Kennett Consolidated School District
Encyclopedia
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. The district contains five schools: Greenwood Elementary, Mary D. Lang Elementary, New Garden Elementary, Kennett Middle School, and Kennett High School
. The district encompasses approximately 35 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 27,124.
and the Pennsylvania General Assembly
. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
and the No Child Left Behind Act
which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "B-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
s for: math, reading, writing and two years of science.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Kennett Consolidated School DIstrict was in the 45th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania School Districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best)
Graduation rate
In 2006, 33% of the graduates from the district high school did not achieve proficient or better on the PSSA
's for Mathematics and Reading.
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
2010 - 65% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 69%, State - 65%
2008 - 68%, State - 65%
2007 - 67%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
2010 - 57% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 62%, State - 55%
2008 - 56%, State - 56%
2007 - 58%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science:
2010 - 53% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 56%, State - 40%
2008 - 38%, State - 39%
study released in January 2009, 37% of the Kennett 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.
Partnerships have been developed with West Chester University, Widener University, and Seton Hill University. The following courses will be offered during the spring semester 2011 for those students who qualify: Writing about Popular Culture, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Sociology of the Family, Criminal Justice, Cultural Anthropology, Environmental Science, and Chinese. These courses were chosen from a menu of 13 possibilities by a survey conducted with the 10th and 11th graders – those eligible to take the courses as 11th and 12th graders next year. The Board approved the Concurrent Enrollment Agreements with Seton Hill, West Chester, and Widener Universities for a Dual Enrollment Grant.
For the 2010-11 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $8,648 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. At Kennett High School community service is a required part of the project.
Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams in Literature and Algebra 1.
2010 - 86% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level.
2009 - 82%, State - 80%
2008 - 90%, State - 78%
Math:
2010 - 82% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 76%, State - 71%
2008 - 72%, State - 70%
Science:
2010 - 70% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 61%, State - 55%.
2008 - 59%, State - 52%
2010 - 71% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 74%, State - 71%
2008 - 70%, State - 70%
2007 - 70%
Math:
2010 - 78% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 78%, State - 75%
2008 - 73%, State - 70%
2007 - 67%
2010 - 71% on grade level. State: 68% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 65%, State - 67%
2008 - 71%, State - 67%
2007 - 63%
Math:
2010 - 86% on grade level. State - 78% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 74%, State - 75%
2008 - 77%, State - 72%
2007 - 72%
The Kennett Consolidated 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.
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 Supervisor of Special Education.
In 2007, the district employed 257 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $56,705 for 190 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.
Kennett Consolidated School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $694.93 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In December 2009, the school board hired Barry Tomasetti as the superintendent with a salary of $180,000. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association's report, the average salary for a superintendent for the 2007-08 school year was $122,165. Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.
In 2008, the district administration reported spending $14,392 per pupil which ranked 84th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts.
In August 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the administration and the school board.
Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $5,242,094 balance in unreserved-undesignated funds. The designated fund balance was repoted as zero.
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. 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 person's wealth.
In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided the district a 10.53% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $4,377,208. The highest increase in Chester County went to Oxford Area School District
with a 16.13% increase. Ninety Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. Fifteen school districts received an increase of greater than 10%. Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received the highest 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. The funding is for the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.
grant which would have provided hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars to improve 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 US 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 Kennett Consolidated School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
2006-07 - 3.9%, Base 3.9%
2007-08 - 3.4%, Base 3.4%
2008-09 - 4.4%, Base 4.4%
2009-10 - 4.1%, Base 4.1%
2010-11 - 2.9%, Base 2.9%
2011-12 - 1.4%, Base 1.4%
The Kennett Consolidated School Board applied for several exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2010-2011 including: Pension obligations, School Construction Debt, and Special Education expenses. The district was approved to exceed the 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 largest tax relief at $345 per property owner. In Chester County, 72% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. 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 in the state.
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%).
