West Shore School District
Encyclopedia
West Shore School District, is a suburban, public school district with its main office located in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania
.The Superintendent is Jemry Small. This district serves students in eastern Cumberland County
and northern York County
. It serves the municipalities of Lemoyne
, New Cumberland
and Wormleysburg
boroughs and Lower Allen Township
in Cumberland County; Goldsboro
and Lewisberry
boroughs, Fairview Township
and Newberry Township in York County. West Shore School District encompasses approximately 78 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 57,960. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income
was $24,740, while the median family income was $57,500. According to District officials, in school year 2007–08 the West Shore School District provided basic educational services to 8,016 pupils through the employment of 670 teachers, 451 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 43 administrators. The West Shore School District received more than $23.2 million in state funding in school year 2007–08. According to a district report 58% of the pupils live in York County, while 42% reside in Cumberland County.
Based on enrollment, the school district is the largest serving Cumberland County and one of the largest in the greater Harrisburg
metropolitan area
. It was formed in 1966 from four small Cumberland County districts and one school district in York County. About 58 percent of the district’s students come from York County, with the remaining 42 percent coming from Cumberland County. Eighty percent of districts area resides in York County.
The district operates two high schools (grades 9–12). Most students from Cumberland County attend Cedar Cliff High School
and most of the York County students attend Red Land High School. The district also operates four middle school
s (grades 6–8), and ten elementary schools (grades K-5). Total enrollment as of 2005–06 is 8,344 students.
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 district is divided into 3 electoral zones. Three board members are elected from each zone.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and school district administration a "C-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
Visitors may view District Board meetings and study sessions live from the opening page of the site on the evenings the meetings are conducted.
results in: reading, writing, mathematics and three years of science.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students in the West Shore School District was in the 38th percentile among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale (0–99; 100 is state best)
Cedar Cliff High School Graduation Rate:
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
Red Land Senior High School Graduation Rate:
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
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.
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class 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.
program. This state funded 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 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. For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $6,852 for the program.
8th Grade Reading:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
7th Grade Math:
8th Grade Reading:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
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6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
8th Grade Reading:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
7th Grade Math:
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
8th Grade Reading:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
7th Grade Math:
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Supervisor of Special Education.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
West Shore School District received a $3,626,052 supplement for special education services in 2010.
The West Shore 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.
In 2009, the West Shore School District employed over 800 teachers with a starting salary of $46,522 for 191 contract days. The average teacher salary was $57,855 while the highest was $135,200. The school day is limited by the union contract to 7.5 hours. Additionally, West Shore School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance
, paid bereavement leave, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10 sick days and other benefits. Teachers are paid extra when they are required to work outside of the regular school day hours. The Board provides a substantial retirement incentive. The School Board agreed to provide the union with 20 paid employee days to conduct union business off campus. In 2010, the board approved a four year contract with annual raises averaging 3.056 percent over the next four years. 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.
West Shore School District administrative costs per pupil was $632.88 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. Jemry Goodrich-Small was hired as superintendent in June 2008 with a four year contract that has a $125,000 initial salary. The Pennsylvania School Board Association tracks salaries for Pennsylvania public school employees. It reports that in 2008 the average superintendent salary in Pennsylvania was $122,165. In 2007, the Average District Administrator salary in West Shore School District was $95,417 which ranked seventh in York County. The Average School Administrator salary in Central York School District was $71,484 which ranked nearly last in York County. In 2011 the West Shore School District administrators agreed to a one year pay freeze.
The administration reported that the per pupil spending was $10,498, which ranked 438th in the commonwealth.
Reserves – In 2008, the district reported $9,179,637.00 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was repoted as zero.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a local real property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.05%, and a per capita tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the income level.
In 2010, the district reported that 1,685 pupils received a free or reduced lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level
.
For the 2010–11 school year, the district received 5.03% increase in state basic education Funding for a total of $13,223,180. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in Cumberland County was awarded to Camp Hill School District
at 13.99%, while the highest increase in York County was awarded to Hanover Public School District
at 8.39%. Among Pennsylvania school districts, the highest increase in 2010–11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District
in Chester County
which received a 23.65% increase in state funding. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009–2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 4.25% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $12,589,705. Eight York County
school districts received increases of more than 5% in Basic Education Funding in 2009–10. Three school district in Cumberland County
received increases of less than 5% in 2009–10. Central York School District
received an 12.54% increase. In Pennsylvania, over 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. The state's Basic Education Funding to the West Shore School District in 2008–09 was $12,076,117.33.
