Bermudian Springs School District

The Bermudian Springs School District is a small, rural, public school district created in 1970. Bermudian Springs School District encompasses approximately 75 square miles (190 km²). The district includes: the Boroughs of East Berlin and York Springs, as well as, the village of Idaville, Huntington Township, Latimore Township, Reading Township and a small part of Hamilton Township. The 1990 U.S. census totals showed these communities have over 11,500 inhabitants. According to 2007 local census data, it served a resident population of 13,077. By 2010, the district's population had risen to 13,115 people.[12] The educational attainment levels for the Bermudian Springs School District population (25 years old and over) were 83.9% high school graduates and 16.2% college graduates.[13]

Bermudian Springs School District
Address
7335 Carlisle Pike York Springs , Adams County, Pennsylvania, 17372 United States
District information
Type	Public
Grades	K-12
Superintendent	Dr. Shane Hotchkiss, Ed.D[1]
Asst. Superintendent(s)	Dr. Jon Fox
Business administrator	Mr. Justin Peart
School board	9 locally elected board members
Budget	$27,065,214 (2015-16)[2] 25,875,579 (2014-15)[3] $24,590,668 (2013-14)[4] $24,755,316 (2012-13)[5] $24,720,615 (2010-11)
Students and staff
Enrollment	1,996 pupils (2016)[6] 2,010 pupils (2014),[7] 2,024 pupils (2013),[8] 2,084 pupils (2011) 2,049 pupils (2009)[9] 2,126 pupils (2005)[10]
Teachers	131 (2013), 131.85 (2011), 136 (2010)
Staff	97 non-teaching staff members (2013), 118 staff[11]
Athletic conference	PIAA
District mascot	Eagles
Colors	Steel and Cherry
Other information
Website	www.bermudian.org

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 32.4% of the district's pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty level as shown by their eligibility for the federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012.[14] In 2009, Bermudian Springs School District residents' per capita income was $16,811 a year, while the median family income was $40,063.[15] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 [16] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[17] In Adams County, the median household income was $56,529.[18] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[19]

According to district officials, in school year 2007–2008, the Bermudian Springs School District provided basic educational services to 2,132 pupils through the employment of 137 teachers, 106 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 10 administrators. The Bermudian Springs School District received more than $9.3 million in state funding in school year 2007–2008. The district provided basic educational services to 2,044 pupils in 2011–2012. It employed: 142 teachers, 79 full-time and part-time support personnel, and fifteen (15) administrators during the 2011–2012 school year. The district received $9.9 million in state funding in the 2011–2012 school year.

Bermudian Springs School District is located along Pennsylvania Route 94 (Carlisle Pike) outside of York Springs. The district operates: Bermudian Springs High School, Bermudian Springs Middle School and Bermudian Springs Elementary School. Prior to the construction of the current elementary school, the district oversaw elementary schools in the Boroughs of East Berlin and York Springs. Bermudian Springs High School underwent a major renovation project that was completed in March 2008.

Bermudian Springs School District operates three schools: Bermudian Springs Elementary School, Bermudian Springs Middle School and Bermudian Springs High School.[20] Bermudian Springs School District is served by the Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 which offers a variety of services, including curriculum development assistance, shared services, a group purchasing program and a wide variety of special education and special needs services.[21]

Governance

Bermudian Springs School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four-year terms) with over 743 employees, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[22] 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 (renamed Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in December 2015) which mandates the district focus its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.[23] The school board is required by state law to post a financial report on the district in its website by March of each school year.[24]

As defined in section 004 of the Board Policy, the members of the school board are chosen from three regions within the district, which much have similar population sizes.[25] Each region is currently defined, as of the 2019 municipal election, as follows:

• Region I: East Berlin Borough and Latimore Township
• Region II: York Springs Borough and Huntingdon Township
• Region III: Reading Township

The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. These contracts must be in writing and are subject to public disclosure under the state's Right to Know Act. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent and Business Manager regarding renewal of their employment contracts.[26] Pursuant to Act 141 of 2012 which amended the Pennsylvania School Code, all school districts that have hired superintendents on/after the fall of 2012 are required to develop objective performance standards and post them on the district's website.[27]

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.[28]

Academic achievement

In 2016, Bermudian Springs School District ranked 252nd out of 494 Pennsylvania public school districts, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[29] The ranking is based on the last 3 years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school.[30] Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.

• 2015 – 277th[31]
• 2014 – 336th[32]
• 2013 – 374th[33]
• 2012 – 350th[34]
• 2011 – 300th[35]
• 2010 – 289th [36]
• 2009 – 280th
• 2008 – 298th
• 2007 – 289th of 501 school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[37]

Overachievers Ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Bermudian Springs School District ranked 481st. [38] The editor describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."[39]

• 2012 – 475th[40]
• 2011 – 463rd

District AYP Status

In 2012, Bermudian Springs School District declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[41] In 2004 through 2011, Bermudian Springs School District achieved AYP status.[42] In 2003, Bermudian Springs School District was in Warning AYP status, due to lagging student achievement in reading. In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania Public School Districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.[43]

Graduation rate

In 2016, Bermudian Springs School District's graduation rate was 94.55%.[44]

• 2015 – 93.46%[45] The nationwide graduation rate was 83%.[46]
• 2014 – 89%[47]
• 2013 – 90%[48]
• 2012 – 91%[49]
• 2011 – 96%[50]
• 2010 – 95%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[51]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

• 2010 – 93%[52]
• 2009 – 85%[53]
• 2008 – 90%
• 2007 – 90%[54]

High school

Bermudian Springs High School is located at 7335 Carlisle Pike, York Springs. In 2016, enrollment was reported as 647 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 37.8% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 7.7% of pupils received special education services, while 5.8% of pupils were identified as gifted.[55] The school employed 41 teachers.[56] Per the PA Department of Education, 2% of the teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[57]

In 2013, Bermudian Springs High School's enrollment was 642 pupils with 21% coming from a low income home. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 624 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 104 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 44 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.[58] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 6 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[59]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 76.6 out of 100 points. Bermudian Springs High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 80% of students were on grade level in reading.literature and 67% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 61% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[60] The requirement that pupils pass the Keystone Exams in reading, algebra I and bIology I in order to graduate was postponed until 2019 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly because less than 60% of 12 grade pupils statewide would have been eligible for graduation from high school due to failing one or more Keystone Exams.[61] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.[62]

2015 School Performance Profile

Bermudian Springs High School achieved 77.1 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 77% of the high school's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 73% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 55.8% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[63][64] Statewide, 53 percent of schools with an eleventh grade achieved an academic score of 70 or better. Five percent of the 2,033 schools with 11th grade were scored at 90 and above; 20 percent were scored between 80 and 89; 28 percent between 70 and 79; 25 percent between 60 and 69 and 22 percent below 60. The Keystone Exam results showed: 73 percent of students statewide scored at grade-level in English, 64 percent in Algebra I and 59 percent in biology.[65][66]

2014 School Performance Profile

Bermudian Springs High School achieved 77.1 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 85% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 72.7% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 65% showed on grade level science understanding.[67][68] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.[69] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[70][71]

2013 School Performance Profile

Bermudian Springs High School achieved 84.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 83% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 70% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 45.7% showed on grade level science understanding.[72] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, they now take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.

AYP Status

In 2012, Bermudian Springs High School declined to School Improvement I Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to missing all academic metrics measured.[73] In 2011, Bermudian Springs High School declined in Warning AYP status due to declining student achievement in mathematics and the low reading achievement.[74] In 2010, Bermudian Springs High School achieved AYP status.

PSSA Results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[75]

In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the applicable course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.[76] The state announced the change in 2010 and made it in order to comply with Governor Edward G. Rendell's agreement to change to the national Common Core standards.[77]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 – 58% on grade level, (22% below basic). State – 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.
• 2011 – 62.1% (17% below basic). State – 69.1% [78]
• 2010 – 58% (21% below basic). State – 67%
• 2009 – 64%, State – 65%
• 2008 – 67%, State – 65%[79]
• 2007 – 69%, State – 65%[80]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 – 50% on grade level (27% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[81]
• 2011 – 53.6%, (27% below basic). State – 60.3%
• 2010 – 57% (22% below basic). State – 59% [82]
• 2009 – 52%, State – 56%[83]
• 2008 – 62%, State – 56%[84]
• 2007 – 60%, State – 53%

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 – 26% on grade level (15% below basic). State – 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 – 32.5%, (18% below basic). State – 40%
• 2010 – 39% (16% below basic). State – 39%
• 2009 – 39%, State – 40%
• 2008 – 36%, State – 39%
• 2007 – students tested. Results withheld from the public by the Pennsylvania Department of Education

Science in Motion Bermudian Springs High School did not take advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.[85] Gettysburg College provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 32% of Bermudian Springs 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.[86] 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.[87] 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.

Dual enrollment – The Bermudian Springs High School does not offer the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits with the assistance of a state grant. Over 400 school districts in Pennsylvania offer their high school juniors and seniors the dual enrollment program.

