Armstrong School District (Pennsylvania)

Armstrong School District
Working Together for Academic Excellence
Address
410 Main Street Ford City, Pennsylvania, Armstrong, Indiana, 16226 United States
Information
Superintendent	William H. Kerr, Ed.D.
Teaching staff	486
Grades	PreK–12
Enrollment	5760
Kindergarten	461
Grade 1	409
Grade 2	390
Grade 3	417
Grade 4	457
Grade 5	463
Grade 6	423
Grade 7	484
Grade 8	479
Grade 9	472
Grade 10	491
Grade 11	332
Grade 12	300
Other	Enrollment projected to decline by 250 by 2015
Publication	Network
(2008) Graduates	343
Website	http://www.asd.k12.pa.us/

The Armstrong School District is a large, public school district which encompasses approximately 437 square miles. In Armstrong County, Pennsylvania the district covers the Boroughs of Applewold, Atwood, Dayton, Elderton, Ford City, Ford Cliff, Kittanning, Manorville, Rural Valley, West Kittanning and Worthington and the Townships of Bethel Township, Boggs Township, Burrell Township, Cadogan Township, Cowanshannock Township, East Franklin Township, Kittanning Township, Manor Township, North Buffalo Township, Pine Township, Plumcreek Township, Rayburn Township, South Bend Township, Valley Township, Washington Township, Wayne Township and West Franklin Township. In Indiana County, Pennsylvania the district includes the Borough of Smicksburg and West Mahoning Township. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 44,970. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $15,449, while the median family income was $36,907.^[1] According to District officials, in school year 2005–06, the Armstrong School District provided basic educational services to 6,145 pupils through the employment of 490 teachers, 173 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 33 administrators. Armstrong School District received more than $38 million in state funding in school year 2005–06.

The district operates three junior–senior high schools, one senior high school, one junior high school, and seven elementary schools. The district was established 1966 when Pennsylvania consolidated several smaller school districts.

The mission statement of the Armstrong School District is 'The Armstrong School District, in partnership with our families and communities, will graduate educationally prepared, productive, morally responsible individuals'.

The district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.^[2] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring essential reading and math skills.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the Armstrong School Board and school district administration a "C-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.^[3]

Contents 1 Board of education 2 Schools 2.1 Elementary schools 2.2 Junior high schools 2.3 Senior high schools 2.4 Closed schools 3 Academic achievements 3.1 District-wide graduation rate 3.2 Graduation requirements 3.3 Ford City Junior Senior High School 3.3.1 Eighth grade 3.3.2 Seventh grade 3.4 Kittanning Senior High School 3.4.1 Kittanning Middle School 3.5 West Shamokin Junior Senior High School 3.5.1 Eighth grade 3.5.2 Seventh grade 3.6 Elderton Junior Senior High School 3.6.1 Eighth grade 3.7 Cyber education 3.8 Dual enrollment 3.9 College remediation 4 Special Education 4.1 Gifted Education 5 Budget 5.1 State basic education funding 5.1.1 Accountability Block Grant 5.1.2 Classrooms for the Future grant 5.2 Federal Stimulus Funding 5.2.1 Race to the Top 5.3 Common Cents state initiative 5.4 Real estate taxes 5.4.1 Act 1 Adjusted index 5.4.2 Property tax relief 6 Extracurriculars 7 See also 8 References 9 External links

Board of education

The Armstrong School District's Board of Education consists of the following people.^[4]

• Stan Berdell – President
• Dr. Paul J. Lobby – Vice President
• Christopher E. Choncek
• Amy Lhote
• Michael J. Markilinski
• John L. Monroe, Jr
• James T. Rearic
• D. Royce Smeltzer
• Sara J. Yassem
• Lee V. Price – Solicitor
• Linda J. Shirley – Board Secretary
• Eric A. Brandenburg – Board Treasurer

Current as of January 18, 2010. Current information can be found on the school district website: Armstrong School District Website

Schools

The following is a list of schools in the Armstrong School District.^[5]

Elementary schools

West Hills Primary School 181 Heritage Park Dr., Kittaning, PA 16201 Principal:Dr. Shauna Zukowski West Hills Intermediate School 175 Heritaage Park Dr., Kittanning, PA 16201 Principal: Ms.Sue Kreidler Kittanning Township Elementary 598 Silvis Hollow Rd., Kittanning, PA 16201 Principal: Mr. Rox Serrao Lenape Elementary School 2300 Center Ave., Ford City, PA 16226 Principal:Mr. Tom Dinga Assistant Principal:Miss Paula Kijowski

