Conewago Valley School District
Encyclopedia
The Conewago Valley School District is a small, rural public school district. Conewago Valley School District encompasses approximately 73 square miles. It includes the Boroughs of Abbottstown
, the northern portion of Bonneauville
, McSherrystown
and New Oxford
and Berwick Township, Conewago Township
, Hamilton Township
, all but the southwestern edge of Mount Pleasant Township
, Oxford Township, the eastern edge of Straban Township and the southeastern edge of Tyrone Township
in Adams County, Pennsylvania
. According to 2000 Federal Census data, it serves a resident population of 23,314. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $18,281, while
the median family income was $48,174. According to district officials, in school year 2005-06 the Conewago Valley School District provided basic educational services to 3,788 pupils through the employment of 245 teachers, 116 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 13 administrators. Conewago Valley School Ditrict received more than $11.4 million in state funding in school year 2005-06.
The district operates New Oxford High School (9th-12th), New Oxford Middle School (7th-8th), Conewago Valley Intermediate School (4th-6th), Conewago Township Elementary School (K-3rd) and New Oxford Elementary School (K-3rd). IN 2010 enrollment was 3931 pupils.
results in: reading, writing, mathematics and three years of science.
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
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, 42% of New Oxford 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.
By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a graduation 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 English and Algebra 1.
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.
PSSA Results
8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Math:
The district provides a wide variety of special services to students with special needs. Parents may request in writing that their child be evaluated for gifted education services. The state has released an evaluation of special education service performance in the district. It finds that 13.4% of the pupils in the district are identified as receiving special education.
The Conewago Valley 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.
In 2007, the district employed 222 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $56,394 for 188 days worked. The average teacher salary in Pennsylvania was $54,977. In 2009 the school board negotiated a new five year contract with the teachers' union that included an annual raise and step raises for longevity coupled with slightly increased payment (11% by 5th year) by employees for health insurance. The raises are 1.55% in 2010, 2.3 percent in 2011, with subsequent years having increases of 2.9%, 3.6% and 3.8%. Each year also has a step increase.
According to CVSD officials, in school year 2005-06 the CVSD provided basic educational services to 3,788 pupils through the employment of 245 teachers, 116 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 13 administrators. The district received more than $11.4 million in state funding in school year 2005-06.
Conewago Valley School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $529.98 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In July 2005, the school board provided a three year contract for superintendent at a salary $100,000 and an extensive package of benefits.
In 2009, the district reported having $31,700,000 in outstanding debt.
In June 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General released a Performance Audit of the school district. It found that the district had four significant findings including a board member ethics violation and financial overpayment issues. The results were reported to the school board and the school 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 of the income level.
For the 2010-11 school year, the highest increase in basic education funding was awarded to Conewago Valley School District at 9.66% for $8,560,275. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. 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.
For the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 9.48% increase in Basic Education funding for Conewago Valley School District a total of $7,805,268. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $7,129,490.12. This was the highest increase in BEF for the school districts in Adams County. The highest increase in Pennsylvania went to Muhlenberg School District
of Berks County which received an increase of 22.31 percent. Sixteen school districts received an increase in funding of over 10 percent in 2009.
In 2009, the district reported that 991 students received a federal free or reduced lunch due to low family income.
- Federal Stimulus money to be used only in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.
federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
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 Conewago Valley School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
For the 2008-09, 2009-10 and the 2010-11 school years, the school board did not seek an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
received the highest relief allocation at $279. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year CUSD was the top recipient. 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 Adams County, 74% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.
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, so people who make substantially 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.
References:
Abbottstown, Pennsylvania
Abbottstown is a borough in Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1011 at the 2010 census.-History:Abbottstown is named for John Abbott, who founded it in 1753.In 1950 Abbottstown had a population of 538.-Geography:...
, the northern portion of Bonneauville
Bonneauville, Pennsylvania
Bonneauville is a borough in Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,800 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Bonneauville is located at ....
, McSherrystown
McSherrystown, Pennsylvania
McSherrystown is a borough in Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,038 as of the 2010 census.The headquarters of the popular Teddy Bear manufacturer Boyds Bears as well as the oldest operating family-run cigar manufacturer in the U.S. , F.X...
and New Oxford
New Oxford, Pennsylvania
New Oxford is a borough in Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,783 at the 2010 census. Within New Oxford there are several large manufacturing plants...
and Berwick Township, Conewago Township
Conewago Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania
Conewago Township is a township in Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 5,709 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000,...
, Hamilton Township
Hamilton Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania
Hamilton Township is a township in Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,044 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:...
, all but the southwestern edge of Mount Pleasant Township
Mount Pleasant Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania
Mount Pleasant Township is a township in Adams County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 4,420.-Geography:...
, Oxford Township, the eastern edge of Straban Township and the southeastern edge of Tyrone Township
Tyrone Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania
Tyrone Township is a township in Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,273 at the 2000 census.It was named after County Tyrone in Ireland.-Geography:...
in Adams County, Pennsylvania
Adams County, Pennsylvania
Adams County is a county in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 101,407. It was created on January 22, 1800, from part of York County and named in honor of the second President of the United States, John Adams...
. According to 2000 Federal Census data, it serves a resident population of 23,314. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $18,281, while
the median family income was $48,174. According to district officials, in school year 2005-06 the Conewago Valley School District provided basic educational services to 3,788 pupils through the employment of 245 teachers, 116 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 13 administrators. Conewago Valley School Ditrict received more than $11.4 million in state funding in school year 2005-06.
The district operates New Oxford High School (9th-12th), New Oxford Middle School (7th-8th), Conewago Valley Intermediate School (4th-6th), Conewago Township Elementary School (K-3rd) and New Oxford Elementary School (K-3rd). IN 2010 enrollment was 3931 pupils.
Academic achievement
The Conewago Valley School District was ranked 289th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts, in 2011, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic performance on five years of 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...
results in: reading, writing, mathematics and three years of science.
- 2010 - 308th
- 2009 - 316th
- 2008 - 344th
- 2007 - 330th of 501 school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times.
Graduation Rate:
In 2011, the graduation rate was 94%. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Conewago Valley School District's rate was 93% for 2010.According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
- 2010 - 90%
- 2009 - 94%
- 2008 - 89%
- 2007 - 89%
High School
In 2011, New Oxford Senior High School has remained in School Improvement I. In 2010, the school is in School Improvement I level due to chronically low student achievement.PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
- 2011 - 61.4% on grade level, (18.5% below basic). 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 62%, State - 67%
- 2009 - 60%, State - 65%
- 2008 - 61%, State - 65%
- 2007 - 64%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 58.4%, on grade level (20% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 65%, State - 59%
- 2009 - 52%, State - 56%
- 2008 - 55%, State - 56%
- 2007 - 53%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 44.6% on grade level (16.8% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 - 42% on grade level. State - 39%
- 2009 - 34%, State - 40%
- 2008 - 38%, State - 39%
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 42% of New Oxford 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
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.
Graduation requirements
All students are required to earn a minimum of 28 credits in grades 9 through 12 as follows: Language Arts 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Mathematics 4 credits, Science 4 credits, Physical Education and Health 3 credits, Computer Technology 1 credit, Humanities, Practical Arts, or Fine Arts 2 credits and 6 credits of electives. Additionally, all students must take a core English, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science class in grades 9, 10, and 11.By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a graduation 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 English and Algebra 1.
Dual enrollment
The high school does not offer 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, 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.
Middle school
n 2011, New Oxford Middle School has remained in AYP status. In 2010, the school is in AYP status. In 2011 the attendance rate was 94% while the attendance rate was 95% in 2010.PSSA Results
8th Grade Reading
- 2011 - 84.1% on grade level (5.8% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2010 - 85%, State - 31%
- 2009 - 81%, State - 80%
- 2008 - 80%, State - 78%
- 2007 - 74%, State - 75%
8th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 88% on grade level (3% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
- 2010 - 90%, State - 75%
- 2009 - 40%, State - 71%
- 2008 - 74%, State - 70%
- 2007 - 70%, State - 68%
8th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 68% on grade level (12% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 - 60.9%, State - 57%
- 2009 - 64%, State - 55%
- 2008 - 62%, State - 52%
7th Grade Reading
- 2011 - 72% on grade level (8.8% below basic). State – 76%
- 2010 - 72%, State - 73%
- 2009 - 70%, State - 71%
- 2008 - 73%, State - 70%
- 2007 - 67%, State - 67%
7th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 68.7% on grade level (5% below basic). State - 78.6%
- 2010 - 88%, State - 77%
- 2009 - 83%, State - 75%
- 2008 - 78%, State - 71%
- 2007 - 71%, State - 67%
Special Education
The district administration reported that 742 students or 76% were receiving special education services in 2009.The district provides a wide variety of special services to students with special needs. Parents may request in writing that their child be evaluated for gifted education services. The state has released an evaluation of special education service performance in the district. It finds that 13.4% of the pupils in the district are identified as receiving special education.
Bullying policy
The school district administration reported there were no incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.The Conewago Valley 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
In 2008, the district reported a $295,626.00 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was repoted as $9,261,318.00.In 2007, the district employed 222 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $56,394 for 188 days worked. The average teacher salary in Pennsylvania was $54,977. In 2009 the school board negotiated a new five year contract with the teachers' union that included an annual raise and step raises for longevity coupled with slightly increased payment (11% by 5th year) by employees for health insurance. The raises are 1.55% in 2010, 2.3 percent in 2011, with subsequent years having increases of 2.9%, 3.6% and 3.8%. Each year also has a step increase.
According to CVSD officials, in school year 2005-06 the CVSD provided basic educational services to 3,788 pupils through the employment of 245 teachers, 116 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 13 administrators. The district received more than $11.4 million in state funding in school year 2005-06.
Conewago Valley School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $529.98 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In July 2005, the school board provided a three year contract for superintendent at a salary $100,000 and an extensive package of benefits.
In 2009, the district reported having $31,700,000 in outstanding debt.
In June 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General released a Performance Audit of the school district. It found that the district had four significant findings including a board member ethics violation and financial overpayment issues. The results were reported to the school board and the school 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 of the income level.
State basic education funding
In 2011-12, the district will receive $7,813,323 in state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the district will receive $208,485 in Accountability Block Grant funding.For the 2010-11 school year, the highest increase in basic education funding was awarded to Conewago Valley School District at 9.66% for $8,560,275. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. Among Pennsylvania school districts, 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
Chester County, Pennsylvania
-State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were...
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.
For the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 9.48% increase in Basic Education funding for Conewago Valley School District a total of $7,805,268. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $7,129,490.12. This was the highest increase in BEF for the school districts in Adams County. The highest increase in Pennsylvania went to 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...
of Berks County which received an increase of 22.31 percent. Sixteen school districts received an increase in funding of over 10 percent in 2009.
In 2009, the district reported that 991 students received a federal free or reduced lunch due to low family income.
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 Conewago Valley School District applied for and received $585,880 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide Full Day Kindergarten, to improve instruction by using teacher coaches in classrooms and to increase instructional time for struggling students through before and after school tutoring.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. Conewago Valley School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 it received $225,090. The district received $57,804 in 2008-09 for a total funding of $282,894.Federal Stimulus Grant
Conewago Valley School District received an extra $1,867,558 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 only in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.
Race to the Top
School district officials did not 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 which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
Common Cents state initiative
The Conewago Valley School Board decided to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.Real estate taxes
Property tax rates in 2008-2009 were set at 37.9000 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.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 it 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, increasing rising health care 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 Conewago Valley School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
- 2006-07 - 5.0%, Base 3.9%
- 2007-08 - 4.3%, Base 3.4%
- 2008-09 - 5.6%, Base 4.4%
- 2009-10 - 5.2%, Base 4.1%
- 2010-11 - 3.7%, Base 2.9%
- 2011-12 - 1.8%, Base 1.4%
- 2012-13 - 2.2%, Base 1.7%
For the 2008-09, 2009-10 and the 2010-11 school years, the school board did not seek an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
Property tax relief
In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Conewago Valley School District was $128 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 7,163 property owners applied for the tax relief. Among Adams County school districts, in 2009, Upper Adams School DistrictUpper Adams School District
The Upper Adams School District is a small, rural public school district serving parts of Adams County, Pennsylvania. The boroughs of Bendersville, Biglerville, Arendtsville and the townships of Tyrone, Butler, and Menallen are located within district boundaries. Upper Adams School District...
received the highest relief allocation at $279. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in 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....
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year CUSD was the top recipient. 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 Adams County, 74% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.
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, so people who make substantially 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 variety of clubs, activities and sports. The Conewago Valley School Board sets policies regarding eligibility to participate in these activities. A student must be passing four (4) scholastic credits. The P.I.A.A. requires regular school attendance, which must be strictly adhered to.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.
References: