Albert Gallatin Area School District
Encyclopedia
The Albert Gallatin Area School District is a school district
located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania
. It is named after Albert Gallatin
former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, planner of the Lewis and Clark expedition, engineer of the financial details of the Louisiana Purchase
, and founder of New York University
. It serves the Boroughs of Masontown
, Fairchance
, Point Marion
, and Smithfield
. It also serves German
, Springhill
, Georges
, and Nicholson
Townships. It encompasses approximately 142 square miles (367.8 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 25,282. The district is a large, rural area that included six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one senior high school.
Albert Gallatin Area High School is part of the Albert Gallatin Area School District in southwestern Pennsylvania in Fayette County
. It is located 7 miles (11.3 km) south of Uniontown, PA in the village of York Run, Georges Township. The southern end of the Albert Gallatin School District borders West Virginia
. Pittsburgh is approximately 50 miles (80.5 km) north of AG High School and Morgantown, West Virginia
is 20 miles (32.2 km) to the south.
The student population at Albert Gallatin School District is 3,659 with 1158 students attending AG High School. The high school houses ninth through twelfth grade students in modern, safe facilities.
Recent building improvements include a state-of-the-art stadium grass playing field, a resurfaced competition track, and a new field house. Technology in the building has been recently upgraded with the installation of 16 "Classrooms for the Future" that include mobile laptop carts/digital whiteboards/printers/digital cameras, and a distance learning lab that enables teaching to various buildings at once.
The school mascot is the Colonial. The school is locally known by its initials, AG.
Address: 1119 Township Dr., Uniontown
, PA 15401
Principal: Joetta Britvich
| Asst. Principals: Randy Wilson, Chris Pegg
1251 students
Albert Gallatin South Middle School
Address: 224 New Geneva Rd., Point Marion
, PA 15474
Principal: Ralph Garcia
474 students
Albert Gallatin North Middle School
Address: 113 College Ave., McClellandtown
, PA 15458
Principal: Jim Patitucci
524 students
A.L. Wilson Elementary School
Address: 25 S. Main St., Fairchance
, PA 15436
Head Teachers: Veronica Murray, Alicia Vicinelli
184 students
D. Ferd Swaney Elementary School
Address: 1152 Township Dr., Uniontown
, PA 15401
Principal: Carol Ryan
371 students
Friendship Hill Elementary School
Address: 218 New Geneva Rd., Point Marion
, PA 15474
Principal: Lara Bezjak
249 students
George J. Plava Elementary School
Address: 120 Puritan Rd., McClellandtown
, PA 15458
Principal: Jessica Marchezak
368 students
Masontown Elementary School
Address: 201 Spring St., Masontown
, PA 15461
Principal: Timothy Crupa
220 students
Smithfield Elementary School
Address: 23 Liberty St., Smithfield
, PA 15479
Principal: Candace Jordan
319 students
s for math, reading, writing and three years of science.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the Albert Gallatin School District students was in the 12th percentile of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best).
Albert Gallatin Area School District was ranked 92nd out of 105 western Pennsylvania school districts in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on four years of student academic performance on the PSSA
s for math, reading, writing and two years of science. This covers public schools, including charter schools in: Fayette County, Westmoreland County
, Allegheny County, Washington County, Beaver County
, Armstrong County
and Butler County
.
In 2011, the high school's 11th grade ranked 105th out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools based on five years of results in PSSA
s on: reading, math writing and three years of science.
Former AYP graduation rate:
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 23% of the school district's 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.
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. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $16,103 for the program.
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 reading and math.
Reading
Math:
Science:
Reading
Math:
Science:
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. 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 Director of Special Education.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Albert Gallatin Area School District received a $2,824,452 supplement for special education services in 2010.
The Albert Gallatin Area School Board prohibits bullying by district students and 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.
