Athens Area School District

Athens Area School District
Address
204 Willow Street
Athens, Pennsylvania, Bradford 18810
United States
Information
Type Public
Closed Mosherville Elementary School 6/2012
School board 9 elected members
Superintendent Douglas Ulkins M'Ed, ($116,372 salary 2009)
Specialist Kevin Rimmey, Business Manager
Principal Beth Schulze, AAHS Principal
Principal Scott Webster, Harlan Rowe JH Principal
Principal Donald Jones, SRU Middle School Principal
Principal Andrew Latchford, Burnham/Child/Ulster Principal
Principal Christine Sullivan, Lynch-Bustin Principal
Head teacher Jane Montague, Director of Educational Programs
Faculty 172 teachers in 2010
Grades Preschool-12
Age 4 years old to 21 years for Special Education
Pupils 2335 pupils 2010
 • Kindergarten 179
 • Grade 1 197
 • Grade 2 160
 • Grade 3 161
 • Grade 4 182
 • Grade 5 182
 • Grade 6 173
 • Grade 7 174
 • Grade 8 168
 • Grade 9 188
 • Grade 10 191
 • Grade 11 161
 • Grade 12 219
 • Other Enrollment to decline to 1800 pupils by 2020[1]
Mascot Wildcats
Budget $33,040,150 (2012–13)
Tuition For nonresident and charter school students ES - $8,091.55, HS - $12,373.85 [2]
Per Pupil Spending $12,733 (2008)
Per Pupil Spending $14,545.16 (2010)
Website http://www.athensasd.k12.pa.us/

The Athens Area School District is a mid-sized, rural, public school district which serves the Borough of Athens and Ridgebury Township, Athens Township, Smithfield Township, Ulster Township and Sheshequin Township in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. Athens Area School District encompasses approximately 178 square miles (460 km2). Per 2000 federal census data, the district serves a resident population of 15,533. According to District officials, in school year 2007–08 the Athens Area School District provided basic educational services to 2,343 pupils through the employment of 197 teachers, 100 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 15 administrators. Athens Area School District received more than $16.4 million in state funding in school year 2007–08. According to District officials, in 2009–10, the district provided basic educational services to 2,259 pupils. In 2010 it employed: 191 teachers, 101 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 12 administrators. Athens Area School District received more than $16.9 million in state funding for school year 2009–10.

In 2012, Athens Area School District restructured the schools to: W.R. Croman Primary School K-2; Troy Intermediate School 3–6; and Troy Area Junior/Senior High School 7–12.

The change was necessitated by steadily declining enrollment coupled with financial shortfalls. Since 2000 the district experienced a 348 pupil decline in enrollment. In particular, Ulster Elementary School and Harriet Child Elementary had exceptionally low enrollments. The Administration also reported a lack of teacher and program collaboration between elementary buildings. The Superintendent recommended a school realignment with school closings. The board chose to permanently close Mosherville Elementary School in April 2012.[3] In May 2011, the school board approved a plan to temporarily close Mosherville and Troy Elementary Center East and realign the remaining schools. The district operated seven schools in 2010, including Athens Area High School, Harlan Rowe Junior High School, SRU Middle School, Lynch Bustin Elementary School, Sheshequin Ulster Elementary School, Harriet Child Elementary School and Gladys Burnham Elementary School.

Academic achievement

Athens Area School District was ranked 367th out of the 498 ranked Pennsylvania school districts in 2012 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated by the last three years of PSSA results in: reading, writing, mathematics and science.

