Penn Manor School District
Encyclopedia
The Penn Manor School District is a large, rural, public school district
located in southern in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
. The Penn Manor School District encompasses approximately 110 square mile
s. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 37,942. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income
was $20,529
median family income was $55,708. Per school district officials, in school year 2007-08 the Penn Manor School District provided basic educational services to 5,306 pupils through the employment of 386 teachers, 254 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 25 administrators. The district operates one high school, two middle schools and seven elementary schools. Additionally the district offers a virtual school and an alternative school for grades 7th-12th. Penn Manor School District is a member of Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit (IU) 13.
In 2011, the district agreed to participate in a pilot program to develop a new way to evaluate teachers that in part takes into account student achievement. The pilot program had 104 K-12 entities, including: nine career and technical centers, nine charter schools and nine intermediate units. Beginning in January 2012, Penn Manor schools will use the new evaluation method and provide feedback to the Department of Education. The new evaluation will not be used to determine an educator’s official 2011-12 assessment.
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Penn Manor School District was in the 46th percentile of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale (0-99; 100 is state best).
issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Penn Manor High School's rate was 94% for 2010.
AYP status declined to Corrective Action I due to chronic low achievement of its 11th grade students. In 2009, the school was in School Improvement II. Under No Child Left Behind, the school must allow students to transfer to a higher performing high school with in the district.
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading:
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 23% of Penn Manor High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a 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 Penn Manor School District the project focuses on career development.
Students must complete 30 hours of community service as a part of the graduation project.
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.
8th Grade Reading:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
7th Grade Math:
Attendance at Marticville Middle School in Pequea, Pennsylvania
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.25%, essentially the same as the 95.4% scored in the prior year. Students were 74.9% proficient in math, 83.2% proficient in reading.
8th Grade Reading:
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
7th Grade Math:
Attendance at Manor Middle School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.51%, essentially the same as the 95.96% scored in the prior year. Students were 73.9% proficient in math, 75.5% proficient in reading.
Washington Boro, Pennsylvania. In 2011, the school achieved AYP status and the attendance rate was 96%. In 2010, the school achieved AYP status. The attendance rate was reported as 97%. In 2009, the school achieved AYP status and the attendance rate was 97%.
Attendance at Central Manor Elementary School in Washington Boro, Pennsylvania
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.49%, essentially the same as the 96.75% scored in the prior year. Students were 76.6% proficient in math, 72.2% proficient in reading.
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
5th Grade Reading:
5th Grade Math:
4th Grade Reading:
4th Grade Math:
4th Grade Science:
3rd Grade Reading:
3rd Grade Math:
Conestoga, Pennsylvania. In 2011 and 2010, the school achieved AYP status. In 2010 and 2011, the attendance rate was reported as 96%. In 2009, the attendance rate was reported as 96%.
Attendance at Conestoga Elementary School in Conestoga, Pennsylvania
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.61%, essentially the same as the 96.37% scored in the prior year. Students were 91.7% proficient in math, 81.0% proficient in reading.
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
5th Grade Reading:
5th Grade Math:
4th Grade Reading:
4th Grade Math:
4th Grade Science:
3rd Grade Reading:
3rd Grade Math:
Attendance at Eshleman Elementary School in Millersville, Pennsylvania
during the 2005-2006 school year was 97.1%, essentially the same as the 96.59% scored in the prior year. Students were 85.4% proficient in math, 80.9% proficient in reading.
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
5th Grade Reading:
5th Grade Math:
4th Grade Reading:
4th Grade Math:
4th Grade Science:
3rd Grade Reading:
3rd Grade Math:
Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, the school achieved AYP status. In 2011 and 2010, the attendance rate was reported as 96%. In 2009, the attendance rate was reported as 96%.
Attendance at Hambright Elementary School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.25%, essentially the same as the 96.35% scored in the prior year. Students were 85.7% proficient in math, 61.9% proficient in reading.
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
5th Grade Reading:
5th Grade Math:
4th Grade Reading:
4th Grade Math:
4th Grade Science:
3rd Grade Reading:
3rd Grade Math:
Washington Boro, Pennsylvania. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, the school achieved AYP status. In 2010, the attendance rate was reported as 97%. In 2009, the attendance rate was reported as 96%.
Attendance at Letort Elementary School in Washington Boro, Pennsylvania
during the 2005-2006 school year was 97.35%, essentially the same as the 97.39% scored in the prior year. Students were 83.1% proficient in math, 75.3% proficient in reading. Former student Taylor Coulton helped create there school song."We long our school"
Attendance at Martic Elementary School in Holtwood, Pennsylvania
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.25%, essentially the same as the 96.39% scored in the prior year. Students were 88.0% proficient in math, 70.9% proficient in reading.
Willow Street, Pennsylvania. In both 2010 and 2009, the school achieved AYP status. In 2010, the attendance rate was reported as 96%. In 2009, the attendance rate was reported as 96%.
Attendance at Pequea Elementary School in Willow Street, Pennsylvania
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.57%, essentially the same as the 97.34% scored in the prior year. Students were 78.0% proficient in math, 72.4% proficient in reading.
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; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. 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 request a multidisciplinary evaluation in writing to the Special Education Department.
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.
Penn Manor School District received a $2,567,567 supplement for special education services in 2010.
The school board prohibits bullying by district students and employees. The Board directs that complaints of bullying and harassment 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. 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. District administration are required to annually provide the following information with the district's Safe School Report: the board’s bullying policy, a report of bullying incidents in the school district, and information on the development and implementation of any bullying prevention, intervention or education programs. The Center for Schools and Communities works, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives. Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.
In 2009, the district reported employing over 380 teachers with a starting salary of $40,000 for 182 days for pupil instruction. The average teacher salary was $58,689 while the maximum salary was $120,542.
As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation. Additionally, Penn Manor School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension
, health insurance
, full costs for professional development courses, 3 paid personal days, 10 sick days, 3 paid bereavement days, and other benefits. Teachers are paid an additional hourly rate, if they are required to work outside of the regular school day. The school day is 7 hours 5 minutes for secondary teachers and 6 hours and 45 minutes for elementary teachers. Retirees receive $125 per year worked at PSMSD plus $60 for each unused accumulated sick days. Teachers who serves as mentors and team leaders receive $1000 in compensation. According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
In 2007, the district employed 332 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $54,529 for 183 school days worked.
Penn Manor School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $653.61 per pupil. This ranked 378th among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Penn Manor School District reported spending $11,343 per pupil. This ranked 359th in the commonwealth.
Reserves
In 2009, the district reported $5,412,699 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $6,512,117.
In June 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.
For 2010-11 the Penn Manor School District received a 6.18% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $11,562,559 payment. In 2010, Conestgoa Valley School District received an 18,51% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF among Lancaster County public school districts. 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 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided Penn Manor School District a 4.47% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $10,889,788. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $10,423,891.41. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more. Columbia Borough School District
received the highest increase in Lancaster County for the 2009-10 school year at 8.61%. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District
in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, 952 district students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.
- Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like Title 1, special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. The funding was for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.
federal grant which would have brought the district over one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.
The School District Adjusted Index for the Penn Manor School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
For the 2011–12 school year, the Penn Manor School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Penn Manor 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 published in the fall of each school 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.
Penn Manor School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 or in 2010-11. 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 $446. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year Chester Upland School District was the top recipient.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
School district
School districts are a form of special-purpose district which serves to operate the local public primary and secondary schools.-United States:...
located in southern in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
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 Penn Manor School District encompasses approximately 110 square mile
Square mile
The square mile is an imperial and US unit of measure for an area equal to the area of a square of one statute mile. It should not be confused with miles square, which refers to the number of miles on each side squared...
s. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 37,942. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
was $20,529
median family income was $55,708. Per school district officials, in school year 2007-08 the Penn Manor School District provided basic educational services to 5,306 pupils through the employment of 386 teachers, 254 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 25 administrators. The district operates one high school, two middle schools and seven elementary schools. Additionally the district offers a virtual school and an alternative school for grades 7th-12th. Penn Manor School District is a member of Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit (IU) 13.
In 2011, the district agreed to participate in a pilot program to develop a new way to evaluate teachers that in part takes into account student achievement. The pilot program had 104 K-12 entities, including: nine career and technical centers, nine charter schools and nine intermediate units. Beginning in January 2012, Penn Manor schools will use the new evaluation method and provide feedback to the Department of Education. The new evaluation will not be used to determine an educator’s official 2011-12 assessment.
Academic achievement
Penn Manor School District was ranked 207th out of 498 Pennsylvania School Districts in 2011 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on five years of student academic performance based on the PSSA's on reading, mathematics and writing as well as three years of science.- 2010 - 171st
- 2009 - 127th
- 2008 - 117th
- 2007 - 117th
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Penn Manor School District was in the 46th percentile of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale (0-99; 100 is state best).
Graduation Rate
In 2011, the graduation rate was 96%. In 2010, 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...
issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Penn Manor High School's rate was 94% for 2010.
- 2010 - 97%
- 2009 - 97%
- 2008 - 96%
- 2007 - 89%
- 2006 - 95%
- 2005 - 93%
High school
In 2011, the high school declined further to Corrective Action II 1st Year status due to low student achievement by 4 sub groups, especially in math and reading. In 2010, Penn Manor High SchoolPenn Manor High School
Penn Manor High School is a large secondary school located in Millersville, Pennsylvania. It is home to approximately 1900 students. It is part of the Penn Manor School District.-History:...
AYP status declined to Corrective Action I due to chronic low achievement of its 11th grade students. In 2009, the school was in School Improvement II. Under No Child Left Behind, the school must allow students to transfer to a higher performing high school with in the district.
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 69% on grade level, (16% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 71% on grade level (16% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders on grade level.
- 2009 - 66% (16% below basic). State - 65%
- 2008 - 72% (14% below basic). State - 65%
- 2007 - 74% (13% below basic). State - 65%
- 2006 - 78% (9% below basic). State - 65%
- 2005 - 71% (15% below basic). State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 60%, on grade level (17% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 58% (22% below basic). State - 59%
- 2009 - 58% (20% below basic). State - 56%
- 2008 - 68% (18% below basic). State - 56%
- 2007 - 66% (13% below basic), State - 53%
- 2006 - 71% (12% below basic), State - 52%
- 2005 - 63% (17% below basic), State - 51%
11th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 47% on grade level (13% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level. .
- 2010 - 45% (10% below basic). State - 39%
- 2009 - 49% (10% below basic). State - 40%
- 2008 - 49%, State - 39%
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 23% of Penn Manor 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.
Recognition
Penn Manor High School achieved the highest gains in reading and mathematics proficiency, for 2002-2007, of all the high schools in Lancaster County. Additionally, Penn Manor High School was recognized in 2006, by Standard and Poors‚ "School Matters", reporting system as one of only 48 schools in Pennsylvania, and the only one in Lancaster County, for demonstrating significant gains in PSSA scores by subgroup (economically disadvantaged). School-wide changes included the development of common curriculum and assessments, Friday reading in all classes, full year math and reading for struggling learners, and use of data to identify students and programs in need of support.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. For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $13,500 for the program.Graduation requirements
The Penn Manor School Board has determined that 28 credits are required for graduation including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Science 4 credits, Math 4 credits, Physical Education/Safety 1 credit, and Physical Education/Health 1 credit. There is also a Family Consumer Science requirement.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 Penn Manor School District the project focuses on career development.
Students must complete 30 hours of community service as a part of the graduation project.
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
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
, 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.
Marticville Middle School
In 2011, Marticville Middle School achieved AYP status. In 2010, the middle school was in Warning level status for AYP, due to lagging student achievement of special education students.. The schools was in Warning Status for AYP under No Child Left Behind. In 2011 and 2010, the attendance rate was reported as 96%. The school is situated on a large, rural campus in Martic, Pennsylvania.8th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 87% on grade level (7% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2010 - 86%, (9% below basic). State - 81%
- 2009 - 81%, (9% below basic). State - 80%
- 2008 - 85%, (6% below basic). State - 78%
- 2007 - 74%, (13% below basic). State - 75%
8th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 88% on grade level (2% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
- 2010 - 82% (7% below basic). State - 75%
- 2009 - 71% (9% below basic), State - 71%
- 2008 - 82% (8% below basic), State - 70%
- 2007 - 83% (7% below basic), State - 67%
8th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 71% on grade level (12% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 - 65% (18% below basic). State - 57%.
- 2009 - 64% (15% below basic), State - 54%
- 2008 - 70% (10% below basic), State - 52%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 80% on grade level (6% below basic). State – 76%
- 2010 - 76% (11% below basic). State - 73%
- 2009 - 77% (7% below basic), State - 71.7%
- 2008 - 73% (12% below basic), State - 70%
7th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 87% on grade level (4% below basic). State - 78.6%
- 2010 - 89% (5% below basic). State - 77%
- 2009 - 85% (4% below basic), State - 75%
- 2008 - 81% (9% below basic), State - 72%
Attendance at Marticville Middle School in Pequea, Pennsylvania
Pequea, Pennsylvania
Pequea, Pennsylvania is an unincorporated community located in Martic Township in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The zip code is 17565.-See also:*Pequea Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania*Pequea Creek*Pekowi...
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.25%, essentially the same as the 95.4% scored in the prior year. Students were 74.9% proficient in math, 83.2% proficient in reading.
Manor Middle School
The school is on a large, rural campus located just outside of Millersville, Pennsylvania. The building also houses the district's administrative offices. In 2011 and 2010, Manor Middle School achieved AYP status. In 2010 and 2011, Manor Middle School reported an attendance rate at 95%. In 2009, the attendance rate was 96% and the school achieved AYP status.8th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 90% on grade level (3% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2010 - 82% (7% below basic). State - 81%
- 2009 - 85%, (6% below basic), State - 80%
- 2008 - 82%, (9% below basic), State - 78%
- 2007 - 85%, (3% below basic), State - 75%
8th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 85% on grade level (7% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
- 2010 - 75% (11% below basic). State - 75%.
- 2009 - 81% (8% below basic). State - 71%.
- 2008 - 73% (11% below basic). State - 70%
- 2007 - 78% (8% below basic). State - 67%
8th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 68% on grade level (12% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 - 59% (19% below basic). State - 57%.
- 2009 - 65% (15% below basic). State - 54%
- 2008 - 57% (17% below basic). State - 52%
7th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 85% on grade level (2% below basic). State – 76%
- 2010 - 82% (7% below basic). State - 73%
- 2009 - 74% (9% below basic). State - 71.7%
- 2008 - 73% (10% below basic). State - 70%
7th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 84% on grade level (5% below basic). State - 78.6%
- 2010 - 85% (6% below basic). State - 77%
- 2009 - 77% (8% below basic), State - 75%
- 2008 - 82% (9% below basic), State - 72%
Attendance at Manor Middle School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster is a city in the south-central part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the county seat of Lancaster County and one of the older inland cities in the United States, . With a population of 59,322, it ranks eighth in population among Pennsylvania's cities...
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.51%, essentially the same as the 95.96% scored in the prior year. Students were 73.9% proficient in math, 75.5% proficient in reading.
Central Manor Elementary School
Central Manor Elementary is a rural, midsized elementary school located at 3717 Blue Rock RoadWashington Boro, Pennsylvania. In 2011, the school achieved AYP status and the attendance rate was 96%. In 2010, the school achieved AYP status. The attendance rate was reported as 97%. In 2009, the school achieved AYP status and the attendance rate was 97%.
Attendance at Central Manor Elementary School in Washington Boro, Pennsylvania
Washington Boro, Pennsylvania
Washington Boro is an unincorporated community in Manor Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States, along the Susquehanna River. The zip code here is 17582...
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.49%, essentially the same as the 96.75% scored in the prior year. Students were 76.6% proficient in math, 72.2% proficient in reading.
6th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 73% on grade level (10% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 69.9% of 6th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 76% (13% below basic). State - 68%
- 2009 - 72% (5% below basic), State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 85% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 78.8%
- 2010 - 78% (11% below basic). State - 78%
- 2009 - 80% (9% below basic), State - 75%
5th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 60% on grade level (21% below basic). State - 67.3%
- 2010 - 60% (25% below basic). State – 64%
- 2009 - 74% (14% below basic), State - 64%
5th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 64% on grade level (14% below basic). State - 74%
- 2010 - 70% (11% below basic). State - 76.3%
- 2009 - 78% (9% below basic), State - 73%
4th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 79% (6% below basic), State – 73.3%
- 2010 - 70% (14% below basic), State - 73%
- 2009 - 79% (6% below basic), State - 72%
4th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 84% (3% below basic), State – 85.3%
- 2010 - 81% (5% below basic), State - 84%
- 2009 - 84% (10% below basic), State - 81%
4th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 90%, (1% below basic), State – 82.9%
- 2010 - 85%, (2% below basic), State - 81%
- 2009 - 88%, (4% below basic), State - 83%
3rd Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 88%, (6% below basic), State – 77.2%
- 2010 - 77%, (14% below basic), State - 75%
- 2009 - 77%, (12% below basic), State - 77%
3rd Grade Math:
- 2011 - 94%, (1% below basic), State – 83.5%
- 2010 - 86%, (6% below basic), State - 84%
- 2009 - 81%, (2% below basic), State - 81%
Conestoga Elementary School
Conestoga Elementary is a small, rural elementary located at 100 Hill StreetConestoga, Pennsylvania. In 2011 and 2010, the school achieved AYP status. In 2010 and 2011, the attendance rate was reported as 96%. In 2009, the attendance rate was reported as 96%.
Attendance at Conestoga Elementary School in Conestoga, Pennsylvania
Conestoga, Pennsylvania
Conestoga, Pennsylvania is a small community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in the United States.Conestoga was first called Conestoga Manor by William Penn. The name came from the Conestoga Indians, a peaceful Christian tribe, whose principal village was located nearby...
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.61%, essentially the same as the 96.37% scored in the prior year. Students were 91.7% proficient in math, 81.0% proficient in reading.
6th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 72% on grade level (6% below basic). State - 69.9%
- 2010 - 71% (15% below basic). State - 68%
- 2009 - 74% (9% below basic). State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 95% on grade level, 66% advanced. State - 78.8%
- 2010 - 85% (3% below basic). State - 78%
- 2009 - 91% (2% below basic). State - 75%
5th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 67% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 67.3%
- 2010 - 63% (13% below basic). State – 64%
- 2009 - 69% (23% below basic), State - 64%
5th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 97% on grade level (0% below basic). State - 74%
- 2010 - 89% (4% below basic). State - 76.3%
- 2009 - 87% (8% below basic), State - 73%
4th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 92% (0% below basic), State – 73.3%
- 2010 - 72% (9% below basic), State - 73%
- 2009 - 82% (8% below basic), State - 72%
4th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 93% (2% below basic), State – 85.3%
- 2010 - 96% (4% below basic), State - 84%
- 2009 - 92% (8% below basic), State - 81%
4th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 95%, 76% advanced. State – 82.9%
- 2010 - 96%, 72% advanced. State - 81%
- 2009 - 98%, 57% advanced. State - 83%
3rd Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 68%, (17% below basic), State – 77.2%
- 2010 - 92%, (2% below basic), State - 75%
- 2009 - 77%, (11% below basic), State - 77%
3rd Grade Math:
- 2011 - 91%, (2% below basic), State – 83.5%
- 2010 - 90%, (2% below basic), State - 84%
- 2009 - 91%, (2% below basic), State - 81%
Eshleman Elementary School
Eshleman Elementary is a small, suburban elementary school located at 545 Leaman Ave, Millersville, Pennsylvania. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, the school achieved AYP status. In 2010 and 2011, the attendance rate was reported as 96%. In 2009, the attendance rate was reported as 96%.Attendance at Eshleman Elementary School in Millersville, Pennsylvania
Millersville, Pennsylvania
Millersville is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 7,774.-Geography:Millersville is located at ....
during the 2005-2006 school year was 97.1%, essentially the same as the 96.59% scored in the prior year. Students were 85.4% proficient in math, 80.9% proficient in reading.
6th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 76% on grade level (8% below basic). State - 69.9%.
- 2010 - 88% (4% below basic). State - 68%
- 2009 - 89% (2% below basic), State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 82% on grade level (6% below basic). State - 78.8%
- 2010 - 88% (8% below basic). State - 78%
- 2009 - 87% (6% below basic), State - 75%
5th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 88% on grade level (2% below basic). State - 67.3%.
- 2010 - 77% (7% below basic). State – 64%
- 2009 - 77% (6% below basic), State - 64%
5th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 86% on grade level (0% below basic). State - 74%
- 2010 - 79% (7% below basic). State - 76.3%
- 2009 - 79% (6% below basic), State - 73%
4th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 77% (15% below basic), State – 73.3%
- 2010 - 91% (2% below basic), State - 73%
- 2009 - 84% (4% below basic), State - 72%
4th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 79% (11% below basic), State – 85.3%
- 2010 - 96% (2% below basic), State - 84%
- 2009 - 96% (4% below basic), State - 81%
4th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 86%, (2% below basic), State – 82.9%
- 2010 - 91%, (2% below basic), State - 81%
- 2009 - 90%, (2% below basic), State - 83%
3rd Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 88%, (4% below basic), State – 77.2%
- 2010 - 87%, (4% below basic), State - 75%
- 2009 - 81%, (7% below basic), State - 77%
3rd Grade Math:
- 2011 - 90%, (0% below basic), State – 83.5%
- 2010 - 83%, (4% below basic), State - 84%
- 2009 - 77%, (0% below basic), State - 81%
Hambright Elementary School
Hambright Elementary is a suburban school located at 2121 Temple AvenueLancaster, Pennsylvania. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, the school achieved AYP status. In 2011 and 2010, the attendance rate was reported as 96%. In 2009, the attendance rate was reported as 96%.
Attendance at Hambright Elementary School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster is a city in the south-central part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the county seat of Lancaster County and one of the older inland cities in the United States, . With a population of 59,322, it ranks eighth in population among Pennsylvania's cities...
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.25%, essentially the same as the 96.35% scored in the prior year. Students were 85.7% proficient in math, 61.9% proficient in reading.
6th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 60% on grade level (15% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 69.9% of 6th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 58% (15% below basic). State - 68%
- 2009 - 60% (14% below basic), State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 62% on grade level (17% below basic). State - 78.8%
- 2010 - 62% (17% below basic). State - 78%
- 2009 - 60% (15% below basic), State - 75%
5th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 58% on grade level (13% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 67.3% of 5th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 49% (25% below basic). State – 64%
- 2009 - 46% (22% below basic), State - 64%
5th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 70% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 74%
- 2010 - 58% (15% below basic). State - 76.3%
- 2009 - 63% (18% below basic), State - 73%
4th Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 69% (14% below basic), State – 73.3%
- 2010 - 66% (13% below basic), State - 73%
- 2009 - 64% (12% below basic), State - 72%
4th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 78% (10% below basic), State – 85.3%
- 2010 - 87% (9% below basic), State - 84%
- 2009 - 63% (15% below basic), State - 81%
4th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 76%, (10% below basic), State – 82.9%
- 2010 - 76%, (9% below basic), State - 81%
- 2009 - 75%, (4% below basic), State - 83%
3rd Grade Reading:
- 2011 - 69%, (28% below basic), State – 77.2%
- 2010 - 65%, (19% below basic), State - 75%
- 2009 - 80%, (11% below basic), State - 77%
3rd Grade Math:
- 2011 - 80%, (8% below basic), State – 83.5%
- 2010 - 77%, (8% below basic), State - 84%
- 2009 - 83%, (6% below basic), State - 81%
Anne Letort Elementary School
LeTort is a small, rural elementary school located in 561 Letort RoadWashington Boro, Pennsylvania. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, the school achieved AYP status. In 2010, the attendance rate was reported as 97%. In 2009, the attendance rate was reported as 96%.
Attendance at Letort Elementary School in Washington Boro, Pennsylvania
Washington Boro, Pennsylvania
Washington Boro is an unincorporated community in Manor Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States, along the Susquehanna River. The zip code here is 17582...
during the 2005-2006 school year was 97.35%, essentially the same as the 97.39% scored in the prior year. Students were 83.1% proficient in math, 75.3% proficient in reading. Former student Taylor Coulton helped create there school song."We long our school"
Martic Elementary School
Martic is a small, rural elementary school located in Martic, Pennsylvania. The school declined to Warning status in 2011. In both 2010 and 2009, the school achieved AYP status. In 2010 and 2011, the attendance rate was reported as 97%. In 2009, the attendance rate was reported as 96%.Attendance at Martic Elementary School in Holtwood, Pennsylvania
Holtwood, Pennsylvania
Holtwood, Pennsylvania is a village in Martic Township, Lancaster County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.Holtwood is the site of the Muddy Run Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant , along the Susquehanna River...
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.25%, essentially the same as the 96.39% scored in the prior year. Students were 88.0% proficient in math, 70.9% proficient in reading.
Pequea Elementary School
Pequea Elementary is a small, rural elementary school located at 802 Millwood RoadWillow Street, Pennsylvania. In both 2010 and 2009, the school achieved AYP status. In 2010, the attendance rate was reported as 96%. In 2009, the attendance rate was reported as 96%.
Attendance at Pequea Elementary School in Willow Street, Pennsylvania
Willow Street, Pennsylvania
Willow Street is a census-designated place in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 7,258 at the 2000 census. In the early part of the 20th century the main thoroughfare in town was lined with Willow trees on both sides for the length of the town. The community received...
during the 2005-2006 school year was 96.57%, essentially the same as the 97.34% scored in the prior year. Students were 78.0% proficient in math, 72.4% proficient in reading.
Special Education
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 855 pupils or 16.4% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. 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 request a multidisciplinary evaluation in writing to the Special Education Department.
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.
Penn Manor School District received a $2,567,567 supplement for special education services in 2010.
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that 318 or 6.15% of its students were gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. The principal acts as the case manager for the referral process. A 60 calendar day time-line begins when the signed Permission to Evaluate form is received. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility. Through the strategic planning process, the Superintendent must ensure that Penn Manor School District provides a continuum of program and service options to meet the needs of all mentally gifted students for enrichment, acceleration, or both. The district's program is based on student needs and provides differentiated curriculum using acceleration, enrichment and pull-out options.Bullying Policy
The Penn Manor School District Administration reported seven incidents of bullying occurring in the schools in 2009.The school board prohibits bullying by district students and employees. The Board directs that complaints of bullying and harassment 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. 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. District administration are required to annually provide the following information with the district's Safe School Report: the board’s bullying policy, a report of bullying incidents in the school district, and information on the development and implementation of any bullying prevention, intervention or education programs. The Center for Schools and Communities works, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and 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...
, 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 2011, the teachers of the district voted to freeze their salaries for one year to assist the school board in dealing with a significant budget shortfall. As a part of the contract teachers were to receive an annual 3.7% annual raise for three years.In 2009, the district reported employing over 380 teachers with a starting salary of $40,000 for 182 days for pupil instruction. The average teacher salary was $58,689 while the maximum salary was $120,542.
As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation. Additionally, Penn Manor School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension
Pension
In general, a pension is an arrangement to provide people with an income when they are no longer earning a regular income from employment. Pensions should not be confused with severance pay; the former is paid in regular installments, while the latter is paid in one lump sum.The terms retirement...
, health insurance
Health insurance
Health insurance is insurance against the risk of incurring medical expenses among individuals. By estimating the overall risk of health care expenses among a targeted group, an insurer can develop a routine finance structure, such as a monthly premium or payroll tax, to ensure that money is...
, full costs for professional development courses, 3 paid personal days, 10 sick days, 3 paid bereavement days, and other benefits. Teachers are paid an additional hourly rate, if they are required to work outside of the regular school day. The school day is 7 hours 5 minutes for secondary teachers and 6 hours and 45 minutes for elementary teachers. Retirees receive $125 per year worked at PSMSD plus $60 for each unused accumulated sick days. Teachers who serves as mentors and team leaders receive $1000 in compensation. According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
In 2007, the district employed 332 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $54,529 for 183 school days worked.
Penn Manor School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $653.61 per pupil. This ranked 378th among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.
In 2008, Penn Manor School District reported spending $11,343 per pupil. This ranked 359th in the commonwealth.
Reserves
In 2009, the district reported $5,412,699 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $6,512,117.
In June 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.
State basic education funding
In 2011–12, Penn Manor School district received 10,497,844 in state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the district received $228,117 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.For 2010-11 the Penn Manor School District received a 6.18% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $11,562,559 payment. In 2010, Conestgoa Valley School District received an 18,51% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF among Lancaster County public school districts. 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 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided Penn Manor School District a 4.47% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $10,889,788. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $10,423,891.41. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more. Columbia Borough School District
Columbia Borough School District
The Columbia Borough School District is a diminutive, urban, public school district serving the Borough of Columbia in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Columbia Borough School District encompasses approximately 2 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of...
received the highest increase in Lancaster County for the 2009-10 school year at 8.61%. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, 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 with a 22.31% increase in funding.
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...
, 952 district students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.
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 Penn Manor School District applied for and received $619,165 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full day kindergarten for the 3rd year and to reduce class size Kindergarten to 3rd grade.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. Penn Manor School District received did not apply for funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the district received $585,907. For the 2008-09, school year the district received $106,906 for a total of $692,813. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $2,779,730 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 Title 1, special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. The funding was for the 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 over one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.
Common Cents state initiative
The Penn Manor School Board chose 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 any of the recommended cost savings changes.Real estate taxes
The Penn Manor School Board set property tax rates in 2011-2012 at 16.6900 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. 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 (Local Tax Enabling Act), which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.- 2010 - 16.4600 mills.
- 2009 – 15.9100 mills.
- 2008 – 15.9100 mills.
- 2007 – 15.3100 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 authorized 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 Penn Manor School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.
- 2006-07 - 4.7%, Base 3.9%
- 2007-08 - 4.2%, Base 3.4%
- 2008-09 - 5.4%, Base 4.4%
- 2009-10 - 4.9%, Base 4.1%
- 2010-11 - 3.5%, Base 2.9%
- 2011-12 - 1.7%, Base 1.4%
- 2012-13 - 2.1%, Base 1.7%
For the 2011–12 school year, the Penn Manor School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Penn Manor 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 published in the fall of each school 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.
Penn Manor School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 or in 2010-11. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.
Property tax relief
In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Penn Manor School District was $121 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 10,709 property owners applied for the tax relief. The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's 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. In Lancaster County, the highest property tax relief in 2009 was awarded to the approved property owners in School District of LancasterSchool District of Lancaster
The School District of Lancaster is a large, urban school district of 11,300 students educated in 19 schools in central Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Established in 1836, it is the second oldest school district in the state. School District of Lancaster encompasses approximately 11 square miles....
at $446. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties....
at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010. This was the second year Chester Upland School District was the top recipient.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation
Tax Foundation
The Tax Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank founded in 1937 that collects data and publishes research studies on tax policies at the federal and state levels. The organization is broken into three primary areas of research which are the Center for Federal Fiscal Policy, The and the...
, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).
Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policy All student athletes must be passing all credits with a "C" average to participate in extracurriculars. Tutoring assistance is available and required for struggling students.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.