In 2009, the district reported employing over 300 teachers with a salary range of $31,400 to $100,000 for 184 days. Teachers receive a benefits package that includes: health insurance, life insurance, reimbursement for college courses, paid personal days, sick days, paid bereavement leave, and a defined benefits pension. Additional compensation is paid for after school activities, training time, and required meetings.
In 2007, the district employed 252 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $48,979 for 180 days worked. As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, personal days, sick days, and other benefits.
In 2008, the district reported spending $12,139 per pupil which ranked 257th in the state.
Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $9,831,154 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.
In July 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted performance audit of the school district. The findings were reported to the school board and administration.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless the of income level.
For the 2010-11 budget year, the Albert Gallatin Area School District was allotted a 2.69% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $23,515,550. The highest increase in Fayette County was provided to Laurel Highlands School District
through a 6.29% 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.
In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.52% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $22,897,997. Laurel Highlands School District
got a 4.23%. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $22,118,943. Ninety Pennsylvania school districts received a minimum 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009. 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.
- Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.
federal grant, but were unable to secure the support of the teachers' union. When approved for the grant, the district would have received millions of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
For the 2010-11 school year, Albert Gallatin Area School District administration did not apply for a School Improvement Grant. It was eligible for funding due to the chronic, low achievement at the senior high school.
In 2010, Pennsylvania received $141 million from the federal department of education, to turn around its worst-performing schools. The funds were dispersed 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.
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 Albert Gallatin Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
For the 2011-12 school year, the Albert Gallatin Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the Albert Gallatin Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
.
According to a state report, for the 2011-2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction. With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly repealed most of the Act 1 tax increase exceptions leaving only special education costs, pension costs and prior voter approved (ballot referendum) debt for construction. The cost of construction projects in the future will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum. Districts can no longer raise property taxes to cover increasing health insurance costs for employees.
The Albert Gallatin Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2009-10 or 2010-2011 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.
at $200. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District
of Delaware County
who received $632 per approved homestead. This was the third 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, individual with income much more 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%).
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.
Boys
Baseball - AAAA
Basketball - AAAA 06-07 WPIAL runner-up
Cross Country - AAA
Football - AAA
Golf - AAAA
Soccer - AAA
Track and Field - AAA
Wrestling - AAA
Girls
Basketball - AAAA
Cross Country - AAA
Soccer - AAA
Softball - AAAA
Track and Field - AAA
Volleyball - AAA
School district
School districts are a form of special-purpose district which serves to operate the local public primary and secondary schools.-United States:...
located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the2010 census, the population was 136,606. The county is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area....
. It is named after Albert Gallatin
Albert Gallatin
Abraham Alfonse Albert Gallatin was a Swiss-American ethnologist, linguist, politician, diplomat, congressman, and the longest-serving United States Secretary of the Treasury. In 1831, he founded the University of the City of New York...
former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, planner of the Lewis and Clark expedition, engineer of the financial details of the Louisiana Purchase
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was the acquisition by the United States of America of of France's claim to the territory of Louisiana in 1803. The U.S...
, and founder of New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
. It serves the Boroughs of Masontown
Masontown, Pennsylvania
Masontown is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. The population was 3,611 at the 2000 census. The town is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District...
, Fairchance
Fairchance, Pennsylvania
Fairchance is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,174 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District.-Geography:Fairchance is located at ....
, Point Marion
Point Marion, Pennsylvania
Point Marion is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,333 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District.Point Marion is located at the confluence of the Monongahela and Cheat Rivers...
, and Smithfield
Smithfield, Pennsylvania
Smithfield is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 854 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District. The town's largest employer is a small wire producing plant run by Nelson Steel....
. It also serves German
German Township, Pennsylvania
German Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 5,595 at the 2000 census. McClellandtown is the township's largest village...
, Springhill
Springhill Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Springhill Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,974 at the 2000 census. The Albert Gallatin Area School District serves the region....
, Georges
Georges Township, Pennsylvania
Georges Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 6,752 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District....