In 2008, the district reported that 1,412 students received free or reduced price lunches due to low family income.
– Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. This funding is for 2009– 10 and 2010–11 school years.
federal grant which would have brought the district millions in additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. According to then Governor Rendell, 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. With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly voted to end most of the Act 1 exceptions leaving only special education costs and pension costs. The cost of construction projects will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum.
The School District Adjusted Index for the West Shore School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.
For the 2011–12 school year, the West Shore School Board applied for several exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. These included: Pension Obligations, Maintenance Selected Revenue sources, and Special Education Costs. Each year the West Shore School Board 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
.
According to a state report, 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.
The West Shore School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index for the budget year 2010–2011. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
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, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This rebate 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%).
(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 its approval. This includes classroom party guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
. In 2007–08 the district spent $910,900 on athletics. In 2007–08 West Shore spent $583,496 on school athletics (excluding coaches salaries). In 2010–11 the spending increased to $639,152 and in 2011–12 it has budgeted $600,680 for athletics. In October 2011, the school board voted to eliminate random drug testing of students who participate in extracurricular activities. Over the course of the program, six students were tested each at each high school each week for 899 tests administered, with just 37 positive results.
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.
Lewisberry, Pennsylvania
Lewisberry is a borough in York County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 362 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Lewisberry is located at ....
.The Superintendent is Jemry Small. This district serves students in eastern Cumberland County
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Cumberland County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and is one of three counties comprising the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010, the population was 235,406.-History:...
and northern York County
York County, Pennsylvania
York County is a county in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 434,972. It is in the Susquehanna Valley, a large fertile agricultural region in South Central Pennsylvania....
. It serves the municipalities of Lemoyne
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania
Lemoyne is a borough in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. Lemoyne was incorporated as a borough on May 23, 1905. As of the 2000 census, the borough population was 3,995. It was formerly named Bridgeport. Lemoyne lies across the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's capital...
, New Cumberland
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
New Cumberland is a municipality at the eastern tip of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. New Cumberland was incorporated as a borough on March 21, 1831. The population was 7,349 at the 2000 census...
and Wormleysburg
Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania
Wormleysburg is a borough in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,607 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area.Wormleysburg is served by West Shore School District...
boroughs and Lower Allen Township
Lower Allen Township, Pennsylvania
Lower Allen Township is a township in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 17,437 at the 2000 census.The township has the headquarters of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and State Correctional Institution - Camp Hill....
in Cumberland County; Goldsboro
Goldsboro, Pennsylvania
Goldsboro is a borough in York County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 952 at the 2010 census.Etters is the name of the post office in Goldsboro, even though there is no incorporated place known as "Etters"...
and Lewisberry
Lewisberry, Pennsylvania
Lewisberry is a borough in York County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 362 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Lewisberry is located at ....
boroughs, Fairview Township
Fairview Township, York County, Pennsylvania
Fairview Township is a township in York County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 16,668 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which is land and , or 0.17%, is water....
and Newberry Township in York County. West Shore School District encompasses approximately 78 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 57,960. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
was $24,740, while the median family income was $57,500. According to District officials, in school year 2007–08 the West Shore School District provided basic educational services to 8,016 pupils through the employment of 670 teachers, 451 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 43 administrators. The West Shore School District received more than $23.2 million in state funding in school year 2007–08. According to a district report 58% of the pupils live in York County, while 42% reside in Cumberland County.
Based on enrollment, the school district is the largest serving Cumberland County and one of the largest in the greater Harrisburg
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 49,528, making it the ninth largest city in Pennsylvania...
metropolitan area
Harrisburg metropolitan area
The Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area , as defined the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of three counties in Pennsylvania's Susquehanna Valley, anchored by the cities of Harrisburg and Carlisle...
. It was formed in 1966 from four small Cumberland County districts and one school district in York County. About 58 percent of the district’s students come from York County, with the remaining 42 percent coming from Cumberland County. Eighty percent of districts area resides in York County.
The district operates two high schools (grades 9–12). Most students from Cumberland County attend Cedar Cliff High School
Cedar Cliff High School
Cedar Cliff High School is a coeducational public high school located in Camp Hill, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and is one of two high schools in the West Shore School District. It was formed in 1960 with the merger of West Shore High School and New Cumberland High School. The Cedar Cliff...
and most of the York County students attend Red Land High School. The district also operates four middle school
Middle school
Middle School and Junior High School are levels of schooling between elementary and high schools. Most school systems use one term or the other, not both. The terms are not interchangeable...
s (grades 6–8), and ten elementary schools (grades K-5). Total enrollment as of 2005–06 is 8,344 students.
