Southern York County School District

The Southern York County School District is a suburban, public school district in York County in the South Central region of Pennsylvania. It serves: Codorus Township, Glen Rock, Railroad, New Freedom, Shrewsbury Township, Shrewsbury, and a portion of Hopewell Township. Southern York County School District encompasses approximately 68 square miles (180 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, it served a resident population of 18,592 people. By 2010, the district's population increased to 20,858 people.[9] The educational attainment levels for the Southern York County School District population (25 years old and over) were 89.3% high school graduates and 26.5% college graduates.[10]

Southern York County School District
Address
3280 Fissels Church Rd Glen Rock , York County , Pennsylvania 17327 United States
Information
Type	Public
Motto	An Absolute Commitment to the Highest Level of Academic Achievement
Superintendent	Dr Sandra L Lemmon (2014–2019)[1][2]
Administrator	Ms Susan Green, Business Manager (2015)
Principal	Koontz, Beth ES
Principal	Sauers, Jodie, ES
Principal	Reppert, Leonard
Principal	Koval, Donna
Staff	171 non-teaching staff members (2012)
Faculty	214 teachers (2013)[3] 224.50 teachers 2012[4]
Grades	K-12
Age	5 years old to 21 years old Special Education students
Number of pupils	3,095 pupils (2014)[5] 3,150 pupils (2012)[6] 3,168 pupils (2010)[7] 3,262 pupils (2006)
• Kindergarten	214 (2012), 182 (2010)
• Grade 1	230 (2012), 191
• Grade 2	254 (2012), 195
• Grade 3	265 (2012), 208
• Grade 4	243 (2012), 214
• Grade 5	242 (2012), 218
• Grade 6	259 (2012), 226
• Grade 7	236 (2012), 277
• Grade 8	229 (2012), 260
• Grade 9	231 (2012), 252
• Grade 10	238 (2012), 252
• Grade 11	269 (2012), 264
• Grade 12	240 (2012), 242 (2010)
• Other	enrollment projected to decline to 2,982 pupils in 2020
Campus type	Suburban/Rural
Budget	$49.6 million 2013–14[8]
Per-pupil spending	$12,719 (2008)
Per-pupil spending	$13,632.67 (2011)
Website	www.syc.k12.pa.us

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 20.2% 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.[11] In 2009, the Southern York County School District residents’ per capita income was $22,345, while the median family income was $60,438.[12] In York County, the median household income was $57,494.[13] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501[14] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[15]

According to Southern York County School District officials, in school year 2007–08 the district provided basic educational services to 3,238 pupils through the employment of 243 teachers, 140 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 19 administrators. Southern York County School District received more than $12.9 million in state funding in school year 2007–08. The district had an enrollment of 3,217 pupils in 2011. SYCSD employed: 242 teachers, 139 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 17 administrators during the 2011–12 school year. The district received $13.7 million in state funding in the 2011–12 school year.[16]

Southern York County School District operates 5 schools: Friendship Elementary School, Shrewsbury Elementary School, Southern Elementary School, Southern Middle School, and Susquehannock High School. High school students may choose to attend York County School of Technology for training in the construction and mechanical trades. The Lincoln Intermediate Unit IU12 provides the district with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, speech and visual disability services and professional development for staff and faculty.

Governance

Southern York County School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serving four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[17] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills. 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. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the superintendent regarding renewal of the employment contract.[18]

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the Southern York County School Board and school district administration a "C-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.[19]

Academic achievement

In 2014, Southern York County School District again ranked 70th out of 496 Pennsylvania public school districts, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[20] 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.[21] 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.

