Red Lion Area School District

Mission statement

The Mission of the Red Lion Area School District, in partnership with our communities, is to prepare all students to reach their greatest potential, thus becoming responsible and productive citizens.

Schools

Governance

Red Lion Area 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 district has been divided into three regions and board members are elected by their region of residence. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.

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

Academic achievement

Red Lion Area School District was ranked 273rd out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2013, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on the last three years of student academic achievement on the PSSA for: 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 2009, the academic achievement of the children attending the Red Lion Area School District was in the 54th percentile among Pennsylvania's 500 school District. Scale:(0-99; 100 is state best)

District AYP status history

In 2012, Red Lion Area School District declined to Warning AYP status due to declining graduation rate and lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics. In 2010 and 2011, Red Lion Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). 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.

Graduation rate

In 2012, the graduation rate of the Red Lion School District was 87%. In 2011, the graduation rate at Red Lion Area School District was 90%. In 2011, the graduation rate of the Red Lion School District was 92%. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Red Lion Area School District's rate was 89% for 2010.

Senior high school

Red Lion Senior High School is located at 200 Horace Mann Avenue, Red Lion. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 1,706 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 225 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 119 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.

In 2012, Red Lion Area Senior High School declined to Warning AYP status due to a declining graduation rate and low academic achievement in reading. In 2011, Red Lion Area Senior High School achieved AYP status. In 2010, Red Lion Area High School declined to Warning status due to lagging student achievement. In 2009, the school achieved AYP. Red Lion Area Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 [1] | Report Card 2009 [2]

Current Administrative Team

Mr. Mark Shue, High School Principal

Mr. Grant Gouker, Assistant Principal

Mr. Scott D'Orazio, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Mary Smith, Assistant Principal

Official Senior High School Website - http://sh.rlasd.net/pages/Red_Lion_SHS

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 29% of Red Lion Area Senior High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges. 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

Red Lion Area Senior 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 school district received a state grant of $10,994 for the program.

Graduation requirements

The Red Lion School District School Board requires students to earn 24.6 credits to graduation, including 4 credits of English, 4 credits of Social Studies, 3 credits of Mathematics, 3 credits of Science (1 in biology), 1 credit of Arts and Humanities, 1 credit of Health and Safety Education, 1.6 credits of Physical Education and 7 elective 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.

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 Individual Education Plan.

SAT scores

In 2012, 254 Red Lion Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 487. The Math average score was 529. The Writing average score was 471. 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, 245 students took the SAT exams. Red Lion Area School District's Verbal Average Score was 493. The Math average score was 517. The Writing average score was 468. 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.

Alternative education

The Alternative Education Program began in Spring 2003. The program is intended for students who have had difficulties in the traditional school setting. In 2004 the program developed its own curriculum, based on the s=academic standards. On April 13, 2005, the Alternative Education Program was recognized by the Shippensburg University School Study Council when the program was awarded an Exemplary Award in recognition of outstanding curriculum innovation.

Junior high school

Red Lion Area Junior High School is located at 200 Country Club Road, Red Lion. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 909 pupils in grades 7th and 8th, with 194 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 62 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.

In 2012, Red Lion Area Junior High School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading. In 2011, Red Lion Junior High School achieved AYP status. In 2010, the School declined to Warning status due to lagging student achievement. In 2009, Red Lion Area Junior High School achieved AYP status. The attendance rate was 95% in 2009 and 2010.

Clearview Elementary School

Clearview Elementary School is located at 2650 Delta Road, Brogue. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 412 pupils in grades Kindergarten through 6th, with 93 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. In 2012, enrollment declined to 390 pupils. The school employed 29 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.

In 2010 through 2012, Clearview Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2012, in grades 3rd through 6th, only 64% of the students were reading on grade level, with 15% reading at a below basic level. Fourth grade reading skills were just 65% on grade level. In 5th grade reading fell from 75% on grade level in 2011 to 53% in 2012. Sixth grade reading was 65% on grade level. In math, 80% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level. In 4th grade science, 88% of the pupils were on grade level.

