| Carmichaels Area School District | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
| 300 West Greene Street Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, Greene, 15320 United States |
|
| Information | |
| Superintendent | Mr. Craig Baily |
| Grades | K-12 |
| Kindergarten | 93 |
| Grade 1 | 84 |
| Grade 2 | 115 |
| Grade 3 | 76 |
| Grade 4 | 83 |
| Grade 5 | 82 |
| Grade 6 | 105 |
| Grade 7 | 81 |
| Grade 8 | 79 |
| Grade 9 | 99 |
| Grade 10 | 89 |
| Grade 11 | 108 |
| Grade 12 | 85 |
| Other | Enrollment projected to be 1359 in 2019[2] |
| Mascot | The Mighty Mikes |
| Website | http://www.carmarea.org/ |
The Carmichaels Area School District serves the Borough of Carmichaels and Cumberland Township in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The district operates one elementary school, one junior high school and one senior high school. The district encompasses approximately 39 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 7,120. In 2009, the district residents’ per capita income was $15,269, while the median family income was $36,276.[3] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 [4] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[5] According to District officials, in school year 2005-06, Carmichaels Area School District provided basic educational services to 1,103 pupils. It employed: 81 teachers, 40 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 7 administrators. The district provides a taxpayer funded preschool program that is open to children who will be 3 or 4 years old, before September 1. The program began in 2008.[6][7]
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The school 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.[8] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "F" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.[9]
Carmichaels Area School District was ranked 393rd out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2011, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on four years of student academic performance on the reading, writing, math and two years of science PSSAs.[10]
In 2010, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Carmichaels Area ranked 301st. In 2009 the district was 310th. 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."[13]
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Carmichaels Area School DIstrict was in the 21st percentile among 500 Pennsylvania School Districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best) [14]
In 2011, the graduation ate was 83%.[15] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Carmichaels Area High School's rate was 85% for 2010.[16]
In 2011, the school declined to Corrective Action II 1st Year due to chronic, low reading achievement.[19] In 2010, the school is in Making Progress: in Corrective Action I due to the chronic low academic performance of its students.[20] In 2009, the school was in Corrective Action I level.[21] The school was required to develop a plan of action to improve student achievement and to submit it to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[22] In the eleventh grade there are 62 pupils enrolled in 2011. In 2010 there were 79 pupils.
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 41% of the Carmichaels Area Junior Senior 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.[32] 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.[33] 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.
Dual Enrollment The high school does not offer the Pennsylvania Dual Enrollment program which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits while still enrolled in high school. The program is offered through over 400 school districts with the assistance of a state grant.
The Carmichaels Area 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 eight electives.[34]
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.[35]
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.[36][37]
The Challenge Program, Inc. offers $250.00 cash incentives to Carmichaels Area Junior Senior High School students who excel in the categories of: Academic Improvement, Attendance, Community Service and Academic Excellence. The program partners with businesses to motivate students both in and out of the classroom by encouraging good habits in students that will last throughout their education and into their future careers. For the 2010-2011 school year, the top 10% of students in each of the categories will be eligible to win $250.00.[38]
There are 71 pupils enrolled in 2011. In 2010, there were 69 pupils.
There are 93 pupils enrolled in 2011. In 2010 there were 71 pupils.
