Lebanon School District
Encyclopedia
Lebanon School District is an urban public school district
in Lebanon
, Lebanon County
, Pennsylvania
. The district encompasses approximately 5 square miles. According to 2000 local census data, it serves a resident population of 25,297. According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the LSD provided basic educational services to 4,332 pupils through the employment of 331 teachers, 203 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 26 administrators.
and the Pennsylvania General Assembly
. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
and the No Child Left Behind Act
which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives
Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "F" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
s for: reading, writing, math and two years of science.
Graduation rate:
2010 - 83%
2009 - 79%
2008 - 80%
2007 - 80%
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
2010 - 49% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 44%, State - 65%
2008 - 33%, State - 65%
2007 - 45%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
2010 - 51% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 44%, State - 56%
2008 - 33%, State - 56%
2007 - 40%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science:
2010 - 24% on grade level. State - 40% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 17%, State - 40%
2008 - 11%, State - 40%
College Remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 42% of Lebanon School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $15,812 for the program.
Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams in Literature and Algebra 1.
8th Grade Reading:
2010 - 64% on grade level. State - 81%
2009 - 61%, State - 80%
2008 - 54%, State - 78%
8th Grade Math:
2010 - 55% on grade level. State - 75%
2009 - 47%, State - 71%
2008 - 52%, State - 70%
8th Grade Science:
2010 - 24% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 22%, State - 54%
2008 - 26%, State - 52%
7th Grade Reading:
2010 - 56% on grade level. State - 73%
2009 - 49%, State - 71%
2008 - 45%, State - 70%
7th Grade Math:
2010 - 62% on grade level. State - 77%
2009 - 57%, State - 75%
2008 - 44%, State - 70%
6th Grade Reading:
2010 - 45% on grade level, State - 68%
2009 - 40%, State - 67%
2008 - 48%, State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
2010 - 60% on grade level, State - 78%
2009 - 53%, State - 75%
2008 - 47%, State - 72%
When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Department of Special Education.
The IDEA 2004
requires each school entity to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, including the student handbook and website regarding the availability of screening and intervention services and how to access them.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Lebanon School District received a $2,449,947 supplement for special education services in 2010.
In 2006, the Lebanon School District received a $14,365 Special Education Inclusive Practices mini-grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The grant was to be used for developing and expanding the effective instruction that encourages meaningful participation in regular education settings. Grants could be used to support the implementation of targeted instructional practices, supplementary aids and services, professional development, or related activities.
The Lebanon School Board adopted a policy which prohibits bullying by district students and the faculty. The policy defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying. The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
In 2007, the district employed 266 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $48,364 for 180 days worked.
Lebanon School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $743.62 per pupil. The district ranked 265th of 500 school districts for per pupil administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
The district administration reported that per pupil spending in 2008 was $11,150 which ranked 385th in the state's 501 school districts.
Reserves - In 2008, the district reported a deficit of -$431,292 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was repoted as zero.
In December 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the administration and the school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax for Lebanon City of 1.9%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless the of personal wealth.
in Chester County
which received a 23.65% increase in state funding. The amount of increase each school district receives is set by the Governor and the Secretary of Education as a part of the state budget proposal given each February.
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 11.28% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $21,634,580. This was the highest percentage point increase, in Basic Education Funding, for the school districts in Lebanon County. Fifteen school districts in Pennsylvania received increases of over 10% in Basic Education Funding. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $19,441,605. Ninety school districts received a base 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.
- Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. The funding was for 2009-2010 through 2010-2011.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, 2981 students qualified for free or reduced lunch due to low family income in 2008.
federal grant which would have brought the district over one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. The district was identified by the state department of education as a turnaround district due to poor student achievement. This meant the school district would receive an extra $750 per pupil on top of the base grant funding. 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 Lebanon School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
The Lebanon School Board applied for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011 including special education and pension costs. 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 $641 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. CUSD was given $632 in 2009. This was the second year they were the top recipient.
A special investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania Auditor General found that 76% of homeowners in Lebanon County had applied for the property tax relief.
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.
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.
(IU#13) region includes: Lebanon County
and Lancaster County
. The agency provides Lebanon School District, charter schools, the district's home schooled students and area private schools many services including: Special education services, combined purchasing, and instructional technology services. It runs Sail Summer Academy which offers both art and academic strands designed to meet the individual needs of gifted, talented and high achieving students. Additional services include: Curriculum Mapping, Professional Development for school employees, Adult Education, Nonpublic School Services, Business Services, Migrant & ESL (English as a Second Language), Instructional Services, Special Education, Management Services, and Technology Services. The IU 13 offers preemployment screening including fingerprinting for prospective public school employees. It also provides a GED
program to adults who want to earn a high school diploma and literacy programs. The Lancasert-Lebanon Intermediate Unit is governed by a 22 member Board of Directors, each a member of a local school board from the 22 school districts. Board members are elected by their fellow school directors for three-year terms that begin July 1. There are 29 intermediate units in Pennsylvania. They are funded by school districts, state and federal program specific funding and grants. IUs do not have the power to tax.
School district
School districts are a form of special-purpose district which serves to operate the local public primary and secondary schools.-United States:...
in Lebanon
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Lebanon, formerly known as Steitztown, is a city in and the county seat of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 25,477 at the 2010 census, a 4.2% increase from the 2000 count of 24,461...
, Lebanon County
Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 120,327 people and 32,771 families residing in the county. The population density was 332 people per square mile . There were 49,320 housing units at an average density of 136 per square mile...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. The district encompasses approximately 5 square miles. According to 2000 local census data, it serves a resident population of 25,297. According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the LSD provided basic educational services to 4,332 pupils through the employment of 331 teachers, 203 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 26 administrators.
Primary schools
- Harding Elementary - School Improvement Level 2 in 2010 http://www.scribd.com/doc/36495495/LSD-Harding-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
- Henry Houck Elementary - Made AYP http://www.scribd.com/doc/36495470/Lebanon-SD-Houck-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
- Northwest Elementary - Corrective Action 2 (second year) in 2010 http://www.scribd.com/doc/36495446/LSD-Northwest-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
- Southwest Elementary - Made AYP http://www.scribd.com/doc/36495378/LSD-Southwest-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
- Southeast Elementary - Warning Status http://www.scribd.com/doc/36495422/LSD-Southeast-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009
Intermediate school
- Lebanon Middle School - Making Progress: in Corrective Action II status
- Willow Street Academy - opening August 2010; will temporarily house 9th grade students during renovations at Lebanon High School
Governance
The district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of 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
Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives is an independent, non-profit research and educational institute based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania...
Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "F" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.
Academic achievement
Lebanon School District was ranked 481st out of 498 Pennsylvania School Districts in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on four years of student academic performance based 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: reading, writing, math and two years of science.
- 2009 - 482nd
- 2008 - 482nd
- 2007 - 480th out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts in 2007.
Graduation rate:
2010 - 83%
2009 - 79%
2008 - 80%
2007 - 80%
Lebanon Senior High School
The school is in Making Progress: in Corrective Action II AYP status in 2010 due to chronic low academic achievement in reading and mathematics. In 2009, the school was in Did not make AYP - Corrective Action II 2nd Year AYP status.PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
2010 - 49% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 44%, State - 65%
2008 - 33%, State - 65%
2007 - 45%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
2010 - 51% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 44%, State - 56%
2008 - 33%, State - 56%
2007 - 40%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science:
2010 - 24% on grade level. State - 40% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 17%, State - 40%
2008 - 11%, State - 40%
College Remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 42% of Lebanon School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
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. At LHS the courses are offered at Harrisburg Area Community College, Lebanon Valley College, and Harrisburg University of Science and TEchnology. 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 enrollees 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 $15,812 for the program.
Graduation requirements
By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams in Literature and Algebra 1.
Middle School
Attendance rate reported at 94% in 2009. Under the guidelines of NCLB, schools that do not make adequate yearly progress must offer school choice; an opportunity for students to attend another school in the district that is making AYP. Lebanon School District operates only one middle school in the district; consequently they do not offer this option.8th Grade Reading:
2010 - 64% on grade level. State - 81%
2009 - 61%, State - 80%
2008 - 54%, State - 78%
8th Grade Math:
2010 - 55% on grade level. State - 75%
2009 - 47%, State - 71%
2008 - 52%, State - 70%
8th Grade Science:
2010 - 24% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 22%, State - 54%
2008 - 26%, State - 52%
7th Grade Reading:
2010 - 56% on grade level. State - 73%
2009 - 49%, State - 71%
2008 - 45%, State - 70%
7th Grade Math:
2010 - 62% on grade level. State - 77%
2009 - 57%, State - 75%
2008 - 44%, State - 70%
6th Grade Reading:
2010 - 45% on grade level, State - 68%
2009 - 40%, State - 67%
2008 - 48%, State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
2010 - 60% on grade level, State - 78%
2009 - 53%, State - 75%
2008 - 47%, State - 72%
Special Education
In December 2008, the district reported that 694 pupils or 15% were receiving special education services. Lebanon School District provides a wide spectrum of special education services. Services and programs available within the District include learning support, speech/language support, secondary life skills support, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision, adaptive physical education, ESL/LEP, job training, and alternative education programs at the secondary level. The District contracts with Intermediate Unit 13 to provide classes at various schools in Lebanon County to meet the educational needs of students requiring: life skills support, emotional support, sensory support, physical/MDS support, autistic support, basic occupational skills and transition/school-to-work support. Developmental delays are screened for beginning as early as age 3 by IU13 Early Intervention services. Parents request an evaluation for services by contacting the Supervisor of Special Education. The district is required to conduct child find activities for children who may be eligible for services via Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Department of Special Education.
The IDEA 2004
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a United States federal law that governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children with disabilities...
requires each school entity to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, including the student handbook and website regarding the availability of screening and intervention services and how to access them.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Lebanon School District received a $2,449,947 supplement for special education services in 2010.
In 2006, the Lebanon School District received a $14,365 Special Education Inclusive Practices mini-grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The grant was to be used for developing and expanding the effective instruction that encourages meaningful participation in regular education settings. Grants could be used to support the implementation of targeted instructional practices, supplementary aids and services, professional development, or related activities.
Bullying policy
In 2009, the administrative reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the district.The Lebanon School Board adopted a policy which prohibits bullying by district students and the faculty. The policy defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying. The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
Budget
In 2009, the district reported employing over 300 teachers with a starting salary of $39,000 to $124,4300 for a 189 day work year. The average teacher salary is $53,412. By contract the teachers work a 6 hour 50 minute day. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit lifetime pension, health insurance (employee pays 10% of the monthly premium), vision insurance, dental insurance, college course reimbursement, 3 paid personal days, sick days - 10 to 12, a retirement bonus payment of unused sick days or a bonus lump sum of up to $7,500 and other benefits. sabbatical leave. Teachers are paid for extra instructional services at an hourly rate.In 2007, the district employed 266 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $48,364 for 180 days worked.
Lebanon School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $743.62 per pupil. The district ranked 265th of 500 school districts for per pupil administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
The district administration reported that per pupil spending in 2008 was $11,150 which ranked 385th in the state's 501 school districts.
Reserves - In 2008, the district reported a deficit of -$431,292 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was repoted as zero.
In December 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the administration and the school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax for Lebanon City of 1.9%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless the of personal wealth.
State basic education funding
For the 2010-11 budget year, the Lebanon School District was allotted a 14.46% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $24,763,476. Of the six school districts in Lebanon County, Lebanon School District received the highest state funding increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. Only 16 school district in Pennsylvania received an increase greater than 10%. The highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School DistrictKennett 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 set by the Governor and the Secretary of Education as a part of the state budget proposal given each February.
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 11.28% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $21,634,580. This was the highest percentage point increase, in Basic Education Funding, for the school districts in Lebanon County. Fifteen school districts in Pennsylvania received increases of over 10% in Basic Education Funding. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $19,441,605. Ninety school districts received a base 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.
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 Lebanon School District applied for and received $1,108,150 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide:preschool, full day kindergarten and teacher coaches who work to improve teacher instruction.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 Lebanon School District received $318,370.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. Lebanon School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 it was awarded $307,274 in funding. In 2008-09 it received $55,186 for a total funding of $362,460. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awardsFederal Stimulus Funding
The district received an extra $3,940,473 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 was for 2009-2010 through 2010-2011.
According to 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...
, 2981 students qualified for free or reduced lunch due to low family income in 2008.
Race to the Top grant
School district officials applied 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 over one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. The district was identified by the state department of education as a turnaround district due to poor student achievement. This meant the school district would receive an extra $750 per pupil on top of the base grant funding. 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.
Real estate taxes
The school board levied a real estate tax of 117.5100 mills in 2010-11. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. On the local level, Pennsylvania district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.- 2009-10 - 115.5100 mills
- 2008-09 - 113.5100 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 Lebanon School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
- 2006-07 - 5.8%, Base 3.9%
- 2007-08 - 5.1%, Base 3.4%
- 2008-09 - 6.6%, Base 4.4%
- 2009-10 - 6.2%, Base 4.1%
- 2010-11 - 4.4%, Base 2.9%
- 2011-12 - 2.2%, Base 1.4%
The Lebanon School Board applied for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011 including special education and pension costs. 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 Lebanon School District was $397 per approved permanent primary residence. This was the highest amount in the Lebanon County. In the district, 4459 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 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware CountyDelaware 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 $641 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. CUSD was given $632 in 2009. This was the second year they were the top recipient.
A special investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania Auditor General found that 76% of homeowners in Lebanon County had applied for the property tax relief.
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.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
Extracurriculars
The district's students have access to a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board policy. Any student who earns a failing grade in one full credit course will become ineligible to participate for a period of one week.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.
Intermediate Unit
Lancaster Lebanon Intermediate UnitIntermediate Unit
In Pennsylvania, Intermediate Units are regional educational service agencies, established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Intermediate Units serve a given geographic area's educational needs and function as a step of organization above that of a public school district, but below that of the...
(IU#13) region includes: Lebanon County
Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 120,327 people and 32,771 families residing in the county. The population density was 332 people per square mile . There were 49,320 housing units at an average density of 136 per square mile...
and Lancaster County
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Lancaster County, known as the Garden Spot of America or Pennsylvania Dutch Country, is a county located in the southeastern part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of 2010 the population was 519,445. Lancaster County forms the Lancaster Metropolitan Statistical Area, the...
. The agency provides Lebanon School District, charter schools, the district's home schooled students and area private schools many services including: Special education services, combined purchasing, and instructional technology services. It runs Sail Summer Academy which offers both art and academic strands designed to meet the individual needs of gifted, talented and high achieving students. Additional services include: Curriculum Mapping, Professional Development for school employees, Adult Education, Nonpublic School Services, Business Services, Migrant & ESL (English as a Second Language), Instructional Services, Special Education, Management Services, and Technology Services. The IU 13 offers preemployment screening including fingerprinting for prospective public school employees. It also provides a GED
GED
General Educational Development tests are a group of five subject tests which, when passed, certify that the taker has American or Canadian high school-level academic skills...
program to adults who want to earn a high school diploma and literacy programs. The Lancasert-Lebanon Intermediate Unit is governed by a 22 member Board of Directors, each a member of a local school board from the 22 school districts. Board members are elected by their fellow school directors for three-year terms that begin July 1. There are 29 intermediate units in Pennsylvania. They are funded by school districts, state and federal program specific funding and grants. IUs do not have the power to tax.