York City School District

Schools

High school students may choose to attend York County School of Technology for training in the construction and mechanical trades. The Lincoln Intermediate Unit IU12 provides the District with a wide variety of services like: specialized education for disabled students and hearing; speech and visual disability services and professional development for staff and faculty.

Per the 2012-2013 budget cuts and to deal with a 1000 pupil decline in enrollment since 2006, alignment changes were instituted. All elementary schools became grades preschool and K-8. Edgar Fahs Smith Middle School (6-8) and Hannah Penn Middle School were closed.

In 2013, the District owns the following vacant buildings: Duke Street Alternative School, Edgar Fahs Smith Middle School, Hannah Penn Middle School and Roosevelt Elementary School. Additionally, Lincoln Charter School rents a facility from the district.

Governance

The City of York School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills. The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent regarding renewal of the employment contract.

In 2012, the City of York School District was identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as financially distressed. The PDE appointed a recovery officer, David Meckley to assist the Board in repairing the district's finances. A financial recovery plan was developed. The elected school board resisted acting on the plan. Instead, it approved a new employment contract with the City of York teacher's union which is noncompliant with the financial recovery plan. In response to the Board's resistance to comply, the State Secretary of Education petitioned the Commonwealth Courts to take over the District. Shifting the District to all charter schools is one proposal under consideration.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "C-" 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.

In 2011, the District agreed to participate in a pilot program to develop a new way to evaluate public school teachers and principals that, in part, takes into account student achievement. Several York County school districts are participating. The pilot program had 104 K-12 entities, including: nine career and technical centers, nine charter schools and nine intermediate units. Beginning in January 2012, participating school districts will use the new evaluation method and provide feedback to the Department of Education. This new evaluation was not used to determine an educator’s official 2011-12 assessment. Under the new evaluation system, 50% of the evaluation of a teacher will be based on an observation divided into four categories: planning and preparation, classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilities. The other half will be based on student achievement (15 percent will be building-level data, 15 percent will be teacher-specific data, and 20 percent will be elective). The new evaluation system has both announced and unannounced observations. There are meetings between the teacher and evaluator before and after the direct observation of a lesson.

Academic achievement

In April 2015, the Pennsylvania Department of Education released a report identifying seven York City School District schools as being among the lowest achieving schools for reading and mathematics in the state. The schools on the list include: Davis School, Devers School, Ferguson School, Goode School, Jackson School, McKinley School and William Penn Senior High School. For 2014-15, six of the District's schools were on the list, including: Davis School, Devers School, Ferguson School, Jackson School, McKinley School and William Penn Senior High School.

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

District AYP status

In 2012, the School District of York City declined to Corrective Action II 5th Year AYP status due to its persistently low student academic achievement in both math and reading. 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.

Statewide academic ranking

In 2015, City of York School District ranked 490th out of 496 Pennsylvania public school districts, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking is based on the last 3 years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school. Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.

In January 2012, testimony before the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee Public Hearing on Fiscally Distressed School Districts revealed that only 46.9% of the district's students were on grade level in both reading and math as measured on the 2010-11 PSSAs. Statewide 75.3% of Pennsylvania's public schools (including charter schools) students were on grade level, in both reading and math. Additionally, none of the districts nine schools had achieved adequate yearly progress as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education under No Child Left Behind. No York City school grade was performing at the statewide level of academic achievement in reading, math or science. In 2004, 33.4% of the students were achieving on grade level in reading and mathematics. At that time 60% of students statewide were on grade level in reading and math.

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. York City School District ranked 207th. In 2011, the district was 232nd. The editor 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 of School District of York City was in the lowest 1st percentile among 500 Pennsylvania school districts. Scale – (0–99; 100 is state best)

Graduation rate

In 2014, York City School District's graduation rate was 82%.

William Penn Senior High School

William Penn Senior High School is located at 101 West College Avenue, York. In 2014, enrollment was reported as 876 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 87.6% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 36% of pupils received special education services, while 1% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 82 teachers. Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school had 1,329 pupils enrolled in grades 7th through 12th, with 609 students receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 108 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.

