States federal statute enacted April 11, 1965. It was passed as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" and has been the most far-reaching federal legislation affecting education ever passed by Congress...
and the No Child Left Behind Act
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is a United States Act of Congress concerning the education of children in public schools.NCLB was originally proposed by the administration of George W. Bush immediately after he took office...
which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "F" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
Bullying policy
In 2009, the administrative reported there were no incidents of bullying in the district.The West Greene School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The policy defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying. The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
Wellness policy
The West Greene School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006. The policy deals with nutritious 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, 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 approval.
Budget
In 2008–2009 the district employed over 96 teachers with a salary range of $34,150 to $56,975 . The professional staff also receives a benefits package that includes: health insurance, life insurance, paid sick days, reimbursement for college courses, paid personal days and a defined benefit pension.In 2007, the district employed 80 teachers and the average teacher salary in the district was $48,775 for 180 days worked.
West Greene School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $1,042.31 per pupil. The district ranked 54th among Pennsylvania public schools for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
Reserves In 2008, the district reported $3,354,042 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The unreserved-designated fund balance was repoted as zero.
In 2008 the district administration reported that per pupil spending was $22,101 which ranked 6th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts.
In August 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the school board and administration.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless the of personal wealth.
State basic education funding
For the 2010–11 budget year, the West Greene School District received a 2% increase in state Basic Education Funding for a total of $3,259,804. The highest increase in Greene County 4.97% was given to the Central Greene School District. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in 2010–11 went to 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...
which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.
In the 2009–2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.13% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $3,195,886. Among the school districts in Greene County, the highest increase went to Southeastern Greene School District
Southeastern Greene School District
Southeastern Greene School District is a public school district located in Greene County, Pennsylvania. It serves the borough of Greensboro, Monongahela Township, Dunkard Township, and Greene Township. Upper level students attend the district's Mapletown Jr-Sr High School. The SGSD encompasses...
which got a 6.92%. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008–09 was $4,787,151.79. Ninety school districts received a 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District
Muhlenberg School District
The Muhlenberg Area School District is a public school district serving parts of Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. It encompasses the borough of Laureldale and the Muhlenberg Township. The district encompasses approximately 13 square miles. Per the 2000 federal census data it serves a resident...
in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009. The amount of increase each school district receives is set by the Governor and the Secretary of Education as a part of the state budget proposal given each February.
Accountability Block Grants
Beginning in 2004–2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania’s school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, All Day Kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students, For 2010–11 the district applied for and received $141,344 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide Full Day Kindergarten for 52 pupils. This is the 5th year the full day program is offered.Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $734,421 in ARRAArra
Arra is a census town in Puruliya district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Demographics: India census, Arra had a population of 19,911. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Arra has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the...
– Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. The funding is for the 2009–10 and 2010–2011 school years.
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 school district received $64,593.Race to the Top grant
District officials applied for the federal 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...
grant which would have provided over one million dollars in additional federal funding to improve 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.
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 instructional use of the computers. The program was funded from 2006–2009. West Greene School District did not apply to participate in 2006–07 or in 2007–08. The district received $74,691 in 2008–09.Common Cents state initiative
The Central Greene School Board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.Real estate taxes
Property tax rates in 2010–11 were set by the school board at 19.5000 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.- 2009–10 – 19.5000 mills.
- 2008–09 – 19.5000 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 allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011–2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor StatisticsBureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a unit of the United States Department of Labor. It is the principal fact-finding agency for the U.S. government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. The BLS is a governmental statistical agency that collects, processes, analyzes, and...
in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.
The School District Adjusted Index for the West Greene School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.
2006–07 – 4.9%, Base 3.9%
2007–08 – 4.4%, Base 3.4%
2008–09 – 5.6%, Base 4.4%
2009–10 – 4.8%, Base 4.1%
2010–11 – 3.4%, Base 2.9%
2011–12 – 1.4%, Base 1.4%
The West Greene School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
Property tax relief
In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the West Greene School District was $84 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 1,350 property owners applied for the tax relief. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Greene County, 37% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. In Greene County, the highest amount of tax relief in 2010, went to property owners in Central Greene School DistrictCentral Greene School District
The Central Greene School District covers the Borough of Waynesburg and Franklin Township, Perry Township, Washington Township, Wayne Township and Whiteley Township in Greene County, Pennsylvania. It encompasses approximately 168 square miles. According to the 2000 federal census data, it serves a...
. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District
Chester Upland School District
The Chester Upland School District is a public school district serving the City of Chester, the Borough of Upland and Chester Township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania...
of Delaware County
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties....
who received $632 per approved homestead. This was the third year they were the top recipient.
- 2009 – $87 for 1,300 properties.
- 2008 – $105 for 1,075 properties.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently, individual with income much more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by West Greene School Board policy and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association and Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League governance policies. Additionally, coaches are permitted to establish additional rules and regulations (outside of those outlined by: the NFHS, PIAA, WPIAL and those approved by the West Greene Board of Education with the approval of the Athletic Director and the Principal for their respective sports.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.
| Sport Name | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | Class A | N/A |
| Basketball | Class A | Class A |
| Football American football American 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 A | N/A |
| Rifle | Class AAAA | N/A |
| Softball Softball Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand... |
N/A | Class A |
| Track and Field | Class AA | Class AA |
| Volleyball | N/A | Class A |
| Wrestling Wrestling Wrestling 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 | N/A |