| Abington Heights School District | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania United States |
|
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Motto | The AHSD embraces a culture of excellence and strives to be the best in everything we do. |
| Superintendent | Michael Mahon |
| Grades | K–12 |
| Enrollment | 3472 (2009-10)[1] |
| Kindergarten | 201 |
| Grade 1 | 249 |
| Grade 2 | 266 |
| Grade 3 | 265 |
| Grade 4 | 246 |
| Grade 5 | 282 |
| Grade 6 | 258 |
| Grade 7 | 264 |
| Grade 8 | 280 |
| Grade 9 | 286 |
| Grade 10 | 318 |
| Grade 11 | 281 |
| Grade 12 | 276 |
| Color(s) | Blue and White |
| Athletics conference | PIAA District 2 |
| Information | 570-586-2511 |
| Website | http://ahsd.org/ |
The Abington Heights School District covers the Boroughs of Clarks Green and Clarks Summit and Waverly Township, Glenburn Township, Newton Township, North Abington Township, Ransom Township and South Abington Township in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. The district operates four elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. The district encompasses approximately 69 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 29,222. Per school district officials, in school year 2007-08 the AHSD provided basic educational services to 3,525 pupils through the employment of 265 teachers, 188 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 22 administrators.
The high school was once recognized by Money magazine as one of the top 100 schools in the nation.[2] Abington Heights School District has been identified two separate times as one of the top 100 places to live in America for quality music education according to a nationwide survey of public and private school programs. The complete results, along with background information on music education and the survey, can be seen in their entirety at: www.amc-music.org. The High School Orchestra, Band and Chorus enjoy a strong regional and state reputation and a strong student interest.
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For the district, the students per FTE teacher ratio is 16:1.[3] During the 2005-2006 school year, the last time data was available, the overall ethnicity was 95% White (non-Hispanic), 2% Asian/Pacific Islander, Black (non-Hispanic) 1%, Hispanic 1%, American Indian/Alaskan Native <1%.[4]
Eight municipalities make up the Abington Heights School District, including: the boroughs of Clarks Summit and Clarks Green, and the townships of North Abington, Waverly, South Abington, Glenburn, Newton, and Ransom.[5]
These municipalities, except for Ransom Township, but together with Dalton and West Abington Township make up a growing suburban area of Scranton known as "The Abingtons."
Clarks Summit Elementary School covers the student population of the Clarks Summit and Clarks Green areas, while South Abington Elementary School covers mostly South Abington Township. Waverly Elementary School, located in the historic village of Waverly, covers the Waverly and Dalton areas of the Abington Heights School District. Newton, the smallest elementary school in the district, covers the rural regions of Newton and Ransom Townships. All middle school students in the district attend Abington Heights Middle School (off Newton-Ransom Blvd. in Newton Township). Abington Heights High School is off Noble Rd. in Clarks Summit.
The Abington Heights School District provides half day kindergarten in 2011.[6]
Abington Heights School District was ranked 35th out of 498 Pennsylvania School Districts in 2011 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on five years of student academic performance on the PSSA's for reading, writing, math and three years of science.[7]
In 2011, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. The district ranked 281st. The paper describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."[9]
Graduation Rate:
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 8% of Abington Heights 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.[17] 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.[18] 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.
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.[19] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[20]
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $4,165 for the program.
According to Great Schools website: 7th graders scored 25% and 24% better than the state average of 67% in reading and math, respectively. Abington Heights has never scored below the state average in either the reading or writing PSSA assessments. [23]
In 2009, the Abington Heights 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.[24]
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 463 pupils or 13.1% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[25]
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 verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Special Education Department.[26][27]
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.[28]
Abington Heights School District received a $1,632,884 supplement for special education services in 2010.[29]
The District Administration reported that 148 students or 4.26% of its students were gifted in 2009.[30] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. 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. 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.[31]
The Abington Heights School Administration reported two incidents of bullying occurring in the schools in 2009.[32][33]
The school board prohibits bullying by district students and employees. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.[34] 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.[35] 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.[36]
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.[37]
In 2009, the district reports employing over 290 teachers with a starting salary of $41,460 for 180 days for pupil instruction. The average teacher salary was $57,046 while the maximum salary was $121,931.[38] 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.[39] Additionally, Abington Heights School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 sick days, and many other benefits. Teachers are paid an additional hourly rate, when they are required to work outside of the regular school day.[40] 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.[41]
In 2007, the district employed 231 teachers who earned an average teacher salary of $55,080 for 180 days worked.[42]
The district administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $611.74 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[43]
In 2008, Abington Heights School District reported spending $11,153 per pupil. This ranked 383rd in the commonwealth.[44]
In 2009, the district reported $1,371,431 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $10,399,284.[45]
In December 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.[46]
The district is funded by a combination of: a local 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.[47] 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.[48]
For 2010-11 the Abington Heights School District received a 3.42% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $6,242,839 payment.[49] Dunmore School District received a 11.88% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF in Lackawanna 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.[50]
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.75% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,036,630. This was the second lowest percentage point increase, in Basic Education Funding, for the school districts in Lackawanna County. Two county school districts received increases of over 9% in Basic Education Funding. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $5,875,312.13. In Pennsylvania ninety school district received a base 2% increase in state funding. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.[51]
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 348 students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.[52]
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 Abington Heights School District applied for and received $279,892 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to reduce class sizes K-3rd grade, to provide teacher training and to develop better curriculum.[53][54]
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. Abington Heights School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the district received $405,107. For the 2008-09, school year the district received $73,625 for a total of $478,732. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[55]
The district received an extra $1,458,913 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.[56]
School district officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant. When approved for the grant, the district would have received hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[57] 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.[58] Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state RTTT application judging will occur in June 2010.[59]
The Abington Heights 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.[60] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement any of the recommended cost savings changes.
The Abington Heights School Board set property tax rates in 2010-2011 at 117.3600 mills.[61] 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.[62]
2009-10 - 115.3500 mills.[63]
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 Statistics 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.[64]
The School District Adjusted Index for the Abington Heights School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.[65]
Abington Heights School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 or in 2010-11.[66][67] 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.[68]
In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Abington Heights School District was $128 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 6,419 property owners applied for the tax relief.[69] 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 (40,000 m2) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Lackawanna County, the highest property tax relief in 2009 was awarded to the approved property owners in Scranton School District who received $334. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief state wide to the residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.[70] This was the second year Chester Upland School District was the top recipient.
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%).[71]
The origins of the Abington Heights School District date to the founding of Clarks Green (and later Clarks Summit), the two largest boroughs in the district. Both where founded during the early 19th century and attribute their name to Captain William Clark, a revolutionary war veteran from Rhode Island. Col. Ebbings from Connecticut founded the Abington Area in the late 18th century. It was originally called "Ebbington" and later changed to "Abington." Waverly was one of the earliest villages of the Abingtons and later came the establishment of Bailey Hollow (presently called Dalton) in the 19th Century and Clarks Summit and Clarks Green in the early 20th Century.
The first high school in the Abingtons was built in 1875, and was called "Abington High School." In 1883, it was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Another high school in the Abingtons, the Dalton High School, was completed in 1887 and closed down in 1930. The Abington Heights School District was formed in the early 1950s from four former school districts: Clarks Summit-Abington, Glenburn, South Abington, and Newton-Ransom. Abington Heights High School was completed in 1966. Over the next several decades, renovations and changes were made. Today there are six schools in the district along with one administration building.
The main mascot for Abington Heights is the Comet, while the colors are blue and white. The Comet comes from the original Clarks Summit High School Comets, prior to the establishment of Abington Heights.
Abington Heights School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies.[72]
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.[73]
Abington Heights is a PIAA District 2 school district which actively participates in the following sports:
| Baseball | Softball |
| Basketball | Basketball |
| Cross Country | Cross Country |
| Football | Field Hockey |
| Golf | Golf |
| Rifle | Rifle |
| Soccer | Soccer |
| Tennis | Tennis |
| Winter Track and Field | Winter Track and Field |
| Spring Track and Field | Spring Track and Field |
| Volleyball | Volleyball |
| Wrestling | |
| Swimming and Diving | Swimming and Diving |
Baseball State Champs PIAA 3A 2009 22-5