William Penn Senior High School achieved 48.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 44.5% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 40.8% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 18% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course. Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.

Compared with last year, the percentage of schools that earned below 60 declined by nearly 1 percent per Secretayr of Education Carolyn Dumaresq. She reported that this is an indication that student achievement is improving as school resources are being used better.

William Penn Senior High School achieved 42.7 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - just 51% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 38.56% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology, only 15% showed on grade level science understanding at the end of the course. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, beginning in 2012, they take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.

AYP history

In 2012, William Penn Senior High School declined to Corrective Action II 7th Year status due to chronic, low student achievement in reading, math and science. In 2011, William Penn Senior High School declined to Corrective Action II 6th Year status due to chronic, low student achievement in all areas tested. The school was in Corrective Action II 5th Year status due to chronically poor student achievement in 2010. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to offer a transfer to the students to a successful school in the district. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Education required the administration to develop and submit for its approval a school improvement plan. In 2009, declined to Corrective Action II 4th Year status due to chronically poor student achievement. In 2008, the school declined to Corrective Action II 3rd Year status due to continuing low student achievement.

In 2009, William Penn Senior High School ranked 604th out of 666 Pennsylvania high schools for the reading and mathematics achievement of its students.

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.

In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.

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

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 54% of William Penn 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.

SAT scores

In 2014, City of York School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 404. The Math average score was 408. The Writing average score was 373. Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.

In 2013, 112 City of York School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 363. The Math average score was 378. The Writing average score was 341. The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.

In 2012, 172 School District of York City students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 376. The Math average score was 375. The Writing average score was 349. 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, 117 York City School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 410. The Math average score was 416. The Writing average score was 370. 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.

Graduation requirements

The City of York School Board has determined that each student must earn 22 credits, including English 4 credits, Math 4 credits, Science 3 credits, Social Studies 3 credits, Health/PE 1 credit, Wellness 1 credit, and electives 5 credits. Students must also complete a graduation project which provides 1 credit towards graduation. Students can earn one Wellness credit by participating in: JROTC, Varsity Sports, or Marching Band during the school year. You may earn a maximum of .5 credits per academic year.

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district. The district's project focuses on career development. Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.

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.

Dual enrollment

William Penn 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 2010–11 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $37,919 for the program.

Davis School

Davis School is located at 300 S Ogontz Street, York. In 2014, the Davis School's enrollment was 658 pupils in grades preschool through 8th, with 84.5% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 16.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while 0.46% are identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The School has also provided taxpayer funded preschool since 2008. The school also has provided full day kindergarten for over a decade. The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2010, Davis School had 467 pupils enrolled in grades kindergarten through 5th grade, with 115 receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 34 teachers, yielding a 13:1 student–teacher ratio. The school provided taxpayer funded preschool to all 4 year olds.

Davis School achieved a score of 55 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 38.6% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 8th. In 3rd grade, 36% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 47% were on grade level (3rd-8th grades). In 4th and 8th grade science, just 26% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 43% of 5th and 8th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.

Davis School achieved a score of out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 44.7% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 8th. In 3rd grade, 52% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 55.9% were on grade level (3rd-8th grades). In 4th and 8th grade science, just 36.5% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 35.7% of 5th and 8th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.

In 2012, Davis School declined to Corrective Action II 1st Year Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to chronic low student achievement in reading and mathematics.

Each year, in the Spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.

In 2012, just 51% of the students at Davis School, in grades third through fifth were reading on grade level. In math, 70% of the students in grades 3-5 were on grade level. In 4th grade science 68% were on grade level.

In 2011, just fifty nine (59%) percent of the students in grade third through fifth were reading on grade level at Davis School. In math, 69% of the students in grades 3-5 were on grade level. In 4th grade science 64% were on grade level.

Devers School

Devers School is located at 801 Chanceford Avenue, York. In 2014, the School's enrollment was 634 pupils in grades preschool through 8th, with 79.6% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 20.6% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides taxpayer funded preschool and full day kindergarten. Devers School is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2010, Devers School had 652 pupils enrolled in grades kindergarten through 6th grade, with 170 receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 42 teachers, yielding a 15:1 student–teacher ratio.