2013 – 78th 2012 – 70th[22] 2011 – 69th 2010 – 74th[23]

2009 – 70th 2008 – 89th 2007 – 99th of 500 school districts in Pennsylvania.[24]

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students in the Southern York County School District was in the 84th percentile of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale (0–99; 100 is state best)[25]

Overachievers Ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Southern York County ranked 292nd. The paper 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."[26]

• 2012 – 268th
• 2011 – 237th
• 2010 – 277th
• 2009 – 335th

District AYP status history

In 2012, Southern York County School District achieved AYP status.[27] In 2011, Southern York County School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). 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 Pennsylvania public 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.[28] Southern York County School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003 the district was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[29]

Graduation rate

In 2014, the Southern York County School District's graduation rate was 95%.[30]

• 2013 – 94%[31]
• 2012 – 94%.[32]
• 2011 – 88%.[33]
• 2010 – 89%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[34]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 – 93%[35]
• 2009 – 94%[36]
• 2008 – 93%
• 2007 – 93%[37]

Susquehannock High School

Susquehannock High School is located at 3280 Fissels Church Road, Glen Rock. In 2014, enrollment was reported as declining to 946 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 19% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 12.6% of pupils received special education services, while 5% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 70 teachers.[38] Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the Susquehannock High School reported an enrollment of 1,014 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 153 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 73 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[39] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[40]

2014 School Performance Profile

Susquehannock High School achieved 95.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 90% of pupils were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 85% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology, 74.6% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[41][42] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.[43]

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.[44] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[45][46]

2013 School Performance Profile

Susquehannock High School achieved 93 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 84.6% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 82% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 67.8% showed on grade level science understanding.[47] 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, beginning in 2012, they take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.[48]

AYP history

In 2012, Susquehannock High School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status under No Child Left Behind.[49] In 2010 and 2011, Susquehannock High School achieved AYP status under No Child Left Behind.[50] From 2003 through 2009, Susquehannock High School achieved AYP status each school year.

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.[51]

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 course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade.

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 – 77% on grade level (9% below basic). State – 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[52]
• 2011 – 79% (8% below basic). State – 69.1%[53]
• 2010 – 77% (8% below basic). State – 67%[54]
• 2009 – 74%, State – 65%[55]
• 2008 – 72%, State – 65%[56]
• 2007 – 76%, State – 65%

11th Grade Math

• 2012 – 70% on grade level (12% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[57]
• 2011 – 68% (15% below basic). State – 60.3%[58]
• 2010 – 68% (12% below basic). State – 59%
• 2009 – 65%, State – 56%
• 2008 – 71%, State – 55%[59]
• 2007 – 64%, State 53%

11th Grade Science

• 2012 – 52% on grade level (6% below basic). State – 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[60]
• 2011 – 53% (5% below basic). State – 40%[61]
• 2010 – 50% (7% below basic). State – 39%[62]
• 2009 – 49%, State – 40%
• 2008 – 51%, State – 39%[63]

Science in Motion Susquehannock 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.[64] 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, 39% of Susquehannock 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.[65] 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.[66] 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

Susquehannock High School offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school, including the graduation ceremony. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[67] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[68]

For the 2009–10 funding year, Southern York County School District received a state grant of $7,561 for the program.[69]

Graduation requirements

The Southern York County School Board has determined that 24.5 credits are required for graduation, including English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Math 3 credits, Science 3 credits, Arts/Humanities 2 credits, Health & Physical Education 2 credits, Computer Technology 0.50 credits, Graduation Project 0.5 credits, Electives 5.50 credits. Students not demonstrating proficiency in mathematics on the Grade 11 PSSA will be required to take PSSA Math 12 during the senior year.[70]

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.[71] At Southern York County School District it requires: a Career Seminar course, Two Field Experiences – Job Shadow, Career Fair, an Education Visit, and/or Education Fair Career Plan and Resume Oral Presentation and Portfolio Submission.

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2017, public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[72][73][74] 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.[75] 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.[76] 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.

SAT scores

In 2014, SouthernYork County School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 526. The Math average score was 528. The Writing average score was 497.[77][78] 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.[79]

In 2013, 168 Southern York County School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 513. The Math average score was 525. The Writing average score was 501. 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.[80]

In 2012, 165 Southern York County School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 522. The Math average score was 528. The Writing average score was 508. 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, 172 Southern York County School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 515. The Math average score was 523. The Writing average score was 503.[81] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal – 493, Math – 501, Writing – 479.[82] 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.[83]

Graduates

Sara McElroy (2002) – Lighting designer, Graduate of the School of Constructed Environments at Parsons, The New School.