, and Nicholson
Nicholson Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Nicholson Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. The population was 1,989 at the 2000 census. The Albert Gallatin Area School District serves the township....
Townships. It encompasses approximately 142 square miles (367.8 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 25,282. The district is a large, rural area that included six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one senior high school.
Albert Gallatin Area High School is part of the Albert Gallatin Area School District in southwestern Pennsylvania in Fayette County
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the2010 census, the population was 136,606. The county is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area....
. It is located 7 miles (11.3 km) south of Uniontown, PA in the village of York Run, Georges Township. The southern end of the Albert Gallatin School District borders West Virginia
West Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
. Pittsburgh is approximately 50 miles (80.5 km) north of AG High School and Morgantown, West Virginia
Morgantown, West Virginia
Morgantown is a city in Monongalia County, West Virginia. It is the county seat of Monongalia County. Placed along the banks of the Monongahela River, Morgantown is the largest city in North-Central West Virginia, and the base of the Morgantown metropolitan area...
is 20 miles (32.2 km) to the south.
The student population at Albert Gallatin School District is 3,659 with 1158 students attending AG High School. The high school houses ninth through twelfth grade students in modern, safe facilities.
Recent building improvements include a state-of-the-art stadium grass playing field, a resurfaced competition track, and a new field house. Technology in the building has been recently upgraded with the installation of 16 "Classrooms for the Future" that include mobile laptop carts/digital whiteboards/printers/digital cameras, and a distance learning lab that enables teaching to various buildings at once.
The school mascot is the Colonial. The school is locally known by its initials, AG.
History
The school district itself was formed in 1951, with one high school near Point Marion. The former high schools were turned into elementary and Jr. High Schools. In 1965, Fairchance-Georges and German Township School Districts joined AG. There were three High Schools: Fairchance-Georges, German Township, and Albert Gallatin. In 1987, the district merged the three high schools in to one at the Fairchance-Georges site and renamed it Tri-Valley Senior High School. Also, this year, they closed the Point Marion Elementary/Jr. High Building, keeping the present number of elementary schools to six. The Tri-Valley Name did not last long, as the school board in 1993, changed the name of the high school back to Albert Gallatin.Demographics
The school district has 3960 students. 95% of the student body is Caucasian, nearly 5% is African-American. The teacher-student ratio is 16:1. Fifty-seven percent of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch prices.Schools
Albert Gallatin Senior High SchoolAddress: 1119 Township Dr., Uniontown
Uniontown, Pennsylvania
Uniontown is a city in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, southeast of Pittsburgh and part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. Population in 1900, 7,344; in 1910, 13,344; in 1920, 15,692; and in 1940, 21,819. The population was 10,372 at the 2010 census...
, PA 15401
Principal: Joetta Britvich
| Asst. Principals: Randy Wilson, Chris Pegg
1251 students
Albert Gallatin South Middle School
Address: 224 New Geneva Rd., Point Marion
Point Marion, Pennsylvania
Point Marion is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,333 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District.Point Marion is located at the confluence of the Monongahela and Cheat Rivers...
, PA 15474
Principal: Ralph Garcia
474 students
Albert Gallatin North Middle School
Address: 113 College Ave., McClellandtown
McClellandtown, Pennsylvania
McClellandtown is an unincorporated community in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The village was founded by a family of that name, who lived there many years ago. William McClelland, the founder, died there July 12, 1815, in the eighty-second year of his age...
, PA 15458
Principal: Jim Patitucci
524 students
A.L. Wilson Elementary School
Address: 25 S. Main St., Fairchance
Fairchance, Pennsylvania
Fairchance is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,174 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District.-Geography:Fairchance is located at ....
, PA 15436
Head Teachers: Veronica Murray, Alicia Vicinelli
184 students
D. Ferd Swaney Elementary School
Address: 1152 Township Dr., Uniontown
Uniontown, Pennsylvania
Uniontown is a city in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, southeast of Pittsburgh and part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. Population in 1900, 7,344; in 1910, 13,344; in 1920, 15,692; and in 1940, 21,819. The population was 10,372 at the 2010 census...
, PA 15401
Principal: Carol Ryan
371 students
Friendship Hill Elementary School
Address: 218 New Geneva Rd., Point Marion
Point Marion, Pennsylvania
Point Marion is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,333 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District.Point Marion is located at the confluence of the Monongahela and Cheat Rivers...
, PA 15474
Principal: Lara Bezjak
249 students
George J. Plava Elementary School
Address: 120 Puritan Rd., McClellandtown
McClellandtown, Pennsylvania
McClellandtown is an unincorporated community in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The village was founded by a family of that name, who lived there many years ago. William McClelland, the founder, died there July 12, 1815, in the eighty-second year of his age...
, PA 15458
Principal: Jessica Marchezak
368 students
Masontown Elementary School
Address: 201 Spring St., Masontown
Masontown, Pennsylvania
Masontown is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. The population was 3,611 at the 2000 census. The town is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District...
, PA 15461
Principal: Timothy Crupa
220 students
Smithfield Elementary School
Address: 23 Liberty St., Smithfield
Smithfield, Pennsylvania
Smithfield is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 854 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District. The town's largest employer is a small wire producing plant run by Nelson Steel....
, PA 15479
Principal: Candace Jordan
319 students
Academic achievement
Albert Gallatin Area School District was ranked 454th out of 495 Pennsylvania school districts in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on five years of student academic performance on the PSSAPennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s for math, reading, writing and three years of science.
- 2010 - 466th
- 2009 - 443rd out of 497 Pennsylvania school districts
- 2008 - 449th
- 2007 - 425th out of 501 districts.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the Albert Gallatin School District students was in the 12th percentile of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best).
Albert Gallatin Area School District was ranked 92nd out of 105 western Pennsylvania school districts in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on four years of student academic performance on the PSSA
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s for math, reading, writing and two years of science. This covers public schools, including charter schools in: Fayette County, Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
, Allegheny County, Washington County, Beaver County
Beaver County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 181,412 people, 72,576 households, and 50,512 families residing in the county. The population density was 418 people per square mile . There were 77,765 housing units at an average density of 179 per square mile...
, Armstrong County
Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
Armstrong County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 68,941. It is located northeast of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Armstrong County was added to the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area in 2003.The county seat is Kittanning...
and Butler County
Butler County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 174,083 people, 65,862 households, and 46,827 families residing in the county. The population density was 221 people per square mile . There were 69,868 housing units at an average density of 89 per square mile...
.
- 2009 - 93rd
- 2008 - 93rd in western Pennsylvania school districts.
High school
The Albert Gallatin Area High School has declined to School Improvement II status in 2010 due to continuing low student academic achievement. The high school was in School Improvement I in 2009.In 2011, the high school's 11th grade ranked 105th out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools based on five years of results in PSSA
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
s on: reading, math writing and three years of science.
- 2010 - 97th
- 2009 - 104th out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools
Graduation Rate
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Albert Gallatin Area school District's graduation rate was 79% for 2010.Former AYP graduation rate:
- 2010 - 85%
- 2009 - 82%
- 2008 - 82%
- 2007 - 85%
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
- 2010 - 54% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.
- 2009 - 53%, State - 65%
- 2008 - 59%, State - 65%
- 2007 - 59%, State - 65%
- 2006 - 58%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 40% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 56% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 - 48%, State - 56%
- 2008 - 38%, State - 56%
- 2007 - 39%, State - 53%
- 2006 - 44%, State - 52%
11th Grade Science:
- 2010 - 25% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 27%, State - 40%
- 2008 - 15%, State - 39%
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 23% of the school district's 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
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a large public university system in the United States. It is the tenth-largest university system in the United States and 43rd largest in the world...