Governance
The 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 district is divided into 3 electoral zones. Three board members are elected from each zone.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and school district administration a "C-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
Visitors may view District Board meetings and study sessions live from the opening page of the site on the evenings the meetings are conducted.
Schools
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Academic achievement
The West Shore School District was ranked 252nd out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts, in 2011, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic performance on five years of PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
results in: reading, writing, mathematics and three years of science.
- 2010 – 269th
- 2009 – 291st
- 2008 – 279th
- 2007 – 242nd of 501 school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students in the West Shore School District was in the 38th percentile among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale (0–99; 100 is state best)
- West Shore School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 http://www.scribd.com/doc/52663256/West-Shore-School-District-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2010
- West Shore School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2008 http://www.scribd.com/doc/18998433/West-Shore-School-District-Report-Card-2008
Cedar Cliff High School
In 2011, the high school declined to School Improvement II AYP status. In 2010, the school is in Making Progress: in School Improvement I in student achievement. In 2009, the school is in School Improvement I for chronically low student achievement.Cedar Cliff High School Graduation Rate:
- 2011 - 89%
- 2010 – 90%
- 2009 – 89%
- 2008 – 92%, State – 65%
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
- 2011 - 67% on grade level, (17% below basic). 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 – 74%, State - 67%
- 2009 – 69%, State – 65%
- 2008 – 64%, State – 65%
- 2007 – 72%, State – 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 58%, on grade level (23% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 – 63%, State - 59%
- 2009 – 56%, State – 56%
- 2008 – 58%, State – 56%
- 2007 – 60%, State – 53%
11th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 33% on grade level (20% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 – 43%, State – 39%
- 2009 – 46%, State – 40%
- 2008 – 34%, State – 39%
Red Land Senior High School
In 2011, the high school was in Making Progress: in School Improvement II status. In 2010, the school declined to School Improvement II status. In 2009 the school was in Making Progress: in School Improvement I for chronically low student achievement. In 2008, Red Land Senior HIgh School was in School Improvement I for chronic low student achievement.Red Land Senior High School Graduation Rate:
- 2011 - 90%
- 2010 – 94%
- 2009 – 95%
- 2008 – 90%
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
- 2011 - 78% on grade level, (9% below basic). 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 – 73%, State – 67%
- 2009 – 69%, State – 65%
- 2008 – 57%, State – 65%
- 2007 – 57%, State – 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 65%, on grade level (17% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 – 54%, State – 59%
- 2009 – 56%, State – 55%
- 2008 – 49%, State – 56%
- 2007 – 45%, State – 53%
11th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 44% on grade level (12% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 – 39%, State – 39%
- 2009 – 41%, State – 40%
- 2008 – 32%, State – 39%
College remediation
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 37% of West Shore School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher EducationPennsylvania State System of Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a large public university system in the United States. It is the tenth-largest university system in the United States and 43rd largest in the world...
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Graduation requirements
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.By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class 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.
Dual enrollment
The school district 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 funded 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 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. For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $6,852 for the program.