Dayton Elementary School 175 E. Grant Ave., Dayton, PA 16222 Principal: Mr. Eric Ritzert Principal: Mrs.Paula Berry Elderton Elementary School 239 S. Lytle Ave., Elderton, PA 15736 Principal: Mr. Rox Serrao Shannock Valley Elementary School 210 Cowanshannock Ave., Rural Valley, PA 16249 Principal:Mr. Russell Carson

Junior high schools

• Kittanning Junior High School

Grades Served: 7th – 8th
210 N. McKean Street Kittanning, PA 16201-1344 Future Principal: Jennifer Reiter Acting Principal: Charles Shoop

Senior high schools

School name	Grades served
Elderton Jr,/Sr. High School	7th – 12th
Ford City Jr./Sr. High School	7th – 12th
Kittanning Sr. High School	9th – 12th
West Shamokin Jr./Sr. High School	7th – 12th

Closed schools

• East Franklin Elementary School
• North Buffalo Elementary School
• Shannock Valley Jr/Sr High School
• Worthington High School (Closed 1980's)
• East Brady Jr/Sr High School (Closed, early 1990s, partially consolidated with Kittanning High School, other students sent to Karns City Jr/Sr High School in the Karns City School District)

Academic achievements

Armstrong School District was ranked 72nd out of 105 western Pennsylvania school districts in 2010 and 2009 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on three years of student academic performance on the PSSAs for math, reading, writing and science.^[6] In 2008, the school district ranked 67th of 105 districts in the region.

In 2010, Armstrong School District was ranked 352nd out of the 498 ranked Pennsylvania School Districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated in 5 years of PSSA results in: reading, writing, mathematics and three years of science.^[7]

• 2010 – 328th^[8]
• 2009 – 319th^[9]
• 2008 – 283rd
• 2007 – 283rd of 501 school districts^[10]

In 2007 Johns Hopkins University reported that several of the district's high schools were listed among 47 Pennsylvania schools and 1700 nationwide high schools with high drop out rates.^[11]

District-wide graduation rate

In 2011, Armstrong School District achieved an 89% graduation rate. ^[12] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Armstrong School District's rate was 83% for 2010.^[13]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

• 2010 – 91%^[14]
• 2009 – 92%^[15]
• 2008 – 91%^[16]
• 2007 – 91%^[17]

In 2006, 51% of the graduates from Armstrong School District did not achieved proficient or better on the PSSA's for Mathematics and Reading.^[18]

District Wide PSSA results

11th grade reading:

• 2011 - 65% on grade level, (17% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level. ^[19]
• 2010 – 65% (19% below basic). State - 66%
• 2009 – 74%, State – 65%
• 2008 – 64%, State – 65%

11th grade math:

• 2011 - 51%, on grade level (23% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
• 2010 – 53%, (25% below basic). State - 59%
• 2009 – 61%, State – 56% ^[20]
• 2008 – 49%, State – 56%

11th grade science:

• 2011 - 36% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level. .^[21]
• 2010 – 35%, (14% below basic). State – 39%
• 2009 – 48%, State – 39% % ^[22]

Graduation requirements

The School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 25 credits to graduate including: a required class every year in math, English, social studies, science, Physical Education and electives. Beginning in grade 7, students have the opportunity to make up a maximum of two courses failed during the school year in summer school.

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.^[23]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2015 and 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. ^{[24] [25] [26]}

Ford City Junior Senior High School

In 2011, the school achieved AYP status. <re>Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Ford City Junior Senior High School AYP Overview". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c3/128030852/6575. </ref> In 2010, the school was in Warning status for academic achievement. In 2009 the school achieved AYP.^[27]

Graduation rate:

• 2011 – 89%^[28]
• 2010 – 88%^[29]
• 2009 – 91%^[30]

2008 – 93%

11th grade Reading:

• 2011 - 59% on grade level, (26% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level. ^[19]
• 2010 – 70%, (16% below basic). State – 66% ^[31]
• 2009 – 74%, State – 65% ^[32]
• 2008 – 67%, State – 65%
• 2007 – 74%, State – 65%

11th grade Math:

• 2011 - 48%, on grade level (25% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level. ^[33]
• 2010 – 64%, (18% below basic). State - 59%
• 2009 – 63%, State – 56%
• 2008 – 52%, State – 56%^[34]
• 2007 – 61%, State – 53%^[35]