AP Courses

In 2013, Bermudian Springs High School offered 2 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Bermudian Springs High School less than 10 students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[88]

In 2014, Bermudian Springs School District reported no students were registered in AP Courses.[89]

SAT scores

In 2015, 101 Bermudian Springs School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 484. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 464.[90] The College Board also reported that statewide 96,826 pupils took the exams with average scores declining in all three measurers to: 495 in reading, 511 in math and 484 in writing.[91]

In 2014, 85 Bermudian Springs School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 510. The Math average score was 521. The Writing average score was 491.[92] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[93]

In 2013, Bermudian Springs School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 480. The Math average score was 507. The Writing average score was 472. The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.[94]

In 2012, Bermudian Spring School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 469. The Math average score was 493. The Writing average score was 456. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the US, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

In 2011, 81 Bermudian Springs students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 492. The Math average score was 499. The Writing average score was 484.[95] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among state with SAT scores: Verbal – 493, Math – 501, Writing – 479.[96] In the United States 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing.[97]

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a research arm of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, compared the SAT data of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania to students in urban areas. From 2003 to 2005, the average total SAT score for students in rural Pennsylvania was 992, while urban students averaged 1,006. During the same period, 28 percent of 11th and 12th graders in rural school districts took the exam, compared to 32 percent of urban students in the same grades. The average math and verbal scores were 495 and 497, respectively, for rural students, while urban test-takers averaged 499 and 507, respectively. Pennsylvania's SAT composite score ranked low on the national scale in 2004. The composite SAT score of 1,003 left Pennsylvania ranking 44 out of the 50 states and Washington, DC.[98]

Drop Out intervention

The district offers students who have expressed an interest in dropping out of school an alternative placement. Students who meet the entrance criteria for the York County High School are able to enroll and complete their high school education.[99]

Graduation requirements

Bermudian Springs School Board course requirements for graduation – 27 Credits. English – 4 credits, Math – 3 credits, Science – 3 credits, Social Studies – 4 credits, Health – 1 credit (grades 9 & 11), Physical Education – 2 credits (grades 9, 10, 11, & 12), Computer – 1/2 credit (grade 9), Driver Theory – 1/2 credit (grade 10), Electives – 9 credits, NOTES: Two (2) of the elective credits must be in the Arts and/or Humanities.[100]

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.[101] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[102]

By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2019,[103] public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the respective Keystone Exams for each course.[104] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[105]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Schools are mandated to provide targeted assistance to help the student be successful. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.[106][107] For the class of 2019, a Composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements.[108] In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit – 49% on grade level.[109] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

Middle school

Bermudian Springs Middle School is located at 7335 Carlisle Pike, York Springs. In 2016, enrollment was 608 pupils, in grades 5th through 8th, with 35.6% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 11% of pupils received special education services, while 6% of pupils were identified as gifted.[110] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[111]

In 2013, enrollment was 631 pupils in grades 5th through 8th, with 37% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 8.5% of pupils received special education services, while 6% of pupils were identified as gifted.[112] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[113] According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 665 pupils in grades 5th through 8th, with 194 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 43 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.[114] Per a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[115]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP just 64 out of 100 points. Bermudian Springs Middle School PSSA mandated testing results were: 54% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while only 31% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science 55.9% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.[116] In 7th grade, 64% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 44% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 68% were on grade level in reading and only 44% were on grade level in math. In 2016, 68% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, just 53% of 5th grade students showed on grade level math skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. Statewide just 31% of eighth graders demonstrated on grade level in math and 58% of eighth graders were on grade level in reading. In science, 57.7% of eighth graders showed on grade level proficiency. Among 7th graders, just 37% of students demonstrated on grade evel skills in mathematics. In seventh grade reading, 58% were on grade level. Sixth graders had 61.5% showing on grade level math skills. In reading, 61.5% of sixth graders were on grade level.[117]

2015 School Performance Profile

The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that 68% of 8th grade students at Bermudian Springs Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, 27% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 61% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 60% were on grade level in reading, while 35% showed on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 66% were on grade level in reading and 48% were on grade level in mathematics. Among fifth graders, 64% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 53% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported.[118] Statewide 58% of eighth (8th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 29% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 7th graders were 58% on grade level in reading and 33% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among sixth (6th) graders, 60.7% were reading on grade level, while 39.7% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[119]

2014 School Performance Profile

Bermudian Springs Middle School achieved 84 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 74% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 77.5% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 70% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 71% of the 5th and 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[120]

2013 School Performance Profile

Bermudian Springs Middle School achieved 82.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 70% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics, only 73% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, just 64% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 67% of the 5th and 8th grade students were on grade level.[121]

AYP history

In 2012, the Bermudian Springs Middle School declined to School Improvement I Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to continuing low student achievement in both reading and mathematics.[122] In 2012, in accordance with No Child Left Behind requirements, Bermudian Springs Middle School was required to notify parents of the inadequate student achievement and to offer the opportunity for district funded tutoring. Additionally, the School Administration was required by the PDE to develop a plan to improve student achievement.[123]

• 2011 – Warning status due to declining student achievement in reading.[124]
• 2004 – 2010 – achieved AYP status.
• 2003 – Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading.

PSSA Results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, are given in the Spring of each school year. Fifth graders are tested in reading and math as well as writing. Sixth and seventh grades are tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999. Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[75]

8th Grade Reading 2012 – 81% on grade level (6% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[125] 2011 – 79.8%, (10% below basic). State – 81.8% 2010 – 82% (9% below basic). State – 81% [126] 2009 – 80%, State – 80% [127] 2008 – 80%, State – 78% [127]

8th Grade Math 2012 – 78% on grade level (8% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76% of 8th graders are on grade level 2011 – 77.2%, (11.4% below basic). State – 76.9% 2010 – 84% (6% below basic). State – 75%[128] 2009 – 73%, State – 71%[129] 2008 – 68%, State – 70%

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 – 64% on grade level (17% below basic). State – 59% of 8th graders were on grade level.[130]
• 2011 – 59.5% (22.6% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 – 63% (19% below basic). State – 57% [131]
• 2009 – 57%, State – 55%[132]
• 2008 – 49%, State – 52%[133]

7th Grade Reading: 2012 – 78% on grade level (11% below basic). State – 76% [134] 2011 – 74.4%, (11% below basic). State – 76% 2010 – 66% (16% below basic). State – 73% 2009 – 76%, State – 71% [135] 2008 – 74%, State – 70%

7th Grade Math: 2012 – 81% on grade level (10% below basic). State – 80% 2011 – 76.4%, (12% below basic). State – 78.6% 2010 – 74%, (17% below basic). State – 77% 2009 – 76%, State – 75%[136] 2008 – 74%, State – 70%[137]

6th Grade Reading: 2012 – 67% on grade level (10% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 68% of 6th graders are on grade level.[138] 2011 – 71.2%, (13% below basic). State – 69.9% 2010 – 79% (17% below basic). State – 68% [139] 2009 – 64%, State – 67% 2008 – 73%, State – 67%[140]

6th Grade Math: 2012 – 75% on grade level (10% below basic). State – 77% 2011 – 74% (13.6% below basic). State – 78.8% 2010 – 78% (9% below basic). State – 78% 2009 – 77%, State – 75% 2008 – 76%, State – 72%

5th Grade Reading: 2012 – 58% on grade level (23% below basic). State – 65% 2011 – 61% (13% below basic). State – 67% 2010 – 60% (20% below basic). State – 64% 2009 – 61% (17% below basic), State – 64% 2008 – 51% (23% below basic), State – 62% 2007 – 62% (17% below basic), State – 60%

5th Grade Math: 2012 – 59% on grade level (18% below basic). State – 73% 2011 – 74% (9% below basic). State – 74% 2010 – 72% (10% below basic). State – 76.3% 2009 – 71% (12% below basic), State – 73% 2008 – 67% (11% below basic), State – 73% 2007 – 76% (9% below basic), State – 71%

In 2010, Bermudian Springs administration conducted a midpoint review of the district's strategic plan for improving student achievement.[141]

Elementary School

Bermudian Springs Elementary School is located at 7335 Carlisle Pike, York Springs. In 2016, the School's enrollment was 741 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 42% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 1% of the pupils receive special education services, while % are identified as gifted.[142] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full day kindergarten.[143] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, the school's enrollment was 751 pupils with 34% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 9.5% of pupils received special education services, while 0.9% were identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.[144] The school is a federally designated Title I school. The Bermudian Springs Elementary School provides full day kindergarten since 2013.[145] According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 782 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 253 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 49 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 16:1.[146] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[147] The school has offered full day kindergarten since 2003.[148] The first cohort of children who attended Accountability Block Grant funded full-day kindergarten reached third grade and took the PSSAs in the spring of 2008.

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 67.1 out of 100 points Bermudian Springs Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 4th grade, 66% were on grade level in reading, while 59% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 81% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 63% were on grade level in reading and just 51% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[149][150]

2015 School Performance Profile

SPP withheld by Pennsylvania Department of Education. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 66% of 4th grade students at Bermudian Springs Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 46% of 4th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 87% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 70% were on grade level in reading and 51% were on grade level in mathematics.[151] Pennsylvania 4th graders were 58.6% on grade level in reading and 44.4% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 77.3% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among Pennsylvania third (3rd) graders, 62% were reading on grade level, while 48.5% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[152]

2014 School Performance Profile

Bermudian Springs Elementary School achieved a score of 77.4 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013–14, only 70% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 71.6% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 79% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 83% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[153]

2013 School Performance Profile

Bermudian Springs Elementary School achieved a score of 78.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 73% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, just 78% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 81% were on grade level (3rd and 4th grades). In 4th grade science, just 79% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[154]

AYP history

From 2004 through 2012, Bermudian Springs Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status each school year.[155] The attendance rate was 95% in 2010 and 2011.[156] In 2010, the school provides half-day kindergarten.[157]

PSSA Results

The PSSAs in reading and mathematics are given to third and fourth graders in the spring of each year. Fourth graders also take a PSSA in science.