In 2011, in grades 3rd through 6th, only 65% of the students were reading on grade level. In particular, reading skills declined sharply in 4th grade from 88% on grade level in 2010 to 64% on grade level in 2011. In 6th grade reading fell from 67% on grade level in 2010 to 57% in 2011. In math, 82% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level. In 4th grade science, 75% of the pupils were on grade level.

Mazie Gable Elementary School

Mazie Gable Elementary School is located at 100 East Prospect Street, Red Lion. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 429 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 137 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 28 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.

In 2012, Mazie Gable Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading achievement. In 2010 and 2011, Mazie Gable Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2012, in grades 3rd through 6th, only 69% of the students were reading on grade level, with 11% reading at a below basic level. In particular, 66% of 4th graders were reading on grade level, which was a sharp decline from 2011 levels. Fifth grade improved to 65% reading on grade level. In math, 79% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level, with 47% at an advanced level. In 4th grade science, 81% of the pupils were on grade level.

In 2011, in grades 3rd through 6th, only 66% of the students were reading on grade level at Mazie Gable Elementary School. In particular, 59% of 5th graders were reading on grade level, for the second year in a row. In math, 80% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level. In 4th grade science, 77% of the pupils were on grade level.

Locust Grove Elementary School

Locust Grove Elementary School is located at 3620 East Prospect Road, York. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 482 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 35 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 28 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 16:1.

In 2012, Locust Grove Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading achievement. In 2010 and 2011 Locust Grove Elementary School achieved AYP status.

In 2012, just 72% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th, with 13% reading at a below basic level. In math, 84% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level, with 49% achieving advanced. In 4th grade science, 88% of the pupils were on grade level. In 2011, only 71% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 85% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level. In 4th grade science, 74% of the pupils were on grade level.

Pleasant View Elementary School

Pleasant View Elementary School is located at 700 Delta Road, Red Lion. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 465 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 85 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 28 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 16:1.

In 2010 through 2012, Pleasant View Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2012, just 78% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th, with 8% reading at a below basic level. In math, 90% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 62% achieving advanced skills. In 4th grade science, 96% of the pupils were on grade level.

In 2011, only 72% of the students at Pleasant View Elementary School were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 88% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 60% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 96% of the pupils were on grade level.

North Hopewell - Winterstown Elementary School

North Hopewell - Winterstown Elementary School is located at 12165 Winterstown Road, Red Lion. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 318 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 50 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 19 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 17:1.

In 2010 through 2012, North Hopewell - Winterstown Elementary School achieved AYP status.

In 2012, just 77% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 90% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 65% achieving advanced skills. In 4th grade science, 92% of the pupils were on grade level, with 59% advanced. In 2011, only 78% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 93% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 60% achieving advanced level. In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils were on grade level.

Windsor Manor Elementary School

Windsor Manor Elementary School is located at 2110 Windsor Road, Windsor. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 214 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 67 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 17 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.

In 2012, Windsor Manor Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status, due to lagging reading skills. In 2010 and 2011, Windsor Manor Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2012, Windsor Manor Elementary School had just 67% of the students reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th, with 11% of students reading below grade level. In mathematics, 81% were on grade level, with 50% advanced in skills. In 4th grade science, 77% of the pupils were on grade level.

In 2011, only 71% of the students in grades 3rd through 6th grade were reading on grade level. In math, 88% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 51% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 76% of the pupils were on grade level.

Larry J. Macaluso Elementary School

Larry J. Macaluso Elementary School is located at 1195 Windsor Road, Red Lion. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 730 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 117 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 41 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 18:1.

In 2012, Larry J. Macaluso Elementary School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to lagging reading and math achievement. In 2010 and 2011, Larry J. Macaluso Elementary School achieved AYP status.

In 2012, only 71% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th, with 11% reading at the below basic level. In math, 82% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 53% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 87% of the pupils were on grade level. In 2011, just 74% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 88% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 54% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 84% of the pupils were on grade level.

Wellness policy

The Red Lion Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Student Wellness 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."

Parents may restrict A La Carte Items purchases via an online portal in the school district's food service website.

The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education, physical activity, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for review and approval. The Highmark Foundation provides the district access to its Healthy High 5 online wellness tools, at no cost to the Red Lion Area School District through 2013. Health eTools for Schools® features a secure web-based portal that enables school nurses to electronically input, track, and communicate student’s health and fitness information through an electronic version of the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s required School Health Record for all students. The data is stored off the school's site.

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

Bullying policy

In 2009, the administration reported there was one incident of bullying in the district.

The School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The board policy 249 Bullying/Cyberbullying 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.

Special education

In 2010, the school district reported that 832 or 14% of its pupils were identified as needing special education services. Of them 49% had a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 880 pupils or 15.6% 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. When a child experiences difficulty within the classroom, screening information will be gathered by the 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 or the Director of Special Education.

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for special education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding. The Special Education funding structure is through the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds and state appropriations. IDEA funds are appropriated to the state on an annual basis and distributed through intermediate units (IUs) to school districts, while state funds are distributed directly to the districts. Total funds that are received by school districts are calculated through a formula. The Pennsylvania Department of Education oversees four appropriations used to fund students with special needs: Special Education; Approved Private Schools; Pennsylvania Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind; and Early Intervention. 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. Over identification 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. The state requires each public school district and charter school to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students. In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.

Red Lion Area School District received a $$2,755,564 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

Red Lion Area School District Administration reported that 108 or 1.91% of its students were identified as gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.

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 Red Lion Area School District was $60,356.45 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $16,131 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $76,488.41. In 2011, fifty-five Red Lion Area School District teachers and guidance counselors earned a salary of over $82,500 per year.

In 2009, Red Lion Area School District employed 484 teachers and administrators with a median teacher salary of $66,272 and a range of $41,624 to $142,830. The contract year is 191 days. The teachers have a 7 hours 45 minutes work day with a 30-minute duty-free lunch and a daily preparation period. Teachers receive additional pay for: special education, extracurriculars, department head, home bound instruction, online instruction, and head teacher positions. The teachers' union has 16 paid leave days a year to attend to union business, including union meetings.

In 2007, Red Lion Area School District employed 359 teachers. The average teacher salary in the District was $52,613 for 180 days worked. In 2007, the district's starting salary was $37,000 and the top teacher salary was $78,706 which was the third highest in York County. Additionally, the district's teachers receive: a defined benefit pension, health insurance (teacher pays up to $64 a month), life insurance, college credit reimbursement 100% when teacher earns and A or B in the course, 2 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, 4 paid bereavement days, a retirement incentive bonus and other benefits.

Red Lion Area School District administrative costs was $648.91 per pupil in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 in 2008. In July 2007, the Red Lion Area School Board awarded a five-year contract (July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2012) to Frank R. Herron as Superintendent, with an initial salary of $132,000. He was also awarded an extensive benefits package which includes: health insurance, life insurance 2.5 times salary, annual dues paid, paid travel, 23 days paid vacation, defined benefit pension and more. The contract expires in 2012. In 2009, his salary was reported as $138,000. 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 Red Lion Area School District was $91,550 which ranked ninth in York County. The Average School Administrator salary in Red Lion Area School District was $81,888 which ranked third in York County.

Other Administrators - Dr. LeeAnn Zeroth, Assistant Superintendent salary $106,500 in 2009, Dr. Michael Lowe, Elementary Supervisor - $93,690, Mrs. Mary Smith, Supervisor of Pupil Personnel - $92,933, Mrs. Laura Fitz, Supervisor of Special Education - $94,065, Mr. Terry L. Robinson, Business Manager - $113,779, Mr. Jeffrey A. Bryan, Director of Buildings and Grounds - $98,832, Mrs. Sandy Emerich, Director of Transportation and Human Resources - $90,375, Mrs. Amy Glusco, Supervisor of Language Arts - $82,143, Stambaugh, Principal - $83,109, Susan Dunham, Principal - $83,109, Norina Bentzel, Principal - $85,916, Timothy Gulley, Principal - $88,710, Kitty Reinholt, Principal - $91,502, Mr. Shane Mack, Wayne Neff, Ast. Principal - $106,314, Charles Humberd, Principal - $114,604.

Red Lion Area School District administration reported that per pupil spending in 2008 was $10,928 which ranked 400th among the 501 school districts in Pennsylvania. In 2010, the per pupil spending had increased to $12,332.94. Among the 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.