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
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Dual enrollment
The high school offers a Dual EnrollmentDual enrollment
In education, dual enrollment involved students being enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. It may also refer to any individual who is participating in two related programs, but such a general form of usage is uncommon....
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. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $16,103 for the program.
Graduation requirements
The Albert Gallatin Area School Board requires students earn 24 credits to graduation including: English 4 credits, Math 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Science 4 credits, Arts or Humanities 2 credits, Health .5 credit, Physical Education 2 credits, Introduction to Computers .5 credit, and Electives 3 credits.By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.
Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams in reading and math.
Albert Gallatin North Middle School
Eight GradeReading
- 2010 - 77% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2009 - 73%, State - 80%
- 2008 - 73%, State - 78%
Math:
- 2010 - 62% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 - 67%, State - 71%
- 2008 - 73%, State - 70%
Science:
- 2010 - 45% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 40%, State - 55%.
- 2008 - 33%, State - 52%
Albert Gallatin South Middle School
Eight GradeReading
- 2010 - 74% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2009 - 78%, State - 80%
- 2008 - 69%, State - 78%
Math:
- 2010 - 70% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 - 63%, State - 71%
- 2008 - 68%, State - 70%
Science:
- 2010 - 55% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 47%, State - 55%
- 2008 - 44%, State - 52%
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 724 pupils or 19.6% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening. 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 Director of Special Education.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Albert Gallatin Area School District received a $2,824,452 supplement for special education services in 2010.
Bullying policy
In 2009, the administrative reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the district.The Albert Gallatin Area School Board prohibits bullying by district students and 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
The district's administrative costs per pupil, in 2008, were $730 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 in 2008.In 2009, the district reported employing over 300 teachers with a salary range of $31,400 to $100,000 for 184 days. Teachers receive a benefits package that includes: health insurance, life insurance, reimbursement for college courses, paid personal days, sick days, paid bereavement leave, and a defined benefits pension. Additional compensation is paid for after school activities, training time, and required meetings.
In 2007, the district employed 252 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $48,979 for 180 days worked. As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, personal days, sick days, and other benefits.
In 2008, the district reported spending $12,139 per pupil which ranked 257th in the state.
Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $9,831,154 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.
In July 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted performance audit of the school district. The findings were reported to the school board and administration.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless the of income level.
State basic education funding
In 2011-12, the district will receive $22,118,944 in state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the district will receive $339,542 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to uquesne City School District which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.For the 2010-11 budget year, the Albert Gallatin Area School District was allotted a 2.69% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $23,515,550. The highest increase in Fayette County was provided to Laurel Highlands School District
Laurel Highlands School District
Laurel Highlands School District is a school district located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. It serves North and South Union Townships. The current superintendent is Dr. Gary Brain. District enrollment is 3591.-Creation of LHSD:...
through a 6.29% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District
Kennett Consolidated School District
The Kennett Consolidated School District,or KCSD for short, is a public school district serving portions of Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is centered on the borough of Kennett Square and also incorporates Kennett Township, New Garden Township, and the southern portion of East Marlborough Twp....
in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.
In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.52% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $22,897,997. Laurel Highlands School District
Laurel Highlands School District
Laurel Highlands School District is a school district located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. It serves North and South Union Townships. The current superintendent is Dr. Gary Brain. District enrollment is 3591.-Creation of LHSD:...
got a 4.23%. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $22,118,943. Ninety Pennsylvania school districts received a minimum 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District
Muhlenberg School District
The Muhlenberg Area School District is a public school district serving parts of Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. It encompasses the borough of Laureldale and the Muhlenberg Township. The district encompasses approximately 13 square miles. Per the 2000 federal census data it serves a resident...
in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009. 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.