Allen Middle School
In 2011, the school is in Warning status, while the school made AYP status. In 2011 and 2010 the attendance rate was 94%. In 2008–09 and 2009–10 the attendance rate, at Allen Middle School, was reported as 95%.8th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 81% on grade level (7% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2010 – 82%, State – 81%
- 2009 – 82%, State – 80.9%
- 2008 – 69%, State – 78%
8th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 77% on grade level (13% below basic). State -76.9%
- 2010 – 75%, State – 75%
- 2009 – 70%, State – 71%
- 2008 – 66%, State – 70%
8th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 67% on grade level (18% below basic). State – 58.3%
- 2010 – 61%, State – 59%
- 2009 – 61%, State – 55%
- 2008 – 51%, State – 52%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 78% on grade level (5% below basic). State – 76%
- 2010 – 77%, State – 73%
- 2009 – 76%, State – 71%
- 2008 – 73%, State – 70%
7th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 71% on grade level (14% below basic). State - 78.6%
- 2010 – 75%, State – 77%
- 2009 – 77%, State – 75%
- 2008 – 73%, State – 70%
Crossroads Middle School
In 2011, the school was in Warning status. In 2010, the school achieved AYP. In 2011, the attendance rate rose to 95%. In 2008–09 and 2009–10, the attendance rate, at Crossroads Middle School, was reported as 94%.8th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 81% on grade level (9% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2010 – 82%, State – 81%
- 2009 – 85%, State – 80.9%
- 2008 – 75%, State – 78%
8th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 79% on grade level (8% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
- 2010 – 71%, State – 75%
- 2009 – 77%, State - 71%
- 2008 – 78%, State – 70%
8th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 66% on grade level (16% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 – 65%, (19% below basic). State – 57%
- 2009 – 71%, (% below basic). State – 55%
- 2008 – 61%, State – 52%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 76% on grade level (7% below basic). State – 76%
- 2010 – 78%, (6% below basic). State – 73%
- 2009 – 76%, (9% below basic). State – 71%
- 2008 – 68%, State – 70%
7th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 70% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 78.6%
- 2010 – 79%, (12% below basic). State – 77%
- 2009 – 73%, (14% below basic). State – 75%
- 2008 – 74%, State – 70%
6th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 70% on grade level (10% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 69.9% of 6th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 68% (14% below basic). State - 68%
- 2009 - 73% (8% below basic), State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 74% on grade level (11% below basic). State - 78.8%
- 2010 - 71% (15% below basic). State - 78%
- 2009 - 78% (13% below basic), State - 75%
Lemoyne Middle School
In 2011 the middle school has declined to Warning status, while in 2010 the school has achieved AYP status. The attendance rate was 94% in 2011 and it was 93.94% in 2010. In 2008–09, the attendance rate at Lemoyne Middle School was reported as 94%.8th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 80% on grade level (8% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2010 – 90%, State - 71%
- 2009 – 80%, State – 80%
- 2008 – 78%, State – 78%
8th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 61% on grade level (19% below basic). State - 76.9%
- 2009 – 70%, State – 75%
- 2009 – 69%, State – 71%
- 2008 – 74%, State – 70%
8th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 51% on grade level (27% below basic). State – 58.3%
- 2010 – 60%, State - 57%
- 2009 – 60%, State – 55%
- 2008 – 53%, State – 52%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 83% on grade level (5% below basic). State – 76%
- 2010 – 73%, State – 73%
- 2009 – 82%, State – 71%
- 2008 – 73%, State – 70%
7th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 71%, (12% below basic). State - 78.6%
- 2010 – 66%, State – 77%
- 2009 – 73%, State – 75%
- 2008 – 73%, State – 70%
6th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 65% on grade level (18% below basic). State - 69.9%
- 2010 - 65% (12% below basic). State - 68%
- 2009 - 60% (20% below basic), State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 70% on grade level (13% below basic). State - 78.8%
- 2010 - 69% (14% below basic). State - 78%
- 2009 - 67% (18% below basic), State - 75%
New Cumberland Middle School
In 2011, the school was in Warning status, while in 2010 the school achieved AYP status. The attendance rate was 94% in 2010-11. In 2008–09 and 2009–10 the attendance rate at New Cumberland Middle School was reported as 94% and 93% respectively.8th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 83% on grade level (12% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2010 – 85%, State – 81%
- 2009 – 82%, State – 80.9%
- 2008 – 78%, State – 78%
8th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 64% on grade level (17% below basic). State - 76.9%
- 2010 – 75%, State – 75%
- 2009 – 75%, State – 71%
- 2008 – 67%, State – 70%
8th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 53% on grade level (29% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 – 54%, State - 57%
- 2009 – 60%, State – 55%
- 2008 – 54%, State – 52%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 81% on grade level (9% below basic). State – 76%
- 2010 – 75%, State - 73%
- 2009 – 70%, State - 71%
- 2008 – 70%, State – 70%
7th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 75% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 78.6%
- 2010 – 63%, State - 77%
- 2009 – 73%, State – 75%
- 2008 – 73%, State – 70%
6th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 65% on grade level (17% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 69.9% of 6th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 73% (14% below basic). State - 68%
- 2009 - 61% (20% below basic), State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 62% on grade level (24% below basic). State - 78.8%
- 2010 - 72% (10% below basic). State - 78%
- 2009 - 66% (13% below basic), State - 75%
Elementary Schools
- Fairview Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 http://www.scribd.com/doc/37279624/West-Shore-Fairview-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
- Fishing Creek Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 http://www.scribd.com/doc/37279590/West-Shore-Fishing-Creek-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
- Highland Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 http://www.scribd.com/doc/37279572/West-Shore-Highland-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
- Hillside Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 http://www.scribd.com/doc/37279558/West-Shore-Hillside-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
- Newberry Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 http://www.scribd.com/doc/37279534/West-Shore-Newberry-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
- Red Mill Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 http://www.scribd.com/doc/37279506/West-Shore-Red-Mill-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
- Rossmoyne Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 http://www.scribd.com/doc/37279466/West-Shore-Rossmoyne-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
- Washington Heights Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 http://www.scribd.com/doc/37279414/West-Shore-Washington-Heights-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 1491 pupils or 18.6% of the district's pupils received Special Education services. In May 2010, the district entered into settlements with several parents over the services the district provided to their child.The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Supervisor of Special Education.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
West Shore School District received a $3,626,052 supplement for special education services in 2010.