Devers School achieved a score of 54.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 40.88% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 8th. In 3rd grade, 35.8% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 42.5% were on grade level (3rd-8th grades). In 4th and 8th grade science, just 29% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 46.6% of 5th and 8th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.

Devers School achieved a score of 56.6 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only % of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 57% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 52% were on grade level (3rd-8th grades). In 4th and 8th grade science, just 35.7% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 41% of 5th and 8th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.

In 2012, Devers School achieved Making Progress: in School Improvement Level I AYP status.

In 2012, sixty-one percent (61%) of the students in grades third and fourth were reading on grade level, with 20% below basic. In math, 79% of the students in grades 3rd and 4th were on grade level. In 4th grade science, 72% were on grade level. Devers School provided both taxpayer funded preschool and full day kindergarten.

In 2011, Fifty-four percent (54%) of the students in grade third through sixth were reading on grade level. In math, 71% of the students in grades 3-6 were on grade level. In 4th grade science 60% were on grade level. The school provided taxpayer funded preschool and full day kindergarten.

Ferguson School

Ferguson School is located at 525 North Newberry Street, York. In 2014, Ferguson School's enrollment was 926 pupils in grades preschool through 8th, with 81.7% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 18% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides taxpayer funded preschool and full day kindergarten for the past decade. Ferguson School is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, Ferguson School's enrollment was 862 pupils in grades preschool through 8th, with 86.6% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 17% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 89% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provided both taxpayer funded preschool and full day kindergarten. Ferguson School is a federally designated Title I school.

Ferguson School achieved a score of 54 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 35.5% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 8th. In 3rd grade, 33% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math,37.6 % were on grade level (3rd-8th grades). In 4th and 8th grade science, just 36% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 21.9% of 5th and 8th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.

Ferguson School achieved a score of 44.8 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 37% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 4th. In 3rd grade, just 36% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 40.6% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 30% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 40% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.

In 2012, Ferguson School declined to Corrective Action Level I AYP status due to chronic low achievement in reading and mathematics. The school administration was mandated, by NCLB, to inform parents of the poor achievement at the school and to offer parents the opportunity to transfer their child to a better performing school within the District.

In 2012, forty-seven percent (47%) of the students in grades third and fourth were reading on grade level, with 28% below basic. In math, 61% of the students in grades 3rd and 4th were on grade level. In 4th grade science, 73% were on grade level. Ferguson School provided both taxpayer funded preschool and full day kindergarten.

Goode School

Goode School is located at 251 North Broad Street, York. In 2014, the School's enrollment was 749 pupils in grades preschool through 8th, with 86.6% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 24% of the pupils receive special education services, while 0.13% are identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school provided preschool and full day kindergarten to all of its pupils.

In 2010, Jackson School had 666 pupils enrolled in grades preschool through 5th grade, with 443 receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 43 teachers, yielding a 15:1 student–teacher ratio. The school provided preschool and full day kindergarten to all its pupils.

Goode School achieved a score of 49.3 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 29.8% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 8th. In 3rd grade, 32.3% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 35.43% were on grade level (3rd-8th grades). In 4th grade and 8th grade science, just 27% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 31% of 5th and 8th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.

Goode School achieved a score of 39.5 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 27.16% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 8th. In 3rd grade, 30.86% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 35% were on grade level (3rd-8th grades). In 4th and 8th grade science, just 27.7% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 19.74% of 5th and 8th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.

In 2012, Goode School declined to Corrective Action II 2nd year Adequate YEarly Progress (AYP) status, due to chronic low student achievement in reading and mathematics.

In 2012, only fifty two percent (52%) of the students in third and fourth grades were reading on grade level. Just 49% of African American students were reading on grade level. In math, 67% of the students, in third and fourth grades, were on grade level. In 4th grade science 48% were on grade level. The school provided both taxpayer funded preschool and full day kindergarten. The attendance rate was 94%.

