Northeastern York School District

District AYP history

In 2012, Northeastern School District declined to Warning AYP status due to a declining graduation rate 78%. Two of the District's schools did not achieve AYP - Conewago Elementary School declined to Warning status and Northeastern High School which was in School Improvement AYP status.

In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of Pennsylvania public school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.

Northeastern York School District also achieved AYP status each year from 2006 to 2010.

In 2010, most of the schools in the Northeastern School District were achieving AYP, excepting Spring Forge Intermediate School which was in Making Progress: in School Improvement I due to chronic, low student achievement. Students at Spring Forge Intermediate were permitted, according to the rights provided for in the federal No Child Left Behind law, to transfer to another successful school within the district. 19 students chose to transfer to Shallow Brook Intermediate School. The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the Spring Forge Intermediate School administration to develop a plan to improve student academic achievement in reading and math.

Governance

Northeastern 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 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 "D-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.

Academic achievement

Northeastern York School District was ranked 211th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2012, 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. 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.

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Northeastern York School District ranked 253rd. 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 Northeastern York School District was in the 57th percentile among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best)

Graduation rate

In 2011, Northeastern York School District's graduation rate was 78.63%. In 2011, Northeastern York School District's graduation rate was 83%. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Northeastern School District's rate was 83% for 2010.

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

High school

Northeastern York High School is located at 300 High Street, Manchester. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 1,006 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 315 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 73 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1. In 2012, 89 courses were taught by teachers who were rated "Non-Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act

In 2010, Northeastern York High School reported an enrollment of 1,033 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 352 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 72 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1. In 2010, 27 of the teachers were rated "Non-Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.

In 2012, Northeastern High School declined to School Improvement I AYP status due to a low graduation rate and low student achievement in reading and especially mathematics. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) required the high school's administration to develop a school improvement plan to address the graduation rate and low student achievement. The plan was required to be submitted to the PDE for approval. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students. The High School is eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.

In 2011, Northeastern High School declined to Warning status due to lagging students achievement in mathematics and reading. In 2010, the school had achieved AYP status.

SAT scores

In 2012, 140 Northeastern York School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 509. The Writing average score was 475. 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, 109 Northeastern York School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 482. The Math average score was 498. The Writing average score was 481. 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.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 31% of Northeastern York 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. 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. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

The high school offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards 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. For the 2009-10 funding year, the Northeastern York School District received a state grant of $12,496 for the program.

Graduation requirements

Northeastern York School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 27 credits to graduate, including: Math 4 credits, English 4.5 credits, social studies 4 credits, science 4 credits, Physical Education/Health/Safety Education 2.5 credits Computer Technology 1 credit, World language 1 credit and electives 3 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. Students earn 2 credits toward graduation when completing the project.

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.

Middle school

Northeastern York Middle School is located at 198 North Hartman Street, Manchester. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Northeastern York Middle School reported an enrollment of 588 pupils in grades 7th and 8th, with 200 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 49 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 11:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 5 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind. In 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that 45 courses were taught by teacher who are rated Non-Highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

In 2010 through 2012, Northeastern York Middle School achieved AYP status. For both 2009 and 2010 the Northeastern York Middle School achieved AYP status. The attendance rate was 95% in both academic years.

Intermediate schools

Shallow Brook Intermediate School is located at 213 South Hartman Street, Manchester. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 393 pupils in grades 4th through 6th, with 142 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 26 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.

In 2010 through 2012, Shallow Brook Intermediate School achieved AYP status under No Child Left Behind. In 2012, only 79% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 4th through 6th. In math, 85% of the students in 4th through 6th grades were on grade level and 57% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 85% of the pupils were on grade level.

In 2011, only 75% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 4th through 6th. In math, 80% of the students in 4th through 6th grades were on grade level and 48% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 87% of the pupils were on grade level.

Spring Forge Intermediate School is located at 100 South Hartman Street, Manchester. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 470 pupils in grades 4th through 6th, with 182 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 33 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1 of the school's teachers is rated "Non-Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.

In 2012 and 2011, Spring Forge Elementary School achieved AYP status under No Child Left Behind. In 2010, Spring Forge Elementary School was in Making Progress: in School Improvement I status due to lagging student achievement in reading and math. In 2012, 81% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 4th through 6th. In math, 85% of the students in 4th through 6th grades were on grade level and 54% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 87% of the pupils were on grade level. In 2011, 81% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 4th through 6th. In math, 86% of the students in 4th through 6th grades were on grade level and 55% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 89% of the pupils were on grade level.

Elementary schools

Northeastern York School District operates a Kindergarten Ready Freddy Program which meets one evening per week for four weeks. Children are provided with experiences that prepare them for kindergarten.

