Lewisburg Area School District
Encyclopedia
The Lewisburg Area School District is a small, rural public school district in Union County, Pennsylvania
. The school encompasses an area of 44.5 square miles. It serves Lewisburg
, Kelly Township, East Buffalo Township and Union Township
, which collectively have a population of approximately 15,000. The resident's Per Capita Income was $19,981 while the Median Family Income was $56,587. According to school district administrative officials, during the 2005-06 school year, the district provided basic educational services to 1,813 pupils through the employment of 7 administrators, 125 teachers, and 79 full-time and part-time support personnel. Special education was provided by the district and the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit #16. Occupational training and adult education in various vocational and technical fields were provided by the district and the SUN Area Career and Technology Center.
s for: reading, writing math and three years of science.
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Lewisburg Area School District, was in the 90th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)
Former AYP graduation rate:
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading:
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 7% of Lewisburg Area 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.
Lewisburg High School was named as one of the nation's outstanding high schools by US News and World Report in December 2008. The school was identified as a Silver level school for academic programs and student achievement. It did not achieve the designation in 2009 or 2010.
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 LEHS a minimum of 65 hours must be spent on the student's project. The work is done independently.
By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the graduating class in 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade. The Keystone Exams proposal was vigorously supported by Superintendent DiRocco, at a hearing by the State Board of Education.
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 at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate at Bloomsburg University. Additionally, Bucknell University allows selected juniors and seniors to attend tuition free. Students have access to the ACE Program at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
that offers discounted credits during the summer months. 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.
8th Grade Reading:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
7th Grade Math:
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
In 2010, the middle school was named a School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. The recognition goes to schools that are: academically excellent by challenging all students, are sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence and are democratic and fair, providing every student with high-quality teachers, resources, and supports. Schools must apply for this recognition.
5th Grade Reading:
5th Grade Math:
4th Grade Reading:
4th Grade Math:
4th Grade Science:
3rd Grade Reading:
3rd Grade Math:
Academic Achievement of 3rd graders from low family income families.
In 2010, the district reported having an unreserved designated fund balance of $1,257,049.00 and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $2,114,667. In 2009, the district reported having an unreserved designated fund balance of $1,257,049 and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $2,036,576 In 2008, the unreserved designated fund balance was $652,375 and the unreserved-undesignated fund balance was $2,809,626.
In 2007, the district employed 129 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $54,005 for 180 school days worked.
The district administration reported that per pupil spending in 2008 was $12,619, which ranked 209th in the state's 501 public school districts.
Lewisburg Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $623.58 per pupil. The district is ranked 414th for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In January 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Significant findings were reported to the administration and the school board, including that board members had failed to complete the legally required Statement of Financial Interests forms each year, in violation of the Ethics Act.
An audit conducted by a local certified public accountant reported that in 2010 the district had General Fund Reserves over $26 million.
In June 2011, the Green Dragon Foundation, a local non profit organization, donated $34,000 to be used specifically to enhance the inquiry based, science curriculum in the intermediate school. In 201, the organization gave a donation to be used to purchase computer equipment. for classroom use.
In November 2011, the district received an award for sharply reducing its consumption of resources (electric, natural gas, fuel oil and water) by 22% in two years. This is reported to have saved the district over $187,000.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1.5%, a local property tax
, two per capita taxes of $5 and $10, a real estate transfer tax 0.50%, local non profit grants, 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 Pennsylvania personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's level of wealth.
In 2010, the district reported that 405 pupils received a free or reduced lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level
.
For the 2010-11 school year, the Lewisburg Area School District received a 4.59% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $3,300,514 payment.This was the highest increase in BEF in Union County. Kennett Consolidated School District
in Chester County
received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009-10 school budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 6.01% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $3,155,658. The district received $228,070 in English Language Learner Supplemental funding. In 2009-10, the highest BEF increase went to Muhlenberg School District
of Berks County which received an over 22% increase. Ninety school districts received the base 2% increase. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $2,976,818. In 2007-08, the district's actual spending was $16,808,672.13.
In 2008, the district reported that 374 pupils received a free or reduced lunch due to their family meeting the federal poverty threshold of $22,050 for a family of four. Many state and federal programs use the threshold to calculate benefits.
- Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. This funding is for 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.
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. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. 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. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.
in 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 Lewisburg Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
For the 2011-12 school year, the Lewisburg Area School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. They were for speical education costs and for employee pension cots. Each year the Lewisburg Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
.
According to a state report, for the 2011-2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.
In 2010, the Lewisburg Area School Board also applied for 2 exceptions to exceed the index: one for special education expenses and the other for increasing 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. In 2009, the Lewisburg Area School Board did not apply for Act 1 Exceptions.
of Delaware County
who received $631 per approved homestead.
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 whose income is substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate.
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.
Union County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 41,624 people, 13,178 households, and 9,211 families residing in the county. The population density was 131 people per square mile . There were 14,684 housing units at an average density of 46 per square mile...
. The school encompasses an area of 44.5 square miles. It serves Lewisburg
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Lewisburg is a borough in Union County, Pennsylvania, United States, south by southeast of Williamsport and north of Harrisburg. In the past, it was the commercial center for a fertile grain and general farming region. The population was 5,620 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Union...
, Kelly Township, East Buffalo Township and Union Township
Union Township, Union County, Pennsylvania
Union Township is a township in Union County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,427 at the 2000 census. Part of Shikellamy State Park is in Union Township.-Geography:...
, which collectively have a population of approximately 15,000. The resident's Per Capita Income was $19,981 while the Median Family Income was $56,587. According to school district administrative officials, during the 2005-06 school year, the district provided basic educational services to 1,813 pupils through the employment of 7 administrators, 125 teachers, and 79 full-time and part-time support personnel. Special education was provided by the district and the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit #16. Occupational training and adult education in various vocational and technical fields were provided by the district and the SUN Area Career and Technology Center.
Schools
- Kelly Elementary School
- Linntown Intermediate School
- Donald H. Eichorn Middle School
- Lewisburg Area High SchoolLewisburg Area High SchoolLewisburg Area High School is a public school located in Lewisburg, Union County, Pennsylvania. It is a part of the Lewisburg Area School District. The school's enrollment is approximately 600 students in grades nine through twelve. The school is commonly considered to be the top performing high...
Academic achievement
The Lewisburg Area School District was ranked 17th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2011. The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on five years of 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 three years of science.
- 2010 - 17th
- 2009 - 18th
- 2008 - 27th
- 2007 - 39th out of 500 school districts in 2007.
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Lewisburg Area School District, was in the 90th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)
Graduation Rate:
In 2011 the graduation ate was 97%. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Lewisburg Area High School's rate was reported as 95% for 2010.Former AYP graduation rate:
- 2010 - 98%
- 2009 - 98%
- 2008 - 98%
- 2007 - 98%
- 2006 - 95%
- 2005 - 94%
High School
In 2009 and 2010, the high school achieved AYP status.PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 85.7% on grade level (59.4% Advanced). Ranked 1st among CSIU16 region 11th grades. In Pennsylvania 69% of 11th graders were reading on grade level.
- 2010 - 88% (50% Advanced). Ranked 1st among CSIU16 region 11th grades. State - 67%
- 2009 - 84% (56% Advanced). State - 65%.
- 2008 - 88% (60% Advanced). State- 65%
- 2007 - 84%, State - 65%
- 2006 - 82%, State - 65%
- 2005 - 84%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 77% on grade level, (42% Advanced). Ranks 2nd among High Schools in CSIU16 region 11th grades. State - 60% of 11th graders were on grade level in math.
- 2010 - 73%, Ranks 3rd in CSIU16 region 11th grades. State - 59% of 11th graders were on grade level in math.
- 2009 - 74% (32% Advanced). In Pennsylvania, 56%
- 2008 - 76% (40% Advanced). State - 56%
- 2007 - 69% (37% Advanced). State - 53%
- 2006 - 66% (34% Advanced). State - 52%
- 2005 - 66% (25% Advanced). State - 51%
11th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 73% on grade level. State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level. Ranked 1st among High Schools in CSIU16 region.
- 2010 - 71%, State - 40%. Ranked 1st among High Schools in CSIU16 region. In 2010 - 75% of Males scored advanced and proficient in 11th grade science. 67% of Females scored advanced and proficient.
- 2009 - 74%, State - 40%.
- 2008 - 68% (37% Advanced). State - 39%
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 7% of Lewisburg Area 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.
Lewisburg High School was named as one of the nation's outstanding high schools by US News and World Report in December 2008. The school was identified as a Silver level school for academic programs and student achievement. It did not achieve the designation in 2009 or 2010.
Graduation requirements
In 2010, the Lewisburg School Board has determined that a student must earn 27 credits to graduate including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Mathematics 4 credits, Science 4 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Arts/humanities 2 credits, Health 0.5 credits and Electives 6.5 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 LEHS a minimum of 65 hours must be spent on the student's project. The work is done independently.
By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the graduating class in 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade. The Keystone Exams proposal was vigorously supported by Superintendent DiRocco, at a hearing by the State Board of Education.
Dual enrollment
The high school offers a Dual EnrollmentDual enrollment
In education, dual enrollment involved students being enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. It may also refer to any individual who is participating in two related programs, but such a general form of usage is uncommon....
program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate at Bloomsburg University. Additionally, Bucknell University allows selected juniors and seniors to attend tuition free. Students have access to the ACE Program at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, commonly referred to as Bloomsburg, BU or Bloom, is a public university in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, United States...
that offers discounted credits during the summer months. 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.
Donald H Eichhorn Middle School
In 2009, 2010 and 2011, the middle school achieved AYP status. In 2009 and 2010 the attendance rate was 95%. Report Card 2010 http://www.scribd.com/doc/66793221/Eichhorn-Middle-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-20108th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 95.3% on grade level (79% Advanced). State - 81.8%. Ranked 1st in CSIU16 region 8th grades.
- 2010 - 94%, (74% Advanced). Ranked 1st in CSIU16 region 8th grades. State - 81% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 92% (77% Advanced). State - 80.9%
- 2008 - 93% (77% Advanced). State - 78%
- 2007 - 79% (56% Advanced). State - 75%
- 2006 - 91% (77% Advanced). State - 70%
- 2005 - 88% (60% Advanced). State - 64%
8th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 97.3% on grade level, (82.4% Advanced) State - 76.9%
- 2010 - 98% (79% Advanced). State - 75% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 91%, State - 71%
- 2008 - 90% (67% Advanced). State - 70%
- 2007 - 90%, State - 67.9%
- 2006 - 80% (57% Advanced), State - 62%
- 2005 - 81% (52% Advanced), State - 62%
8th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 83.5%, State - 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 - 81.9%, State - 57%
- 2009 - 81%, State - 55%
- 2008 - 78%, State - 50%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 90.5% on grade level, (67% Advanced). State - 76%
- 2010 - 89% (75% Advanced). State - 73%.
- 2009 - 80%, State - 71%
- 2008 - 74%, State - 70%
- 2007 - 79%, State - 66%
7th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 94.4% on grade level (74% advanced). State - 78.6%.
- 2010 - 84.5%, State - 77%
- 2009 - 86%, State - 75%
- 2008 - 84%, State - 70%
- 2007 - 77%, State - 67%
6th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 83.3% on grade level. State - 69.9% on grade level.
- 2010 - 83%, State - 68%
- 2009 - 84%, State - 67%
- 2008 - 83%, State - 67%
- 2007 - 67%, State - 63%
6th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 91.6% on grade level. (77% Advanced.) State - 78.8%
- 2010 - 95%, (87.6% Advanced.) State - 78%
- 2009 - 93%, State - 75%
- 2008 - 90%, State - 72%
- 2007 - 87%, State - 69%
In 2010, the middle school was named a School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. The recognition goes to schools that are: academically excellent by challenging all students, are sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence and are democratic and fair, providing every student with high-quality teachers, resources, and supports. Schools must apply for this recognition.
Linntown Intermediate School
In 2011, 2010 and 2009, the school achieved AYP status. In 2009 and 2010 the attendance rate was 95%.5th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 86% on grade level. State - 67.3% 5th graders on grade level.
- 2010 - 78.3%, State - 74%
- 2009 - 82%, State - 64.7%
- 2008 - 78%, State - 62%
- 2007 - 73%, State - 60%
- 2005 - 73%, State - 64%
- 2004 - 81%, State - 63%
5th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 86.9% on grade level. State - 76.3%.
- 2010 - 91%. State - 74%
- 2009 - 90.7%, State - 73.6%
- 2008 - 88%, State - 73%
- 2007 - 81.7%, State - 71%
- 2005 - 73%, State - 68%
- 2004 - 83%, State - 61%
4th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 83.5% on grade level, State - 73.3%.
- 2010 - 83.8%, State - 72%.
- 2009 - 79.8%, State - 72.6%
- 2008 - 75.9%, State - 70.1%
- 2007 - 82.9%, State - 70.1%
4th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 92.5% on grade level, State - 85.3%.
- 2010 - 94.4%. State - 84%.
- 2009 - 89.6%, State - 82%
- 2008 - 85.7%, State - 80%
- 2007 - 93.6%, State - 78%
4th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 92%, State - 82.9%
- 2010 - 94.6%, State - 81.5%
- 2009 - 93.8%, State - 83%
- 2008 - 87.8%, State - 82%
Kelly Elementary School
The schools achieved AYP status in 2010 and 2011.3rd Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 91% on grade level. State - 77.2% Ranked 7th out of 36 CSIU16 region ES.
- 2010 - 83.9%, State - 75%. Ranked 13th out of 36 CSIU16 Elementary Schools.
- 2009 - 84.3%, State - 77%
- 2008 - 86.8%, State - 77%
- 2007 - 80.6%, State - 72.8%
3rd Grade Math:
- 2011 - 93.3% on grade level. State - 83.5%. Ranked 11th out of 35 schools in CSIU 16 region.
- 2010 - 92%, State - 75%. Ranked 14th out of 36 CSIU16 Elementary Schools.
- 2009 - 87.7%, State - 81%
- 2008 - 86.1%, State - 81%
- 2007 - 90.3%, State - 78%
Academic Achievement of 3rd graders from low family income families.
- 2010 Reading - 64.8% on grade level, State - 61.2%
- 2010 Math - 86.4%, State - 74.4%
Budget
ReservesIn 2010, the district reported having an unreserved designated fund balance of $1,257,049.00 and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $2,114,667. In 2009, the district reported having an unreserved designated fund balance of $1,257,049 and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $2,036,576 In 2008, the unreserved designated fund balance was $652,375 and the unreserved-undesignated fund balance was $2,809,626.
In 2007, the district employed 129 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $54,005 for 180 school days worked.
The district administration reported that per pupil spending in 2008 was $12,619, which ranked 209th in the state's 501 public school districts.
Lewisburg Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $623.58 per pupil. The district is ranked 414th for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In January 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Significant findings were reported to the administration and the school board, including that board members had failed to complete the legally required Statement of Financial Interests forms each year, in violation of the Ethics Act.
An audit conducted by a local certified public accountant reported that in 2010 the district had General Fund Reserves over $26 million.
In June 2011, the Green Dragon Foundation, a local non profit organization, donated $34,000 to be used specifically to enhance the inquiry based, science curriculum in the intermediate school. In 201, the organization gave a donation to be used to purchase computer equipment. for classroom use.
In November 2011, the district received an award for sharply reducing its consumption of resources (electric, natural gas, fuel oil and water) by 22% in two years. This is reported to have saved the district over $187,000.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1.5%, a local property tax
Property tax
A property tax is an ad valorem levy on the value of property that the owner is required to pay. The tax is levied by the governing authority of the jurisdiction in which the property is located; it may be paid to a national government, a federated state or a municipality...
, two per capita taxes of $5 and $10, a real estate transfer tax 0.50%, local non profit grants, 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 Pennsylvania personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's level of wealth.
State basic education funding
In 2011-12, the School District will receive $3,012,703 in state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the district will receive $45,925 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to uquesne City School District which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12. Districts experienced a reduction in funding, due to the state's loss of federal stimulus funding, which ended in 2011.In 2010, the district reported that 405 pupils received a free or reduced lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level
Poverty in the United States
Poverty is defined as the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data released Tuesday September 13th, 2011, the nation's poverty rate rose to 15.1% in 2010, up from 14.3% in 2009 and to its highest level...
.
For the 2010-11 school year, the Lewisburg Area School District received a 4.59% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $3,300,514 payment.This was the highest increase in BEF in Union County. 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...
received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009-10 school budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 6.01% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $3,155,658. The district received $228,070 in English Language Learner Supplemental funding. In 2009-10, the highest BEF increase 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 over 22% increase. Ninety school districts received the base 2% increase. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $2,976,818. In 2007-08, the district's actual spending was $16,808,672.13.
In 2008, the district reported that 374 pupils received a free or reduced lunch due to their family meeting the federal poverty threshold of $22,050 for a family of four. Many state and federal programs use the threshold to calculate benefits.
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), along with other specialized equipment and provided funding for teacher training to optimize the use of the computers. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Lewisburg Area School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the district received $184,892. The district received $45,413 in extra state funding in 2008-09.Federal Stimulus Funds
The district received an extra $778,080 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. This funding is for 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.
Race to the Top grant
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. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
Common Cents state initiative
The Lewisburg School Board did 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 was set at 15.0500 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. Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property taxProperty tax
A property tax is an ad valorem levy on the value of property that the owner is required to pay. The tax is levied by the governing authority of the jurisdiction in which the property is located; it may be paid to a national government, a federated state or a municipality...
is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. 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. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Pennsylvania school 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 - 14.3100 mills. A new downtown bookstore, owned by Bucknell University, has brought $23,559 in additional tax revenue.
- 2008-09 - 14.0300 mills.
- 2007-08 - 13.0600 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 Lewisburg Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.
- 2006-07 - 4.5%, Base 3.9%
- 2007-08 - 3.4%, Base 3.4%
- 2008-09 - 4.4%, Base 4.4%
- 2009-10 - 4.8%, Base 4.1%
- 2010-11 - 3.4%, Base 2.9%
- 2011-12 - 1.6%, Base 1.4%
- 2012-13 - 2.0%, Base 1.7%
For the 2011-12 school year, the Lewisburg Area School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. They were for speical education costs and for employee pension cots. Each year the Lewisburg Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
.
According to a state report, for the 2011-2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.
In 2010, the Lewisburg Area School Board also applied for 2 exceptions to exceed the index: one for special education expenses and the other for increasing 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. In 2009, the Lewisburg Area School Board did not apply for Act 1 Exceptions.
Property tax relief
In 2011, the Lewisburg School District property tax relief was set at $153 for 3,408 approved homesteads. The property tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners must 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. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School DistrictChester 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 $631 per approved homestead.
- 2010 - $151 for 3,440 approved homesteads.
- 2009 - the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Lewisburg School District was $156 per approved permanent primary homestead. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School DistrictChester Upland School DistrictThe 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 CountyDelaware County, PennsylvaniaDelaware 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.
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 whose income is substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate.
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
A wide variety of clubs, activities and athletics are offered to students. Eligibility to participate is determined by school board policy. The District is a member of the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference. The district administration played a leading role in founding the PHAC in Fall 2008.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.