In 2011, fifty six percent (56%) of the students in grade third and fourth were reading on grade level. Just 47% of African American students were reading on grade level. In math, 74% of the students, in third and fourth grades, were on grade level. In 4th grade science 76% were on grade level. The school provided both taxpayer funded preschool and full day kindergarten.

Jackson School

Jackson School is located at 177 East Jackson Street, York. In 2014, Jackson School's enrollment was 651 pupils in grades preschool through 8th, with 80% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 15.5% of the pupils receive special education services, while 0.61% are identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full day kindergarten. The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2010, the school had 486 pupils enrolled in grades kindergarten through 5th grade, with 387 receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 33 teachers, yielding a 14:1 student–teacher ratio.

Jackson School achieved a score of 55.3 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, just 34% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 8th. In 3rd grade, only 29.23% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 39.3% were on grade level (3rd-8th grades). In 4th and 8th grade science, just 32.7% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 42% of 5th and 8th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.

Jackson School achieved a score of 49.4 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 41.15% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 8th. In 3rd grade, 65.31% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 41.98% were on grade level (3rd-8th grades). In 4th and 8th grade science, just 40% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 24.10% of 5th and 8th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.

In 2012, Jackson School declined to Corrective Action II 1st Year AYP status due to chronic, low student achievement in reading and mathematics. The School missed all of the 8 academic metrics measured.

In 2012, forty-seven percent (47%) of the students in third and fourth grades were reading on grade level, while 34% were below basic. In math, 53% of the students in grades third and fourth were on grade level, while 25% were below basic. In 4th grade science, 50% were on grade level and 26% were below basic. The school provided taxpayer funded preschool and full day kindergarten. The attendance rate was 94%.

In 2011, fifty one percent (51%) of the students in grade third through fifth were reading on grade level. In math, 63% of the students in grades 3-5 were on grade level. In 4th grade science 57% were on grade level. The school provided taxpayer funded preschool and full day kindergarten.

McKinley School

McKinley School is located at 600 Manor Street, York. In 2010, the school had 536 pupils enrolled in grades kindergarten through 5th grade, with 295 receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 29 teachers, yielding an 18:1 student–teacher ratio. In 2011, the school improved to Making Progress: in Corrective Action II due to chronic low student achievement in reading and mathematics. Forty six percent of the students in grade third through fifth were reading on grade level. In math, 64% of the students in grades 3-5 were on grade level. In 4th grade science 59% were on grade level. In 2010, the school was in Corrective Action II 4th Year AYP status level. The school provides taxpayer funded preschool. The administration was mandated by No Child Left Behind to offer a transfer to children to a successful school in the district. The school administration was required to develop a School Improvement Plan and to submit the plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for approval.

Alternative education

The district provides an alternative education program to disruptive students at Lindbergh Education Center. The district spent approximately $4.8 million to renovate the building for this purpose. The School District of York City reported spending $2.5 million in 2008, on alternative education outside of its own program for about 150–160 students.

Special education

In December 2012, York City School District administration reported that 1,093 pupils or 20.5% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 52.2% of the identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 1568 pupils or 26% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.

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

ConsultLine is a toll-free parent helpline for special education questions and concerns of district residents. Advisors answer questions and provide information about the special education process and the laws governing such programs for parents of children with disabilities and educational agencies that serve them. 1-800-879-2301.

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. 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 requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.

The York City School District received a $5,260,349 supplement for special education services in 2010. For the 2011-12, 2012–13, 2013-14 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. For the 2014-2015 school year, York City School District will receive an increase to $5,433,852 from the Commonwealth for special education funding. Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The District must apply for this added funding.

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 33 or 0.57% of its students were gifted in 2009. The highest percentage of gifted students reported among all 500 school districts and 100 public charter schools in Pennsylvania was North Allegheny School District with 15.5% of its students identified as gifted. 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.

Enrollment

The district has experienced a steady decline in enrollment, in the middle schools and high school, since 2005. District officials reported a 26% decrease in enrollment in the district by 2010. In 2011, district enrollment declined to 5,724 pupils, including preschool students. Enrollment in 2010 was 5900 pupils. In 2005, there were 6617 pupils district wide. Some of the decline in enrollment is attributed to charter school enrollments in the district.