11th grade Science:

• 2011 - 39% on grade level (11% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level. .^[21]
• 2010 – 43%, (12% below basic). State – 39%
• 2009 – 44%, State – 40%
• 2008 – 25%, State – 39%

Eighth grade

In 2009, the 8th grade was ranked 93rd out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and one year of science.^[36] (Includes schools in: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Westmoreland County, and Washington County

8th grade Reading:

• 2011 - 85% on grade level (5% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
• 2010 – 76%, (9% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 – 81%, (6% below basic). State – 80%

8th grade Math:

• 2011 - 79% on grade level (9% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
• 2010 – 69% (12% below basic). State - 75% ^[37]
• 2009 – 83% (5% below basic). State – 71%^[38]

8th grade Science:

• 2011 - 68% on grade level (16% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2010 – 54% (25% below basic). State – 57%
• 2009 – 57% (19% below basic). State – 55% ^[39]

Seventh grade

7th grade Reading:

• 2011 - 84% on grade level (3% below basic). State – 76%
• 2010 – 70% (14% below basic). State - 73%
• 2009 – 66% (16% below basic). State – 71%

7th grade Math:

• 2011 - 89% on grade level (1% below basic). State - 78.6%
• 2010 – 74% (13% below basic). State - 77%
• 2009 – 74% (12% below basic). State – 75%

Kittanning Senior High School

In 2011, Kittanning Senior High School declined to Warning status. In 2010, the school achieved AYP status. ^[40]

Graduation Rate:

• 2011 - 88% ^[41]
• 2010 – 90% ^[42]
• 2009 – 87%^[43]
• 2008 – 89%

11th grade Reading

• 2011 - 70% on grade level, (16% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level. ^[19]
• 2010 – 73% (16% below basic). State - 66% ^[31]
• 2009 – 69% (17% below basic), State – 65%^[44]

11th grade Math:

• 2011 - 58%, on grade level (16% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level. ^[45]
• 2010 – 64% (22% below basic). State - 59%^[46]
• 2009 – 60%, State – 56%
• 2008 – 46%, State – 56%
• 2007 – 49%, State – 53%

11th grade Science:

• 2011 - 44% on grade level (13% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level. .^[21]

2010 – 42%, (12% below basic). State – 39% 2009 – 47%, State – 40% 2008 – 37%, State – 39%

Kittanning Middle School

In 2011 and 2010, the school achieved AYP status. ^[47] In 2009, the 8th grade was ranked 74th out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and one year of science.^[36] (Includes schools in: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Westmoreland County, and Washington County

8th grade Reading:

• 2011 - 87% on grade level (5% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
• 2010 – 86% (6% below basic). State - 81% ^[48]
• 2009 – 79% (14% below basic)> State – 80%

8th grade Math:

• 2011 - 88% on grade level (4% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
• 2010 – 76% (12% below basic). State - 75% ^[37]
• 2009 – 63% (16% below basic). State – 71%^[49]

8th grade Science:

• 2011 - 58% on grade level (17% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2010 – 49% (27% below basic). State – 57%
• 2009 – 52% (21% below basic), State – 55% ^[50]

7th grade Reading:

• 2011 - 72% on grade level (8% below basic). State – 76%
• 2010 – 75% (10% below basic). State - 73%
• 2009 – 79% (11% below basic), State – 71%

7th grade Math:

• 2011 - 91% on grade level (2% below basic). State - 78.6%
• 2010 – 89% (6% below basic). State - 77%
• 2009 – 79% (11% below basic). State – 75%

West Shamokin Junior Senior High School

In 2011, West Shamokin Junior Senior High School achieved AYP status. In 2010, the school was in Warning status due to lagging student academic achievement.^[51]

Graduation Rate:

• 2011 - 89% ^[52]
• 2010 – 95% ^[53]
• 2009 – 100%^[54]
• 2008 – 92%

11th grade Reading:

• 2011 - 78% on grade level, (8% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level. ^[19]
• 2010 – 73% (14% below basic). State - 66% ^[31]
• 2009 – 83% (8% below basic), State – 65%^[32]

11th grade Math:

• 2011 - 63%, on grade level (10% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level. ^[55]
• 2010 – 54%, State - 59% ^[56]
• 2009 – 71%, State – 56%
• 2008 – 48%, State – 56%
• 2007 – 53%, State – 53%