Conewago Elementary School is located at 570 Copenhaffer Road, York. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 332 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 110 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. Conewago Elementary School is a federal Title I school. The school employed 19 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 17:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the No Child Left Behind Act.

In 2012, Conewago Elementary School declined Warning AYP status due to lagging reading achievement. In 2012, just 64% of the 3rd grade students were reading on grade level. In math, just 74% of the students in 3rd grade were on grade level and 20% scored advanced.

In 2010 and 2011, Conewago Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2011, 85% of the 3rd grade students were reading on grade level. In math, 85% of the students in 3rd grade were on grade level and 39% scored advanced.

Mt Wolf Elementary School is located at Sixth And Maple Streets, Mt Wolf. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 251 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 67 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 17 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.

In 2010 through 2012, Mt Wolf Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2012, 86% of the 3rd grade students were reading on grade level with 8% at below basic. In math, 84% of the students in 3rd grade were on grade level and 39% scored advanced. In 2011, 77% of the 3rd grade students were reading on grade level with 11% at below basic. In math, 79% of the students in 3rd grade were on grade level and 35% scored advanced.

Orendorf Elementary School is located at 101 South Hartman Street, Manchester. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 408 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 118 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 31 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.

In 2010 through 2012, Orendorf Elementary School achieved AYP status under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. In 2012, 86% of the 3rd grade students were reading on grade level with 12% at below basic. In math, 85% of the students in 3rd grade were on grade level and 41% scored advanced. In 2011, 79% of the 3rd grade students were reading on grade level with 14% at below basic. In math, 88% of the students in 3rd grade were on grade level and 44% scored advanced.

York Haven Elementary School is located at 360 Cassel Road, York Haven. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 290 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 130 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 23 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.

In 2010 through 2012, York Haven Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2012, only 90% of the 3rd grade students were reading on grade level with 6% at below basic. In math, 96% of the students in 3rd grade were on grade level and 56% scored advanced. In 2011, only 72% of the 3rd grade students were reading on grade level with 14% at below basic. This was a sharp decline from 87% of 3rd graders reading on grade level in 2010. In math, 72% of the students in 3rd grade were on grade level and 30% scored advanced.

Special education

In December 2010, the Northeastern York School District administration reported that 612 pupils or 15% of the District's pupils received Special Education services. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 622 pupils or 16% 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. When a child experiences difficulty within the classroom, screening information will be gathered by a Multi-Disciplinary Team located within the child’s school to determine his or her specific needs. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible make a written request for a multidisciplinary evaluation to the building principal.

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.

Northeastern York School District received a $1,713,674 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.

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 81 or 2.17% of its students were identified as 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 and School safety

In 2012, Northeastern York School District reported there were 3 incidents of bullying. Additionally there were 4 incidents of simple assault on a student with the police involved in 45 incidents. In 2009, the Administration reported there had been 2 incidents of bullying in the District.

Northeastern York School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The Board's antibullying policy 249 (Adopted February 2, 2009) 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. The district has established a school safety committee that meets to discuss issues of safety. 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.

Wellness policy

Northeastern York School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246. 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 that are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, 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. The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

Northeastern York School District offers a free school breakfast and free or reduced-price lunch to its low-income students. The program is funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.

Budget

In 2007, Northeastern York School District employed 227 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $53,278 for 180 days worked. In 2007, the district's starting salary was $37,400 which ranked ninth in York County. The top teacher salary was $75,480 which ranked ninth highest in York County.

In 2009, the district reports employing over 320 teachers with a starting salary of $40,000 for 180 days for pupil instruction. The average teacher salary was $59,212 while the maximum salary is $143,775. As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation. Additionally, Northeastern School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 sick days and other benefits. Teachers are paid extra if they are required to work outside of the regular school day According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Northeastern York School District was $60,468.10 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $17,643.24 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $78,101.33. 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.

Northeastern York School District administrative costs was $605.03 per pupil in 2008. The district ranked 436th among Pennsylvania's 500 school district for administration related spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In 2007, the Northeastern York School Board awarded a five-year contract to Robert J. Tabachini Jr. as Superintendent, with an initial salary of $135,000. He was also given an extensive benefits package which includes: health insurance, life insurance, annual dues up to $1500, paid travel - up to $325 per month, 20 days paid vacation, defined benefit pension and more. 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. In 2007, the Average District Administrator salary in Northeastern York School District was $96,196 which ranked sixth in York County. The Average School Administrator salary in Northeastern York School District was $80,310 which ranked seventh in York County.

Per pupil spending In 2008, Northeastern York School District reported spending $11,586 per pupil. This ranked 329th in the commonwealth. In 2010, the per pupil spending had increased to $13,230.75 Among the 50 states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09. In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.

