Southern Fulton School District

Schools

Governance

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

Academic achievement

Southern Fulton School District was ranked 83rd out of the 498 ranked Pennsylvania school districts in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated by 3 years of PSSA results in: reading, writing, math, and two years of science.

2009 - 124th
2008 - 175th
2007 - 228th out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts in 2007.

In 2010, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Southern Fulton ranked 3rd. In 2009 the district was 24th. The paper describes the ranking as: "the 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 district ranked in the 88th percentile for student academic achievement among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts.

In a 2010 press event, the Governor recognized Southern Fulton School District. Southern Fulton School District had doubled the number of students on grade level in math from 2003 to 2010 while increasing the number of students performing beyond grade level by over 400 percent. The district excelled in reading, as well, with a 266 percent increase in students scoring advanced and a more than 65 percent reduction in the number of most-struggling students in reading.

Graduation Rate
2010 - 89%
2009 - 92%
2008 - 88%
2007 - 88%

Dropout recovery program

The district offers a drop out recovery program to residents who are over 25 years old. Participants can earn a GED.

Junior Senior High School

PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
2010 - 77% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 66%, State - 65%
2008 - 73%, State - 65%
2007 - 76%, State - 65%

11th Grade Math:
2010 - 72% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 50%, State - 56%
2008 - 67%, State - 56%
2007 - 66%, State - 53%

11th Grade Science:
2010 - 49% on grade level. State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 35%, State - 40%
2008 - 38%, State - 39%

Graduation requirements

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.

Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams in Literature and Algebra 1.

Vocational education

Students may elect to attend Fulton County Area Vocational Technical School which is located in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania.

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, including the graduation ceremony. 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. 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. The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.

For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $11,345 for the program.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 14% of Southern Fulton School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges. 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.

Junior high school

8th Grade Reading:
2010 - 91% on grade level. State - 81% (67 pupils)
2009 - 96%, State - 80%
2008 - 97%, State - 78%
2007 - 84%, State - 75%

8th Grade Math:
2010 - 92% on grade level. State - 75%
2009 - 91%, State - 71%
2008 - 90%, State - 70%
2007 - 83%, State - 67%

8th Grade Science:
2010 - 78% on grade level, In Pennsylvania 57% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 89%, State - 54%
2008 - 68%, State - 52%

7th Grade Reading:
2010 - 75% on grade level. State - 73%
2009 - 80%, State - 71%
2008 - 89%, State - 70%
2007 - 73%, State 66%

7th Grade Math:
2010 - 89% on grade level. State - 77%
2009 - 88%, State - 75%
2008 - 85%, State - 70%
2007 - 69%, State - 67%

Elementary School

6th Grade Reading:
2010 - 76% on grade level, State - 68%
2009 - 82%, State - 67%
2008 - 86%, State - 67%

6th Grade Math:
2010 - 94% on grade level, State - 78%
2009 - 92%, State - 75%
2008 - 89%, State - 72%

5th Grade Reading:'
2010 - 73% on grade level. State - 64% of 5th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 72%, State - 64%
2008 - 58%, State - 61%

5th Grade Math:
2010 - 85% on grade level. State - 74% of 5th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 89%, State - 73%
2008 - 75%, State - 73%

4th Grade Reading:
2010 - 81% on grade level. State - 72% of 4th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 81%, State - 72%
2008 - 82%, State - 70%

4th Grade Math:
2010 - 98% on grade level. State - 84% of 4th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 97%, State - 81
2008 - 92%, State - 79%

4th Grade Science:
2010 - 95% on grade level. State - 81% of 4th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 93%, State - 83%
2008 - 90%, State - 81%

3rd Grade Reading:
2010 - 89% on grade level. State - 75% of 3rd graders were on grade level.
2009 - 88%, State - 77%
2008 - 85%, State - 77%

3rd Grade Math:
2010 - 92% on grade level. State - 84% of 3rd graders were on grade level.
2009 - 98%, State - 81%
2008 - 97%, State - 80%

Special education

In December 2008, the district reported that 127 pupils were receiving special education services. Southern Fulton School District provides a wide spectrum of special education services. Parents request an evaluation for services in writing. The district is required to conduct child find activities for children who may be eligible for services via Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Department of Special Education.

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

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. 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.

Southern Fulton School District received a $462,766 supplement for special education services in 2010.

In 2006, the Southern Fulton School District received a $20,000 Special Education Inclusive Practices mini-grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The grant was to be used for developing and expanding the effective instruction that encourages meaningful participation in regular education settings. Grants could be used to support the implementation of targeted instructional practices, supplementary aids and services, professional development, or related activities.

Bullying policy

In 2009, the administrative reported there were no incidents of bullying in the district.

The Southern Fulton School Board adopted a policy in March 2009 which prohibits bullying by district students and the faculty. The policy defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying. The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.

Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.

Budget

In 2009, the district reported employing over 80 teachers with a starting salary of $36,000 to $115,000 for a 186-day work year. The average teacher salary is $51,602.Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, college course reimbursement, personal days, sick days - 10, payment for unused sick days, bereavement days, a retirement bonus health insurance for employee and spouse in retirement and other benefits. Teachers are paid for extra instructional services at an hourly rate.

In 2007, the Southern Fulton School District employed 62 teachers and the average teacher salary in the district was $46,873 for 180 days worked. This was the highest average salary in Fulton County.

The district administrative costs per pupil, in 2008, were $778.18 per pupil. Southern Fulton School District is ranked 227th among Pennsylvania's 500 districts for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.

The district administration reported that per pupil spending in 2008 was $9,507 which ranked 493rd in the state's 501 school districts.

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

The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, 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 personal wealth.

State basic education funding

For the 2010-11 budget year, the district was allotted a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $4,577,748. All three of the school districts in Fulton County received the base 2% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. 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 is set by the Governor and the Secretary of Education as a part of the state budget proposal given each February.

In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.41% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $4,487,988. This was the highest increase, in Basic Education Funding, that school districts in Fulton County received. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $2,245,407. Ninety school districts received a base 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 371 students, in the 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 Southern Fulton School District applied for and received $174,404 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the 7th 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. Southern Fulton School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 it was denied funding. In 2008-09 it received $74,691. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards

Federal Stimulus funding

The district received an extra $620,224 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

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

Common Cents state initiative

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

Real estate taxes

The school board levied a real estate tax of 23.1300 mills in 2010-11. 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. 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.

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.

The School District Adjusted Index for the Southern Fulton School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.

The Southern Fulton School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.

Property tax relief

In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Southern Fulton School District was $173 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 1,670 property owners applied for the tax relief. This was the highest tax relief provided in Fulton County. 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. CUSD was given $632 in 2009. This was the second year they were the top recipient.

A special investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania Auditor General found that 91.98% of homeowners had applied for the tax relief. This was the highest participate rate reported in Pennsylvania.

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.

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%).

Extracurriculars

The district's students have access to a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board policy.

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.

In 2000, the school board commissioned a study regarding athletic facilities in the area. The district received a grant of $100,000 from the state's Growing Greener Funding. On a site adjacent to the high school, the Southern Fulton School District, Forrest R. Mellott Sports Complex was built. The facility is to be used for educational, athletic and community activities. The state required a local match of $107,051.

Athletics

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