In 2010 and 2011, the school achieved AYP status.[45] The attendance rate was 92% in both 2010 and 2011.[46]
In 2009 the administrative reported there were no incidents of bullying in the district.[48][49]
The Carmichaels Area School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The policy defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.[50] The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.[51] 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.[52]
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.[53]
In December 2010, the district administration reported that 205 pupils or 19% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[54]
In order to comply with state and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules and regulations, 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.[55] To identify students who may be eligible for special education services, 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 district's 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.[56] 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.[57] The state requires each district to have a three year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students. [58] 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.[59]
Carmichaels Area School District received a $770,896 supplement for special education services in 2010.[60] 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.[61]
The District Administration reported that 18 or 1.57% of its students were gifted in 2009.[62] 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.[63]
In 2009, the district reported employing 88 teachers with a salary range of $37,000 to $95,000.[64]
In 2007, the district employed 78 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $52,658 for 180 days worked. Carmichaels teachers were the highest paid in the county.[65] 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.[66] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, personal days, sick days, and other benefits.[67]
In December 2011, the school board and teachers union agreed to an early bird, three year contract. Beginning in July 2012 the teachers agreed to a wage freeze for 2012-13, a $1500 raise for 2013-14 and a $1,600 raise for the 2014-15 school year.[68]
Carmichaels Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $723.08 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[69] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association's report, the average salary for a superintendent for the 2007-08 school year was $122,165. Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.[70]
Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $2,523,851.00 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was repoted as zero.[71]
The district administration reported that per pupil spending in 2008 was $11,391 which ranked 353rd in the state' 501 school districts.[72]
In January 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the administration and the school board.[73]
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless the of personal wealth.[74]
In 2011-12, the district received a $6,581,297 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[75] Additionally, the district will receive $94,425 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.[76] 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.[77] In 2010, the district reported that 501 students received free or reduced price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[78]
For the 2010-11 budget year, the district was allotted a 3.92% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $7,272,489. The highest increase in Greene County was given to Central Greene School District which got a 4.97% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[79]
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 6.33% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $6,997,835. This was among the second highest increase, in Basic Education Funding, that school districts in Greene County received. Southeastern Greene School District got a 6.92%. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $4,787,151.79. Ninety school districts received a 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.[80] The amount of increase each school district receives is set by the Governor and the Secretary of Education as a part of the state budget proposal given each February.[81]
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 district applied for and received $256,293 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide full day kindergarten for the fifth year.[82][83]
The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. For the 2010-11 school year the state awarded $47.6 million in Education Assistance grants. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010-11 the Carmichael Area School District received $23,680.[85]
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. Carmichaels Area School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the district received $50,000 and in 2008-09 $45,413 for a total of $95,413.[86]
The Environmental Education Grant Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that 5 percent of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Department of Environmental Protection be set aside for environmental education. In 2009, Carmichaels was awarded $3000 to conduct several field trips and in class studies that will allow for students to understand ecosystem composition and properties.[87] In 2010, Carmichaels was awarded $3,000 to coordinate field trips where students will assess biodiversity at various nature centers, including forest composition, soil properties, wildlife signs and water quality.[88]
The district received an extra $1,331,892 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.[89] The funding is for the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.[90]
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 292 students qualified for free or reduced lunch due to low family income in 2008.[91]
District officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars to improve 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.[92] 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.[93][94][95]
The school board elected 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.[96] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.
In 2010 a study on the possible consolidation of services between Carmichaels Area School District, Jefferson-Morgan School District and Southeastern Greene School District is being conducted.[97]
A study was done in 2004, examining consolidating Carmichaels Area School District with neighboring Southeastern Greene School District. It was estimated that over $2 million dollars in savings would be achieved.[98] The study noted that consolidation could significantly decrease administrative costs for both communities while improving offerings to students. Consolidation of school district administrations does not require the consolidation of schools.[99]
Over the next 10 years, rural Pennsylvania school enrollment is projected to decrease 8 percent. The most significant enrollment decline is projected to be in western Pennsylvania, where rural school districts may have a 16 percent decline. More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania are projected to experience significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).[100] Statewide, there are 187 districts that are projected to have an enrollment decline of 15 percent or greater. Geographically, these districts are clustered in western Pennsylvania and in the state’s northern tier.[101]
Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. Less than 95 of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts have enrollment below 1250 students, in 2007.[102]
Property tax rates in 2011-12 were set by the Carmichaels Area School Board at 21.5000 mills.[103] 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.[104]
The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor 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.[109]
The School District Adjusted Index for the Carmichaels Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[110]
For the 2011-12 school year, Carmichaels Area School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each budget year Carmichaels Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published annually, 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]
The Carmichaels Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2009-10 or 2010-11.[114] 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.[115] For 2009-10, the board did not apply for exceptions.[116]
In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Carmichaels Area School District was $231 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 1,864 property owners applied for the tax relief.[117] 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 (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 Greene County, 37% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[118] In Greene County, the highest amount of tax relief in 2010, went to Central Greene School District at $296. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District of Delaware County who received $632 per approved homestead.[119] This was the third year they were 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, individual with income much 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. [1]
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%).[120]
Carmichaels Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.[121] The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 - 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."
The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education and physical education that are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.[122] The policy requires that the Superintendent or designee shall report to the Board on the district’s compliance with law and policies related to student wellness.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.[123][124]
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.[125][126][127]
Carmichaels Area High School is a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) and the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL). Carmichaels is in PIAA District 7.
| Sport Name | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| Football | Class A | N/A |
| Basketball | Class A | Class A |
| Baseball/Softball | Class A | Class A |
| Golf | Class AAAA | N/A |