Thomas Sacoman (1986) – Head of product, Dodge and Alfa Romeo brands, FCA North America. Graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, SB/SM Mechanical Engineering (1991).

Southern Middle School

Southern Middle School is located at 3280 Fissels Church Road, Glen Rock. In 2014, enrollment was 505 pupils, in grades 7th and 8th, with 22% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 13.8% of pupils received special education services, while 3.5% of pupils were identified as gifted.[84] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[85]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the Southern Middle School reported an enrollment of 509 pupils in grades 7th and 8th, with 89 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[86]

2014 School Performance Profile

Southern Middle School achieved 86.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 87% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 91.5% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 78% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 94.6% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[87]

2013 School Performance Profile

Southern Middle School achieved 86.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, 87% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 87% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 74% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 92% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[88] 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.

AYP history

In 2010 through 2012, Southern Middle School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[89] Teachers inform parents of the need for the child to stay after school for remediation through an academic assistance card.[90] In 2008, the school declined again to Warning AYP status. It achieved Adequate Yearly Progress status in 2006 and 2007. In 2003, the Southern Middle School was in Warning AYP status. In 2004 the school declined to School Improvement AYP status and in 2005 the school was in Making Progress School Improvement Level I.

PSSA History

8th Grade Reading

• 2012 – 88% on grade level, 55% advanced. In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[57]
• 2011 – 95% on grade level 74% advanced (3% below basic). State – 81.8%[91]
• 2010 – 91%, 63% advanced (2% below basic). State – 81%
• 2009 – 89%, State – 80%[92]
• 2008 – 91%, State – 78%[93]

8th Grade Math

• 2012 – 94% on grade level, 74% advanced. State – 76% [94]
• 2011 – 89%, 61% advanced (4% below basic). State – 76.9%
• 2010 – 88%, 62% advanced (4% below basic). State – 75%
• 2009 – 82%, State – 71%[95]
• 2008 – 81%, State – 70%[96]

8th Grade Science

• 2012 – 74% on grade level (5% below basic). State – 59% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 – 73% (11% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 – 67% (16% below basic). State – 57%
• 2009 – 67%, State – 55%.[97]
• 2008 – 69%, State – 52%

7th Grade Reading 2012 – 88%, 55% advanced (3% below basic). State – 76% 2011 – 88%, 59% advanced (5% below basic). State – 76% 2010 – 84%, 55% advanced (3% below basic). State – 73% 2009 – 79%, State – 71% 2008 – 77%, State – 70%

7th Grade Math 2012 – 96%, 75% advanced (1% below basic). State – 80% 2011 – 88%, 72% advanced (3% below basic). State – 78.6% 2010 – 91%, 67% advanced (4% below basic). State – 77% 2009 – 88%, State – 75% 2008 – 83%, State – 70%

Friendship Elementary School

Friendship Elementary School is located at 3457 Sticks Road, Glen Rock. In 2014, the school's enrollment was 486 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 35.8% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 17.9% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted.[98] 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.[99] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, In 2011, enrollment was 523 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, 141 pupils received a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 34 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.[100] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[101] The school provided full-day kindergarten since 2005.

2014 School Performance Profile

Friendship Elementary School achieved a score of 86.8 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013–14, 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 79% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 82% were on grade level (3rd–5th grades). In 4th grade science, 87% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 80% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[102]

2013 School Performance Profile

Friendship Elementary School achieved a score of 85.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 76% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 84% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 82% were on grade level (3rd–5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 85% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 74% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[103] 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.

AYP History

In 2012, Friendship Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading skills.[104] In 2010 and 2011, Friendship Elementary School achieved AYP status under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[105] Friendship Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year from 2003 through 2009.

PSSA history

In 2012, 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 84% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 50% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 92% of the pupils were on grade level.[106]

In 2011, 84% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 91% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 60% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils were on grade level.[107]

Shrewsbury Elementary School

Shrewsbury Elementary School is located at 331 S Main Street, Shrewsbury. In 2014, the school's enrollment was 548 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 20.6% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 18.9% of the pupils receive special education services, while % are identified as gifted.[108] 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.[109] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Shrewsbury Elementary School reported an enrollment of 571 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 101 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 42 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[110] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[111]

2014 School Performance Profile

Shrewsbury Elementary School achieved a score of 82.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013–14, only 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 81% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 87% were on grade level (3rd–5th grades). In 4th grade science, 90% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 67% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[112]

2013 School Performance Profile

Shrewsbury Elementary School achieved a score of 90.4 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 78% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 86% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 88% were on grade level (3rd–5th grades). In 4th grade science, 89% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 76% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[113] 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.