4th Grade Reading 2012 – 75% (12% below basic), State – 72% [158] 2011 – 67% (15% below basic), State – 73.3% [159] 2010 – 76% (10% below basic), State – 73%[160] 2009 – 72% (13% below basic), State – 72%[161] 2008 – 76% (7% below basic). State – 70%[162] 2007 – 61% (16% below basic). State – 60%[163]

4th Grade Math 2012 – 82% (8% below basic), State – 85.3% 2011 – 82% (9% below basic), State – 85.3% 2010 – 86% (5% below basic), State – 84% 2009 – 80% (6% below basic), State – 81% 2008 – 81% (10% below basic). State – 80% 2007 – 76% (15% below basic). State – 78%

4th Grade Science

• 2012 – 82% (4% below basic), State – 82%
• 2011 – 82% (5% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 – 83% (6% below basic), State – 81%
• 2009 – 88% (2% below basic), State – 83%

3rd Grade Reading 2012 – 72% (16% below basic), State – 74% 2011 – 76% (12% below basic), State – 77% 2010 – 71% (14% below basic), State – 75% 2009 – 80% (9% below basic), State – 77% 2008 – 80% (9% below basic). State – 70% 2007 – 75% (12% below basic). State – 72%

3rd Grade Math 2012 – 80% (9% below basic), State – 80% 2011 – 81% (8% below basic), State – 83% 2010 – 81% (5% below basic), State – 84% 2009 – 80% (6% below basic), State – 81% 2008 – 80% (8% below basic). State – 80% 2007 – 82% (6% below basic). State – 78%

Special education

In December 2015, Bermudian Springs School District administration reported that 255 pupils or 11% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 51% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[164]

In December 2013, Bermudian Springs School District administration reported that 189 pupils or 9.3% of the district's pupils received special education services, with 49% of the identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2011, the district administration reported that 168 pupils or 8% of the district's pupils received special education services, with 46.4% of the identified students having a specific learning disability. In 2010, Bermudian Springs School District administration reported that 171 pupils or 6% of the district's pupils received special education services with 52% of the identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 187 pupils or 9% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[165]

In 2007, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak testified before the Pennsylvania House Education Committee regarding full day kindergarten. He claimed that districts which offered these programs would see a significant decrease in special education students due to early identification and early intervention. He asserted the high cost of full day kindergarten would be recouped by Districts in lower special education costs.[166] Bermudian Springs School District has seen an increase in the percentage of special education students it serves, yielding no savings.

Bermudian Springs School District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the district seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the district or contact the Special Education Supervisor.[167]

Students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may take the PSSA-M an alternative math exam rather than the PSSA.[168] Some special education students may take the PASA (Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment), rather than the PSSA.[169] Schools are permitted to provide accommodations to some students.[170]

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.[171] The Pennsylvania Special Education funding system assumes that 16% of the district's students receive special education services. It also assumes that each student's needs accrue the same level of costs.[172] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[173] Overidentification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.[174] The state requires each public school district and charter school to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[175] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[176]

Bermudian Springs School District received a $1,048,624 supplement for special education services in 2010.[177] For the 2013–2014, 2012–2013 and 2011–2012 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010–11. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.[178] In 2014–2015, Bermudian Springs School District received $1,063,914 for special education costs. Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The district must apply for this added funding.

In 2013, the state's Special Education Funding Reform Commission provided a report on the state of funding for special education in the Commonwealth.[179] Funding for special education programs is borne largely on a local basis at 60%, with the state contributing $1 billion or 30% and the federal government providing 10% of the funding.

• 2014-15 school year, BSSD received an increase to $1,063,913 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.[180]
• 2015-16 school year, BSSD received an increase to $1,094,473 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.[181]
• 2016-17 school year, Bermudian Springs School District received a 1.7% increase in state special education funding to $1,113,132.[182]

LRE monitoring In 2009, Bermudian Springs School District was identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Least Restrictive Environment monitoring. One hundred ninety six schools districts were selected in 2008–2009. The district received an alert letter from the PDE – Bureau of Special Education.[183] School districts were placed in one of three categories: Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3. Bermudian Springs School District was placed in Tier 3 due to students spending more than 60% of the school day, outside of regular education. The monitoring is a product of the PDE addressing its voluntary settlement in Gaskin V. Pennsylvania which ordered that special education students spend most of their school day (80%) in regular education classrooms with supplementary aids and services to assist funded by the taxpayers.[184][185][186] In 2010, the district was assigned to the Tier 3 monitoring list, due to students spending less than 40% of their day in a regular education classroom. The district received a letter of "Warning" letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[187]

Gifted education

Bermudian Springs School District Administration reported that 51 of its students or 2.46% were gifted in 2009.[188] 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. 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.[189]

Bullying and school safety

The Bermudian Springs School District administration reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the district in 2015. Additionally, there were 3 incidents of intimidation and no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in three incidents at the schools with no arrests.[190][191]

In December 2013, the Administration suspended a teacher and coach under accusations of sexual contact with students. Nathan Stock was later charged with: providing drugs to students, institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor, as well as misdemeanor charges of corruption of minors and indecent assault.[192][193]

The Bermudian Springs School District administration reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the district in 2012. Additionally, there were two incidents of harassment and no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in six incidents at the schools, with no arrests.[194][191] Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center which then publishes the compiled reports online.

The Bermudian Springs School Administration reported there were no incidents of bullying occurring in the schools in 2009. Additionally, two students were assaulted and seven incidents of harassment occurred at the schools.[195]

Bermudian Springs School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online.[196] 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.[197] District administration are required to annually provide the following information with the district's Safe School Report: the board's bullying policy, a report of bullying incidents in the school district, and information on the development and implementation of any bullying prevention, intervention or education programs. 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.[198]

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.[199]

Safe School grant

In 2013, Bermudian Springs School District was awarded $25,000 in a state Safe Schools Targeted Grant. The maximum of $25,000 grants were awarded through a competitive application process.[200] The funds must be used for research based interventions, like: peer mediation, staff training in managing behavioral issues and creating a positive school climate.

Teacher Evaluation program

By law, Pennsylvania's public school teachers are evaluated achieving one of two ratings, satisfactory or unsatisfactory. The evaluation provides no meaningful feedback in areas where an educator could improve.

In June 2012, the Pennsylvania General Assembly established the new evaluation method, is to be implemented in the 2013–14 school year, will include multiple measures of student achievement, such as the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, the Pennsylvania Value Added Assessment System, graduation and promotion rates, as well as other elective data to be determined at the local level.

Bermudian Springs School District did not volunteer to participate in the state's pilot project with the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop statewide policy, tools and processes to evaluate teachers and principals in which student achievement is a significant factor affecting performance ratings. Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis announced that 104 K-12 entities, including nine career and technical centers, nine charter schools and nine intermediate units, signed-up to participate in the new teacher and principal evaluation pilot program.[201] The initiative is funded by a Gates Momentum grant. During the 2011–12 school year, more than 120 school districts, charter schools, intermediate units, and career and technology centers participated in the second implementation phase of the new teacher evaluation tool. This included more than 650 supervisors and nearly 5,000 teachers in 366 school buildings participating in the pilot project.

The final phase of the updated public education professionals evaluation system will be implemented during the 2012–13 school year with 264 local education agencies, consisting of 1,387 school buildings, 1,892 principals/supervisors and more than 31,600 teachers included In advocating for the new evaluation system, Secretary of Education Ronald Tomalis reported that research demonstrated that the performance of an educator has a direct impact on the future success of students. The new evaluation system will become effective for teachers and principals in the 2014–15 school year. Pennsylvania will join at least 22 states in using student achievement to evaluate educators.

Budget

Pennsylvania public school districts budget and expend funds according to procedures mandated by the General Assembly and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). An annual operating budget is prepared by school district administrative officials. A uniform form is furnished by the PDE and submitted to the board of school directors for approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year on July 1.

Under Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, all school districts of the first class A, second class, third class and fourth class must adopt a preliminary budget proposal. The proposal must include estimated revenues and expenditures and the proposed tax rates. This proposed budget must be considered by the Board no later than 90 days prior to the date of the election immediately preceding the fiscal year. The preliminary budget proposal must also be printed and made available for public inspection at least 20 days prior to its adoption. The board of school directors may hold a public hearing on the budget, but are not required to do so. The board must give at least 10 days’ public notice of its intent to adopt the final budget according to Act 1 of 2006.[202]

In 2015, the average teacher salary in BSSD was $56,025 a year.[203] The district employed 167 teachers with a top salary of $136,098.[204]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Bermudian Springs School District was $55,873 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $23,604 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $79,477.[205] The district employed 204 teachers and administrators, with a top salary of $116,850.[206][207] Pennsylvania teacher salaries (2013–14) are searchable in a statewide database provided by TribLive News.[208] Bermudian Springs School District teacher and administrator retirement benefits are equal to at least 2.00% x Final Average Salary x Total Credited Service. (Some teachers benefits utilize a 2.50% benefit factor.)[209] After 40 years of service, a teacher can retire with 100% of the average salary of their final 3 years of employment. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation, including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.[210]

In 2012, the average teacher salary in Bermudian Springs School District was $54,916 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received rose to $20,733 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $75,649.03.[211] The costs of the benefits package was in the top 20% of Pennsylvania public schools in 2012. The district employed 204 teachers and administrators.[212]

In 2011, Bermudian Springs School District reported employing 158 teachers and administrators with a median salary of $57,353 and a top salary of $126,198.[213] The teacher's work day is 7 hours 30 minutes (includes a preparation period and 30 minute duty-free lunch) with 188 days in the contract year. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, and other benefits, including a $10,000 retirement bonus.[214] In 2011, the average teacher salary in BSSD was $52,805.13 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $18,787.21 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $71,572.[215]

For the 2009 school year, Bermudian Springs School District reported employing over 150 teachers with a salary range of $38,000 to $195,500 for 188 days a year (180 pupil instruction days).[216] Additionally, teachers receive a benefits package that includes: health insurance (employee pays 5%, $60/month), life insurance, paid 10 sick days which accumulate, 2 paid personal days, paid bereavement leave, reimbursement for college courses, a $10,000 retirement incentive bonus, teachers who retire before age 65 years, receive full taxpayer funded, health insurance benefit until they reach age 65, and many other benefits. Teachers are paid for unused sick days upon retirement. Teachers working for the district for at least 10 years may take a sabbatical leave every 7 years where they receive full benefits and one-half their regular salary during the leave. Members of the local teachers' union are granted 4 days with pay to conduct union business, including attending the union's convention. The union pays for a substitute teacher.[217]

In 2007, the district employed 130 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $49,962 for 180 days worked.[218] 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.[219]

Reserve balances In 2008, Bermudian Springs School District reported $873,981.00 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance.[220] In 2010, the district's unreserved-undesignated fund balance was reported as $2,592,600. By 2013, the district's reserves had grown to $3,903,772. In 2014, the district's unassigned reserve were $2,066,766.[221] Pennsylvania public school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. By law the state limits the total unreserved-undesignated fund balance at 8% of the annual budget for school districts that have budgets over $19 million a year. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.[222] In 2013, the district reported reserves of $4,434,288.[223]

Audit In October 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General released a Performance Audit of the school district.[224] It found that the district had several serious findings, including an issue involving a conflict of interest violation that was reported to the State Ethics Commission. Several board members had failed to file an annual Statement of Financial Interest. The report of the audit were reported to the Bermudian Springs School Board and the district's administration.