11th grade Science:

• 2011 - 37% on grade level (18% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level. ^[21]
• 2010 – 38%, State – 39%
• 2009 – 64%, State – 40%
• 2008 – 27%, State – 39%

Eighth grade

In 2009, the 8th grade was ranked 75th out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and one year of science.^[36] (Includes schools in: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Westmoreland County, and Washington County

8th Grade Reading

• 2011 - 84% on grade level (9% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
• 2010 - 84% (9% below basic). State - 81%

8th Grade Math:

• 2011 - 69% on grade level (17% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
• 2010 - 70% (15% below basic). State - 75% ^[37]

8th Grade Science:

• 2011 - 46% on grade level (30% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2010 - 47% (34% below basic). State – 57% ^[57]

Seventh grade

7th Grade Reading

• 2011 - 80% on grade level (7% below basic). State – 76%
• 2010 - 72% (12% below basic). State - 73%

7th Grade Math:

• 2011 - 85% on grade level (6% below basic). State - 78.6%
• 2010 - 72% (14% below basic). State - 77%

Elderton Junior Senior High School

In 2011, Elderton Junior Senior High School achieved AYP status. ^[58] In December 2008, the Armstrong School Board voted to close the school effective June 2009. A new School Board voted to reopen the school for the 2010-11 school year. ^[59]

Graduation Rate:

• 2011- 93% ^[60]
• 2009 – 97% ^[61]
• 2008 – 92%

11th Grade Reading

• 2011 - 81% on grade level, (6% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level. ^[19]

11th grade Math:

• 2011 - 60%, on grade level (18% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
• 2009 – 37%, State - 56% ^[20]
• 2008 – 60%, State – 56%
• 2007 – 62%, State – 53% ^[62]

11th grade science:

• 2011 - 43% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level. .^[21]
• 2009 – 28%, State - 40%
• 2008 – 35%, State - 39%

Eighth grade

In 2009, the 8th grade was ranked 104th out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and one year of science.^[36] (Includes schools in: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Westmoreland County, and Washington County

Cyber education

As of the 2008–2009 school year, the Armstrong School District is offering its Cyber Academy. It is available for students in grades 7 through 12. The school district's cyber school is an alternative to other statewide public cyber charter schools, such as the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School.^[63] See: Education in Pennsylvania.

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.^[64] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.^[65]

For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $12,125 for the program.

A total of 20 dual enrollment course options are currently available in the district throughout the school year in areas such as Music, Art, Psychology, Anthropology, Algebra, Calculus, Microeconomics, Spanish, French, History, and Political Science. ASD partners with Indiana University of PA (IUP), Butler County Community College (BC3) and California University of PA (Cal U) to offer these courses. The course costs are deeply discounted up to 75% off.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 20% of Armstrong 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.^[66] 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.^[67] 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.

Special Education

In December 2009, the district administration reported that 1009 pupils or 16.9% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.^[68][69]

In compliance with state and federal laws, the school 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.^[70] 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 Special Education administration. 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 Office.^[71]

For the 2010–11 school year, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for 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.^[72]

Armstrong School District received a $4,081,602 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[73] The Pennsylvania Special Education funding system assumes that 16% of the district’s students receive special education services. It also assumes that each student’s needs accrue the same level of costs. ^[74] The state requires each district to have a three year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students. ^[75] Overidentification of students in order to increase state funding has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education. ^[76]

For the 2011–12 school year, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.^[77]

Gifted Education

The District Administration reported that 180 or 2.97% of its students were gifted in 2009. ^[78] 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. 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.^[79]

Budget

In 2007, the Armstrong School District employed 440 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $57,646 for 180 days worked. The district's teachers were the highest paid in Armstrong County.^[80] The average teacher salary in Pennsylvania was $54,977. 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.^[81] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, and many other benefits.^[82]

The district's administrative costs per pupil was $846.91 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[83]

In 2008 the district administration reported that per pupil spending was $13,037 which ranked 174th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts.

In 2011, the district reported having over $6.18 million in reserves. Some of that was used to balance the 2011–12 school year budget.^[84] The district business manager estimates having an $5.1 million fund balance in June 2012.