Reserves In 2008, Northeastern York School District reported a $4,789,880.00 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $950,000. In 2010, Northeastern York Administration reported decrease to $2,497,190 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $315,000. Pennsylvania school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. By law the state limits the total unreserved-undesignated fund balance at 8% of the annual budget for school districts that have budgets over $19 million a year. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.

Audit In January 2012, the Pennsylvania Auditor General's office conducted a performance audit of Northeastern York School District. Serious deficiencies were found and reported to the administration and the school board. The auditors found teaching certificate deficiencies among 7 teachers which were reported to the PDE's Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality. The District lost over $20,000 of its state funding due to the uncertified teachers remaining employed by the District.

In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and the school board.

APA Study According to an extensive study of York County school districts conducted by APA Associates in 2008, Northeastern York achieved a +10 rating based on Performance and Relative Efficiency. Central York School District was the only other district that achieved a ranking of +10. Eleven out of 16 York County district achieved a positive rating.

Tuition Students who live in the Northeastern York 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 Northeastern York 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 Northeastern York School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $9,410.53, High School - $10,080.37.

Northeastern School District is funded by a combination of: a 1% local income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, per capita tax $5, a special per capita tax $5, a flat rate occupation tax of $10.00, 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 income level.

State basic education funding

For the 2012-13 school year, Northeastern School District received $10,150,921 in state Basic Education Funding. 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. Northeastern School District received $171,572 in ABG funds. 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, Northeastern School District received a $9,979,950 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the School District received $171,572 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 1,399 district students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010-11 budget year, the Northeastern School District received a base 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $10,959,545. 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. The amount of increase each school district receives was determined by then Governor Edward Rendell and Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year. 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 7.66% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $10,744,652 to Northeastern 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 the highest increase in York County with a 12.54% increase in basic education funding, 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 amount of increase each school district received was determined by Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.

The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $9,979,949.83. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1,255 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, Northeastern York School District applied for and received $465,690 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The District used the funding to provide all-day kindergarten for the sixth year.

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Northeastern School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07. In 2007-08, the District received $294,315. The District received $53,345 in 2008-09 for a total funding of $347,660. In York County, the highest award was given 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 statewide due to a massive state financial crisis. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed by Governor Rendell due to a massive state financial crisis.

Other grants

Northeastern 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 Stimulus grant

Northeastern School District received an extra $2,358,101 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students. The funding is for 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

Northeastern York School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. 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. 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 Northeastern York 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

Property tax rates in 2012-13 were set by the school board at 24.2600 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts. When a Pennsylvania public 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, 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. In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index. 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.

The School District Adjusted Index for the Northeastern York School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.

For the 2012-13 budget year, Northeastern York 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, Northeastern York School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Northeastern York 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.

Northeastern York School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011. For 2009-10 school budget, the Board also did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Index. 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 Northeastern York School District was $203 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 6,317 property owners applied for the tax relief. In 2009, the district's property tax relief amount was set at $208. In 2010 within York County, the highest amount went to York City School District set at $495 per approved homestead. The property tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year they were the top recipient.

In Pennsylvania, the homestead exclusion reduces the assessed values of homestead properties, reducing the property tax on these homes. The homestead exclusion allows homeowners real property tax relief of up to one half of the median assessed value of homesteads in the taxing jurisdiction (county, school district, city, borough, or township).

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 variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, costly sports program. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board. Northeastern York School District spent $57,000 for the transportation of sports teams in 2011-12. Countywide nearly $1 million was spent on transporting public school sports teams. The total sports budget for the District in 2007-08 was $450,693 and grew to $565,578 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

Intermediate Unit

Lincoln Intermediate Unit (IU#12) region includes: Adams County, Franklin County and York County. The agency provides Northeastern York Schools, district home schooled students and area private schools many services, including: Special education services, combined purchasing, and instructional technology services. It runs Summer Academy which offers both art and academic strands designed to meet the individual needs of gifted, talented and high achieving students. Additional services include: Curriculum Mapping, Professional Development for school employees, Adult Education, Nonpublic School Services, Business Services, Migrant & ESL (English as a Second Language), Instructional Services, Special Education, Management Services, and Technology Services. It also provides a GED program to adults who want to earn a high school diploma and literacy programs. The Lincoln Intermediate Unit is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors, each a member of a local school board from the 25 school districts. Board members are elected by school directors of all 25 school districts for three-year terms that begin July 1. There are 29 intermediate units in Pennsylvania. They are funded by school districts, state and federal program specific funding and grants. IUs do not have the power to tax.

Adult education

Northeastern School District participates in York County Cooperative Community Education which offers a wide variety of courses to adults for a fee.