Spring Cove School District

The Spring Cove School District is a small rural, public school district in Blair County, Pennsylvania. It serves the boroughs of Roaring Spring and Martinsburg plus the townships of North Woodbury, Huston, Taylor, and Freedom. Spring Cove School District encompasses approximately 99 square miles (260 km2). According to 2004 local census data, it serves a resident population of 13,333. In 2009, Spring Cove School District residents’ per capita income was $16,356, while the median family income was $41,619.[6] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 [7] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[8] According to District officials, in school year 2007-08, the Spring Cove School District provided basic educational services to 1,873 pupils. The district employed: 135 teachers, 114 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 13 administrators. Spring Cove School District received more than $10.7 million in state funding in school year 2007-08.

Spring Cove School District
Address
1100 East Main Street

Roaring Spring
,
Blair County
,
Pennsylvania
16673

United States
Information
TypePublic
SuperintendentDr. Betsy Baker
School number(814) 224-5124
Faculty125 teachers in 2010 [1]
GradesK-12
Age5 years old to 21 years old Special education
Number of students1809 pupils in 2011 [2]
 • Kindergarten145
 • Grade 1162
 • Grade 2154
 • Grade 3115
 • Grade 4149
 • Grade 5153
 • Grade 6132
 • Grade 7143
 • Grade 8109
 • Grade 9140
 • Grade 10130
 • Grade 11139
 • Grade 12138
 • OtherEnrollment projected to be 1702 in 2020[3]
Color(s)Scarlet and Grey
MascotDragons
Budget$22.5 million (2012) [4]
Tuitionfor nonresident and charter school students ES - $7,551.10, HS - $9,013.75 [5]
Per Pupil Spending$10,011 (2008)
Per Pupil Spending$11,426.99 (2010)
Websitehttp://springcove.schoolnet.com/

Schools

The district operates four schools: Central High School (Gr. 9-12), Spring Cove Middle School (Gr. 6-8) and two Elementary Schools: Martinsburg Elementary School(Gr. 3-5) and Spring Cove Elementary School (Gr.k-2). Additionally, the district operates Spring Cove Cyber School (K-12).

Governance

The school district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serves without compensation for a term of four years.), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[9] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills. The 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 Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the Spring Cove School Board and district administration a "D" 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.[10]

Academic achievement

Spring Cove School District was ranked 257th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2012.[11] The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the PSSAs for: reading, writing math and science.[12] The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th and the 11th grade in high school. Adapted examinations are given to children in the special education programs.

  • 2011 - 256th [13]
  • 2010 - 250th [14]
  • 2009 - 215th
  • 2008 - 230th
  • 2007 - 230th out of 501 school districts.[15]
Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Spring Cove School District ranked 185th. In 2011, the district was 155th. [16] 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."[17]

District AYP status history

In 2011, Spring Cove School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).[18] 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.[19] Spring Cove School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2009, while in 2003 the district was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[20]

Graduation rate

In 2011, the graduation rate at Spring Cove School District was 89%.[21] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Central High School's graduation rate was 88% for 2010.[22]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

High school

Central High School is located at 718 Central High Road, Martinsburg. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 620 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 214 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 41 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.[27] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[28]

In 2011, Central High School achieved AYP status.[29] In 2010, Central High School was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.

PSSA results

11th Grade Reading

  • 2011 - 75% on grade level, (10% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.[30]
  • 2010 - 55% (20% below basic). State - 66% [31]
  • 2009 - 62% (19% below basic). State - 65% [32]
  • 2008 - 67% (16% below basic). State - 65% [33]
  • 2007 - 66% (17% below basic). State - 65% [34]

11th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 64% on grade level (16% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.[35]
  • 2010 - 57% (23% below basic). State - 59% [36]
  • 2009 - 56% (23% below basic). State - 56%.[37]
  • 2008 - 56% (25% below basic). State - 56% [38]
  • 2007 - 52% (30% below basic). State - 53% [39]

11th Grade Science:

  • 2011 - 45% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.[40]
  • 2010 - 34% (16% below basic). State - 39%
  • 2009 - 40% (14% below basic). State - 40% [41]
  • 2008 - 25% (23% below basic). State - 39% [42]

College remediation rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 100% of the Central 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.[43] 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.[44] 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

Central 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. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[45] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[46] For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $4,023 for the program.[47]

SAT scores

From January to June 2011, 70 Spring Cove School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 484. The Math average score was 484. The Writing average score was 480.[48] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[49] 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.[50]

Middle school

Spring Cove Middle School is located at 185 Spring Cove Drive, Roaring Spring. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Spring Cove Middle School reported an enrollment of 361 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 143 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 25 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.[51] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[52]

In 2010 and 2011, Spring Cove Middle School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[53]

PSSA Results:

8th Grade Science:

  • 2011 - 60% on grade level (19% below basic). State – 58.3%
  • 2010 - 68% (18% below basic). State – 57%
  • 2009 - 55% (21% below basic). State - 55%
  • 2008 - 64% (13% below basic). State - 52%
  • 2007 - tested, but results not made public.

Elementary school

Martinsburg Elementary School is located at 415 Spring Street, Martinsburg. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Martinsburg Elementary School reported an enrollment of 347 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 150 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 25 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.[59] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[60] In 2010 and 2011, Martinsburg Elementary School achieved AYP status.[61] In 2011, only 75% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 86% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 49% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 86% of the pupils were on grade level.[62]

Spring Cove Elementary School is located 137 Spring Cove Drive, Roaring Spring. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 515 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 224 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 34 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.[63] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[64] In 2010 and 2011, Elementary School achieved AYP status.[65] In 2011, only 74% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 87% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 53% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 89% of the pupils were on grade level.[66]

Cyber school

Spring Cove Cyber School is a kindergarten through 12th grade program all offered online using a commercial curriculum and platform. All District resident students may take the courses at no additional cost to the student. Spring Cove School District provides an academic advisor, the hardware (computer and printer), reimbursement for Internet connection, and any textbooks that may be required. High school students work with the district's guidance counselors to assure completion of graduation requirements. If a student does not successfully complete a course (withdraw or failure to earn credit), they required to pay the full amount that Spring Cove School District was charged for the course.[67]

Special education

In December 2010, the district administration reported that 299 pupils or 16% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 45% of identified students having a specific learning disability.[68] In December 2009, the district administration reported that 312 pupils or 16.9% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.

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.[69] 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.[70] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[71] 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.[72]

The Spring Cove School District received a $1,064,430 supplement for special education services in 2010.[73] For the 2011–12 and 2012-13 school year, 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.[74][75]

Extracurriculars

The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and many costly sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students residing 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.[76]

The list below is the activities according to PIAA directory report in July 2012.[77]

Athletics
Middle School Sports

References
  1. NCES, Common Core of Data Spring Cove School District, 2010
  2. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Enrollment and Projections by LEA, 2011
  3. Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2011). "Enrollment and Projections by school district".
  4. Brown, Ryan (June 19, 2012). "Spring Cove OKs tax increase".
  5. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Public School District Tuition Rates, May 2012
  6. US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2009
  7. US Census Bureau (2010). "American Fact Finder, State and County quick facts".
  8. US Census Bureau (September 2011). "Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010" (PDF).
  9. Pennsylvania Public School Code Governance 2010
  10. The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives. "The Pennsylvania Project". Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  11. Pittsburgh Business Times (April 6, 2012). "Guide to Pennsylvania Schools Statewide ranking". Archived from the original on October 16, 2012.
  12. "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2012". Pittsburgh Business Times. April 5, 2012. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012.
  13. "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2011". Pittsburgh Business Times. April 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-07-23.
  14. Pittsburgh Business Times (April 30, 2010). "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2010".
  15. "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County". Pittsburgh Business Times. May 23, 2007. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011.
  16. Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Overachivers Ranking Information, April 6, 2012
  17. "Overachiever statewide ranking". Pittsburgh Business Times. May 6, 2010.
  18. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Spring Cove School District AYP Overview 2011".
  19. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Public School District AYP History, 2011
  20. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania District AYP History 2003-2010, 2011
  21. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Spring Cove School District AYP Data Table".
  22. Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented".
  23. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Spring Cove School District Academic Achievement Report Card Data table 2010, October 20, 2010
  24. The Times-Tribune (June 27, 2010). "PA School District Statistical Snapshot Database 2008-09".
  25. The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "County School Districts Graduation Rates 2008".
  26. Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (2008). "High School Graduation rate 2007" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-05-07.
  27. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data - Central High School, 2010
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  29. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Central High School Academic Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011
  30. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results".
  31. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009-2010 PSSA and AYP Results".
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  34. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2007). "PSSA Math and Reading results".
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  39. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Central High School Academic Achievement Report Card, 2007
  40. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA results in Science".
  41. The Times-Tribune (2009). "Grading Our Schools database, 2009 Science PSSA results".
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  43. Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 20, 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report,". Archived from the original on May 3, 2012.
  44. National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2008
  45. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Dual Enrollment Guidelines".
  46. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (March 2010). "Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement".
  47. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Dual Enrollment Grants 2009 10 Fall Grants by School District".
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  50. "While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady". NJ.com. September 2011.
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  67. Spring Cove School District Administration, Spring Cove Cyber School information, 2012
  68. Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education Services (2009–2010). "Area School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets". Archived from the original on 2011-08-24.
  69. Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Special Education Funding".
  70. Senator Patrick Browne (November 1, 2011). "Senate Education Committee Holds Hearing on Special Education Funding & Accountability". Archived from the original on July 23, 2012.
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  72. Baruch Kintisch Education Law Center (November 11, 2011). "Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 22, 2012.
  73. Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011".
  74. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year".
  75. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Investing in PA kids, April 2012
  76. Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities".
  77. Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (2012). "PIAA School Directory".
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