Bullying policy

The school district administration reported there was 1 incident of bullying in the district in 2009.

The York City School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.

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

Budget

Pennsylvania public school districts budget and expend funds according to procedures mandated by the General Assembly and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). An annual operating budget is prepared by school district administrative officials. A uniform form is furnished by the PDE and submitted to the board of school directors for approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year on July 1.

Under Pennsylvania’s Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, all school districts of the first class A, second class, third class and fourth class must adopt a preliminary budget proposal. The proposal must include estimated revenues and expenditures and the proposed tax rates. This proposed budget must be considered by the Board no later than 90 days prior to the date of the election immediately preceding the fiscal year. The preliminary budget proposal must also be printed and made available for public inspection at least 20 days prior to its adoption. The board of school directors may hold a public hearing on the budget, but are not required to do so. The board must give at least 10 days’ public notice of its intent to adopt the final budget according to Act 1 of 2006.

In 2013, the average teacher salary in the City of York School District was $70,255 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $29,410 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $99,666. In 2012, the District employed 399 teachers with an average salary of $69,228 and a top salary of $139,000.

York City School District teacher and administrator retirement benefits are equal to at least 2.00% x Final Average Salary x Total Credited Service. (Some teachers benefits utilize a 2.50% benefit factor.) After 40 years of service, a teacher can retire with 100% of the average salary of their final 3 years of employment. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.

In February 2012, Superintendent Dr. Deborah Wortham reported the district was at risk for missing payroll, in April 2012, due to an $8 million budget deficit. She reported that efforts had been made to reduce expenses, including a proposal to cut half-day sessions by an additional hour every other Wednesday and a 3.8 percent reduction in pay for teachers, which the teacher union rejected. Wertham explained that the deficit was a carry over from the prior year's budget deficit of $19 million. The state placed the District in Financial Distress status in accordance with Act 141 of 2012.

In 2011, the average teacher salary in York City School District was $64,979 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $20,408 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $85,387.

In 2009, the District reported employing over 250 teachers with a salary range of $39,869 to $95,000.

In 2007, the York City School District employed 379 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $58,823 for 180 days worked. In 2010, the District employed 366 teachers. The median teacher salary, in the district, in 2010 was $66,522, which was higher than the median teacher salary statewide of $65,000.

APA Study According to an extensive study of York County school districts conducted by APA Associates in 2008, the School District of York City achieved a +7 rating based on Performance and Relative Efficiency. Central York School District and Northeastern York School District ranked +10 and 11 of 16 York County districts achieved a positive rating.

Administration costs The School District administrative costs was $917.59 per pupil in 2008. It ranked 96th among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 in 2008. In 2010, Dr. Eric Holmes was the Acting Superintendent of Schools for the district. Dr. Deborah Wortham was hired as Superintendent in July 2011 with a three-year contract. Her salary starting salary is $139,000. In September 2010, the School Board fired then superintendent Sharon Miller providing her with a $326,354 severance package. Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner has been critical of superintendent buyouts.

Per pupil spending In 2008, the City of York School District reported spending $12,698 per pupil which ranked 201st among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. In 2010 it had risen to $14,528 per pupil. By 2013, per pupil spending in the district rose to $15,256.45.

Audit In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Multiple significant findings were reported to the school board and administration. In 2012, the Auditor General audited the district. Serious findings were noted and reported to the Board, the Superintendent and the community at large.

Tuition Students who live in the York City 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 York City 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 District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $9,778.93, High School - $12,933,50.

City of York 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. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Interest earnings on reserve accounts also provide nontax income to the District. 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 level of the individual’s personal wealth. The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 a year plus they receive federal Social Security benefits: both are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, York City School District receives 59.2% of its annual revenue from the state.

For the 2014-15 school year, York City School District will receive $56,234,472 in State Basic Education funding. The District also received $1,278,994 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State’s enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding. The Education budget also includes Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State is paying $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania’s Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.

In the 2013-2014 school year, York City School District received a 12.3% increase or $56,234,472 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $6,181,267 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, York City School District received $750,836 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in York County, York City School District]] received the highest percentage increase in BEF. The District has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth’s budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding. The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland district, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent. As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.

For the 2012-13 school year, York City School District received $50,834,369. York City School District also received a $5,429,723 one time state grant as a fiscally distressed school district. The District was one of 16 districts to receive the added state monies. 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. YCSD received $750,836 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. This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett’s first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In the 2011-12 school year, City of York School District received a $44,679,547 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the York City School District received $750,836 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 was 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 882 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010–11 budget year, the York City School District received a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $46,739,875. 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 is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.

In the 2009–2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 9.62% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $45,819,402 to York City School District. Four school districts in York County received increases of over 6% in Basic Education Funding in 2009 the highest of which was 12.54% to Central York School District. Additionally, 12 York County school districts received less than 6% increase in state basic education funding in 2010 and three districts received the base 2% increase. Ninety school districts in the commonwealth were given the base 2% increase. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.

The state Basic Education funding to the York City School District in 2008–09 was $41,799,672. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 5,996 students received free or reduced-price lunches in the 2007–2008 school year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania spent $7,824 Per Pupil in the year 2000. This amount increased up to $12,085 by the year 2008.

All Pennsylvania school districts also receive additional funding from the state through several other funding allocations, including Reimbursement of Charter School Expenditures; Special Education Funding; Secondary Career & Technical Education Subsidy; PA Accountability Grants; and low achieving schools were eligible for Educational Assistance Program Funding. Plus all Pennsylvania school districts receive federal dollars for various programs including: Special Education funding and Title I funding for children from low income families. In 2010, Pennsylvania spent over $24 billion for public education - local, state and federal dollars combined.

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 York City School District applied for and received $2,037,957 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten.

Ready to Learn grant

Beginning in the 2014-2015 budget, the State funded a new Ready to Learn Grant for public schools. A total of $100 million is allocated through a formula to districts based on the number of students, level of poverty of community as calculated by its market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) and the number of English language learners. Ready to Learn Block Grant funds may be used by the Districts for: school safety; Ready by 3 early childhood intervention programs; individualized learning programs; and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.

PreK Counts grant

York City School District receives state funding to provide taxpayer funded preschool at the elementary schools. For the 2013-14 school year, YCSD will receive a Pre K Counts grant of $888,180. For the 2011 school year, School District was a high priority for funding due to the 80% poverty level of children in the district's attendance area. Enrollment for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is targeted to children living in families earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level.

In 2013, the state’s PreK Counts program received $87,284,000. In 2010, the PreK Counts program received $83.6 million statewide in Governor Corbett’s education budget. In 2007-08 the state funded Pre-K Counts at $75 million. York City School District received $916,400 in funding in 2007-08. In 2009-10, the district received $916,400 to provide preschool to 116 children. The District received $892,700 enrolling 114 students for 2011-12.

In addition to PreK Counts, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also supplements the federal Head Start preschool program with an additional funding on an annual basis. The program is available to low income children residing within the District through private providers. In 2013, Pennsylvania contributed $39,178,000 to Head Start. In 2010, Head Start received $37.6 million in Pennsylvania state education dollars. Since 2003, Pennsylvania has more than doubled the number of preschoolers in publicly funded pre-kindergarten through a mulipronged system including: school-based pre-kindergarten, Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts through private providers, Early Intervention, Head Start and Head Start Supplemental, and the school district’s use of Accountability Block Grants. Over 100,000 Pennsylvania preschoolers participate in state taxpayer funded pre-kindergarten programs. In 2013, the federal government spends $8 billion for preschool programs nationwide. In 2013, Pennsylvania was awarded a $51.7 million federal grant to fund early learning programs. The funding will be used to create 50 Early Childhood Education Community Innovation Zones in areas where the lowest-performing public schools, including charter schools, exist. The federal dollars will not be used to provide seats for children in preschools. Instead the money will be used to build bureaucray and added training for teachers/providers.