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Athens Area School District ranked 311th. In 2011, the district was 299th. [8] 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."[9]

In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Athens Area School District, was in the 32nd percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0–99; 100 is state best)[10]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Athens Area School District declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in 5 of its schools.[11] In 2011 and 2010, Athens Area School District achieved AYP status under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[12] 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.[13]

Graduation rate

In 2012, Athens Area School District's graduation rate was 89%. In 2011, Athens Area School District graduation rate was 86%.[15] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Athens Area High School's rate was 86% for 2010.[16]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

Athens Area High School

Athens Area High School is located at 401 West Frederick Street, Athens. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 558 pupils in grades 10th through 12th, with 172 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 44 teachers in 2010 yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[20] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[21]

In 2012, Athens Area High School was in Warning status.[22] In 2011, Athens Area High School improved to achieving AYP status.[23] Athens Area High School was in Making Progress: in School Improvement I status in 2010.[24] The school was in School Improvement I due to chronically low student achievement in 2009.[25] Under No Child Left Behind the school administration was required to notify parents of the poor achievement and offer to transfer the child to a successful school with in the District. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Education required the administration to develop a plan for raising student achievement which had to be submitted for approval.

PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading:
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:

College Remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 23% of Athens Area School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[39] 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.[40] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

The 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 both 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.[41] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[42] For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $71,504 for the program.

Graduation requirements

The Athens Area School Board requires a minimum of 25 credits for graduation, including classes in Health and Physical Education, 4 credits in English, 3 credits in Science, 3.00 credits in Mathematics, 3.00 credits in Social Studies, and 10.00 credits in Pathways Electives.[43]

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.[44] In ninth grade the students complete a career exploration activity, including giving a multimedia presentation. The student must also engage in 15 hours of community service and participate in career shadowing.[45]

By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the graduating class in 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.[46]

SAT scores

From January to June 2011, 92 Athens Area High School students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 488. The Math average score was 500. The Writing average score was 474.[47] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[48] 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.[49]

Junior high school

In 2012, the middle schools were combined into a junior high school operated as part of the high school. In 2011, Harlan Rowe Junior High School achieved AYP status. SRU Athens Area Middle School SRU declined to School Improvement Status due to continuing low student achievement. In 2010, the school was in Warning status.[50]

PSSA Results:

8th Grade Reading:

  • 2012 - 74% (15% below basic). State - 79% [51]
  • 2011 - 74% (13% below basic). State - 81.8%.[52]
  • 2010 - 74% (13% below basic). State - 81%

8th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 74% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 76% [53]
  • 2011 - 79% (8% below basic). State - 76.9%
  • 2010 - 72% (13% below basic). State - 75% [54]

8th Grade Science:

7th Grade Reading:

  • 2012 - 71% on grade level (11% below basic). State – 76%
  • 2011 - 74% (11% below basic). State – 76%
  • 2010 - 70% (12% below basic). State - 73%

7th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 76% on grade level (9% below basic). State - 80%
  • 2011 - 84% (7% below basic). State - 78.6%
  • 2010 - 78% (11% below basic). State - 77%

6th Grade Reading:

  • 2012 - 79% (9% below basic). State - 68%
  • 2011 - 74% (13% below basic). State - 69.9%

6th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 61% (16% below basic). State - 77%
  • 2011 - 58% (16% below basic). State - 78.8%

Elementary schools

Lynch-Bustin Elementary School is located at 253 Pennsylvania Avenue, Athens. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 601 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 284 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.[55] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[56] In 2012, Lynch-Bustin Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status.[57] In 2011, Lynch-Bustin Elementary School achieved AYP status.[58] In 2012, only 59% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th with 25% below basic. In math, 70% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 39% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 75% of the pupils were on grade level.[59]

Special education

In December 2010, Athens Area School District Administration reported that 411 pupils or 18.1% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 57.7% of identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 417 pupils or 18% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[60]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for special education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[61]

Athens Area School District received a $$1,383,146 supplement for special education services in 2010.[62]

For the 2011–12 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.[63] In 2012–13 the district was again level funded by the Commonwealth.