AYP history

In 2012, Shrewsbury Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading achievement especially among boys.[114] In 2010 and 2011, Shrewsbury Elementary School achieved AYP status under the No Child Left Behind Act.[115] From 2003 through 2010, Shrewsbury Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.

PSSA History

In 2012, 81% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 89% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 54% of students scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils were on grade level.[116]

In 2011, 82% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 86% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 54% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 90% of the pupils were on grade level.[117]

Southern Elementary School

Southern Elementary School is located at 3280 Fissels Church Road, Glen Rock. In 2014, the school's enrollment was 610 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 17% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 12.9% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted.[118] 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.[119] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 596 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 37 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 16:1.[120] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[121]

2014 School Performance Profile

Southern Elementary School achieved a score of 81.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013–14, 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 84% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 88.9% were on grade level (3rd–5th grades). In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 70% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[122]

2013 School Performance Profile

Southern Elementary School achieved a score of 94.8 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 79% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 83% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 88% were on grade level (3rd–5th grades). In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 84% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[123]

AYP History

In 2010 through 2012, Southern Elementary School achieved AYP status under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[124] From 2003 through 2009, Southern Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.

PSSA History

In 2012, 81% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 86% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 59% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 85% of the pupils were on grade level.[125]

In 2011, 84% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 90% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 55% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 85% of the pupils were on grade level.[126]

Wellness Policy

The Southern York County School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 – Policy 246.[127] 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, physical activity, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.[128] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

Southern York County School District offers both a free school breakfast and a free or reduced-price lunch to children in low-income families. 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.[129] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[130]

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.[131] 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.[132] The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 mandates that districts raise their full pay lunch prices every year until the price of non-subsidized lunches equals the amount the federal government reimburses schools for free meals. That subsidy in 2013–2014 was $2.93.

In 2014, President Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.[133] The Food and Drug Administration requires that students take milk as their beverage at lunch. In accordance with this law, any student requesting water in place of milk with their lunch must present a written request, signed by a doctor, documenting the need for water instead of milk.[134][135]

Southern York County 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.[136][137] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.[138]

Bullying policy

In 2009, Southern York County School Administration reported there were zero reported incidents of bullying in the district.[139][140]

Southern York School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The board policy Bullying Cyberbullying Policy 249 (Adopted November 20, 2008) defines bullying and cyberbullying. The board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.[141] The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.[142] 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.[143]

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.[144]

Special education

In December 2012, the Southern York County School District administration reported that 496 pupils, or 15% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with 46% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[145]

In December 2010, the district administration reported that 481 pupils, or 14% of the district's pupils, received special education services. Of the students that were identified, 45% had a specific learning disability.[146] In 2009, the district administration reported that 509 pupils, or 15% of the district's pupils, received special education services.[147]

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 the program 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.[148] Southern York County School District has seen an increase in the percentage of special education students it serves, yielding no savings.

The district engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. When a child experiences difficulty within the classroom, screening information will be gathered by a team located within the child's school to determine his or her specific needs. 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 make a written request for a multidisciplinary evaluation to the building principal.[149]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for 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.[150] 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.[151] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[152] Overidentification of students, 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.[153]

The School District received a $1,599,564 supplement for special education services in 2010.[154] For the 2011–12, 2012–13 and 2013–14 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.[155] For 2014–15, Southern York County School District will receive an increase $1,628,391 in special education funding.