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that 240 or 3.04% of its students were identified as gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.Bullying policy
The West Shore School District administration reported there were 3 incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.The West Shore 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 2007, the district employed 550 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $49,741 for 180 days worked. As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation.In 2009, the West Shore School District employed over 800 teachers with a starting salary of $46,522 for 191 contract days. The average teacher salary was $57,855 while the highest was $135,200. The school day is limited by the union contract to 7.5 hours. Additionally, West Shore School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance
Health insurance
Health insurance is insurance against the risk of incurring medical expenses among individuals. By estimating the overall risk of health care expenses among a targeted group, an insurer can develop a routine finance structure, such as a monthly premium or payroll tax, to ensure that money is...
, paid bereavement leave, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10 sick days and other benefits. Teachers are paid extra when they are required to work outside of the regular school day hours. The Board provides a substantial retirement incentive. The School Board agreed to provide the union with 20 paid employee days to conduct union business off campus. In 2010, the board approved a four year contract with annual raises averaging 3.056 percent over the next four years. 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.
West Shore School District administrative costs per pupil was $632.88 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. Jemry Goodrich-Small was hired as superintendent in June 2008 with a four year contract that has a $125,000 initial salary. The Pennsylvania School Board Association tracks salaries for Pennsylvania public school employees. It reports that in 2008 the average superintendent salary in Pennsylvania was $122,165. In 2007, the Average District Administrator salary in West Shore School District was $95,417 which ranked seventh in York County. The Average School Administrator salary in Central York School District was $71,484 which ranked nearly last in York County. In 2011 the West Shore School District administrators agreed to a one year pay freeze.
The administration reported that the per pupil spending was $10,498, which ranked 438th in the commonwealth.
Reserves – In 2008, the district reported $9,179,637.00 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was repoted as zero.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a local real property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.05%, and a per capita tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the income level.
State basic education funding
In 2011–12, the district will receive $12,076,117 in state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the district will receive $323,342 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 1,685 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...
.
For the 2010–11 school year, the district received 5.03% increase in state basic education Funding for a total of $13,223,180. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in Cumberland County was awarded to Camp Hill School District
Camp Hill School District
The Camp Hill School District, is a diminutive, suburban public school district serving the Borough of Camp Hill in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. At just two square miles, Camp Hill is the smallest school district in the county and it is one of the smallest in the Commonwealth of state...
at 13.99%, while the highest increase in York County was awarded to Hanover Public School District
Hanover Public School District
Hanover Public School District is a group of schools located in the borough of Hanover, Pennsylvania. The district encompasses approximately 4 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 14,535...
at 8.39%. Among Pennsylvania school districts, the highest increase in 2010–11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District
Kennett Consolidated School District
The Kennett Consolidated School District,or KCSD for short, is a public school district serving portions of Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is centered on the borough of Kennett Square and also incorporates Kennett Township, New Garden Township, and the southern portion of East Marlborough Twp....
in Chester County
Chester County, Pennsylvania
-State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were...
which received a 23.65% increase in state funding. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009–2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 4.25% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $12,589,705. Eight York County
York County, Pennsylvania
York County is a county in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 434,972. It is in the Susquehanna Valley, a large fertile agricultural region in South Central Pennsylvania....
school districts received increases of more than 5% in Basic Education Funding in 2009–10. Three school district in Cumberland County
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Cumberland County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and is one of three counties comprising the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010, the population was 235,406.-History:...
received increases of less than 5% in 2009–10. Central York School District
Central York School District
The Central York School District is a large, suburban, public school district that encompasses 24 square miles. Central York School District serves: the Borough of North York and Manchester Township and the greater part of Springettsbury Township in York County, Pennsylvania. According to 2010...
received an 12.54% increase. In Pennsylvania, over 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District
Muhlenberg School District
The Muhlenberg Area School District is a public school district serving parts of Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. It encompasses the borough of Laureldale and the Muhlenberg Township. The district encompasses approximately 13 square miles. Per the 2000 federal census data it serves a resident...