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 22 or 0.91% of its students were identified as gifted in 2009.[64] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness must also be considered for eligibility.[65]

Bullying and school safety

The Athens Area School District administration reported there were 12 incidents of bullying in the district in 2009. The administration also reported there were 4 incidents of sexual harassment and 2 arrests. Two students were assigned to alternative education.[66][67]

The district has not provided its antibullying policy online. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.[68] 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.[69]

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.[70]

Preschool

Beginning in 2007, the district offered a taxpayer-funded preschool program. In addition to educational activities the program provided free meals and transportation to income eligible four-year-olds. The Gladys Burnham Elementary School preschool program replicated the federally funded Head Start program which is locally available. The Pre K Counts state grant funded the program in part. In 2011, the program was ended due to local budget constraints.[71] For the 2011 school year, Pre-K Counts was funded at the 2010 levels of $83.6 million statewide in Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget,. The state also supplements the federal Head Start preschool program with an additional $37.6 million. Pre-K Counts funding was initiated during the Rendell administration. In 2007–08 the state funded Pre-K Counts at $75 million. Athens Area School District received funding in 2007–08.[72] In 2009–10 the district received $118,500 to provide preschool to 15 children.[73][74]

Budget

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Athens Area School District was $64,736.80 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $16,824 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $83,560.80.[75] 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.[76]

In 2011, the district's administration revised the curriculum and staffing to adapt to a decline in state and federal funding. The plan discontinued programs and decreased teacher staffing by 16 positions.[77][78]

In 2009, the district reports employing over 200 teachers with a starting salary of $42,968 with 187 days.[79] The average teacher salary was $62,018 while the maximum salary is $112,654.[80] As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation.[81] The teachers work 7 hours 30 minutes, including a prep period and a paid 30-minute lunch period. Teachers are paid 1.5 times their salary for time worked past the contracted hours. Additionally, Athens Area School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, a Group Income Protection Plan, 3 paid personal days, 10 sick days which accumulate, 2 paid alternate religious holidays, 5 paid bereavement days and other benefits. Teachers receive a terminal leave payment which includes payment for unused sick days. Retiring teachers can receive an up to $13,000 bonus. The district provides the teachers' union with 15 paid days to perform union business, including travel outside the district. The union pays for a substitute teacher.[82] According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.[83]

In 2007, the Athens Area School District employed 179 teachers and the average teacher salary in the district was $53,377 for 180 days worked.[84]

The district administrative costs in 2008 were $807.66 per pupil. This ranked 188th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[85]

In 2008, Athens Area School District reported spending $12,733 per pupil. This ranked 193rd in the commonwealth.[86]

In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the school board and administration.[87]

The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1.56%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the income level.[88]

State basic education funding

In 2011–12, the district will receive $10,880,801 in state Basic Education Funding. This was a 5.42% increase in funding from the 2010–11 state BEF level.[89][90] Additionally, the district will receive $179,024 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011–2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011.[91] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 984 Athens Area School District students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2010–2011 school year.

For the 2010–11 budget year, Athens Area School District received a 2.92% increase in state basic education funding for a total of $11,644,363. In Bradford County, the highest increase went to Towanda Area School District which received an 6.36% increase in state funding. Two Bradford County school districts received the base 2% funding increase. One hundred fifty school districts in Pennsylvania received the 2% base increase for budget year 2010–11. The highest increase in the state was given to Kennett Consolidated School District of Chester County which was given a 23.65% increase in state funding.[92] The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the budget proposal made in February each year.[93]

In the 2009–2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.97% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $11,312,693. The state Basic Education Funding to the Athens Area School District in 2008–09 was $10,880,769.09. Seventy school districts in Pennsylvania received the minimum base increase of 2 percent. The highest increase in Bradford County went to Towanda Area School District which received an 8.43% increase. Muhlenberg School District of Berks County received the highest Basic Education Funding increase in Pennsylvania – an increase of 22.31 percent. Sixteen Pennsylvania school districts received an increase in funding of over 10 percent in 2009.[94] The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the budget proposal made in February each year.[95]

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 949 Athens Area School District students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2008–2009 school year.[96]

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 by 2011. 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, Athens Area School District applied for and received $485,916 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The funding was used pay for the extra teachers to provide all-day kindergarten for the 7th year.[97][98]

Education Assistance grant

The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010–11 the School District received $49,920.[99]

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. Athens Area School District was denied funding in 2006–07. In 2007–08 the district received $215,494 in funding. For the 2008–09, school year the district received $45,413. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[100] In Bradford County the highest award was given to Troy Area School District which received $449,423. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide due to a massive state financial crisis.