Per pupil spending In 2008, per pupil spending at Bermudian Springs School District was $10,099 for each child. This ranked 471st among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts.[225] By 2010, Bermudian Springs School District's per pupil spending had increased to $10,581.60. In 2013, Bermudian Springs Per pupil spending increased to $11,237.51.[226] In 2011, Pennsylvania's per pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.[227] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[228]

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000–01.[229] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[228] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008–09.[230] Pennsylvania's total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.[231]

Administration costs Bermudian Springs School District's administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $828.72 per pupil. This spending ranked 160th among all of Pennsylvania's then 501 public school districts. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[232] The district reported spending $1,730,363 on administration.[233]

Debt In 2009, Bermudian Springs School District reported having $30,233,325 in outstanding debt.[234]

Tuition Students who live in the Bermudian Springs School District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Bermudian Springs School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the district's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School – $7,357.26, High School – $7,891.70.[235]

Bermudian Springs School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1.2%, a property tax, two per capita tax $5 per anum Act 511 and Section 679, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, Amusement Taxes 5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the level of the individual's personal wealth.[236] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 a year, plus they receive federal Social Security benefits. Both incomes are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.[237]

State education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Bermudian Springs School District receives 40.7% of its annual revenue from the state.[238] In December 2014, the Pennsylvania Education Funding Reform Commission conducted a hearing.[239][240] The commission developed a new basic education funding formula which sets a new way to distribute state basic education dollars. It abolished the practice of "hold harmless" funding, which gave districts at least the same as they got the previous school year regardless of declining enrollment. The plan became law in June 2016 (House Bill 1552).[241][242][243]

For the 2016–17 school year, Bermudian Spring School District received $6,114,259 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a 2.2% increase over 2015-16 funding to the district. The highest percentage of BEF increase in Carbon County was 3.8% awarded to Conewago Valley School District under the state's Basic Education Funding formula. For the 2016–17 school year, Pennsylvania increased its public education spending to a record high of $5,895 billion. It was a $200 million increase, 3.51% increase over the 2015-16 appropriation.[244] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.[245] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher's pension fund.[246] Statewide Conestoga Valley School District received a 13.3% increase in state BEF funding. Five PA public school districts received an increase of 10% or greater in Basic Education funding over their 2015-16 funding.

For the 2015–16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $2,958,046 to Bermudian Springs School District, in January 2016.[247] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.[248] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.[249] Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in Basic Education funding under Governor Wolf.[250][251]

In compliance with a legislative mandate that was passed with veto proof majorities in the PA House and Senate,[252] the final BEF funding was determined for 2015–16, in April 2016. Bermudian Springs School District received $2,958,046 in Basic Education Funds for the 2015–16 school year. This was a 2.04% increase yielding a $125,184 increase over the previous school year funding from the state. The district also received $288,462 in Ready to Learn funding from the state.[253]

For the 2014–15 school year, Bermudian Springs School District will receive $5,879,856 in State Basic Education funding. The district will also receive $261,223 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[254] The Education budget also includes Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State is paying $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania's Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[255]

For the 2013–14 school year, Bermudian Springs School District received a 2.3% increase or $5,877,774 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $131,702 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Bermudian Springs School District received $133,436 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Adams County, Conewago Valley School District received the highest percentage increase at 3.2%. The district has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth's budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[256] The state funded the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[257]

For the 2012–13 school year, Bermudian Springs School District received $5,879,508.[258] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 includes $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which is an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. The state also provides $100 million for the Accountability Block (ABG) grant. Bermudian Springs School District received $133,436 in ABG funds. The state will also provide $544.4 million for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[259] This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. The Governor's last two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010–11 school year.

In 2011–12 budget year, Bermudian Springs School District received $5,745,323 in state Basic Education Funding.[260] Additionally, the district will receive $133,437 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 Duquesne City School District, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011–12.[261] Districts experienced a reduction in some funding due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011. In 2010, the Bermudian Springs School District reported that 640 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010–11 school year, Bermudian Springs School District received a 6% increase in state basic education funding for $6,325,843. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in Adams County was awarded to Conewago Valley School District at 9.66%. 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.[262] The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was determined by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year. This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.[263] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania spent $7,824 Per Pupil in the year 2000. This amount increased up to $12,085 by the year 2008.[264][265]

In the 2009–2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 9.26% increase in Basic Education Funding for Bermudian Springs School District a total of $5,968,044. The highest increase in Adams County went to Conewago Valley School District which received 9.48% increase in 2009–10. Ninety school district received the base 2% increase in state BEF. Muhlenberg School District of Berks County received an increase of 22.31 percent. Sixteen school districts received an increase in funding of over 10 percent in 2009.[266]

In 2008-09 the state Basic Education funding to the Bermudian Springs School District was $5,462,216.58. In 2009, the district reported that 577 students received a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to low family income.[266]

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 Bermudian Springs School District applied for and received $362,180 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten, to reform the high school program and to increase instructional time for struggling students through before and after school tutoring.[267][268] In 2011-12 and 2012 13 the district received $133,436.[269]

Ready to Learn grant

Beginning in the 2014–2015 budget, the State funded a new Ready to Learn Grant for public schools. A total of $100 million is allocated through a formula to districts based on the number of students, level of poverty of community as calculated by its market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) and the number of English language learners. Ready to Learn Block Grant funds may be used by the districts for: school safety; Ready by 3 early childhood intervention programs; individualized learning programs; and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.[270]

In 2014–15, Bermudian Springs School District received $261,223 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, Accountability Block Grant funding, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive. In 2015–16 and 2016–17, Bermudian Spring School District received $330,674 each school year in RTL grant in addition to other state funding.[271]

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. Bermudian Springs School District was denied funding in 2006–07. In 2007–08 it received $257,712. The district received $46,881 in 2008–09 for a total funding of $304,593.[272] In Adams County the highest award was given to Bermudian Springs School District. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County – $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

Other grants

Bermudian Springs School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants;[273][274] PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell);[275] Education Assistance Grants; 2012 and 2013 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grants,[276] 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;[277] Project 720 High School Reform grants;[278] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal Stimulus grant

Bermudian Springs School District received an extra $1,141,382 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used only in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[279] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised to use the funds for one-time expenditures like acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Race to the Top grant

Bermudian Springs School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[280] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success.[281][282] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[283] 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.[284]

Title II grants

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to be used to improve the quality of teacher instructions to pupils. The goal is to provide each child in public schools with “High Quality” teachers and principals as defined by the state.[285] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[286] Beginning in 2002, the federal funding committed to Title II was $3,175,000,000.

Public school district administrations must apply to the state annually for the Title II funds. In 2012–13, Bermudian Spring School District received $63,637 in federal Title II funding.[287] In 2014–15, Bermudian Spring School District applied for and received $59,746.[288]

English language learners grant

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.[289] Upon registering for school a language survey is done for all new enrollment pupils, typically in kindergarten or preschool. They identify the primary language spoken at home. This data is collected and submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which in turn notifies the federal government.[290]

• 2012-13, Bermudian Springs School District received $20,369 in Title III funding for English language learners.[291]
• 2014-15, Bermudian Springs School District received 20,245 in Title III funding.[292]

Common Cents state initiative

The Bermudian Springs School Board decided to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.[293] 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 2016-17 were increased by the Bermudian Springs School Board to 10.9265 mills.[294] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. An increase of 0.2246 mills will generate about $226,209 for the school district. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. On the local level, Pennsylvania district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75–85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[295] Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate – land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes.

2015-16 – 10.5775 mills[296] 2014-15 – 10.3095 mills 2013-14 – 10.1071 mills[297] 2012-13 – 9.9922 mills[298] 2011-12 – 9.7676 mills.[299] 2010-11 – 42.7900 mills.[300]

2009-10 – 41.1900 mills.[301] 2008-09 – 39.0500 mills.[302] 2007-08 – 36.1559 mills.[303] 2006-07 – 34.0000 mills.[304] 2005-06 – 32.5000 mills.[305]

The average yearly property tax paid by Adams County residents amounts to about 3.48% of their yearly income. Adams County ranked 382nd out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[306] According to a report prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the total real estate taxes collected by all school districts in Pennsylvania rose from $6,474,133,936 in 1999–00 to $10,438,463,356 in 2008-09 and to $11,153,412,490 in 2011.[307] 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%).[308]

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 it 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, increasing rising health care 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 Statistics 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 0.75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.[309] 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.[310]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Bermudian Springs School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.[311]

2006-07 – 5.3%, Base 3.9% 2007-08 – 4.6%, Base 3.4% 2008-09 – 5.9%, Base 4.4% 2009-10 – 5.9%, Base 4.1% 2010-11 – 3.9%, Base 2.9% 2011-12 – 1.9%, Base 1.4%[312][313] 2012-13 – 2.3%, Base 1.7%[314]

2013-14 – 2.3%, Base 1.7%[315] 2014-15 – 2.8%, Base 2.1%[316] 2015-16 – 2.6%, Base 1.9%[317] 2016-17 – 3.3%, Base 2.4%[318][319] 2017-18 – 3.4%, Base – 2.5%[320][321]

For the 2016-17 budget year, Bermudian Springs School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the district's Act 1 Index limit.[322] Statewide 299 school districts adopted a resolution to not exceed their Act I index in 2016–17.

