Hanover Public School District

Governance

Hanover Public 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. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills. The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent regarding renewal of the employment contract.

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.

Academic achievement

In May 2015, the Pennsylvania Department of Education released a report identifying Hanover Senior High School as among the lowest achieving schools for reading and mathematics in the state. This was the second time the school had been listed. In July 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) released a report removing Hanover High School from the 15% lowest-achieving schools in the Commonwealth. The High School remained off the list in 2014. In July 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) released a report identifying one school in Hanover Public School District schools was among the lowest-achieving schools for reading and mathematics in 2011. Hanover High School was among the 15% lowest-achieving schools in the Commonwealth. York City School District was the only other York County public school district on the 2012 low achievement list. Parents and students may be eligible for scholarships to transfer to another public or nonpublic school through the state's Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program passed in June 2012. The scholarships are limited to those students whose family's income is less than $60,000 annually, with another $12,000 allowed per dependent. Maximum scholarship award is $8,500, with special education students receiving up to $15,000 for a year's tuition. Parents pay any difference between the scholarship amount and the receiving school's tuition rate. Students may seek admission to neighboring public school districts. Each year the PDE publishes the tuition rate for each individual public school district. Fifty three public schools in Allegheny County are among the lowest-achieving schools in 2011. According to the report, parents in 414 public schools (74 school districts) were offered access to these scholarships. For the 2012-13 school year, seven public school districts in Pennsylvania had all of their schools placed on the list, including: Sto-Rox School District, Chester Upland School District, Clairton City School District, Duquesne City School District, Farrell Area School District, Wilkinsburg Borough School District and Steelton-Highspire School District. Funding for the scholarships comes from donations by businesses which receive a state tax credit for donating. In 2014, Monessen City School District had all three of its schools added to the lowest achieving school list.

In 2015, Hanover Public School District ranked 394th out of 496 Pennsylvania public school districts, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking is based on the last 3 years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school. Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Hanover Public School District ranked 388th. 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."

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students in the Hanover Public School District was in the bottom 15th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania public schools. Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)

District AYP status history

In 2012, Hanover Public School District declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.

Graduation rate

In 2014, Hanover Public School District's graduation rate was 80%.

High school

Hanover Senior High School is located at 401 Moul Avenue, Hanover. In 2014, enrollment was reported as declining to 450 pupils in 8th through 12th grades, with 45.56% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 12% of pupils received special education services, while 2.9 of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 38 teachers. Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Hanover Senior High School reported an enrollment of 458 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 133 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 11:1. Ten of the school's teachers were rated Non-Highly Qualified under the No Child Left Behind. Nine (9) of the school's teachers were rated Non-Highly Qualified under No Child Left Behind.

Hanover Senior High School achieved 62.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 57% of the pupils were on grade level. In Algebra 1, just 57% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology, 36,5% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course. Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.

In both 2012 and 2011, Hanover Senior High School remained in Warning (AYP) status due to low student academic achievement in reading and mathematics. In 2010, Hanover Senior High School was also in Warning status due to the students' low academic achievement and its chronically low graduation rate.

Science in Motion Hanover Senior High School took advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate. Hanover Senior High School worked with Gettysburg College to provide the experiences.

Practical Nursing Program

The Hanover Public School District operates a Practical Nursing Program which qualifies graduates for the Practical Nursing Licensure Examination. The one-year program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nurse Examiners and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. In 2010 the graduation rate was 76%.

Dual enrollment

Hanover Senior High School does not offer a dual enrollment program. This state-funded 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. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.

Graduation requirements

Hanover Public School Board had determined that each student must complete a program of studies 26 credits to graduate, including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Math 3 credits, Science 3 credits, Fine Arts 1 credit, Practical Arts 1 credit, Health Safety education 1.5 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Computer Technology 1 credit, Speech 0.5 credit, Family Consumer Living 1 credit, Electives 4 credits.

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. The Culminating Project at Hanover Public School District requires the pupil to produce a product or complete 30 hours of community service.

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. 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. 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. 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.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 59% of Hanover 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. 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 graduates in three years. 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, 54 Hanover Public School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 466. The Math average score was 494. The Writing average score was 462. 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, 46 District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 487. The Math average score was 503. The Writing average score was 479. Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479. 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.

Hanover Middle School

Hanover Middle School is located at 300 Keagy Avenue, Hanover. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 502 pupils in grades 5th through 8th, with 228 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 39 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1. All of the teachers are rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind in 2011.