PreK Counts grant

Athens Area School District receives state funding to provide preschool at the elementary schools. For the 2011 school year, Pre-K Counts was funded at the 2010 levels of $83.6 million statewide in Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget,. The state also supplements the federal Head Start preschool program with an additional $37.6 million. Pre-K Counts funding was initiated during the Rendell administration. In 2007–08 the state funded Pre-K Counts at $75 million. School District received funding in 2007–08.[101] In 2009–10 the district received $118,500 to provide preschool to 15 children.[102][103]

Federal stimulus grant

The Athens Area School District received $3,749,755 in ARRA – Federal stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[104][105] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010–2011 school years.[106] 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

School district officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[107] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success.[108] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[109] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[110]

Common Cents state initiative

The Athens Area School District School Board participated in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.[111] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes. The report found multiple opportunities for savings.[112]

Real estate taxes

Athens Area School Board set the property taxes rate at 46.41 mils for the 2012–13 school year.[113] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Property taxes in 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. 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. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Pennsylvania district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75–85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[114]

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.[122] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[123] Several 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.[124][125]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Athens Area School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.[126]

For the 2012–13 budget year, Athens Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012–2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[128]

For the 2011–12 school year the Athens Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Athens Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[129]

According to a state report, for the 2011–2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.[130]

Athens Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009–10 or in 2010–11.[131][132] 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.[133]

Property tax relief

In 2011, property tax relief for 3,875 approved residents of Athens Area School District was set at $239.[134] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Athens Area School District was $241 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 3,835 property owners applied for the tax relief.[135] The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption.[136]

Enrollment and consolidation

In 2010 the Pennsylvania Department of Education projected that Athens Area School District enrollment will continue to decline over the next decade to 1800 pupils in 2020.[137]

A Standard and Poors study found that an optimal Pennsylvania school district size, to conserve administrative costs, was 3000 pupils. Consolidation of administrations with an adjacent school district would achieve substantial administrative cost savings for people in both communities.[138] According to a 2009 proposal by Governor Edward Rendell, the excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improving high school student academic achievement, enriching the curriculum programs or to reducing local property taxes.[139]

In March 2011, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Fiscal Responsibility Task Force released a report which found that consolidating school district administrations with one neighboring district would save the Commonwealth $1.2 billion without forcing the consolidation of any school buildings.[140] The study noted that while the best school districts spent 4% of the annual budget on administration, others spend over 15% on administration.[141]

More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania are projected to experience significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).[142] Pennsylvania Department of Education data shows that from 1999–2000 to 2008–09 there has been a 12 percent increase in public school staff even as there was a 1 percent decline in enrollment. Pennsylvania schools added 17,345 professional employees and 15,582 support workers over this time, while enrollment declined by 26,960.[143] Total public school enrollment in 2009 was 1,787,351 pupils.

Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity.[144] In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools.[145]

Governance

The school district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[146] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "F" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.[147]

Extracurriculars

The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive sports program. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies.

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 District's extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[148]

Athens Area School District offers a Driver's Education program for all students. This is a paid course at the cost of $250.

Sports

The District funds the following varsity sports:

Boys
  • Baseball - AA
  • Basketball - AAA
  • Cross Country - AA
  • Football - AA
  • Golf - AA
  • Soccer - AA
  • Swimming and Diving - AA
  • Track and Field - AA
  • Wrestling - AA
Girls
  • Basketball - AAA
  • Cross Country - AA
  • Golf - AA
  • Soccer (Fall) - AA
  • Softball - AAA
  • Swimming and Diving - AA
  • Track and Field - AAA
  • Volleyball - AA