For the 2015-16 budget year, Bermudian Springs School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget 2015–16, 310 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 187 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Regarding the pension costs exception, 172 school districts received approval to exceed the Index limit in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 119 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. No Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[323]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Bermudian Springs School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2014–15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[324] For the school budget 2014–15, 316 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 181 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Districts may apply for multiple exceptions each year. For the pension costs exception, 163 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 104 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Seven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[325]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Bermudian Springs School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2013–2014, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[326]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Bermudian Springs School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012–2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[327]

For the 2011–12 school year, the Bermudian Springs School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the Bermudian Springs 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.[328]

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.[329]

In January 2010, the school board applied to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for referendum exemptions to raise taxes above the Act 1 limit which for 2010 was set at 3.88 percent – or 1.6 mills for Bermudian Springs School District.[330] In April 2010, the board was notified that the request was rejected.[331] When the Pennsylvania Department of Education denies the request, the school district must (1) reduce the tax rate increase to no more than its index or (2) submit a referendum question for voter approval in the next primary election (for school districts with a July 1 through June 30 fiscal year).[332]

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.[333]

Property tax relief

In 2016, Bermudian Springs School District approved 3,603 homestead properties received $169.[334] The increase in amount was due to a decrease in the number of the homeowners receiving relief in the district.

In 2013, Bermudian Springs School District approved 3,629 homestead properties to receive $167.[335] In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Bermudian Springs School District was $167 per approved permanent primary residence with 3,607 approved residences. In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief for the Bermudian Springs School District was $168 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 3,585 property owners applied for the tax relief. Among Adams County school districts, in 2009 and in 2010, Upper Adams School District received the highest relief allocation at $279.[336] Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.[337] Chester-Upland School District has consistently been the top recipient since the programs inception. 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 Adams County, 74% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[338]

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided to Bermudian Springs School District 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 can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.

Enrollment and Consolidation

Pennsylvania Department of Education projections of Bermudian Springs School District do not anticipate a growth in enrollment for the next decade. A Standard and Poors study found that an optimal school district size, to conserve administrative costs, was around 3000 pupils. Consolidation of administrations with an adjacent school district would achieve substantial administrative cost savings for people in both communities.[339] In March 2011, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Fiscal Responsibility Task Force released a report which found that consolidating school district administrations with one neighboring district would save the Commonwealth $1.2 billion without forcing the consolidation of any schools.[340] According to a 2009 proposal by Governor Edward Rendell, the excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improving high school student academic achievement, enriching the curriculum programs or to reducing local property taxes.[341]

More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania are projected to experience significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).[342] Pennsylvania Department of Education data shows that from 1999–2000 to 2008–09 there has been a 12 percent increase in public school staff even as there was a 1 percent decline in enrollment. Pennsylvania schools added 17,345 professional employees and 15,582 support workers over this time, while enrollment declined by 26,960.[343] Total public school enrollment in 2009 was 1,787,351 pupils.

From 2000 through 2010, rural Pennsylvania public school district enrollment has decreased by 8 percent.[344] In 2010, there were 726,417 children in rural Pennsylvania, or 21 percent of the total rural population. From 2000 to 2010, the number of children in rural counties decreased 7 percent. The decline in the number of children impacted most rural counties with 42 of Pennsylvania's 48 rural counties experiencing a decline. Cameron County, Elk County and Sullivan County experienced the greatest declines, with a decrease of more than 21 percent in all three counties. Adams County's live birth rate was 1,132 births in 1990. Adams County's live birth rate in 2000 was 1,048 births while in 2011 it had declined to 1,039 babies.[345] Over the past 50 years (1960 to 2010), rural Pennsylvania saw a steady decline in both the number and proportion of residents under 18 years old. In 1960, 1.06 million rural residents, or 35 percent of the rural population, were children.

Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity.[346] In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools.[347]

Wellness policy

Bermudian Springs School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 – Policy 246.[348] 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 Act (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 and physical education that are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.[349] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the wellness policy for approval.

Bermudian Springs School District offers a free school breakfast and free or reduced-price lunch to low-income children. The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[350] All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.[351] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[350]

In 2013, the USDA issued new restrictions to foods in public schools. The rules apply to foods and beverages sold on all public school district campuses during the day. They limit vending machine snacks to a maximum of 200 calories per item. Additionally, all snack foods sold at school must meet competitive nutrient standards, meaning they must have fruits, vegetables, dairy or protein in them or contain at least 10 percent of the daily value of fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D.[352] In order to comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 all US public school districts are required to raise the price of their school lunches to $2.60 regardless of the actual cost of providing the lunch.[353]

Bermudian Springs School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses are available in each building to conduct annual health screenings (data reported to the PDE and state Department of Health) and to dispense prescribed medications to students during the school day. Students can be excluded from school unless they comply with all the State Department of Health's extensive immunization mandates. School nurses monitor each pupil for this compliance.[354] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.

eTools

Bermudian Springs School District participated in Highmark Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools which enabled mobile data collection of pertinent health and physical fitness screening data on students K-12 in a database held by InnerLink, Inc. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Health eTools for Schools also provided interdisciplinary research-based curriculum in nutrition, physical education and physical activity to participating districts. The program was discontinued in 2013 by the company.[355]

In 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Health made available to each Pennsylvania high school the overdose antidote drug naloxone in a nasal spray. School nurses were also provided with educational materials and training developed by the National Association of School Nurses.[356] The cost was covered by a grant from a private foundation.[357][358]

Extracurriculars

Bermudian Springs School District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and interscholastic sports. The school board sets policies regarding eligibility to participate in these activities.[359] The district does not charge an activity fee in 2011–12.[360] In 2012, Bermudian Springs School District reported spending $683,753 on student activities excluding transportation and facility costs.[361]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those home schooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[362][363]

Bermudian Springs holds the Pennsylvania state record for the most individual wrestlers in one season to qualify the PIAA championships, with nine wrestlers qualifying in 2004. That same year marked their first trip to the PIAA Team Championships. This was the second of four visits to the PIAA Team Championships. During the span of 2005–2008, the wrestling program went undefeated in league matches, winning three consecutive YAIAA Division two titles. The 2007–2008 team finished second in the PIAA State Team Tournament, losing to Burrell High School of District 7 in the finals.

A notable individual standout athlete was three time PIAA State Swimming Champion (2001–2003) Kristin Brown. She continued to swim at the University of Pittsburgh.

Competing in the PIAA AA classification, the Varsity baseball team won the school district's first team PIAA State Championship in 2010 by beating Central High School of Martinsburg by a score of 5–3. They were the District 3 Champions after beating Delone Catholic by a score of 15–4. The championship team was led by coach Bob Bonner. They have won the YAIAA Division 3 title in 1994,2008,2009,2010 and 2011.

The middle school was once home to a championship music program, winning the local Showcase Festival in the 2011 school year.

According to PA Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act 126 of 2014, all volunteer coaches and all those who assist in student activities, must have criminal background checks. Like all school district employees, they must also attend an anti child abuse training once every three years.[364][365][366]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[367]

Bermudian Springs School District provides its athletics disclosure form on its web site.[368] Article XVI-C of the Public School Code requires the disclosure of interscholastic athletic opportunities for all public secondary school entities in Pennsylvania. All school entities with grades 7-12 are required to annually collect data concerning team and financial information for all male and female athletes beginning with the 2012–13 school year and submit the information to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Beginning with the 2013–14 school year, all non-school (booster club and alumni) contributions and purchases must also be reported to PDE.[369]

The district offers an extensive sports program, including:

Boys Baseball – AAA Basketball- AAA Cross Country – AA Football – AA Golf – AA Soccer – AA Tennis – AA Track and Field – AAA Wrestling – AA

Girls Basketball – AAA Cheer – AAAA Cross Country – AA Field Hockey – AA Golf – AA Soccer (Fall) – AA Softball – AAA Girls' Tennis – AA Track and Field – AA Volleyball – AA

Junior High School Sports

Boys Basketball Football Track and Field Wrestling

Girls Basketball Field Hockey Track and Field Volleyball

According to PIAA directory July 2014 [370]

Intermediate Unit

The district is part of the Lincoln Intermediate Unit (IU#12) region. The agency offers school districts, home-schooled students and private schools many services, including Summer Academy, which offers both art and academic strands that are designed to meet the individual needs of gifted, talented and high-achieving students. Additional services include: Curriculum Mapping, Professional Development for school employees, Adult Education, Nonpublic School Services, Business Services, Migrant & ESL (English as a Second Language), Instructional Services, Special Education, Management Services, and Technology Services.[371]

References:

1. Bermudian Springs School Board Secretary (June 17, 2014). "Bermudian Springs School District Board meeting minutes June 17, 2014" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
2. Bermudian Springs School District Administration, Bermudian Springs School District Newsletter summer, 2015
3. Melody Asper (June 30, 2014). "Bermudian Springs budget includes tax hike". The Evening Sun. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
4. Melody Asper., Bermudian Springs tax hike is lower than planned, The Evening Sun, June 23, 2013
5. Melody Asper., Bermudian Springs school taxes could rise 2.3 percent, May 2013
6. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 14, 2016). "Bermudian Springs School District Fast Facts 2016".
7. Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 6, 2014). "Bermudian Springs School District Fast Facts".
8. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bermudian Springs School District Fast Facts 2013, October 4, 2013
9. Pennsylvania Department of Education Enrollment and Projections January 2009
10. Pennsylvania Department of Education Enrollment 2005-06, October 2005
11. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data - Bermudian Springs School District, 2012
12. US Census Bureau, 2010 Census Poverty Data by Local Educational Agency Pennsylvania, 2013
13. proximityone (2014). "School District Comparative Analysis Profiles".
14. Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, Education Facts Student Poverty Concentration by LEA, 2012
15. American Fact Finder, US Census Bureau, 2009
16. US Census Bureau (2010). "American Fact Finder, State and County quick facts". Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
17. US Census Bureau (September 2011). "Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010" (PDF).
18. US Census Bureau (2014). "Pennsylvania Median household income, 2006-2010 by County".
19. Michael Sauter & Alexander E.M. Hess (August 31, 2013). "America's most popular six-figure jobs". USA Today.
20. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 14, 2016). "Bermudian Springs School District".
21. Lincoln Intermediate Unit services 2010
22. Pennsylvania School Code 2009
23. US Department of Education (2015). "Every Student Succeeds Act".
24. Pennsylvania General Assembly (2012). "Act of Jul. 12, 2012, P.L. 1142, No. 141 Section 921-A".
25. "Bermudian Springs School District Board Policy, Sec. 004 MEMBERSHIP" (PDF). 2018.
26. Pennsylvania General Assembly, Pennsylvania School Code, 2013
27. Pennsylvania General Assembly (2012). "Act of Jul. 12, 2012, P.L. 1142, No. 141".
28. The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives, The Pennsylvania Project, May 20, 2010
29. Pittsburgh Business Times (April 12, 2016). "Chester County district leads statewide Honor Roll 2016".
30. Pittsburgh Business Times (April 11, 2014). "What makes up a district's School Performance Profile score?".
31. Pittsburgh Business Times (April 10, 2015). "Guide to Pennsylvania Schools Statewide School District Ranking 2015".
32. Pittsburgh Business Times (April 11, 2014). "Guide to Pennsylvania Schools Statewide School District Ranking 2014".
33. "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2013". Pittsburgh Business Times. April 5, 2013.
34. Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Ranking Information, April 6, 2012
35. Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2011, April 2, 2011
36. Pittsburgh Business Times (April 30, 2010). "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings".
37. Pittsburgh Business Times (May 23, 2007). "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County". Archived from the original on March 28, 2010.
38. Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Overachivers Ranking Information, April 4, 2013
39. "Overachiever statewide ranking". Pittsburgh Business Times. May 6, 2010.
40. Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Overachivers Ranking Information, April 6, 2012
41. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Bermudian Springs School District AYP Report Overview 2012". Archived from the original on March 23, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2017.
42. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bermudian Springs School District AYP Overview, September 29, 2011
43. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "State Report 2012". Archived from the original on March 8, 2016.
44. PDE, Graduation rate by LEA, 2016
45. PDE, Graduation rate by LEA, 2015
46. Emma Brown (October 16, 2016). "Nation's high school graduation rate reaches new record high". The Washington Post.
47. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "Bermudian Springs School District graduation rate 2014".
48. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013). "Bermudian Springs School District graduation rate".
49. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "BERMUDIAN SPRINGS SD - District AYP Data Table 2012". Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
50. Pennsylvania Department of Education, BERMUDIAN SPRINGS School District AYP Data Table 2011 September 29, 2011
51. Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented". Archived from the original on September 14, 2010.
52. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Bermudian Springs High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 data table". Archived from the original on April 1, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2010.
53. PDE, Bermudian Springs School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2009, September 21, 2009
54. Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (2008). "High School Graduation rate 2007" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 7, 2012. Retrieved January 24, 2017.
55. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 14, 2016). "Bermudian Springs High School Fast Facts 2016".
56. US News and World Report, Best High Schools, 2016
57. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2016). "Highly Qualified Teacher Guidelines". Archived from the original on June 24, 2016.
58. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data - Bermudian Springs High School, 2010
59. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Bermudian Springs High School, September 29, 2011
60. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2016). "2016 PSSA AND KEYSTONE Results".
61. Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2016). "Findings and Recommendations Pursuant to Act 1 of 2016" (PDF).
62. Jan Murphy (October 16, 2016). "How District schools fared overall".
63. Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 4, 2015). "Bermudian Springs High School School Performance Profile 2015 Historical information".
64. MARK GILGER JR (July 6, 2016). "Grading Our Schools: Some districts struggle with standardized tests". The Republican Herald.
65. Jan Murphy (November 4, 2015). "Report card for state's high schools show overall decline". Pennlive.com.
66. Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 4, 2015). "2015 Keystone Exam School Level Data".
67. Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 6, 2014). "Bermudian Springs High School Academic Performance Data 2014".
68. Evamarie Socha (November 6, 2014). "Half of Valley districts see state test scores decline". The Daily Item.
69. Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq, Acting Secretary of Education Announces Results of 2013-14 School Performance Profile; Strong Performance in 72 Percent of Schools, November 6, 2014
70. Kathy Boccella; Dylan Purcell & Kristen A. Graham (November 6, 2014). "Pa. school rankings: Downingtown STEM No. 1; Phila. falters". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
71. Jan Murphy (November 6, 2014). "More Pa. school scores decline than improve, state report card shows". Pennlive.com.
72. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "Bermudian Springs High School Academic Performance Data 2013".
73. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bermudian Springs High School AYP Overview 2012, September 21, 2012
74. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "BERMUDIAN SPRINGS High School AYP Overview 2011". Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
75. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "State Academic Standards".
76. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "State Assessment System".
77. Steve Esack (May 14, 2013). "Pennsylvania getting swept into national 'Common Core' education debate". MCALL news.
78. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results".
79. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Bermudian Springs School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2008".
80. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2007). "PSSA Math and Reading Results by School and grade 2007".
81. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Bermudian Springs High School Academic Report Card 2012" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 29, 2014. Retrieved October 12, 2012.
82. PDE (2010). "PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results 2010".
83. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results".
84. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "PSSA Math and Reading Results by School 2008".
85. The Pennsylvania Basic Education/Higher Education Science and Technology Partnership, Science in Motion annual report, 2012
86. Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report".
87. "National Center for Education Statistics".
88. PDE, School Performance Profile - Academic Performance Data - Bermudian Springs High School, December 2013
89. PDE, Bermudian Springs High School Academic Profile, 2014
90. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2015). "SAT and AP Scores 2015".
91. College Board, SAT 2015 Total Group report Pennsylvania, 2016
92. PDE, Bermudian Springs High School Performance profile, November 6, 2014
93. College Board (2014). "2014 College-Bound Seniors State Profile Report" (PDF).
94. College Board (2013). "The 2013 SAT Report on College & Career Readiness".
95. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011". Archived from the original on October 15, 2011.
96. College Board (September 2011). "SAT Scores State By State - Pennsylvania". Archived from the original on October 8, 2011.
97. "While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady". NJ.com. September 2011.
98. The Center for Rural Pennsylvania (August 2006). "SAT Scores and Other School Data".
99. Bermudian Springs School District Strategic Plan 2008
100. Bermudian Springs School Board, Bermudian Springs Strategic Plan – Chapter 4 Educational Strategic Plan, September 2006
101. Pennsylvania General Assembly. "Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements".
102. Pennsylvania State Board of Education, Proposed changes to Chapter 4, May 10, 2012
103. Jan Murphy (February 3, 2016). "Wolf signs bill to suspend use of Keystone Exams as a graduation requirement". Pennlive.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2016.
104. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Keystone Exam Overview" (PDF).
105. Megan Harris (September 12, 2013). "Pennsylvania changing high school graduation requirements". Tribune Live.
106. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview".
107. Pennsylvania State Board of Education (2010). "Rules and Regulation Title 22 PA School Code CH. 4".
108. Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Education Finalizes Adoption of Pennsylvania Common Core State Academic Standards and High School Graduation Requirements, March 14, 2013
109. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Keystone Exams".
110. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 14, 2016). "Bermudian Springs Middle School Fast Facts 2016".
111. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Bermudian Springs Middle School, November 5, 2015
112. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "Bermudian Springs Middle School School Fast Facts".
113. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Bermudian Springs Middle School, October 4, 2013
114. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data – Bermudian Springs Middle School, 2010
115. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Bermudian Springs Middle School, September 29, 2011
116. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2016). "2016 PSSA AND KEYSTONE Results".
117. PR Newswire (2016). "Department of Education Releases Statewide Results on the 2016 Pennsylvania System Of School Assessment (PSSA)".
118. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 1, 2015). "2015 PSSA School Level Data".
119. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 1, 2015). "2015 PSSA State Level Data".
120. Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 6, 2014). "Bermudian Springs Middle School Academic Performance Data 2014".
121. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "Bermudian Springs Middle School Academic Performance Data 2013".
122. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "BERMUDIAN SPRINGS Middle School AYP Overview 2012". Archived from the original on April 16, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
123. Bermudian Springs Middle School Administration, Bermudian Springs Parent Notice of Adequate Yearly Progress, September 18, 2012
124. Pennsylvania Department of Education, BERMUDIAN SPRINGS Middle School AYP Overview 2011, September 29, 2011
125. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Bermudian Springs Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 12, 2012.
126. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bermudian Springs Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 data table, October 2010
127. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bermudian Springs Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009, September 14, 2009
128. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results, September 14, 2010
129. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results. 2009
130. Pennsylvania Department of Education Report on Science PSSA 2012 by Schools. September 2012.
131. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Science PSSA 2009 by Schools, August 2009
132. Pennsylvania Department of Education Report on Science PSSA 2009 by Schools. August 2009.
133. Pennsylvania Department of Education PSSA Science 2008 scores by school
134. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Bermudian Springs Middle School Academic report card 2012" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 12, 2012.
135. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bermudian Springs Middle School Academic Report Card 2009, September 14, 2009
136. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results, September 14, 2009
137. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bermudian Springs Middle School Academic Report Card 2008, August 15, 2009
138. Bermudian Springs Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012, Pennsylvania Department of Education, September 21, 2012
139. Bermudian Springs Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2010
140. Bermudian Springs Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2008, Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2008
141. Bermudian Springs School District Administration (May 2010). "Bermudian Springs School District 062_Academic Standards and Midpoint Review".
142. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 14, 2016). "Bermudian Springs Elementary School Fast Facts 2016".
143. Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Bermudian Springs Elementary School Fast Facts, 2016
144. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013). "Bermudian Springs Elementary School Performance Profile".
145. Melody Asper (February 13, 2013). "Full-day kindergarten plan back in Bermudian". The Evening Sun.
146. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data – Bermudian Springs Elementary School, 2010
147. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Bermudian Springs Elementary School, September 29, 2011
148. PDE, Accountability Block Grant report 2008, 2008
149. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2016 PSSA AND KEYSTONE Results, September 29, 2016
150. Jan Murphy (September 29, 2016). "Standardized test scores show Pa. schools have more work to do". Pennlive.com.
151. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 1, 2015). "2015 PSSA School Level Data".
152. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 1, 2015). "2015 PSSA State Level Data".
153. Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 6, 2014). "Bermudian Springs Elementary School Academic Performance Data 2014".
154. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "Bermudian Springs Elementary School Academic Performance 2013".
155. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "BERMUDIAN SPRINGS Elementary School AYP Overview 2012". Archived from the original on April 16, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
156. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "BERMUDIAN SPRINGS Elementary School AYP Data Table". Archived from the original on April 16, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
157. Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, Children Enrolled In Public School Kindergarten By Full Day and Half Day (Percent) – 2010-11, 2012
158. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "BERMUDIAN SPRINGS Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012" (PDF).
159. Pennsylvania Department of Education, BERMUDIAN SPRINGS Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011
160. Pennsylvania Department of Education, BERMUDIAN SPRINGS Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010
161. Pennsylvania Department of Education, BERMUDIAN SPRINGS Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009, September 14, 2009
162. Pennsylvania Department of Education, BERMUDIAN SPRINGS Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2008, August 15, 2008
163. Pennsylvania Department of Education, BERMUDIAN SPRINGS Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2007, 2007
164. Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education Services (2015). "Area School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets".
165. Bureau of Special Education (January 31, 2011). "Bermudian Springs SD Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets School Year 2008–2009" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 29, 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2011.
166. Gerald L. Zahorchak, D. Ed. (May 30, 2007). "House Education Committee Hearing on Governor's Proposed Increase for Accountability Block Grants Testimony for Gerald L. Zahorchak, D. Ed. Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Education" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on June 26, 2015.
167. Bermudian Springs School District (2011). "Special Education Department – Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services". Archived from the original on September 5, 2011. Retrieved February 2, 2011.
168. Eleanor Chute., Modified PSSA test in math offered for 1st time, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 18, 2010
169. "PSSA and Keystone Exam Accommodation Guidelines for Students with IEPs and 504 Plans". 2015. Archived from the original on October 25, 2015.
170. Pennsylvania Department of Education (December 12, 2014). "PSSA/ Keystone Accommodations Guidelines (PDE) 2015".
171. Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Special Education Funding".
172. Senator Patrick Browne, Senate Education Committee Holds Hearing on Special Education Funding & Accountability, November 1, 2011
173. Pennsylvania Department of Education Amy Morton, Executive Deputy Secretary, Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, November 11, 2011
174. Baruch Kintisch Education Law Center, Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, November 11, 2011
175. Amy Morton, Executive Deputy Secretary, Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Pennsylvania Department of Education, November 11, 2011
176. US Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education Clarifies Schools' Obligation to Provide Equal Opportunity to Students with Disabilities to Participate in Extracurricular Athletics, January 25, 2013
177. Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011".
178. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Special Education Funding 2011–2012 Fiscal Year, 2011
179. Special Education Funding Reform Commission (December 11, 2015). "Special Education Funding Reform Commission Report" (PDF).
180. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Special Education funding report by LEA, July 2014
181. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Special Education funding report by LEA, July 2015
182. Pennsylvania Department of Education, BEF, Special Education Funding, RTL Grants 2016-17, July 2016
183. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "LRE Index Scores and Identification for Monitoring". Archived from the original on October 24, 2014.
184. Martin Elks (June 3, 2010). "FINAL REPORT OF THE BUREAU DIRECTOR'S ADVISORY PANEL ON LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOLLOWING GASKIN V. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SEPTEMBER, 2005—JUNE, 2010" (PDF).
185. Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 1, 2002). "Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and Educational Placement for Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)". Archived from the original on January 8, 2013.
186. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 1, 1997). "Placement Options for Special Education".
187. Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Special Education (2010). "LRE Index Scores". Archived from the original on October 23, 2014.
188. Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "Gifted Students as Percentage of Total Enrollment by School District/Charter School" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016.
189. Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board (February 4, 2011). "CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students".
190. Center for Safe Schools (2015). "School Safety Report 2014-15" (PDF).
191. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Safe School Center (2012). "Pennsylvania Safe Schools Online Reports". Archived from the original on December 5, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2011.
192. Jennifer Wentz (September 11, 2014). "Police: Former Bermudian Springs teacher arrested for sexual contact with student". The Evening Sun. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
193. Jennifer Wentz (August 22, 2014). "Bermudian Springs School District fires middle school teacher". The Evening Sun. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
194. Office of Safe Schools (2012). "Safe Schools report Bermudian Springs School District" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 16, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
195. Pennsylvania Center for Safe Schools. "Pennsylvania Safe Schools Online Reports". Archived from the original on December 5, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2011.
196. Bermudian Springs School Board (November 11, 2008). "Bullying/Cyberbullying Policy 249".
197. Regular Session 2007–2008 House Bill 1067, Act 61 Section 6 page 8
198. Center for Safe Schools of Pennsylvania. "Bullying Prevention advisory". Archived from the original on January 21, 2011. Retrieved September 26, 2011.
199. Pennsylvania State Board of Education. "Pennsylvania Academic Standards".
200. Pennsylvania Department of Education (February 21, 2014). "Acting Secretary of Education Announces $2.6 Million in Safe Schools Targeted Grants".
201. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2011). "Teacher Evaluation Project".
202. Pennsylvania General Assembly, Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, June 27, 2006
203. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Investing in Pennsylvania Students, 2013
204. "School District Payroll report 2015". OpenPA Gov.org. 2016. Archived from the original on November 19, 2010.
205. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Investing in Pennsylvania Students 2014, 2014
206. "Bermudian Springs School District Payroll report 2013". OpenPA Gov.org. 2014. Archived from the original on November 19, 2010.
207. Times Tribune (June 16, 2013). "PA Teacher Profile Database 2011-12".
208. Triblive News (2015). "Pennsylvania teacher salary search".
209. Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System (2014). "Your PSERS Benefits & Leaving Employment".
210. American Enterprise Institute (November 1, 2011). "Assessing the Compensation of Public School Teachers".
211. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "Investing in Pennsylvania Students".
212. Bermudian Springs School District Business office (2014). "Bermudian Springs School District Payroll Report". Archived from the original on November 19, 2010.
213. "PA. Public School Salaries". Asbury Park Press. 2009. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012.
214. Bermudian Springs School Board (November 19, 2010). "Bermudian Springs School District Teacher Union Employment Contract 2010". Archived from the original on November 19, 2010.
215. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "Investing in Pennsylvania Students". Archived from the original on October 1, 2013.
216. Asbury Park Press, PA. Public School Salaries 2009, 2009
217. Bermudian Springs School District School Board, Bermudian Springs School District Teacher Union Contract, 2009
218. Fenton, Jacob., Average classroom teacher salary in Adams County, 2006–07, The Morning Call, March 2010
219. PA Delaware County Times, Teachers need to know enough is enough, April 20, 2010.
220. Pennsylvania Department of Education report on Fund Balances by Local Education Agency 1997 to 2008 Archived October 15, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
221. Bermudian Springs School Administration, District Budget Report 2014-15, June 1, 2014
222. Murphy, Jan., Pennsylvania's public schools boost reserves, CentreDaily Times, September 22, 2010
223. PDE, Investing in Pennsylvania Department of Education 2014, 2014
224. Office of the Auditor General of Pennsylvania (October 2009). "Bermudian Springs School District Adams County, Pennsylvania, Performance Audit Report" (PDF).
225. Fenton, Jacob., Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?, The Morning Call, February 2009
226. PDE, LEA Finances Selected data 2012-13, 2014
227. US Census Bureau, States Ranked According to Per Pupil Public Elementary-Secondary School System Finance Amounts: Fiscal Year 2011, May 2013
228. US Census Bureau (2009). "Total and current expenditures per pupil in fall enrollment in public elementary and secondary education, by function and state or jurisdiction: 2006-07".
229. US Census Bureau (March 2003). "Public Education Finances 2000-01 Annual Survey of Local Government Finances" (PDF).
230. United States Census Bureau (2009). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Elementary-Secondary Public School System Finance Amounts: 2008-09" (PDF).
231. US Census Bureau (May 2013). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Public Elementary-Secondary School System Finance Amounts: Fiscal Year 2011" (PDF).
232. Fenton, Jacob (February 2009). "Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?". The Morning Call. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011.
233. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania School Districts 2007–08 Expenditures by Category, 2009
234. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania School District Finances Outstanding Debt 1996-97- 2008–09, 2009
235. Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2012). "Pennsylvania Public School District Tuition Rates".
236. Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (April 2010). "Personal Income Taxation Guidelines". Archived from the original on December 13, 2009.
237. John Finnerty (2013). "PA teachers pensions". CNHI Harrisburg Bureau.
238. Pennsylvania Representative Todd Stephens (January 23, 2014). "LEEF Funding Chart 2014".
239. Nathan Benefield and James Paul Senior Policy Analyst (December 3, 2014). "School Funding Reform & Weighted Student Funding" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 9, 2014.
240. Pennsylvania General Assembly - Education Reform Commission (December 2014). "Basic Education Funding Commission Public Hearing Funding Issues related to Enrollment and Growth". Archived from the original on March 2, 2015.
241. Basic Education Funding Commission, Commission minutes, 2016
242. York Dispatch, Governor Wolf Signs Fair Funding Formula, June 2016