Gifted education

Southern York County School District Administration reported that 136 or 4.28% of its students were gifted in 2009–10. The highest percentage of gifted students reported among all 500 school districts and 100 public charter schools in Pennsylvania was North Allegheny School District with 15.5% of its students identified as gifted.[156] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.[157][158]

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.[159]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Southern York County SD was $70,771 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $26,899 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $97,670.[160][161][162] Southern York County 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.)[163] 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.[164]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Southern York County School District was $68,685 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $18,755 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $87,440.[165] 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 costly benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation, including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.[164] The 2013–14 budget saw increases in expenses, including an additional $711,176 in mandated special education, an increase of $1.7 million in mandated contributions to the state retirement system and another $383,333 in medical insurance costs.

In 2009, Southern York County School District reported employing over 270 teachers with a salary range of $42,000 to $161,385.[166] The average salary in the district is $68,000.[167] The teacher's work day is 7 hours 35 minutes, including a 30-minute duty-free lunch and a daily preparation period. There are 190 days in the teachers' contract year (180 student days). In addition to their salary, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, free health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 paid sick days which accumulate indefinitely, 5 paid bereavement days, 3 paid leave with no reason days, a retirement bonusand other benefits. The district provides the local union president with 6 paid days off to conduct union business.[168]

In 2007, Southern York County School District employed 209 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $58,265 for 180 days worked.[169] In 2007, Southern York County School District's starting salary was $40,000 and the top teacher salary was reported as $76,000.[170] The 2010–11 school year was the final year of a 3-year contract with the professional staff.[171]

Southern York County School District administrative costs was $740 per pupil in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 in 2008.[172] In 2007, the Average District Administrator salary in Southern York County School District was $111,187 which ranked second among York County school districts. The Average School Administrator salary in Southern York County School District was $81,095 which ranked fifth in York County.[173] In February 2010, the Southern York County School Board awarded a five-year contract effective July 6, 2006, to Thomas Hensley, as superintendent. The initial salary was $145,000 with an annual raise of 5% at minimum. Additionally, he was awarded an extensive benefits package which includes: health insurance, life insurance, annual dues, paid travel, 24 days paid vacation, defined benefit pension and more.[174]

In May 2010, Southern Middle School Principal Kevin Helmeczi unexpectedly resigned. The superintendent offered no explanation to the community.[175]

Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $2,596,646.00 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $505,198.00.[176] In 2010, Southern York County School District Administration reported an increase to $3,550,184 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The unreserved designated fund was $675,000. Pennsylvania 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.[177]

Per-pupil spending In 2008, Southern York County School Administration reported spending $12,719 per pupil. This ranked 3rd in York County and 195th in the state.[178] In 2010, Southern York County School District's the per-pupil spending had increased to $13,072.08[179] Among the states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008–09.[180] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.[181]

Audit In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the Southern York County School District. The findings were reported to the administration and the school board.[182]

APA study According to an extensive study of York County school districts conducted by APA Associates in 2008, Southern York County School District achieved a −4 rating based on Performance and Relative Efficiency. Central York School District and Northeastern York School District both achieved a ranking of +10. Eleven out of 16 York County district achieved a positive rating.[183]

Tuition Students who live in the Southern York County 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 Southern York County 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 Southern York County School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School – $9,158.31, High School – $9,613.38.[184]

Southern York County School District is funded by a combination of: a local income tax 1.30%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.[185] Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Interest earned on reserve accounts is a source of non-tax income. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from both state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the wealth of the individual.[186]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Southern York County School District receives 30.4% of its annual revenue from the state.[187]

For the 2014–15 school year, Southern York County School District will receive $7,432,161 in State Basic Education funding. The district will also receive $306,397 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.[188] 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.[189]

In the 2013–2014 school year, the Southern York County School District received a 2.2% increase or $7,432,161 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $160,059 more than its 2012–13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Southern York County School District received $159,235 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in York County, Dover Area School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 7.5%. 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 increases 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.[190] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland district, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.[191] As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[192]

For the 2012–13 school year, Southern York County District received $7,432,248.[193] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012–2013 included $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which was an increase of $49 million over the 2011–12 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) program. Southern York County School District received $159,235 in ABG funding. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[194]

In 2011–12 school year, Southern York County School District received a $7,273,042 allocation of state Basic Education Funding.[195][196] Additionally, Southern York County School District received $159,234 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $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.[197] 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.[198] In 2010, the district reported that 545 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[199]

For the 2010–11 budget year, Southern York County School District received a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $7,569,006. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in York County was awarded to Hanover Public School District at 8.39%. Among Pennsylvania school districts, the highest increase in 2010–11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[200] 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 the Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[201] This was the second year of Rendell's plan to fund some districts at a much higher rate than other school districts.