In 2012, Hanover Middle School declined to School Improvement II AYP status due to continuing low student achievement. In 2011, Hanover Middle School declined to School Improvement I AYP status due to chronic, low student achievement. In 2010 the school was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement. The attendance rate in 2011 was 95%, while in 2010 the rate was 96%.

Clearview Elementary School

Clearview Elementary School is located at 801 Randolph Street, Hanover. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 228 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 95 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 15 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1. Clearview Elementary School achieved AYP status in 2010 through 2012.

in 2012, Clearview Elementary School just 78% of the third and fourth graders were reading on grade level. Additionally, only seventy eight percent (78%) of third and 4th graders were on grade level in mathematics. In 4th grade, 78% of the students were on grade level in science. In 2011, Clearview Elementary School had just 70% of the third and fourth graders reading on grade level. Seventy eight percent (78%) were on grade level in mathematics. In 4th grade, 88% of the students were on grade level in science.

Hanover Street Elementary School

Hanover Street Elementary School is located at 101 East Hanover Street, Hanover. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Hanover Street Elementary School reported an enrollment of 257 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 131 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 18 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1. All of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.

Hanover Street Elementary School achieved AYP status in 2010 through 2012 despite inadequate student achievement in reading. In 2012, only 61% of the third and fourth grades achieved reading on grade level. Eighty six percent (86%) were on grade level in mathematics. In 4th grade, 76% of the students were on grade level in science. In 2011, Hanover Street Elementary School had 59.8% of the third and fourth grades reading on grade level. Seventy nine percent were on grade level in mathematics. In 4th grade, 72% of the students were on grade level in science.

Washington Elementary School

Washington Elementary School is located at 301 Moul Avenue, Hanover. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 200 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 61 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 14 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.

Washington Elementary School achieved AYP status in 2010 through 2012. In 2012, Washington Elementary School's 3rd and 4th grade students achieved only 67% reading on grade level. In mathematics, 81% of the 3rd and 4th graders achieved on grade level skills, while 57% were advanced. In science 76% were on grade level which was a sharp decline from 2011's 97%. In 2011, Washington Elementary School had 92% of the third and fourth grades reading on grade level. Ninety seven percent were on grade level in mathematics. In 4th grade, 97% of the students were on grade level in science.

Special education

In December 2010, Hanover Public School District Administration reported that 232 pupils or 13.9% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 46% of identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the District administration reported that 264 pupils or 16.6% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.

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 suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Department of Special Education. 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. 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. The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students. 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. In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.

Hanover Public School District received a $830,617 supplement for special education services in 2010. For the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010-11. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required. Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The District must apply for this added funding.

For the 2009-10 school year, Hanover Public School District was identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Least Restrictive Environment monitoring. Thirty public school districts were identified in 2009-10. The district received an alert letter from the PDE - Bureau of Special Education. School districts were placed in one of three categories: Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3. The district was placed in Tier 2 due to students spending less than 40% of the school day, in a regular education classroom. The monitoring is a product of the PDE addressing its voluntary settlement in Gaskin V. Pennsylvania which ordered that special education students spend most of their school day (80%) in regular education classrooms with supplementary aids and services to assist funded by the taxpayers.

In 2007, Hanover Public School District was identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Least Restrictive Environment monitoring. One hundred ninety six schools districts were selected in 2008-09. The District received an alert letter from the PDE - Bureau of Special Education. School districts were placed in one of three categories: Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3. The District was placed in Tier 3 due to students spending more than 60% of the school day, outside regular education. The monitoring is a product of the PDE addressing its voluntary settlement in Gaskin V. Pennsylvania which ordered that special education students spend most of their school day (80%) in regular education classrooms with supplementary aids and services to assist funded by the taxpayers. In 2010, the District was assigned to the Tier 2 monitoring list, due to students spending less than 40% of their day in a regular education classroom. Hanover Public School District received a letter of “Warning” letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Gifted education

Hanover Public School District Administration reported that 34 or 2.07% of its students were gifted in 2010. The District Administration reported that 29 or 1.74% of its students were gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.

Bullying policy school safety

In 2012, Hanover Public School District Administration reported there were 24 incidents of bullying in the district. Additionally, there were 31 incidents involving law enforcement, with 3 aggravated assaults in students. There were 2 arrests. In 2009, the administrative reported there were 28 incidents of bullying in the district.

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

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.

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.

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Hanover Public School District was $62,322.88 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $17,338.36 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $79,661.24. 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.

In 2009, the district reported employing over 280 teachers with a starting salary of $38,000 to $113,000 for a 190-day work year. The average teacher salary is $59,044. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, college course reimbursement, personal days 3, seeking public office leave, sick days - 10, $40 a day for unused sick days, and other benefits. Teachers are paid for extra instructional services at an hourly rate.

