Dallastown Area School District

Dallastown Area School District
"Dedication to Excellence"
Address
700 New School Lane Dallastown, Pennsylvania, York County 17313 United States
Information
Type	Public
School board	9 locally elected
Superintendent	Dr. Ronald Dyer, Ed.D (hired June 2012 for 4 year contract) [1]
Specialist	Dr. Joshua A. Doll, Asst. Superintendent
Administrator	Devlin, Donna, Business Manager (salary $120,018 in 2012) Hoefler-Weaver, Miranda, Director of Accounting Services Senft, Wayne (salary $110,616 in 2012) Harrison, Jason, Director of Management Info Sys salary $98,730 in 2012) Bahn, Duane, Director of Buildings & Grounds Shirey, Scott, Coordinator of Federal Programs and Curriculum Brousseau, Susan, Director of Special Education, (salary $95,999 in 2012)
Director	Pocalyko, Jeanne, Director of Human Resources (salary $134,639 in 2012)
Principal	Dr. Kevin Duckworth
Principal	Dr. Erin Heffler
Principal	Doll, Joshua (salary $123,540 in 2012)
Principal	Patterson, Charles, DES & LHES, (salary $117,870 in 2012)
Faculty	399 in 2010; 408 in 2011 [2]
Grades	K-12
Age	5 years old to 21 years for special education
Pupils	6,118 (2012), 6,037 pupils (2011)[3]
• Kindergarten	469
• Grade 1	363
• Grade 2	454
• Grade 3	449
• Grade 4	468
• Grade 5	502
• Grade 6	491
• Grade 7	509
• Grade 8	456
• Grade 9	491
• Grade 10	452
• Grade 11	450
• Grade 12	483
Color(s)	Blue and White
Mascot	Wildcats
Budget	$90 million 2012-13 [4]
Per Pupil Spending	$12,645 (2008)
Website	Dallastown Area School District website

The Dallastown Area School District is a large, suburban, public school district serving the Boroughs of Dallastown, Jacobus, Loganville, and Yoe and Springfield Township and York Township in York County, Pennsylvania. The district covers 52.5-square-mile (136 km²). There were approximately 35,000 residents in 2009.^[5] The US Census reported that the population had increased to 41,142 people in 2010.^[6] According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the Dallastown Area School District provided basic educational services to 5,977 pupils through the employment of 424 teachers, 232 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 31 administrators. Dallastown Area School District received more than $16.1 million in state funding in school year 2007-08.

Dallastown Area School District operates five elementary schools (K-3), one intermediate school (4-6), one middle school (7-8), and one high school (9-12).

Governance

Dallastown Area School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members elected from 3 regions^[7] (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.^[8] 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 Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "B-" 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.^[9]

Academic achievement

Dallastown Area School District was ranked 80th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2013 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on the last three years of student academic achievement on the PSSA results on: reading, writing, math and science.^[10] 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.

• 2012 - 84th ^[11]
• 2011 - 96th ^[12]
• 2010 – 81st ^[13]
• 2009 – 93rd
• 2008 – 93rd
• 2007 – 105th of 500 school districts in Pennsylvania.^[14]

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Dallastown Area ranked 274th. 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."^[15]

• 2011 - 271st
• 2010 - 236th
• 2099 - 318th

District AYP status history

In 2012, Dallastown Area School District declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in mathematics.^[16] In 2010 and 2011, Dallastown Area School District achieved AYP status under No Child Left Behind.^[17] 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. Dallastown Area School District achieved AYP status every year from 2003 through 2009.

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Dallastown Area School District was in the 80th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania school districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best) ^[18]

Graduation rate

In 2012, Dallastown Area High School graduation rate was 94%.^[19] In 2011, the Dallastown Area High School graduation rate was 97%.^[20] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Dallastown Area High School's rate was 95% for 2010.^[21]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 – 96%^[22]
• 2009 – 97%^[23]
• 2008 – 93%
• 2007 – 93%^[24]
• 2006 – 94%^[25]

High school

Dallastown Area High School is located at 700 New School Lane, Dallastown. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 1,896 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 250 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 127 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.^[26][27]

In 2012, Dallastown Area Senior High School declined further to School Improvement AYP status due to lagging achievement in reading and mathematics. The school missed 5 out of 8 academic metrics measured.^[28] The Administration was required to develop a school improvement plan to address the academic issues. The PDE required the administration submit the plan for approval. School Improvement funds were available to fund reforms. Additionally, under No Child LEft BEhind, the school was mandated to inform the parents of the low academic achievement.