A typical cafeteria menu offering at Athens Area Schools could be: chicken nuggets with a bread slice, ham and cheese quesadilla, steamed peas, applesauce, and milk.[150]

References

  1. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Athens Area School District Enrollment and Projections".
  2. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tuition rates per LEA, 2011
  3. ↑ Hrin, Eric., Troy permanently closes Mosherville School Also accepts resignation of school board member, The Daily Review, April 18, 2012
  4. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 3, 2011). "Pennsylvania Public School Rankings,". Archived from the original on July 23, 2011.
  5. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 30, 2010). "Pennsylvania Public School Rankings".
  6. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times. (May 23, 2008). "Pennsylvania Public School Rankings,".
  7. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times (May 23, 2007). "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County".
  8. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Overachivers Ranking Information, April 6, 2012
  9. ↑ "Overachiever statewide ranking". Pittsburgh Business Times. May 6, 2010.
  10. ↑ The Morning Call, 2009 PSSA RESULTS Athens Area School District, July 15, 2011
  11. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Athens Area School District AYP Overview 2012".
  12. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Athens Area School District AYP Overview 2011, September 29, 2011
  13. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Public School District AYP History, 2011
  14. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania District AYP History 2003–2010, 2011
  15. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Athens Area School District AYP Data Table 2012, September 21, 2012
  16. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented".
  17. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (February 2011). "Athens Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 AYP data table".
  18. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Athens Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2009".
  19. ↑ Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. "High School Graduation rate 2007". Retrieved January 31, 2011.
  20. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data - High School, 2010
  21. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Athens Area High School, September 29, 2011
  22. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Athens Area High School AYP Overview 2012, September 21, 2012
  23. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Athens Area High School AYP Overview, September 29, 2011
  24. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Athens Area School District AYP status".
  25. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Athens Area High School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2009".
  26. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2012). "2011–2012 PSSA and AYP Results".
  27. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010–2011 PSSA and AYP Results".
  28. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results".
  29. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "2008 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results".
  30. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Athens Area High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012" (PDF).
  31. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Athens Area High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011
  32. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Athens Area High School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2010" (PDF).
  33. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results".
  34. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2007). "Report on Math and Reading PSSA 2007 by School and Grade".
  35. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010–2011 PSSA results in Science".
  36. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2010). "Report on Science PSSA 2009 by Schools.".
  37. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2009). "Report Science PSSA 2009 by Schools.".
  38. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2008). "Report on Science PSSA 2008 by Schools.".
  39. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report".
  40. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics
  41. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Dual Enrollment Guidelines".
  42. ↑ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (March 2010). "Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement".
  43. ↑ Athens Area School District (July 31, 2008). "Athens Area School District Strategic Plan – Academics and Assessment Chapter 4" (PDF).
  44. ↑ "Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements".
  45. ↑ Athens Area School District Administration (2011). "Athens Area School Graduation Project".
  46. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview".
  47. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011". Archived from the original on October 15, 2011.
  48. ↑ College Board (September 2011). "SAT Scores State By State - Pennsylvania". Archived from the original on October 8, 2011.
  49. ↑ "While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady". NJ.com. September 2011.
  50. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Athens Area School District AYP Overview 2011, September 29, 2011
  51. ↑ Pittsburgh Post Gazette (October 15, 2012). "How is your school doing?".
  52. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Athens Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2011" (PDF).
  53. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Athens Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2012" (PDF).
  54. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (September 14, 2010). "2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing Results".
  55. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data – Lynch Bustin Elementary School, 2010
  56. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Lynch-Bustin Elementary School, September 29, 2011
  57. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Lynch-Bustin Elementary School AYP Overview 2012, September 21, 2012
  58. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Lynch-Bustin Elementary School AYP Overview, September 29, 2011
  59. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Lynch-Bustin Elementary School Report Card 2012" (PDF).
  60. ↑ Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education (January 31, 2011). "Athens Area School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets School Year 2008–2009" (PDF).
  61. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Special Education Funding".
  62. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011".
  63. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Education Funding 2011–2012 Fiscal Year".
  64. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (Revised December 1, 2009 Child Count (Collected July 2010)). "Gifted Students as Percentage of Total Enrollment by School District/Charter School" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  65. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board. "CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students". Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  66. ↑ Pennsylvania Office of Safe Schools. "Athens Area School District School Safety Annual Report 2008–2009" (PDF). Retrieved February 8, 2011.
  67. ↑ "Pennsylvania Safe Schools Online Reports". February 2011.
  68. ↑ "Regular Session 2007–2008 House Bill 1067, Act 61 Section 6 page 8".
  69. ↑ "Center for Safe Schools of Pennsylvania, Bullying Prevention advisory". Retrieved January 2011. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  70. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Academic Standards".
  71. ↑ Gladys Burnham Pre-K marks end of program, The News – Daily Review, June 22, 2011
  72. ↑ Governor's Press Office (August 10, 2007). "Governor Rendell Announces Grants for 'Pre-K Counts' Early Childhood Initiative".
  73. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Pennsylvania PreK Counts End of Year Report 2009–10" (PDF).
  74. ↑ Office of Child Development and Early Learning (2009). "Early Childhood Programs - PreK Counts".
  75. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "Investing in Pennsylvania Students".
  76. ↑ American Enterprise Institute (2011). "Assessing the Compensation of Public School Teachers". Archived from the original on January 3, 2013.
  77. ↑ Douglas Ulkins (May 9, 2011). "Athens Area School District Community Budget Meeting 2011" (PDF).
  78. ↑ "Athens Area School District Resolution School Reorganization" (PDF). May 24, 2011.
  79. ↑ "Pa. Public School Salaries, 2009". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved July 2011. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  80. ↑ "Athens Area School Payroll report". openpagov. Archived from the original on November 19, 2010. Retrieved July 13, 2011.
  81. ↑ Teachers need to know enough is enough, PaDelcoTimes, April 20, 2010.
  82. ↑ "Athens Area School District Teachers Union Employment Contract 2011" (PDF).
  83. ↑ "Legislature must act on educators' pension hole.". The Patriot News. February 21, 2010.
  84. ↑ Fenton, Jacob. "Average classroom teacher salary in Bradford County, 2006–07". The Morning Call. Retrieved March 2009. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  85. ↑ Fenton, Jacob. "Average classroom teacher salary in Washington County, 2006–07". The Morning Call. Retrieved March 2009. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  86. ↑ "Per Pupil Spending in Pennsylvania Public Schools in 2008 Sort by Administrative Spending".
  87. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General (January 2010). "ATHENS AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT BRADFORD COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT,".
  88. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (2009). "Income Tax Information".
  89. ↑ Pennsylvania Department ofEducation (July 2011). "Pennsylvania 2011–2012 Estimated Basic Education Funding".
  90. ↑ PA Senate Appropriations Committee (June 28, 2011). "School District 2011–12 funding Report".
  91. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding 2011–2012 Fiscal Year".
  92. ↑ Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee (June 2010). "PA Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010–2011".
  93. ↑ "Governor's Budget Proposal for 2009–2010". Retrieved October 11, 2009.
  94. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Basic Education Funding Report by School District. October 2009
  95. ↑ "Pennsylvania Budget Proposal 2009–10,". February 2009.
  96. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Pennsylvania Department of Education Funding Report by LEA 2009".
  97. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant report 2010, Grantee list 2010".
  98. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report".
  99. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Educational Assistance Program Funding 2010–2011 Fiscal Year".
  100. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General (December 22, 2008). "Special Performance Audit Classrooms For the Future grants" (PDF).
  101. ↑ Governor's Press Office (August 10, 2007). "Governor Rendell Announces Grants for 'Pre-K Counts' Early Childhood Initiative".