Reserves In 2009, Red Lion Area School District reported an unreserved designated fund balance of $3,000,000 and an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $4,547,340. In 2010, the reserves had increased to an unreserved designated fund balance of $$4,311,465 and an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $4,434,011.

Audit In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the Red Lion Area School District. The 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, Red Lion Area School District achieved a +7 rating based on Performance and Relative Efficiency. Central York School District and Northeastern York School District ranked +10. Eleven of 16 York County districts achieved a positive rating.

Tuition Students who live in the Red Lion Area School District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Red Lion Area School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the Red Lion Area School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $8,714.42, High School - $9,936.97.

Red Lion Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.50%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. 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 level of personal wealth.

State basic education funding

For the 2012-13 school year, Red Lion Area School District received $14,162,776. 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 (ABG) program. Red Lion Area School District received $309,472 in ABG funding. 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, Red Lion Area School District will receive $13,851,381 in state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the district will receive $309,472 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12. Districts experienced a reduction in funding due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011. In 2010, the district reported that 1,321 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010-11 budget year, the Red Lion Area School District received a 6.27% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $15,214,603. 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 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 receives is determined by then Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year. This was the second year of the 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 4.71% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $14,317,901 to Red Lion Area School District. Four school districts in York County received increases of over 5.9% in Basic Education Funding in 2009. The highest increase was awarded to Central York School District which received 12.54% in 2009. In York County, 12 school districts received a less than 6% increase in state basic education funding in 2009 and three districts received the base 2% increase. Ninety school districts in the commonwealth were given the base 2% increase. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding.

In 2008, the Red Lion Area School District received $13,673,819 in state basic education funding. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 872 students, in the Red Lion Area School District, 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 the Red Lion Area School District applied for and received $839,964 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten (for the sixth year), to provide teacher coaches for math and reading to improve classroom instruction and to provide extra assistance to struggling students.

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. Red Lion Area School District did not apply in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the district received $474,493 and in 2008-09 received $85,807 for a total of $560,300. Fifty school districts in Pennsylvania did not apply to get the computers, software and special targeted training. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards

Other grants

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

Federal Stimulus funding

Red Lion Area School District received an extra $3,813,056 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students. The Pennsylvania Department of Education advised the districts to use the money for nonrecurring expenses like purchasing equipment and teaching resources like books, and software.

Race to the Top grant

Red Lion Area 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. Six York County school districts applied to participate in the Race to the Top grant program. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. According to then Governor Rendell, failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.

Common Cents state initiative

The Red Lion Area 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

Red Lion Area School Board levied a real estate tax of 22.3888 mills in 2012-13. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. 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. 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. 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 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 Red Lion Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.

For the 2012-13 budget year, Red Lion Area School Board applied for 2 exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: teacher pension costs and special education costs. 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, the Red Lion Area School Board applied for multiple exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the Red Lion Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

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 Red Lion Area School Board also applied for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2010-11, including: special education costs and pension obligation costs. 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. In 2009-10 the Red Lion Area School Board sought an Act 1 Index exception due to special education costs. In 2009, 70 school districts passed preliminary budgets that exceeded their anticipated tax revenues. Forty four received approval of an exception request and 31 sought an exception for special education costs.

Property tax relief

In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Red Lion Area School District was $184 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 10,295 property owners applied for the tax relief. In 2009, the district's property tax relief amount was set at $184 to 10,295 approved homestead owners. 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 $641 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. 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.

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).

Extracurriculars

Red Lion Area School District's students have access to a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, costly sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board policy. In 2007-08, Red Lion Area School District spent $698,540 on extracurricular athletics. In 2010-11, the District spent $900,000 on school athletics and in 2011-12 it has budgeted $933,867 for athletics. In 2011, transportation for athletics cost $106,023. Red Lion Area School District does not charge an activity 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

School violence

Red Lion Area School District has seen two acts of school violence in its existence:

On February 2, 2001, William Michael Stankewicz committed a machete attack on a kindergarten class at North Hopewell - Winterstown Elementary School that wounded 11 children, the principal, and two teachers.

On April 24, 2003, eighth-grade student James Sheets entered Red Lion Area Junior High School armed with his stepfather's pistols and subsequently killed the school's principal, Dr. Eugene Segro, before killing himself.