In 2011, Dallastown Area Senior High School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics.^[29] In 2010, the school achieved AYP status. In 2009, the high school was in Warning status due lagging IEP (Special Education) student achievement.^[30]

In 2010, Dallastown Area High School participated in the Accreditation for Growth (AFG) protocol through the Commission on Secondary Schools Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools which encourages and facilitates school improvement.

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 78% on grade level, (9% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[31]
• 2011 - 78% (8% below basic). State - 69.1%^[32]
• 2010 – 75% (13% below basic). State - 66% ^[33]
• 2009 – 77%, State – 65%^[34]
• 2008 – 74%, State – 65%^[35]
• 2007 – 75%, State – 65% ^[36]
• 2006 – 75%, State – 65% ^[37]
• 2005 – 80%, State – 65%

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 72% on grade level (13% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[38]
• 2011 - 73% (12% below basic). State - 60.3%^[39]
• 2010 – 59% (16% below basic). State - 59% ^[40]
• 2009 – 59%, State – 56%
• 2008 – 52%, State – 55%
• 2007 – 62%, State – 53%
• 2006 – 54%, State – 52%
• 2005 – 63%, State – 51%

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 60% on grade level (8% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[41]
• 2011 - 58% (10% below basic). State - 40% ^[42]
• 2010 – 55% (11% below basic). State – 57%^[43]
• 2009 – 58%, State – 40%
• 2008 – 39%, State – 39% ^[44]

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 26% of Dallastown Area Senior 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.^[45] 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.^[46] 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.

SAT scores

In 2012, 360 Dallastown Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 507. The Math average score was 515. The Writing average score was 501. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the USA, 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, 309 Dallastown Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 506. The Math average score was 506. The Writing average score was 493.^[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]

JROTC

Dallastown Area High School offers a Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) program. Which includes; Rifle Team, Cyberpatriot Team, Drill Team, Physical Fitness Team and an Academic Team. It has been a National Honors unit multiple years.

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 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.^[50] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.^[51] For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $33,637 for the program.^[52]

Graduation requirements

The Dallastown Area School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 26 credits to graduate, including: math 3 credits (Algebra 1 and Geometry), English 4 credits, social studies 3 credits, science 3 credits, Humanities - 2 credits, Physical Education 1.6 credits, Health .6 credits, Computer Applications .4 credits, Graduation Project 1 credit and electives 7 credits.^[53]

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.^[54] Students earn 1.0 credit towards graduation upon completion of the project.^[55]

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.^[56][57][58] 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.^[59] 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.^[60] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

Middle school

Dallastown Area Middle School is located at 700 New School Lane, Dallastown. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 1,380 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 102 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.^[61] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 3 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind, while 10 teachers had emergency certification.^[62] Dallastown Area Middle School has a variety of clubs outside of the classroom; including the following: Red Cross club, a chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, a school newspaper, student council, community clubs, homework clubs, a drama club, a musical, many music and art programs, and dozens of sports for both male and female students.

In 2012, Dallastown Area Middle School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in mathematics in most subgroups.^[63] In 2010 and 2011, Dallastown Area Middle School achieved AYP status.^[64] In 2010 and 2009, Dallastown Area Middle School reported a 95% attendance rate.^[65]

Eighth Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 89% on grade level (2% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.^[66]
• 2011 - 82%, 70% advanced. State - 81.8%
• 2010 – 91%, 63% advanced. State - 81% ^[67]
• 2009 – 91%, State – 80%
• 2008 – 89%, State – 78% ^[68]

8th grade Math:

• 2012 - 86% on grade level, 55% advanced. State - 76% ^[69]
• 2011 - 94%, 66% advanced. State - 76.9% ^[70]
• 2010 – 90%, 69% advanced. State - 75%
• 2009 – 86%, State – 71%^[71]
• 2008 – 88%, State – 70%^[72]

8th grade Science:

• 2012 - 76% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 77% (7% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 – 68% (14% below basic). State – 57%
• 2009 – 76%, State – 55%.^[73]
• 2008 – 69%, State – 52%

7th Grade Reading: 2012 - 90% on grade level, 57% advanced. State – 76% 2011 - 85%, 52% advanced. State – 76% 2010 – 86%, 57% advanced. State - 73% 2009 – 81%, State – 71% 2008 – 83%, State – 70%

7th grade Math: 2012 - 87% on grade level 62% advanced. State - 80% 2011 - 87%, 61% advanced. State - 78.6% 2010 – 88%, 64% advanced. State – 77% 2009 – 85%, State – 75% 2008 – 82%, State – 70%

6th Grade Reading 2010 – 74% on grade level, 45% advanced. State - 68% 2009 – 78%, State – 67% 2008 – 77%, State – 67%

6th Grade Math 2010 – 84% on grade level, 59% advanced. State – 78% 2009 – 82%, State – 75% 2008 – 81%, State −72%

Intermediate School

Dallastown Area Intermediate School is located at 94 Beck Road, York. In 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 1,369 pupils in grades 4th through 6th, with 404 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 91.5 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 16:1.^[74] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[75]

In 2011 and 2012, Dallastown Area Intermediate School achieved AYP status.^[76][77] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[75]

The school consists of three wings: a yellow wing, a blue wing, and a red wing, each with two floors. The Dallastown Intermediate School was completed in the fall of 2010.^[78]

PSSA Results

6th grade Reading 2012 - 83% (5% below basic). State - 68%[79] 2011 - 82% (4% below basic). State - 69.9% [80]

6th grade Math 2012 - 85% (2% below basic). State - 77% 2011 - 84% (5% below basic). State - 78.8%

5th grade Reading 2012 - 77% on grade level (6% below basic). State - 65% 2011 - 78% (5% below basic). State - 67.3%

5th grade Math 2012 - 84% (3% below basic). State - 73% 2011 - 85% (3% below basic). State - 74%

4th grade Reading 2012 - 86% (6% below basic). State - 72% 2011 - 84% (4% below basic), State – 73%

4th grade Math 2012 - 90%. 59% advanced. State - 82% 2011 - 91%, 51% advanced. State – 85%

4th grade Science

• 2012 - 89%, 58% advanced. State - 82%
• 2011 - 91%, 54% advanced. State - 83%

Elementary schools

The district operates: Dallastown Elementary School, Leader's Heights Elementary School, Loganville-Springfield Elementary School, Ore Valley Elementary School and York Township Elementary School, all of which now host students in grades K-3, since the intermediate school was built and opened in 2011.

Dallastown Elementary School

Dallastown Elementary School is located at 105 South Charles Street, Dallastown. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 175 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 66 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 14 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.^[81] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[82] In 2010 through 2012, Dallastown Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[83]

In 2012, 90% of the students at Dallastown Elementary School were reading on grade level in 3rd grades. In math, 90% of the students in 3rd grade were on grade level and 43% scored advanced. In 2010, 83% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 88% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 32% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils were on grade level.^[84]

Leaders Heights Elementary School

Leaders Heights Elementary School is located at 49 Indian Rock Dam Road, York. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 166 pupils in kindergarten through 3rd grade, with 26 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 12 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.^[85] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[86]

In 2010 through 2012, Leaders Heights Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[87] In 2011, 89% of the students were reading on grade level in 3rd grade. In math, 93% of the students in 3rd grade were on grade level and 67% scored advanced.^[88] In 2011, 100% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 100% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 81% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 100% of the pupils were on grade level.^[89]

Loganville-Springfield Elementary School

Loganville-Springfield Elementary School is located at 169 North Main Street, York. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 420 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 64 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 26 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 16:1.^[90] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[91]