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 to 2009. York City School District did not apply to participate in 2006–07. In 2007–08, the York City School District received $310,138. The District received $53,664 in 2008–09 for a total of $363,802. Among the public school districts in York County, the highest award was given to West Shore School District which received $1,023,131. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

Education Assistance grant

The state's Education Assistance Program funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010–11 the York City School District received $630,235.

Hybrid Learning grants

York City School District participated in a pilot year of the state’s Hybrid learning initiative. Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning uses three learning models to increase student achievement: instruction from the teacher, group activities, and self-instruction through digital content. According to state testing results, among the pilot schools, 88 percent achieved higher academic performance in hybrid classes compared to traditional classes in the same district or statewide benchmarks, 75 percent reported better academic achievement, and all of them met or exceeded academic growth. In 2013-14, the state awarded $633,000 in federal Title 2A funds to accelerate teacher training in the implementation of hybrid learning programs in 50 school buildings in 34 school entities. In 2012, $1.1 million was awarded to 15 districts to launch the first hybrid pilot schools in the state that included more than 1,900 students and 48 teachers. York City School District received $30,000.

Project 720

Project 720 was a high school reform program implemented for three years under the Rendell administration. The intent was to increase academic rigor and improve the instruction of teachers in the Commonwealth’s high schools. Teachers were expected to use data driven instructional practices and to meet the needs of diverse learners. The 720 in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades. High school’s applied for funding and were required to agree to report to the PDE their plans, their actions and the outcomes. In 2007-08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. York City School District was one of 161 PA public school district to apply, receiving $363,000 funding over three years. For 2010-11, Project 720 funding was decreased to $1.7 million by Governor Rendell. The grant program was discontinued effective with the 2011-12 state budget.

Other grants

The City of York School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education grants; PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell); 2012 and 2013 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant; nor the 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal Stimulus funding

York City School District received an extra $9,015,339 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students. This federal funding was limited to the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years. Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, the Governor and the Pennsylvania School Board Association, 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.

School Improvement Grant

In 2010, Pennsylvania received $141 million from the federal department of education, to turn around its worst-performing schools. The funds were disbursed via a competitive grant program. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has identified 200 Pennsylvania schools as "persistently lowest-achieving," making them eligible for this special funding. Pennsylvania required low performing schools to apply or provide documentation about why they had not applied. The funds must be used, by the district, to turn around schools in one of four ways: school closure, restart – close the school and reopen it as a charter school. The other two options involve firing the principal. One would require at least half the faculty in a chronically poor performing school be dismissed. The second involves intensive teacher training coupled with strong curriculum revision or a longer school day. York City School District applied for the grant. Its application was denied by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for various reasons. In 2012, the District applied again receiving $1.5 million in School Improvement grants. McKinley Elementary and William Penn Senior High School adopted a transformation model. Edgar Fahs Smith and Hannah Penn middle schools each received funding under the closure model. Per the grant the money paid for relocation expenses such as movers, boxes, community outreach and orientations at the K-8 schools.

Race to the Top grant

York City School District officials applied 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. Due to the districts long term low student achievement tit was identified as a turnaround district. This meant the district would receive an additional $750 per pupil above the base granted amount. 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. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of most districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.

Common Cents state initiative

The York City 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

The school board levied a real estate tax of 33.7361 mills in 2014–15. 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 all government property (local, state and federal). 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. 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.

The School District Adjusted Index for the York City School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.

For the 2014-15 budget year, York City School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher’s pension fund (PSERS). For the school budget 2014-15, 316 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 181 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Districts may apply for multiple exceptions each year. For the pension costs exception, 163 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 104 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Seven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.

For the 2013-14 budget year, York City School District School Board applied for 2 exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: Special Education costs and Teacher pension costs. For 2013-2014, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.

For the 2012-13 budget year, York City School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: Special Education Costs and Teacher Pension 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 2011-12 school year, the York City School Board applied for three exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index due to Special Education costs, School Improvement costs and Teacher Pension costs. Each year, the School Board has the option of adopting either: 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

According to a state report, for the 2011-2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions: 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.