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. The state's Basic Education Funding to the West Shore School District in 2008–09 was $12,076,117.33.
In 2008, the district reported that 1,412 students received free or reduced price lunches due to low family income.
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 West Shore School District applied for and received $877,632 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide Full Day Kindergarten, to fund interventions for struggling students and to pay for teacher training, as well as classroom teacher coaches.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. West Shore School District received $415,146 in 2006–07. In 2007–08 the district received $310,138. The district received $431,786 in 2008–09 for a total of $176,199. In total the district received $1,023,131. Only 19 school districts in the state received this funding above $1 million. The vast majority of top receiving districts were urban districts.Environmental Education Grant
The Environmental Education Grant Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that 5 percent of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Department of Environmental Protection be set aside for environmental education. In 2010, West Shore School District was awarded $2,996 to purchase water quality testing kits that fifth grade students will use as part of a stream study program.Education Assistance Grant
The state's Education Assistance Program 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 York City School District received $173,593.Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $3,878,683 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. This funding is for 2009– 10 and 2010–11 school years.
Race to the Top grant
West Shore School District officials did not apply for the Race to the TopRace to the Top
Race to the Top, abbreviated R2T, RTTT or RTT, is a $4.35 billion United States Department of Education competition designed to spur innovation and reforms in state and local district K-12 education...
federal grant which would have brought the district millions in additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. According to then Governor Rendell, failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
Common Cents state initiative
The West Shore School District 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
Property tax rates in 2011–12 were set at 11.78 mills for York County residents and 9 mills in Cumberland County. School districts located in more than one county are required to apportion the tax levy based on the market value in each county as determined by the State Tax Equalization Board pursuant to section 672.1 of the School Code. As a result, the tax rate increases are not the same for each county in a multi-county school district. 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.- 2010–11 – 10.61 mills for district residents in Cumberland County and 11.1 mills for residents residing in York County.
- 2009–10 – 10.6 mills in Cumberland County and 10.3 mills for district residents in York County
- 2008–09 – 10.5000 mills for both communities
- 2007–08 – 10.2000 mills for both communities
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. With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly voted to end most of the Act 1 exceptions leaving only special education costs and pension costs. The cost of construction projects will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum.
The School District Adjusted Index for the West Shore School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.
- 2006–07 – 3.9%, Base 3.9%
- 2007–08 – 3.4%, Base 3.4%
- 2008–09 – 4.4%, Base 4.4%
- 2009–10 – 4.1%, Base 4.1%
- 2010–11 – 2.9%, Base 2.9%
- 2011–12 – 1.4%, Base 1.4%
- 2012-13 - 1.7%, Base 1.7%
For the 2011–12 school year, the West Shore School Board applied for several exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. These included: Pension Obligations, Maintenance Selected Revenue sources, and Special Education Costs. Each year the West Shore School Board 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
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...
.
According to a state report, 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.
The West Shore School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index for the budget year 2010–2011. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
Property tax relief
In 2010, the property tax relief was set by the state at $148 for 8,667 approved properties. In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the West Shore School District was $80 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 15,979 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 Cumberland County, 75.93% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. No data was available for York County.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, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This rebate 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%).
Wellness policy
West Shore School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 – Policy 246. 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 its approval. This includes classroom party guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. The school board determines eligibility for participation in coordination with respective individual governing organizations. Varsity and junior varsity athletic activities are under the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic AssociationPennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. is one of the governing bodies of high school and junior high school sports for the state of Pennsylvania, United States....
. In 2007–08 the district spent $910,900 on athletics. In 2007–08 West Shore spent $583,496 on school athletics (excluding coaches salaries). In 2010–11 the spending increased to $639,152 and in 2011–12 it has budgeted $600,680 for athletics. In October 2011, the school board voted to eliminate random drug testing of students who participate in extracurricular activities. Over the course of the program, six students were tested each at each high school each week for 899 tests administered, with just 37 positive results.
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.