In the 2009–2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.04% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $7,420,594 to Southern York County School District.[202] The district also received supplemental funding for English-language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low-income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more.[203] Central York School District was allotted the highest Basic Education Funding increase in York County for the 2009–10 school year at 12.54%. In York County, 12 school districts received less than 6% increase in state basic education funding in 2010 and three districts received the base 2% increase. Ninety school districts in the Commonwealth received the base 2% funding increase. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.[204] The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.[205] 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.[206][207]

The state Basic Education funding to Southern York County School District, in 2008–09, was $7,272,146.24. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 363 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[208]

Accountability Block Grants

Beginning in 2004–2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania's school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students, For 2010–11 the Southern York County School District applied for and received $432,202 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide extensive teacher training to improve instruction, to use in classroom teacher coaches to train teachers, and to provide all-day kindergarten for the fifth year.[209][210]

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.[211]

School District received $306,397 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, PreK Counts funding, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

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 to 2009. Southern York County School District did not apply to participate in 2006–07. In 2007–08, SYCSD received $311,829 and another $56,076 in 2008–09 for a total funding of $367,905.[212] Among the public school districts in York County, the highest award was given to West Shore School District which received $1,023,131. 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.

Environmental Education Grant

The Environmental Education Grant Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that 5 percent of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Department of Environmental Protection be set aside for environmental education. In 2010, Southern York County School District was awarded$700 to coordinate a Watershed Day Exploration program for fourth grade students.[213]

Science It's Elementary grant

Shrewsbury Elementary School successfully applied to participate and received a Science It's Elementary grant in 2008–09. It was the sole elementary school in York County to receive this funding. For the 2008–09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 2,847 teachers and 66,973 students across Pennsylvania.[214] In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Education initiated an effort to improve science instruction in the Commonwealth's public elementary schools. Called Science: It's Elementary, the program is a hands on instruction approach for elementary science classes that develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills.[215] To encourage schools to adopt the program's standards aligned curriculum, the state provided a grant to cover the costs of materials and extensive mandatory teacher training.[216] The district was required to develop a three-year implementation plan for the participating school. They had to appoint a district liaison who was paid $3000 by PDE to serve as the conduit of all information between the district and the Department and its agents along with submitting orders and distributing supplies to implementing teachers. For the 2006–07 state education budget, $10 million was allocated. The 2006–07 State Education Budget provided $635 million in new spending for pre-K through 12th grades for the 2006–07 school year. This was an 8-percent increase over 2005–06 public school funding.[217] The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008–09 budget.

Project 720

Project 720 was a high school reform program implemented for three years under the Rendell administration. The intent was to increase academic rigor and improve the instruction of teachers in the Commonwealth's high schools. Teachers were expected to use data driven instructional practices and to meet the needs of diverse learners.[218] The 720 in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades. High school's applied for funding and were required to agree to report to the PDE their plans, their actions and the outcomes. In 2007–08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. Southern York County School District was one of 161 PA public school district to apply, receiving $158,902 funding over three years.[219][220] For 2010–11, Project 720 funding was decreased to $1.7 million by Governor Rendell. The grant program was discontinued effective with the 2011–12 state budget.[221]

Other grants

The district did not participate in: Education Assistance Grants; 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;[222] 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;[223] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal Stimulus grant

Southern York County School District received an extra $1,730,781 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[224][225] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010–2011 school years.[226] 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

Southern York County School District officials applied for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[227] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Central Yorkg was one of six York County school districts that applied to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved in for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[228]

Real estate taxes

Southern York County School Board levied property tax rates in 2014–2015 at 17.9400 mills.[229][230] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. 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. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75 and 85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[231] The school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, necessitating a state board equalization of the tax rates between the counties.[232] In 2010, miscalculations by the board were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts.[233]