243. Pennsylvania General Assembly (June 2016). "House Bill 1552, Act 35 of 2016".
244. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Education Budget 2016-17, July 2016
245. PDE, Special Education Funding fiscal year 2016-17, July 2017
246. PA Office of Budget, Commonwealth 2016-17 Enacted Budget Line-Item Appropriations, July 2016
247. Jan Murphey (January 4, 2016). "Here's the payout your school district gets from the partial 2015-16 state budget". Pennlive.com.
248. Jennifer Wakeman (January 4, 2016). "Harrisburg releases $3.3 billion in delayed funds".
249. Pennsylvania General Assembly (June 26, 2015). "Basic Education Funding Commission".
250. Jan Murphy (January 6, 2016). "School funding distribution gives rise to new battle between Wolf, GOP lawmakers". PennLive.com.
251. Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2016). "Summary of State Appropriations for Education 2015-2016 Fiscal Year Education Budget". Archived from the original on January 28, 2016.
252. Jan Murphy (April 15, 2016). "House, Senate cast veto-proof majority votes on school funding bill". Pennlive.com.
253. PDE, Ed Budget 2015-16, May 2016
254. PDE (July 7, 2014). "Enacted Education Budget 2014-2015".
255. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2014-15 Enacted Education Budget Fast Facts, July 14, 2014
256. Democrat Appropriations Committee, Report on Education funding by LEA, July 2, 2013
257. Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, 2013-14 State Budget Highlights, 2013
258. Senator Jake Corman (June 28, 2012). "Pennsylvania Education funding by Local School District" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 30, 2012.
259. Pennsylvania General Assembly Sen Jake Corman (June 29, 2012). "SB1466 of 2012 General Fund Appropriation".
260. PA Senate Appropriations Committee (June 28, 2011). "School District 2011–12 funding Report". Archived from the original on October 8, 2014.
261. Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding 2011–2012 Fiscal Year".
262. PA Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010–2011 Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee Education Budget information. Archived October 8, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
263. Office of the Budget (February 2010). "Pennsylvania Budget Proposal 2010".
264. U.S. Census Bureau., Annual Survey of Local Government Finances., 2000
265. U.S. Census Bureau., 2008 Survey of Local Government Finances – School Systems, 2010
266. Pennsylvania Department of Education Basic Education Funding Report by School District. October 2009 Archived October 8, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
267. Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant report 2010, Grantee list 2010".
268. Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report". Archived from the original on October 15, 2013.
269. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Accountability Block Grant funding, June 30, 2012
270. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013). "Passport for Learning Block Grant".
271. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Ready to Learn Funding by LEA 2015-16 and 2016-17, 2016
272. Pennsylvania Auditor General. "Classrooms For the Future grants audit December 22, 2008" (PDF).
273. Department of Environmental Protection (2014). "Environmental Education Grants".
274. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (April 22, 2013). "Governor Corbett Awards 92 Grants for Environmental Education and Stewardship".
275. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Science: It’s Elementary Grantees Students in 143 Schools Benefit from Intensive Science Curriculum, July 22, 2008
276. Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 23, 2012). "Pennsylvania Awards $36.1 Million to Strengthen Literacy Programs".
277. Pennsylvania Department of Education Press Office (October 17, 2013). "Acting Secretary of Education Says Hybrid Learning Benefits Students; Highlights Success of First-Year Pilot Program".
278. PSEA (2006). "Project 720 PDE Education Improvement Initiative Series" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016.
279. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Adams County ARRA FUNDING report 2009-10". Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2011.
280. Governor's Press Office. (January 20, 2010). "Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support".
281. Race to the Top Fund, U.S. Department of Education, March 29, 2010.
282. Gerald Zahorchak (December 2008). "Pennsylvania Race to the Top Letter to Superintendents" (PDF).
283. Governor's Press Office. (January 20, 2010). "Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support".
284. U.S. Department of Education (March 29, 2010). "Race to the Top Fund".
285. PDE (2015). "TITLE II, PART A - TEACHER AND PRINCIPAL TRAINING & RECRUITING".
286. PDE (2015). "Federal Programs".
287. PDE, Title IIA egrants 2012-13, 2012
288. PDE, Title IIA egrants 2014-15, 2014
289. US Department of Education (September 15, 2004). "Title III — Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant Students".
290. PDE (2015). "English As A Second Language (ESL)".
291. PDE (2015). "Title III Supplemental Program".
292. PDE, Title III Grant Allocations 2014-15, 2014
293. Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Common Cents program – Making Every Dollar Count".
294. Bermudian Springs School Administration, Bermudian Springs School District Budget Report, 2016
295. Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Act 511 Tax Report, 2004".
296. Bermudian Springs School Administration, Bermudian Springs School District Budget Report, 2015
297. The Evening Sun, Bermudian Springs school taxes could rise 2.3 percent, May 2013
298. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District".
299. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2011
300. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District 2010-11, 2010
301. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2009
302. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Pennsylvania School District Real Estate Tax Rates 2008–09". Archived from the original on October 15, 2013.
303. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2007
304. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2006
305. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2005
306. Tax-rates.org., The 2013 Tax Resource County Property Taxes 2012, 2012
307. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania School Finances - Summaries of Annual Financial Report Data 2010-11, 2011
308. Tax Foundation, New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners, September 22, 2009.
309. Pennsylvania Department of Education 2010–11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines.
310. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (July 28, 2011). "Law could restrict school construction projects". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
311. Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006–2007 through 2012–2013". Archived from the original on September 9, 2012.
312. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 18, 2010). "Index Calculation Required by the Taxpayer Relief Act".
313. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Financial Data Elements, 2011
314. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2012-2013 School District Adjusted Index, May 2011
315. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2013-2014 School District Adjusted Index, August 2012
316. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2014-2015 School District Adjusted Index, September 2013
317. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2015-2016 School District Adjusted Index, September 2014
318. Pennsylvania Department of Education. "2016-2017 School District Adjusted Index, September 5, 2015".
319. Pennsylvania Department of Education (205). "Property Tax Relief".
320. PA Department of Education (September 10, 2016). "Index Calculation Required by Special Session Act 1 of 2006".
321. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2016). "2017-18 School District Adjusted Index Listing".
322. Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2016). "Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2016-2017" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on June 30, 2016.
323. Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2015). "Taxpayer Relief Act Special Session Act 1 of 2006 Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2015-2016" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016.
324. Pennsylvania School Employees, Retirement System, PSERS Chart showing payment mandates 2007-2020, 2014
325. Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 30, 2014). "Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2014-2015".
326. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2013-2014, April 2013
327. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2012-2013, March 30, 2012
328. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information".
329. Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2011). "Report on Exceptions".
330. Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2010). "Pennsylvania SSAct1_Act1 Exceptions Report 2010-2011 April 2010". Archived from the original on October 8, 2014.
331. Asper, Melody (April 14, 2010). "Board mulls class cuts". The Evening Sun.
332. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Referendum Exceptions Special Session Act 1 of 2006, April 2010
333. Scarcella, Frank & Pursell, Tricia (May 25, 2010). "Local school tax assessments exceed state averages". The Daily Item.
334. Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 1, 2016). "2016-17 Estimated State Property Tax Relief per Homestead".
335. Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 1, 2013). "2013-2014 Estimated State Property Tax Relief per Homestead".
336. Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 1, 2009). "Tax Relief per Homestead".
337. Tax Relief per Homestead 5–1–10. Report Pennsylvania Department of Education, May 2010
338. Pennsylvania Auditor General Office (February 23, 2010). "Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief".
339. Study of the cost-effectiveness of consolidating Pennsylvania School Districts, Standard and Poor's School Evaluation Services, 2007.
340. "Report of the Fiscal Responsibility Task Force" (PDF). April 2011.
341. 2009–10 Executive Budget Facts Pennsylvania School District Consolidation, Edward Rendell, Governor and Mary Soderberg, Secretary of the Budget. February 2009
342. "Research Analyzes Rural School District Enrollment and Building Capacity", The Center for Rural Pennsylvania. October 2009
343. Pennsylvania Department of Education Enrollment data and Public School Staffing data.
344. The Center for Rural Pennsylvania. (October 2009). "Research Analyzes Rural School District Enrollment and Building Capacity" (PDF).
345. Pennsylvania Department of Health, Birth Age County Reports 2000 and 2011, 2011
346. Rendell, E.; Soderberg, M. Pennsylvania Office of the Governor (2009). "Pennsylvania school district consolidation. 2009–10 Executive Budget Fast Facts" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 18, 2011. Retrieved January 3, 2011.
347. Pennsylvania Legislative Budget & Finance Committee (2007). "Study of the cost-effectiveness of consolidating".
348. Bermudian Springs School Board Policy Manual
349. Pennsylvania Department of Education – Division of Food and Nutrition (July 2008). "Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools for the School Nutrition Incentive".
350. Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center, The Pennsylvania School Breakfast Report Card, 2009
351. USDA, Child Nutrition Programs - Eligibility Manual for School Meals, 2012
352. USDA, Child Nutrition Programs, June 27, 2013
353. United States Department of Agriculture (2011). "Food and Nutrition Service Equity in School Lunch Pricing Fact Sheet" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 22, 2013.
354. Pennsylvania State Department of Health (2010). "Pennsylvania Bulletin Doc. No. 10-984 School Immunizations; Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases".
355. PR Newswire, Highmark Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools Available Free Through 2009, 2007
356. York Dispatch (February 4, 2016). "All PA high schools to receive donated naloxone kits".
357. Ben Allen (February 2, 2016). "Pa. to put drug that reverses overdoses in schools for free". WITF. Archived from the original on October 13, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2017.
358. Eric Scicchitano (October 14, 2016). "Four Valley schools get Narcan". Daily Item.
359. Bermudian Springs School Board. "Bermudian Springs School District Extracurriculars Policy 122 and Interscholastic Athletics Policy 123". Archived from the original on September 24, 2010. Retrieved January 3, 2011.
360. SPECIAL REPORT: Pay-to-play a growing trend in area school districts, Dick VanOlinda, The York Dispatch, September 15, 2011
361. Bermudian Springs Business Office (June 28, 2012). "Bermudian Springs School District Budget Report 2012-13" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 16, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
362. Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities". Archived from the original on October 23, 2014.
363. Bermudian Springs School Board. "Extracurricular Participation by Charter and Cyber Charter Students".
364. Eleanor Chute., "New Pennsylvania law expands school clearance requirements", Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 15, 2014
365. Pennsylvania General Assembly (2014). "ACT 126 – Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act".
366. Ali Stevens., Child Protective Services Law impacts schools, WKOK.com 1070AM, January 6, 2015
367. Bermudian Springs School Board, Bermudian Springs School District Teacher Union Contract, 2013
368. Bermudian Springs School District Administration (2014). "Bermudian Springs School District Athletics".
369. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013). "Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form" (PDF).
370. Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (2014). "PIAA School Directory".
371. Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 website accessed April 2010

External links

• Bermudian Springs School District