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 district applied for and received $921,602 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide All Day Kindergarten (6th year) and to increase instructional time through tutoring of struggling students.Education Assistance Grant
The state's EAP 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 Albert Gallatin Area School District received $265,493.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. Albert Gallatin Area School District was denied funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the district received $412,696 and in 2008-09 AGASD was awarded 75,216 for a total grant of $487,912.Common Cents state initiative
The Albert Gallatin Area School Board decided to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $5,075,950 in ARRAArra
Arra is a census town in Puruliya district in the state of West Bengal, India.-Demographics: India census, Arra had a population of 19,911. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Arra has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the...
- Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.
Race to the Top grant
School district officials attempted to apply for the Race to the TopRace to the Top
Race to the Top, abbreviated R2T, RTTT or RTT, is a $4.35 billion United States Department of Education competition designed to spur innovation and reforms in state and local district K-12 education...
federal grant, but were unable to secure the support of the teachers' union. When approved for the grant, the district would have received millions of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
School Improvement Grant
In the summer of 2011, the district administration did not apply for School Improvement Grant funding, from the federal government (over $9.9 million available). The high school was eligible for funding due to chronic low achievement. The grant stipulates the funds be used for improving student achievement using one of four federally dictated strategies. The strategies are: transformation, turnaround, restart with new faculty and administration or closure of failing schools. The Pennsylvania Education Secretary awarded $66 Million to reform Pennsylvania's lowest achieving schools in August 2011. The funding is for three years.For the 2010-11 school year, Albert Gallatin Area School District administration did not apply for a School Improvement Grant. It was eligible for funding due to the chronic, low achievement at the senior high school.
In 2010, Pennsylvania received $141 million from the federal department of education, to turn around its worst-performing schools. The funds were dispersed 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.
Real estate taxes
Property tax rates in 2010-11 were set by the school board at 11.1190 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region.- 2009-10 - 11.1190 mills.
- 2008-09 - 11.1190 mills.
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 StatisticsBureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a unit of the United States Department of Labor. It is the principal fact-finding agency for the U.S. government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. The BLS is a governmental statistical agency that collects, processes, analyzes, and...
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 Albert Gallatin Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
- 2006-07 - 6.0%, Base 3.9%
- 2007-08 - 5.2%, Base 3.4%
- 2008-09 - 6.8%, Base 4.4%
- 2009-10 - 6.3%, Base 4.1%
- 2010-11 - 4.4%, Base 2.9%
- 2011-12 - 2.1%, Base 1.4%
For the 2011-12 school year, the Albert Gallatin Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the Albert Gallatin Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
.
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. With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly repealed most of the Act 1 tax increase exceptions leaving only special education costs, pension costs and prior voter approved (ballot referendum) debt for construction. The cost of construction projects in the future will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum. Districts can no longer raise property taxes to cover increasing health insurance costs for employees.
The Albert Gallatin Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2009-10 or 2010-2011 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 Albert Gallatin Area School District was $129 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 6,380 property owners applied for the tax relief. The 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 acres (40,468.6 m²) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Fayette County, 71% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. In Fayette County, the highest amount of tax relief in 2010, went to Uniontown Area School DistrictUniontown Area School District
Uniontown Area School District is a highly fragmented school district located in Uniontown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. It serves the city of Uniontown and the boroughs of Ohiopyle, and Markleysburg. It also serves Wharton, Henry Clay, Menallen, Franklin, and Stewart townships. The district...
at $200. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District
Chester Upland School District
The Chester Upland School District is a public school district serving the City of Chester, the Borough of Upland and Chester Township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania...
of Delaware County
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties....
who received $632 per approved homestead. This was the third 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, individual with income much more 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 offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is determined through school board policyBy 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.
High School Sports
Albert Gallatin High School is a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) and the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL). Albert Gallatin is in PIAA District 7.Boys
Baseball - AAAA
Basketball - AAAA 06-07 WPIAL runner-up
Cross Country - AAA
Football - AAA
Golf - AAAA
Soccer - AAA
Track and Field - AAA
Wrestling - AAA
Girls
Basketball - AAAA
Cross Country - AAA
Soccer - AAA
Softball - AAAA
Track and Field - AAA
Volleyball - AAA