In 2010 through 2012, Loganville-Springfield Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[92] In 2012, 94% of the students were reading on grade level in 3rd grade. In math, 96% of the students in 3rd grade were on grade level and 61% scored advanced.^[93] In 2011, 88% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 88% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 60% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils were on grade level.^[94]

Ore Valley Elementary School

Ore Valley Elementary School is located at 2620 Springwood Road, York. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 539 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 151 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 35 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.^[95] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[96]

In 2010 and 2011, Ore Valley Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2010 the school was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.^[97] In 2012, 82% of the students were reading on grade level in 3rd grade with 9% reading below basic. In math, 89% of the students in 3rd grade were on grade level and 56% scored advanced.^[98] In 2010, 83% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 84% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 54% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 88% of the pupils were on grade level.^[99]

York Township Elementary School

York Township Elementary School is located at 2500 South Queen Street, York. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 495 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 150 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 30 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 16:1.^[100] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[101]

In 2012 and 2011, York Township Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2010, York Township Elementary School was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement in reading.^[102][103] In 2012, 88% of the students were reading on grade level in 3rd grade. In math, 92% of the students in 3rd grade were on grade level and 52% scored advanced. In 2010, only 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 92% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 44% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 92% of the pupils were on grade level.

Special education

In December 2010, Dallastown Area School District Administration reported that 804 pupils or 13% of the district's pupils received Special Education services. Of those student who were identified 52% had a specific learning disability.^[104] In December 2009, the district administration reported that 773 pupils or 13% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.^[105]

The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who believe their child is eligible for services may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Director of Special Education.^[106]

The IDEA 2004 requires each school entity to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, including the student handbook and website regarding the availability of screening and intervention services and how to access them.

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.^[107] 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.^[108] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.^[109] 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.^[110]

The School District received a $2,431,168 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[111] 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.^[112]

Gifted education

Dallastown Area School District Administration reported that 228 students (3.83% of students) were gifted in 2009.^[113] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to a dual enrollment program 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 120 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.^[114] At the high school the students work on Independent Study Projects.^[115]

Wellness policy

The Dallastown Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 – Policy 246.^[116] 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.^[117] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the district's policy for approval.

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.^[118]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Dallastown Area School District was $76,214 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $15,074 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $91,288.^[119]

Dallastown Area School District employed 30 administrators, 437 instructional staff and 281 support staff in 2009.^[120] The district's average teacher's salary range was $78,237 with a top salary of $146,000.^[121] The current teacher contract is July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2013. The work year is 193 days of service with 182 student days. The teachers work 7 hours 45 minutes each day with a 30-minute duty-free lunch and a daily preparation period. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, professional development reimbursement, 3 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, up to 3 paid bereavement leave days per year, and other benefits.^[121][122]

In 2007, Dallastown Area School District employed 385 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $65,647 for 180 days worked.^[123] The average teacher salary in York County was $53,918. In 2007, the district's starting salary was $40,800 and the top teacher salary was $81,962 which was the highest in York County.^[124] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, life insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, paid sick days, a retirement severance, and other benefits.^[125]

Dallastown Area School District administrative costs was $601 per pupil in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 in 2008.^[126] In 2004, the Dallastown School Board awarded a four-year contract to Stewart Weinberg as superintendent with an initial salary of $130,000 and an extensive benefits package, including a defined benefits pension, health insurance, life insurance, and much more.^[127] The Pennsylvania School Board Association tracks salaries for Pennsylvania public school employees. It reports that in 2008 the average superintendent salary in Pennsylvania was $122,165.^[128] In 2007, the Average District Administrator salary in Dallastown School District was $98,274 which ranked fourth in York County. The Average School Administrator salary in Dallastown School District was $84,105 which ranked second in York County.^[129] In January 2008, the school board voted 5–4 to approve a new employment contract for Superintendent Weinberg. The basic package includes a base salary of $139,000 with a potential good will incentive of $19,000. The incentive includes a quarterly evaluation process which is a fairly innovative concept in the state. The three-year contract begins July 1, 2008.^[130] Superintendent of school, Dr. Stewart Weinberg received an annual salary of $146,000 in 2009. In January 2012, Dr Weinberg was unexpectedly asked to resign by the Dallastown Area School Board after a lengthy executive meeting.^[131][132]

Reserves In 2008, Dallastown Area School District reported $8,797,476.00 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $3,371,834.00.^[133] In 2010, Dallastown Area School Board voted to use $1 million of the undesignated fund balance to balance a $90.9 million 2010 final budget. Additionally, the Board designated $500,000 be reserved to cover future pension costs and $800,000 be reserved for increasing energy costs.^[134] In 2009 the district reported it had accumulated over $14 million in reserves.^[135] In 2010, Dallastown Area Administration reported $11,741,530 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance and $2,505,627 in its designated fund. 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. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.^[136]

Per pupil spending Dallastown Area School District administration reported that per pupil spending in 2008 was $12,645 which ranked 206th in the state' 501 school districts.^[137] In 2010, the per pupil spending had increased to $13,730.23 ^[138] Among the states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[139] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.^[140]

Audit In April 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the Dallastown Area School District. Findings were reported to the school board and administration.^[141]

Tuition Students who live in the Dallastown Area 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 Dallastown Area 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 Dallastown Area School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $10,405.96, High School - $10,559.77 .^[142]

APA Study According to an extensive study of York County school districts conducted by APA Associates in 2008, Dallastown Area School District achieved a −1 rating based on Performance and Relative Efficiency. Central York School District and Northeastern York School District ranked +10 and 11 of 16 York County district achieved a positive rating.^[124]

Dallastown Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local income tax - 1% revenues shared with some local municipalities,^[143] a local property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.50%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the individual's level of wealth.^[144]

State basic education funding

For the 2012-13 school year, Dallastown Area School District received $8,070,112 in state Basic Education Funding.^[145] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 includes $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which is an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. The state also provides $100 million for the Accountability Block grant. Dallastown Area School District received $183,342 in ABG funds. The state will also provide $544.4 million for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[146] This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett’s first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

For the 2011–12 school year, Dallastown Area School District received $7,887,577 in state Basic Education Funding.^[147][148] Additionally, the district also received $183,342 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011–2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.^[149] Districts experienced a reduction in funding due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011. In 2010, the district reported that 1,133 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010–11 budget year, the Dallastown Area School District received a 3.96% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $8,206,469. 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.^[150] 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 then Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education, Gerald Zahorchak, through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.^[151] This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009–10 school budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $8,042,956 to the Dallastown Area School District.^[152] 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.^[153] Dallastown Area School District was allotted the lowest Basic Education Funding increase in York County for the 2009–10 school year. 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 were given the base 2% increase. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.^[154] 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. 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.^[155][156]

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 886 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.^[157] The state Basic Education funding to the District in 2008–09 was $7,717,639.96.

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 public 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 Dallastown Area School District applied for and received $497,637 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The District used the funding to provide full day kindergarten (seventh year) and teacher training through coaching.^[158][159]

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Classroom for the Future state grant and training 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). Additionally, the grant paid for mandatory teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006–2009. Dallastown Area School District was denied funding 2006–07. In 2007–08, the district received $315,540 and $54,026 in 2008–09 for a total funding of $369,566.^[160] Among York County schools, the highest funding ($1,023,131) went to West Shore School District. 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 by Governor Rendell due to a massive state financial crisis.

Other grants

Dallastown Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education grants, PA Science Its Elementary grants, Education Assistance Grants, 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, nor the 21st Century learning grants.

Federal funding

According to the Pennsylvania Economy League, in 2005 Pennsylvania schools received, on average, only about 4% of their revenues from the federal government. The remaining 96% is split between local and state revenue sources.^[161]

Federal Stimulus Grant – The district received an extra $2,260,593 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[162] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.^[163] 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

Dallastown Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district up to one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Central York was one of six York County school districts that applied to participate.^[164] 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.^[165]

Common Cents state initiative

The Dallastown Area School Board did not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.^[166] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2012-13 were set by the school board at 22.2600 mills.^[4] 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. On the local level, Pennsylvania district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75–85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.^[167] When the school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, necessitating a state tax board equalization of the tax rates between the counties.^[168] In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.^[169]

• 2011-12 - 22.2600 mills ^[170]
• 2010-11 - 22.2600 mills ^[171]
• 2009-10 - 22.2600 mills ^[172]
• 2008-09 - 20.8400 mills.^[173]
• 2007-08 - 19.8100 mills.^[174]
• 2006-07 - 18.8100 mills.^[175]
• 2006-07 - 18.8100 mills.^[176]
• 2005-06 - 21.7400 mills.^[177]

The average yearly property tax paid by York County residents amounts to about 4.01% of their yearly income. York County ranked 434th of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[178] 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.^[179] 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%).^[180]

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.^[181] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.^[182] 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.^[183][184]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Dallastown Area School District 2006–2007 through 2010–2011.^[185]

2006–07 – 4.5%, Base 3.9% 2007–08 – 3.9%, Base 3.4% 2008–09 – 5.2%, Base 4.4% 2009–10 – 4.8%, Base 4.1% 2010–11 – 3.4%, Base 2.9%

2011–12 – 1.6%, Base 1.4%[186] 2012-13 - 2.0%, Base 1.7% [187] 2013-14 - 2.1%, Base 1.7% [188]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Dallastown 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.^[189]

For the 2011–12 school year, the Dallastown Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the Dallastown 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.^[190]

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.^[191] With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly repealed most of the Act 1 tax increase exceptions leaving only special education costs, pension costs and prior voter approved (ballot referendum) debt for construction. The cost of construction projects in the future will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum. Districts can no longer raise property taxes to cover increasing health insurance costs for employees.^[192]

Dallastown Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011.^[193] 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.^[194]

Property tax relief

In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Dallastown Area School District was $127 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 10,819 property owners applied for the tax relief.^[195] In 2009, the district's property tax relief amount was set at $128 to 10,750 approved homestead owners. In 2010 within York County, the highest amount went to York City School District set at $495 per approved homestead.^[196] 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 $641 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the third year they were the top recipient. CUSD was given $632 in 2009.

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.

Extracurriculars

The district offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board.^[197] The district is part of the York-Adams League for sports. In 2007–08 the district spent $910,900 on athletics. By 2009–10 the district had raised athletics related spending to $1,220464. In 2011–12 it has budgeted $1,060,450 for athletics.^[198] The district does not charge an activity in 2011–12. In 2012–13 the school plans to institute a $15 activity fee to participate in sports.

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.^[199]

Sports

Dallastown Area High School and Middle School teams are part of the PIAA triple or quad A, District 3, and York/Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) Division I. In 2007, all of Dallastown Area High School's fall sports teams went on to compete in District III post-season play.

The District funds:

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

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

Middle School Sports

Boys Basketball Cross Country Football Soccer Track and Field Wrestling

Girls Basketball Cross Country Field Hockey Softball Track and Field Volleyball

According to PIAA Directory July 2012 ^[200]

Charity

Not only does the district take pride in its students' academic achievements, but it also takes pride in its large and supporting community, which host many organizations such as the Dallastown Dollars For Scholars, the Dallastown Educational Foundation, Gift of Time Auction, Communities that Care and the Middle School Guidance Clothing Closet.

Alma mater

"Upon a pleasant hillside stands one we love so true,
Our loyalty, oh high school to thee, we pledge anew.
Where'er our paths may lead us, Our praise to thee our will sound.
Forever we'll be faithful.
We love thee, our Dallastown,
We love thee dear Dallastown.
Though lonely and discouraged or tried by care and pain,
One thought of thee inspires us our courage to regain,
For still thy clinging memories within our hearts abound
To bind us to our high school
Forever, dear Dallastown,
We love thee, dear Dallastown."
Roberta Spatz
Prof. George Rohrer

Mission statement

The mission of the board of school directors and the staff of the Dallastown Area School District, in partnership with family and community, is to provide a safe, innovative, and challenging student-centered learning environment that will prepare each student to become a successful, ethical, responsible, and contributing citizen of this changing world.

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External links

• Dallastown Area School District website

Coordinates: 39°53′35″N 76°39′06″W / 39.89312°N 76.65171°W