The York City 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 York City School District was $495 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 5,861 property owners applied for the tax relief. In 2009, the district's property tax relief amount was set at $175 to 7,307 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. CUSD 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.

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%).

Wellness policy

The York City 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, 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.

The District offers both a free school breakfast and a free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals. The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.

In 2013, the USDA issued new restrictions to foods in public schools. The rules apply to foods and beverages sold on all public school district campuses during the day. They limit vending machine snacks to a maximum of 200 calories per item. Additionally, all snack foods sold at school must meet competitive nutrient standards, meaning they must have fruits, vegetables, dairy or protein in them or contain at least ten percent (10%) of the daily value of fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D. In order to comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 all US public school districts are required to raise the price of their school lunches to $2.60 regardless of the actual cost of providing the lunch. The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 mandates that Districts raise their full pay lunch prices every year until the price of non-subsidized lunches equals the amount the federal government reimburses schools for free meals. That subsidy in 2013-2014 was $2.93.

In 2014, President Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day. The Food and Drug Administration requires that students take milk as their beverage at lunch. In accordance with this law, any student requesting water in place of milk with their lunch must present a written request, signed by a doctor, documenting the need for water instead of milk.

York City School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses are available in the schools to conduct annual health screenings (data reported to the PDE and state Department of Health) and to dispense prescribed medications to students during the school day. Students can be excluded from school unless they comply with all the State Department of Health’s extensive immunization mandates. School nurses monitor each pupil for this compliance. Nurses also monitor each child's weight.

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant

In 2011, York City School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Five elementary schools received $10,000 each which was used implement PE programs. Funded school were: Davis School, Ferguson School, Goode School, Jackson School and McKinley School. Beginning in 2006, Highmark Foundation engaged in a 5-year, $100 million program to promote lifelong healthy behaviors in children and adolescents through local nonprofits and schools. No York City School District schools participated in 2008.

The District participated in Highmark Foundation’s Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools grant which enabled mobile data collection of pertinent health and physical fitness screening data on students K-12 in a database held by InnerLink, Inc. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Health eTools for Schools also provided interdisciplinary research-based curriculum in nutrition, physical education and physical activity to participating districts. The program was discontinued in 2013 by Interlink, Inc.

Hannah Penn Middle School

Closed as a part of realignment.

Hannah Penn Middle School is located at 415 E Boundary Avenue, York. In 2010, had 787 pupils enrolled in grades 6th through 8th, with 463 students receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 68 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 11:1.

In 2012, Hannah Penn Middld School declined to Corrective Action II 7th Year status due to chronic low student achievement in reading and math. In 2011, the school declined to Corrective Action II 6th Year status due to chronic low student achievement in all areas tested. In 2010, the school was in Corrective Action II 5th Year status due to chronic low student achievement in reading and math. Under No CHild Left Behind, the school administration was required to offer a transfer to students to a successful school in the district. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Education required the administration to develop and submit for its approval a school improvement plan to address the serious academic shortfalls.

8th Grade Reading:

8th Grade Math:

8th Grade Science

E. F. Smith Middle School

Closed as a part of realignment.

Edgar Fahs Smith Middle School is located at 701 Texas Avenue, York. In 2010, had 787 pupils enrolled in grades 6th through 8th, with 428 students receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 10:1.

In 2012, EF Smith Middle School declined to Corrective Action II 7th Year due to chronic low math and reading achievement. In 2011, EF Smith Middle School declined to Corrective Action II 6th Year due to chronic low math and reading achievement by students. In 2010, EF Smith Middle School was in Corrective Action II 5th Year due to continuing low math and reading achievement. Under No Child Left Behind, the school administration was required to offer a transfer to students to a successful school in the district. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Education required the administration to develop and submit for its approval a school improvement plan.

Extracurriculars

The district's students have access to a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive costly sports program. 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.

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.

According to Pennsylvania’s Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.

The PA Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act 126 of 2014 mandates that all volunteer coaches and all those who assist in student activities, must have criminal background checks. Like all school district employees, they must also attend an anti child abuse training once every three years.

According to PIAA directory June 2015