2013–14 – 17.5100 mills[234] 2012–13 – 17.1700 mills[235] 2011–12 – 16.8400 mills[236] 2010–11 – 16.6200 mills[237] 2009–10 – 16.2200 mills[238]

2008–09 – 15.7500 mills[239] 2007–08 – 15.0800 mills.[240] 2006–07 – 14.3900 mills.[241] 2005–06 – 17.7660 mills.[242]

The average yearly property tax paid by York County residents amounts to about 4.01% of their yearly income. York County ranked 232nd of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[243] 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.[244] 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%).[245]

Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011–2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor 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 .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.[246] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[247] The following exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school's share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.[248][249]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Southern York County School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.[250]

2006–07 – 4.9%, Base 3.9% 2007–08 – 4.2%, Base 3.4% 2008–09 – 5.4%, Base 4.4% 2009–10 – 5.0%, Base 4.1% 2010–11 – 3.5%, Base 2.9%

2011–12 – 1.7%, Base 1.4% 2012–13 – 2.0%, Base 1.7%[251] 2013–14 – 2.0%, Base 1.7% [252] 2014–15 – 2.5%, Base 2.1% [253] 2015–16 – 2.3%, Base 1.9%[254]

For the 2014–15 budget year, Southern York County 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).[255] 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.[256]

For the 2013–14 budget year, Southern York County 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.[257]

For the 2012–13 budget year, Southern York County 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. Twenty four districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[257]

For the 2011–12 school year, the Southern York County School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Southern York County 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 published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[258]

The Southern York County School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011.[259] 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.[260]

Property tax relief

In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Southern York County School District was $176 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 6,035 property owners applied for the tax relief.[261] In 2009, the district's property tax relief amount was set at $178 to 5,955 approved homestead owners. In 2010 within York County, the highest amount went to York City School District set at $495 per approved homestead. The property tax 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. 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.[262] This was the second year they were the top recipient.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially greater than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.

Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).[245]

Extracurriculars

The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, costly sports program.[263] Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board.[264][265] According to a report published in the York Dispatch, the district does not charge a fee to participate in sports. In 2011 the district reported spending over $449,000 to provide its extensive sports program.[266] Southern York County School District spent $58,318 for the transportation of sports teams in 2011–12. Countywide nearly $1 million was spent on transporting public school sports teams.[267] The total sports budget for the district in 2007–08 was $456,000 and grew to $487,223 in 2010–11. Collectively, York County public schools spent over $9 million on sports budgets (does not include facility costs) in 2011–12.[268]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[269]

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.[270][271][272]

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.[273]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[274]

According to Pennsylvania's Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.[275][276]

Susquehannock High School charges students a $15 participation fee. A joint Pennsylvania School Board Association and Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association survey, conducted in 2012, found nearly one third (30%) of public school respondents indicated charging individual students $10 to $250, with a statewide average of $65 per sport.[277][278]

The district funds:

Boys Baseball – AA Basketball- AAA Cross Country – AA Football – AAA Golf – AAA Lacrosse – AAAA Soccer – AA Swimming and Diving – AA Tennis – AAA Track and Field – AAA Volleyball – A Wrestling – AAA

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

Middle School Sports

Boys Basketball Cross Country Football Track and Field Wrestling

Girls Basketball Cross Country Field Hockey Track and Field Volleyball

According to PIAA directory July 2012 [279]

Intermediate Unit

Lincoln Intermediate Unit (IU#12) region includes: Adams County, Franklin County and York County. The agency provides Southern York County Schools, charter schools located in York County, the district's home schooled students and area private schools many services, including: Special education services, combined purchasing, and instructional technology services. It runs Summer Academy which offers both art and academic strands 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. The IU offers preemployment screening, including fingerprinting for prospective public school employees.[280] It also provides a GED program to adults who want to earn a high school diploma and literacy programs. The Lincoln Intermediate Unit is governed by a 13-member board of directors, each a member of a local school board from the 25 school districts. Board members are elected by school directors of all 25 school districts for three-year terms that begin July 1.[281] There are 29 intermediate units in Pennsylvania. They are funded by school districts, state and federal program specific funding and grants. IUs do not have the power to tax.

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