In 2007, the average teacher salary in the district was $53,388 for 180 days worked.

Hanover Public School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $1,105 per pupil. The district has the highest administrative spending in York County. Hanover Public School District ranks 40th among Pennsylvania's 500 districts for per pupil administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.

Per pupil Spending In 2010, the per pupil spending at Hanover Public School District was $14,492.79 The district reported that per pupil spending was $14,238 in 2008. This ranked 95th among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. In 2007, the state conducted a costing out study which estimated the amount of per pupil spending which, when achieved, would support each child being on grade level in all subjects. According to the study, Hanover Public School District should spend $12,553 per pupil to achieve student academic success.

APA study According to an extensive study of York County school districts conducted by APA Associates in 2008, Hanover Public County School District achieved a -9 rating based on Performance and Relative Efficiency. This was the lowest ranking achieved among the county's school districts. Central York School District and Northeastern York School District ranked +10. Eleven of 16 York County districts achieved a positive rating.

Reserves In 2008, Hanover Public School District reported a $4.1 million in an undesignated fund balance. In 2010, Hanover Public School District Administration reported $4,000,639.00 in its unreserved-undesignated fund balance and $881,000 in its Unreserved - Designated Fund. In 2012, the unreserved-undesignated fund was 2,122,013 or 7.75 of total budget. 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.

Audit In April 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the school board and administration.

Tuition Students who live in the Hanover Public 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 Hanover Public 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 Hanover Public School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School -$10,299.17, High School - $11,098.39.

Hanover Public School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 0.5%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, Occupation Tax at $10.00, a Per Capita Tax (Act 679) $5.00, a Per Capita Tax (Act 511) for $5.00; 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.

State basic education funding

For the 2012-13 school year, Hanover Public School District received $2,461,455. The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 included $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which was an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block grant program. Hanover Public School District received $72,846. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.

In 2011-12, Hanover Public School District received a $2,387,645, allocation, of state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, Hanover Public School District received $72,846 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011. 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. In 2010, the district reported that 690 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010-11 budget year, the Hanover Public School District was allotted an 8.39% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $2,597,963. This was the highest increase among York County school districts. Among all 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 basic education funding. 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 set by then Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.75% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $2,396,865 to Hanover Public School District. 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. Central York School District was allotted the highest 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. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.

The state Basic Education funding to the Hanover Public School District in 2008-09 was $2,266,646. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 572 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.

Accountability Block Grants

Beginning in 2004-2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania’s school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010-11, Hanover Public School District applied for and received $197,722 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The Hanover Public School District uses the funding to provide teacher training to improve instruction and to provide full-day kindergarten for 29 pupils who were identified as specifically benefiting from the added intervention, based on testing during registration.

Classrooms for the Future Grants

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Hanover Public School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07 or in 2007-08. The District received $78,545 in 2008-09. In York County the highest award was given to West Shore School District which received $1,023,131. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide due to a massive state financial crisis.

Other grants

The 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 Stimulus funding

Hanover Public School District received an extra $480,674 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of students from low income families. The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years. 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

Hanover Public School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant. When approved for the grant, the district would have received millions in 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. The District was one of six York County public school districts did apply to participate. 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.

Common Cents state initiative

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

Real estate taxes

Hanover Public School Board levied a real estate tax of 19.4500 mills in 2012-13. 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. When the school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties. 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.

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

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, costs due to a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increased 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. In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six exceptions to the Act 1 Index. 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.

The School District Adjusted Index for the Hanover Public School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.

For the 2012-13 budget year, Hanover Public 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.

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

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.

The Hanover Public School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011. 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.

Property tax relief

In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Hanover Public School District was $166 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 3,457 property owners applied for the tax relief. In 2009, the district's property tax relief amount was set at $165 to 3,469 approved homestead owners. In 2010 within York County, the highest amount went to York City School District at $495 per approved homestead. The property tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (40,000 m²) 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 2015. Chester-Upland School District was given $632 in 2009. This was the second year they were the top recipient.

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

Extracurriculars

Hanover Public School District's students have access to a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, costly sports program. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board policy. Hanover Public School District does not charge students a participation fee. Hanover Public School District spent $50,303 for the transportation of sports teams in 2011-12. County-wide nearly $1 million was spent on transporting public school sports teams. The total sports budget for the District in 2007-08 was $175,450 and grew to $233,666 in 2010-11. Collectively, York County public schools spent over $9 million on sports budgets (does not include facility costs) in 2011-12.

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.

Sports

The District funds:

According to PIAA directory July 2012

References