Each hour of service is credited at the rate of $10.00 up to a maximum of 50 hours. The maximum relief cannot exceed the actual amount of the participant's residential real estate tax liability.
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:
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...
. 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. The district contains five schools: Greenwood Elementary, Mary D. Lang Elementary, New Garden Elementary, Kennett Middle School, and Kennett High School
Kennett High School (Pennsylvania)
Kennett High School is the only public high school in the Kennett Consolidated School District and is located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, United States. The school averages around 1300 students and 100 faculty members...
. The district encompasses approximately 35 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 27,124.
Governance
The school district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of EducationPennsylvania 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...
and the Pennsylvania General Assembly
Pennsylvania General Assembly
The Pennsylvania General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The legislature convenes in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. In colonial times , the legislature was known as the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. Since the Constitution of 1776, written by...
. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act , is a United States federal statute enacted April 11, 1965. It was passed as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" and has been the most far-reaching federal legislation affecting education ever passed by Congress...
and the No Child Left Behind Act
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is a United States Act of Congress concerning the education of children in public schools.NCLB was originally proposed by the administration of George W. Bush immediately after he took office...
which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "B-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
Academic achievement
Kennett Consolidated School District was ranked 144th out of 500 Pennsylvania school districts in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on four 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 two years of science.
- 2009 - 158th out of 500 school districts
- 2008 - 197th out of 500 Pennsylvania school districts.
- 2007 - 194th out of 501 school districts
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Kennett Consolidated School DIstrict was in the 45th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania School Districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best)
Kennett High school
In 2010 the high school is in Corrective Action I due to the chronic low academic achievement of the students.Graduation rate
- 2010 - 90%
- 2009 - 91%
- 2007 - 91%
In 2006, 33% of the graduates from the district high school did not achieve proficient or better 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 Mathematics and Reading.
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
2010 - 65% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 69%, State - 65%
2008 - 68%, State - 65%
2007 - 67%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
2010 - 57% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 62%, State - 55%
2008 - 56%, State - 56%
2007 - 58%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science:
2010 - 53% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 56%, State - 40%
2008 - 38%, State - 39%
College Remediation Rate
According to a Pennsylvania Department of EducationPennsylvania 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...
study released in January 2009, 37% of the Kennett 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.
Dual enrollment
The high school offers a Dual Enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. 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.Partnerships have been developed with West Chester University, Widener University, and Seton Hill University. The following courses will be offered during the spring semester 2011 for those students who qualify: Writing about Popular Culture, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Sociology of the Family, Criminal Justice, Cultural Anthropology, Environmental Science, and Chinese. These courses were chosen from a menu of 13 possibilities by a survey conducted with the 10th and 11th graders – those eligible to take the courses as 11th and 12th graders next year. The Board approved the Concurrent Enrollment Agreements with Seton Hill, West Chester, and Widener Universities for a Dual Enrollment Grant.
For the 2010-11 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $8,648 for the program.
Graduation requirements
The Kennett Consolidated School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 25.2 credits to graduate including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Science 4 credits, Math 4 credits, Physical Education 1 credit, health 0.2 credits, Humanities 2 credits and electives 6 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. At Kennett High School community service is a required part of the project.
Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams in Literature and Algebra 1.
Eighth grade
Reading2010 - 86% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level.
2009 - 82%, State - 80%
2008 - 90%, State - 78%
Math:
2010 - 82% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 76%, State - 71%
2008 - 72%, State - 70%
Science:
2010 - 70% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 61%, State - 55%.
2008 - 59%, State - 52%
Seventh grade
Reading:2010 - 71% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 74%, State - 71%
2008 - 70%, State - 70%
2007 - 70%
Math:
2010 - 78% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 78%, State - 75%
2008 - 73%, State - 70%
2007 - 67%
Sixth grade
Reading:2010 - 71% on grade level. State: 68% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 65%, State - 67%
2008 - 71%, State - 67%
2007 - 63%
Math:
2010 - 86% on grade level. State - 78% of 6th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 74%, State - 75%
2008 - 77%, State - 72%
2007 - 72%
Bullying policy
In 2009, the administrative reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the district.The Kennett Consolidated 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.
Special education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 567 pupils or 13.9% of the district's pupils received special education services, including services for academically talented students.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 Supervisor of Special Education.
Budget
In 2010, the district reported employing over 337 teachers with a salary range of $40,000 to $180,000 for 190 days. The average teacher salary in the district is $63,791 in 2009. Teachers receive a benefits package that includes: paid sick days, paid personal days, reimbursement for college courses, a health insurance and a defined benefit pension. Additionally, the district pays a retirement bonus of $200 for every year of service. Forty one employees earn over $90,000 a year.In 2007, the district employed 257 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $56,705 for 190 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.
Kennett Consolidated School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $694.93 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In December 2009, the school board hired Barry Tomasetti as the superintendent with a salary of $180,000. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association's report, the average salary for a superintendent for the 2007-08 school year was $122,165. Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.
In 2008, the district administration reported spending $14,392 per pupil which ranked 84th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts.
In August 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the administration and the school board.
Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $5,242,094 balance in unreserved-undesignated funds. The designated fund balance was repoted as zero.
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. 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 person's wealth.
State basic education funding
For the 2010-11 budget year, the Kennett Consolidated School District was allotted a 23.65% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $5,412,355. This was the highest increase in basic education funding given to any district in the state. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase.In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided the district a 10.53% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $4,377,208. The highest increase in Chester County went to Oxford Area School District
Oxford Area School District
The Oxford Area School District is the K-12 public school district for the town of Oxford in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The schools new location was opened in September, 2005.-Schools:*Jordan Bank Elementary School...
with a 16.13% increase. Ninety Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. Fifteen school districts received an increase of greater than 10%. 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 the highest 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 $333,260 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide All Day Kindergarten to 67 pupils and to pay for math and reading coaches to instruct teachers in the classrooms.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 Kennett Consolidated School District received $115,728.Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $1,376,433 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. The funding is for the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.
Race to the Top grant
District officials did not apply for the federal 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...
grant which would have provided hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars to improve 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.
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. Kennett Consolidated School District applied, but did not receive funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the high school received $189,929. In 2008-09 the district received $45,413.Common Cents state initiative
The Kennett Consolidated 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 2010-11 were set by the Kennett Consolidated School Board at 24.7781 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 - 23.9597 mills.
- 2008-09 - 23.1400 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 US 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 Kennett Consolidated School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
2006-07 - 3.9%, Base 3.9%
2007-08 - 3.4%, Base 3.4%
2008-09 - 4.4%, Base 4.4%
2009-10 - 4.1%, Base 4.1%
2010-11 - 2.9%, Base 2.9%
2011-12 - 1.4%, Base 1.4%
The Kennett Consolidated School Board applied for several exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2010-2011 including: Pension obligations, School Construction Debt, and Special Education expenses. The district was approved to exceed the 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 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Kennett Consolidated School District was $235 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 6,156 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. Among public school districts in Chester County, Avon Grove School DistrictAvon Grove School District
The Avon Grove School District is a publicly funded school district located in West Grove, Pennsylvania, 19390 . The district covers the Boroughs of Avondale and West Grove and Franklin Township, London Britain Township, London Grove Township, New London Township and Penn Township in Chester...
received the largest tax relief at $345 per property owner. In Chester County, 72% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. 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 in the state.
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%).
Senior citizen tax relief program
Established in 2010 the program provides for senior citizens an opportunity to serve their time in different capacities within the schools. Participants are required to attend a group orientation/training session. The maximum relief is $500 per person and $1,000 per household.Each hour of service is credited at the rate of $10.00 up to a maximum of 50 hours. The maximum relief cannot exceed the actual amount of the participant's residential real estate tax liability.
Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports to pupils in the high school and middle school. Eligibility to participate is set through school board policy. The district has a weekly eligibility policy that exceeds the PIAA's rules.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.
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