| Hanover Public School District | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
| 403 Moul Avenue Hanover, Pennsylvania United States |
|
| Information | |
| Superintendent | Dr. Alan Moyer |
| Enrollment | 1600 pupils in 2010 [1] |
| Website | http://www.hpsd.k12.pa.us/ |
Hanover Public School District is a group of schools located in the borough of Hanover, Pennsylvania. The district encompasses approximately 4 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 14,535. According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the Hanover Public School District provided basic educational services to 1,614 pupils through the employment of 148 teachers, 130 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 17 administrators. The district itself is made up of five schools:
Contents |
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.[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 its 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 "A-" 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]
Hanover Public School District was ranked 418th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on three years of student academic achievement on the PSSA results on: reading, writing, math and two years of science.[4]
2009 - 425th
2008 - 433rd
2007 - 402th of 500 school districts in Pennsylvania.[5]
In 2010, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Hanover Public School District ranked 410th. In 2009 the district was 453rd. 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."[6]
Graduation Rate
In 2010, the high school is in Warning status due to the students' low academic achievement and the chronically low graduation rate.[11]
PSSA Results:
11th Grade Reading
2010 - 57% on grade level, In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.[12]
2009 - 60%, State - 65%[13]
2008 - 65%, State - 65%[14]
11th Grade Math
2010 - 47% on grade level, In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 51%, State - 56% [15]
2008 - 55%, State - 55% [16]
11th Grade Science:
2010 - 34% on grade level. State: 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 26%, State - 40%
2008 - 27%, State - 39%[17]
The Hanover Public School District operates a Practical Nursing Program which qualifies graduates for the Practical Nursing Licensure Examination. The one year program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nurse Examiners and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. In 2010 the graduation rate was 76%.
The high school does not offer a Dual Enrollment program. This state funded 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, including the graduation ceremony. 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.[18] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[19]
Graduation requirements are that each student must: complete a course of study to include 26 credits including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Math 3 credits, Science 3 credits, Fine Arts 1 credit, Practical Arts 1 credit, Health Safety education 1.5 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Computer Technology 1 credit, Speech 0.5 credit, Family Consumer Living 1 credit, Electives 4 credits.[20]
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.[21] The Culminating Project at Hanover Public School District requires the pupil to produce a product or complete 30 hours of community service. [22]
Beginning with the class of 2015, students must take the Keystone Exams in Literature and Algebra 1.[23]
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 59% of Hanover 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.[24] 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.[25] 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.
Eighth Grade Reading
2010 - 80% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level. (116 pupils)
2009 - 84%, State - 80% [26]
2008 - 69%, State - 78% [27]
Eighth Grade Math:
2010 - 65% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.[28]
2009 - 71%, State - 71%
2008 - 65.9%, State - 70%
Eighth Grade Science:
2010 - 55% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 40%, State - 55%.
2008 - 27%, State - 52%
Seventh Grade Reading:
2010 - 69% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level. (105 pupils)
2009 - 77%, State - 71%
2008 - 55%, State - 70%
Seventh Grade Math:
2010 - 66% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 85%, State - 75%
2008 - 79%, State - 70%
6th Grade Reading:
2010 - 60% on grade level. State - 68% (112 pupils) [29]
2009 - 70%, State - 67%
2008 - 65%, State - 67%
6th Grade Math:
2010 - 57% on grade level. State - 75%
2009 - 64%, State - 75%
2008 - 67%, State - 72%
5th Grade Reading:
2010 - 57% on grade level. State - 64% (119 pupils)
2009 - 53%, State - 64%
2008 - 52%, State - 61%
5th Grade Math:
2010 - 55% on grade level. State - 74%
2009 - 52%, State - 73% [30]
2008 - 65%, State - 73%
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 264 pupils or 16.6% of the district's pupils received Special Education services. [31]
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 Department of Special Education. [32]
The IDEA 2004 requires each school entity to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, including the student handbook and website regarding the availability of screening and intervention services and how to access them.
In 2009, the administrative reported there were 28 incidents of bullying in the district. [33][34]
The Hanover Public School Board adopted a policy in November 2008 which prohibits bullying by district students and the faculty. The policy defines bullying and cyberbullying.[35] 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. 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.[36] 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.[37]
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.[38]
In 2009, the district reported employing over 280 teachers with a starting salary of $38,000 to $113,000 for 190 day work year.[39] The average teacher salary is $59,044. [40]Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, college course reimbursement, personal days 3, seeking public office leave, sick days - 10, $40 a day for unused sick days, and other benefits. Teachers are paid for extra instructional services at an hourly rate.[41]
In 2007, the average teacher salary in the district was $53,388 for 180 days worked.[42]
The district administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $1105 per pupil. The district has the highest administrative spending in York County. [43] Hanover Public School District is ranked 40th among Pennsylvania's 500 districts for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. [44] [45]
The school administration reported that per pupil spending was $14,238 in 2008. This ranked 95th among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts.[46] In 2007 the state conducted a costing out study which estimated the amount of per pupil spending which , when achieved, would support each child being on grade level in all subjects. According to the study, Hanover Public School District should spend $12,553. [47]
According to an extensive study of York County school districts conducted by APA Associates in 2008, Hanover Public County School District achieved a -9 rating based on Performance and Relative Efficiency. This was the lowest ranking achieved among the county's school districts. Central York School District and Northeastern York School District ranked +10. Eleven of 16 York County districts achieved a positive rating. [48]
Reserves - In 2008, the district reported a $4.1 million in an undesignated fund balance. [49]
In April 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the school board and administration.[50]
The district is funded by a combination of: a local income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, 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 income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the individual's wealth.[51]
For the 2010-11 budget year, the Hanover Public School District was allotted a 8.39% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $2,597,963. [52] This was the highest increase among York County school districts. Among all Pennsylvania school districts, the highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state basic education funding.[53] 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.[54]
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.75% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $2,396,865. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $2,266,646.[55] The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more.[56] Central York School District was allotted the highest Basic Education Funding increase in York County for the 2009-10 school year. In York County, 12 school districts received less than 6% increase in state basic education funding in 2010 and three districts received the base 2% increase. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.[57]
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 572 students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.[58]
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 $197,722 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The Hanover Public School District uses the funding to provide teacher training to improve instruction and to provide full day kindergarten for 29 pupils. [59][60]
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. Hanover Public School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07 or in 2007-08. The district received $78,545 in 2008-09. [61]
The district received an extra $480,674 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of students from low income families.[62]
School district officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant. When approved for the grant, the district would have received millions in additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[63] 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. Central Yorkg was one of six York County school districts that applied to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. [64]
The Hanover Public School Board decided 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. [65] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.
The school board levied a real estate tax of 19.0700 mills in 2010-11. [66] 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. On the local level, Pennsylvania 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.[67]
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, costs due to a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increased 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.[70]
The School District Adjusted Index for the Hanover Public School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[71]
The Hanover Public School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011.[72] 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.[73]
In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Hanover Public School District was $166 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 3,457 property owners applied for the tax relief.[74] In 2009, the district's property tax relief amount was set at $165 to 3,469 approved homestead owners. In 2010 within York County, the highest amount went to York City School District at $495 per approved homestead. The property tax 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. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $641 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.[75] CUSD was given $632 in 2009. This was the second 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 individuals who have income substantially greater 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%).[76]
The district's students have access to a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board policy.[77]
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.[78] [79]
References: