| Northeastern School District | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
| 41 Harding Street Manchester, Pennsylvania, York, 17345 United States |
|
| Information | |
| School board | 9 elected members |
| Superintendent | Dr. Jody L. Nace |
| Director | Dr. Shawn D. Minnich, Director of Curriculum and Instruction |
| Grades | K-12 |
| Kindergarten | 315 |
| Grade 1 | 357 |
| Grade 2 | 320 |
| Grade 3 | 339 |
| Grade 4 | 307 |
| Grade 5 | 298 |
| Grade 6 | 303 |
| Grade 7 | 281 |
| Grade 8 | 295 |
| Grade 9 | 279 |
| Grade 10 | 272 |
| Grade 11 | 247 |
| Grade 12 | 249 |
| Website | http://www.nesd.k12.pa.us/nesd/site/default.asp |
The Northeastern School District is a midsized, rural public school district in York County in the South Central region of Pennsylvania. Municipalities served by the district include: Mount Wolf, Manchester, East Manchester Township, York Haven, Goldsboro, Newberry Township, and Conewago Township. Northeastern School District encompasses approximately 50 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 18,282. Per school district officials, in school year 2007-08 the Northeastern School District provided basic educational services to 3,320 pupils through the employment of 269 teachers, 172 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 21 administrators. Northeastern York School District received more than $15.5 million in state funding in school year 2007-08.
The district operates eight schools:
In 2010, all the schools were achieving AYP, except Spring Forge Intermediate School which was in Making Progress: in School Improvement I due to chronic, low student achievement.[2] Students at Spring Forge Intermediate were permitted, according to the rights provided for in the federal No Child Left Behind law, to transfer to another successful school within the district. 19 students chose to transfer to Shallow Brook Intermediate School.[3] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the Spring Forge Intermediate School administration to develop a plan to improve student academic achievement in reading and math.
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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.[4] 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 "D-" 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.[5]
Northeastern School District was ranked 257th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2011 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on five years of student academic achievement on the PSSA results on: reading, writing, math and three years of science.[6]
In 2010, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Northeastern School District ranked 262nd. In 2009 the district was 260th. The paper describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."[9]
In 2009, the academic achievement of the students in the Northeastern School District was in the 57th percentile among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best)[10]
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Northeastern School District's rate was 83% for 2010.[11]
According to traditional graduation rate calculations: 2010 - 88%[12]
2009 - 90%[13]
2008 - 87%[14]
2007 - 87%[15]
PSSA Results:
11th Grade Reading
2010 - 61% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.[16]
2009 - 60%, State - 65%
2008 - 59%, State - 65%[17]
2007 - 72%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math
2010 - 63% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.[18]
2009 - 61%, State - 56%
2008 - 55%, State - 55%
2007 - 60%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science:
2010 - 35% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 39% of 11th graders on grade level.
2009 - 41%, State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2008 - 34%, State - 39%[19]
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 31% of Northeastern York 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.[20] 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.[21] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
The high school offers a Dual Enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school, 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.[22] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[23]
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $12,496 for the program.[24]
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.[25]
For both 2009 and 2010 the school achieved AYP status.[26] The attendance rate was 95% in both academic years.
Eight Grade Reading:
2010 - 86% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 81% of 8th graders on grade level.[27]
2009 - 86%, State - 80%
2008 - 79%, State - 78%[28]
Eight Grade Math:
2010 - 88% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 75% of 8th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 82%, State - 71%[29]
2008 - 78%, State - 70%[30]
Eight Grade Science:
2010 - 76% on grade level. State - 57% of 8th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 71%, State - 55%.[31]
2008 - 75%, State - 52%
Seventh Grade Reading:
2010 - 77% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 73% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 78%, State - 71%
2008 - 75%, State - 70%
Seventh Grade Math:
2010 - 89% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 77% of 7th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 85%, State - 75%
2008 - 77%, State - 70%
In December 2009, the district administration reported that 622 pupils or 16% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[32]
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. When a child experiences difficulty within the classroom, screening information will be gathered by a Multi-Disciplinary Team located within the child’s school to determine his or her specific needs. 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 make a written request for a multidisciplinary evaluation to the building principal.[33]
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.[34]
West Shore School District received a $1,713,674 supplement for special education services in 2010.[35]
The District Administration reported that 81 or 2.17% of its students were identified as gifted in 2009.[36] 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.[37]
In 2009, the administration reported there were 2 incidents of bullying in the district.[38][39]
The School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The board policy 249 (Adopted February 2, 2009) 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.[40] The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. The district has established a school safety committee that meets to discuss issues of safety. 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.[41] 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.[42]
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.[43]
Northeastern York School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.[44] 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, physical activity 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.[45]
The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.
In 2007, Northeastern School District employed 227 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $53,278 for 180 days worked.[46] In 2007, the district's starting salary was $37,400 which ranked ninth in York County. The top teacher salary was $75,480 which ranked ninth highest in York County.[47]
In 2009, the district reports employing over 320 teachers with a starting salary of $40,000 for 180 days for pupil instruction.[48] The average teacher salary was $59,212 while the maximum salary is $143,775.[49] 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.[50] Additionally, Northeastern School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 sick days and other benefits. Teachers are paid extra if they are required to work outside of the regular school day[51][52]According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.[53]
Northeastern York School District administrative costs was $605.03 per pupil in 2008. The district ranked 436th among Pennsylvania's 500 school district for administration related spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[54] In 2007, the Northeastern York School Board awarded a five year contract to Robert J. Tabachini Jr. as Superintendent, with an initial salary of $135,000. He was also given an extensive benefits package which includes: health insurance, life insurance, annual dues up to $1500, paid travel - up to $325 per month, 20 days paid vacation, defined benefit pension and more.[55] The Pennsylvania School Board Association tracks salaries for Pennsylvania public school employees. It reports that in 2008 the average superintendent salary in Pennsylvania was $122,165.[56] In 2007, the Average District Administrator salary in Northeastern York School District was $96,196 which ranked sixth in York County. The Average School Administrator salary in Northeastern York School District was $80,310 which ranked seventh in York County.[47]
In 2008, Northeastern School District reported spending $11,586 per pupil. This ranked 329th in the commonwealth.[57]
Reserves - In 2008, the district reported a $4,789,880.00 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $950,000.00.[58]
In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and the school board.[59]
According to an extensive study of York County school districts conducted by APA Associates in 2008, Northeastern York achieved a +10 rating based on Performance and Relative Efficiency. Central York School District was the only other district that achieved a ranking of +10. Eleven out of 16 York County district achieved a positive rating.[47]
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 income level.[60]
For the 2010-11 budget year, the Northeastern York School District received a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $10,959,545. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in York County was awarded to Hanover Public School District at 8.39%. Among 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 funding.[61] The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[62]
In the 2009-2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 7.66% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $10,744,652. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $9,979,949.83.[63] 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.[64] Central York School District was the highest increase in York County with a 12.54% increase in basic education funding, 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.[65] The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[66]
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1,255 students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.[67]
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 Northeastern York School District applied for and received $465,690 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide all day kindergarten for the sixth year.[68][69]
The district received an extra $2,358,101 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.[70] The funding is for the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.
School district officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[71] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success.[72] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[73] 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.[74]
The Northeastern York 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.[75] 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 21.74 mills in 2008-09.[76] 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.
In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Northeastern York School District was $203 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 6,317 property owners applied for the tax relief.[77] In 2009, the district's property tax relief amount was set at $208. In 2010 within York County, the highest amount went to York City School District set 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 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 $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.[78] 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%).[79]
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board.[80]
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.[81]
Lincoln Intermediate Unit (IU#12) region includes: Adams County, Franklin County and York County. The agency provides Northeastern York Schools, district home schooled students and area private schools many services including: Special education services, combined purchasing, and instructional technology services. It runs Summer Academy which offers both art and academic strands designed to meet the individual needs of gifted, talented and high achieving students. Additional services include: Curriculum Mapping, Professional Development for school employees, Adult Education, Nonpublic School Services, Business Services, Migrant & ESL (English as a Second Language), Instructional Services, Special Education, Management Services, and Technology Services. It also provides a GED program to adults who want to earn a high school diploma and literacy programs. The Lincoln Intermediate Unit is governed by a 13 member Board of Directors, each a member of a local school board from the 25 school districts. Board members are elected by school directors of all 25 school districts for three-year terms that begin July 1.[82] There are 29 intermediate units in Pennsylvania. They are funded by school districts, state and federal program specific funding and grants. IUs do not have the power to tax.
The district participates in York County Cooperative Community Education which offers a wide variety of courses to adults for a fee.[83]
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