In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district and school board. Multiple findings were reported to the school board.^[85]

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 level of wealth. ^[86]

State basic education funding

In 2011–12, the district will receive $28,096,880 in state Basic Education Funding.^[87][88] Additionally, the district will receive $473,482 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011–2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.^[89]

In 2010, the district reported that 2,403 pupils received a free or reduced lunch due to their family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010–11 budget year the Armstrong School District received a 2% increase in state basic education funding for a total of $29,290,465. Freeport Area School District received the highest increase in Armstrong County at 5.43%. One hundred fifty school districts in Pennsylvania received the 2% base increase for budget year 2010–11. The highest increase in the state was awarded to Kennett Consolidated School District of Chester County which was given a 23.65% increase in state basic education funding.^[90]

In the 2009–2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided the Armstrong School District a 2.20% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $28,716,028. This was the lowest percentage point increase, in Basic Education Funding, for the school districts in Armstrong County. Two county school districts received increases of over 5% in Basic Education Funding. Sixteen school districts in Pennsylvania received an increase of over 10% in 2009. The Muhlenberg School District of Berks County received an increase of 22.31% in 2009–10. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008–09 was $28,096,880.49. ^[91] The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the budget proposal made in February each year.^[92]

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2366 students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.^[93]

Accountability Block Grant

The state provides additional education funding to schools in the form of Accountability Block Grants. The use of these funds is strictly focused on specific state approved uses designed to improve student academic achievement. Armstrong School District uses its $1,285,148 to fund reduce class size K-3rd, to pay teachers to attend training to improve their instruction and to fund full day kindergarten. These annual funds are in addition to the state's basic education funding.^[94] Schools Districts apply each year for Accountability Block Grants.^[95] In 2009–10, the state provided $271.4 million dollars in Accountability Block grants $199.5 million went to providing all day kindergartens.^[96]

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, Mathematics) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006–2009. Armstrong School District did not apply in 2006–07. In 2007–08 the district received $413,503 in funding. For the 2008–09, school year the district received a final $181,651 for a total funding of $595,154. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.^[97]

Federal Stimulus Funding

The district received an extra $5,641,209 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students. ^[98] The funding is for 2009–10 and 2010–11 school years.

Race to the Top

School district officials applied for the Race to the Top federal grant. When approved for the grant, the district will receive millions of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.^[99] 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.^[100] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.^[101] 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.^[102]

Common Cents state initiative

Armstrong School District 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.^[103] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes. The report found multiple opportunities for savings.

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2011–2012 were set by the school board at: Armstrong County residents – 53.0000 mills and the residents in Indiana County was 116.8300 mills.^[84] School districts located in more than one county are required to apportion the tax levy based on the market value in each county as determined by the State Tax Equalization Board pursuant to section 672.1 of the School Code. As a result, the tax rate increases are not the same for each county in a multi-county school district.^[104] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate – land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75–85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.^[105]

• 2010–11 – 55.000 mills Armstrong County, 111.2500 mills Indiana County^[106]
• 2009–10 – 55.000 mills Armstrong County, 117.7400 mills Indiana County^[107]
• 2008–09 – 55.0000 mills Armstrong County, 118.8300 mills Indiana County^[108]
• 2007–08 – 55.0000 mills Armstrong County, 121.5200 mills Indiana County^[109]

Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2010–2011 school year is 2.9 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.^[110]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Armstrong School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.^[111]

• 2006–07 – 5.6%, Base 3.9%
• 2007–08 – 4.9%, Base 3.4%
• 2008–09 – 6.2%, Base 4.4%
• 2009–10 – 5.8%, Base 4.1%
• 2010–11 – 4.1%, Base 2.9%
• 2011–12 – 2.0%, Base 1.4%

For the 2011–12 school year, the Armstrong School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the Armstrong School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[112]

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.^[113]

Armstrong School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009–10 or in 2010–11.^[114][115] 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.^[116]

Property tax relief

In 2011, 2,758 approved residential property owners received a $319 Property Tax Relief reduction in their property taxes.^[117] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Armstrong School District was $303 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 11,855 property owners applied for the tax relief. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Armstrong County, 77.33% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. In Indiana County, 65% of residents applied for property tax relief. ^[118]

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. 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%). %).^[119]

Extracurriculars

The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Armstrong School Board determines eligibility policies to participate in these programs.^{[120] [121]}

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. ^[122]

See also

• List of school districts in Pennsylvania

References

External links

• Armstrong School District
• Former Armstrong School District website
• ASD Foundation

Armstrong School District Elderton High School  • Ford City High School  • Kittanning Junior High School  • Kittanning High School  • Lenape Technical School  • West Shamokin High School