  102. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Pennsylvania PreK Counts End of Year Report 2009–10" (PDF).
  103. ↑ Office of Child Development and Early Learning (2009). "Early Childhood Programs - PreK Counts".
  104. ↑ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Athens Area School District ARRA FUNDING Report".
  105. ↑ ProPublica (2009). "Recovery Tracker Eye on the stimulus".
  106. ↑ "School stimulus money". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. March 12, 2009.
  107. ↑ Governor's Press Office. (January 20, 2010). "Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support,".
  108. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchek (December 2009). "Pennsylvania Race to the Top Letter to Superintendents".
  109. ↑ Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support
  110. ↑ Race to the Top Fund, U.S. Department of Education, March 29, 2010.
  111. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Common Cents program – Making Every Dollar Count". Retrieved February 1, 2011.
  112. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2011). "Common Cents – Making Every Dollar Count".
  113. ↑ Renko, Amanda (June 14, 2012). "Athens school board approves budget".
  114. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2004). "Act 511 Tax Report".
  115. ↑ Al Robinson (May 11, 2011). "Athens school board adopts 2011–12 budget, names Fauver boys' basketball coach".
  116. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. (2010). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
  117. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. (2009). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
  118. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Pennsylvania School District Real Estate Tax Rates 2008–09".
  119. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (2008). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
  120. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (2007). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
  121. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (2008). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
  122. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education 2010–11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines.
  123. ↑ Kaitlynn Riely (August 4, 2011). "Law could restrict school construction projects". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  124. ↑ Pennsylvania General Assembly (June 29, 2011). "SB330 of 2011".
  125. ↑ Eric Boehm (July 1, 2011). "Property tax reform final piece of state budget". PA Independent.
  126. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2010). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006–2007 through 2011–2012,".
  127. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2012–2013 School District Adjusted Index, May 2012
  128. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2012–2013, March 30, 2012
  129. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information".
  130. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2011). "Report on Exceptions".
  131. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2010). "Pennsylvania SSAct1_Act1 Exceptions Report 2010–2011 April 2010".
  132. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2009). "Pennsylvania SSAct1 Exception requests Report_2009-2010_May 2009".
  133. ↑ Scarcella, Frank & Pursell, Tricia (May 25, 2010). "Local school tax assessments exceed state averages". The Daily Item.
  134. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 3, 2010). "Tax Relief per Homestead".
  135. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 1, 2009). "Estimated Tax Relief Per Homestead and Farmstead 2009" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 18, 2011.
  136. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General Office (February 23, 2010). "Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief,".
  137. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "PA Enrollment Projections".
  138. ↑ Standard and Poor's School Evaluation Services (2007). "Study of the cost-effectiveness of consolidating Pennsylvania School Districts,".
  139. ↑ Edward Rendell; Governor and Mary Soderberg; Secretary of the Budget. (February 2009). "2009–10 Executive Budget Facts Pennsylvania School District Consolidation,".
  140. ↑ "Report of the Fiscal Responsibility Task Force" (PDF). Retrieved April 2011. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  141. ↑ Jeff Blumenthal (March 7, 2011). "Pennsylvania accountants share budget-cutting ideas". Pennsylvania Business Journal.
  142. ↑ The Center for Rural Pennsylvania. (October 2009). "Research Analyzes Rural School District Enrollment and Building Capacity" (PDF).
  143. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Enrollment data and Public School Staffing data.
  144. ↑ Rendell, E. & Soderberg, M. (2009). Pennsylvania school district consolidation. 2009–10 Executive Budget Fast Facts. Pennsylvania Office of the Governor.
  145. ↑ Study of the cost-effectiveness of consolidating Pennsylvania districts. New York: Standard & Poor’s School Evaluation Services. 2007, p. 6.
  146. ↑ Pennsylvania Public School Code Governance 2010
  147. ↑ The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives. "The Pennsylvania Project". Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  148. ↑ Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities,".
  149. ↑ Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (2012). "PIAA School Directory".
  150. ↑ https://docs.google.com/a/gwmail.gwu.edu/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=YXRoZW5zYXNkLmsxMi5wYS51c3xhYXNkfGd4OjMyMDQ2NzFjOGYxZWI0YzQ
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