Susquehanna Township School District

Susquehanna Township School District
Address
3550 Elmerton Ave.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Dauphin, 17109
United States
Information
School board 9 elected members
Grades K-12
Kindergarten 154
Grade 1 237
Grade 2 217
Grade 3 227
Grade 4 232
Grade 5 259
Grade 6 245
Grade 7 220
Grade 8 286
Grade 9 269
Grade 10 247
Grade 11 244
Grade 12 254
Other Enrollment projected to 3231 by 2019.[1]

The Susquehanna Township School District is a midsized, suburban, public school district serving students from Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The school district is located in suburban Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, and a kindergarten program. The Susquehanna Township School District encompasses approximately 17 square miles. According to a June 2008 local census data, it serves a resident population of 22,977 people. In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $26,572 a year, while the median family income was $61,781 a year.[2] Per District officials, in school year 2007–08, the Susquehanna Township School District provided basic educational services to 3,271 pupils through the employment of 245 teachers, 168 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 5 administrators.

Contents

Governance

Susquehanna Township 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.[3] 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 "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.[4]

The district is served by the Capital Area Intermediate Unit 15 which offers a variety of services including: a completely developed K-12 curriculum that is mapped and aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards (available online), shared services, a group purchasing program and a wide variety of special education and special needs services.

Susquehanna Township School District Schools

Academic achievement

In 2011, the Susquehanna Township School District ranked 304th out of 498 Pennsylvania districts. The ranking is based on five years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in reading, mathematics and writing and three years of science.[5]

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students in the Susquehanna Township School District was in the 31st percentile of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale (0–99; 100 is state best)[8]

Graduation Rate

In 2011, the graduation rate was 91%. [9] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Susquehanna Township High School's rate was 87% for 2010.[10]

Calculated under old formula

High school

Main article: Susquehanna Township High School

Middle school

In 2011, the school delcined to Warning status. [14] In 2010, the school achieved AYP status. In 2009, the school was in Warning status due to low student achievement.[15] The attendance rate was 95% in both years.[16]

8th Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 81% on grade level (7% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level. [17]
  • 2010 – 78%, State – 81%[18]
  • 2009 – 76%, State – 80%
  • 2008 – 79%, State – 78%
  • 2007 – 72%, State – 75%
8th Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 78% on grade level (11% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
  • 2010 – 78%, State – 75% [19]
  • 2009 – 71%, State – 71%[20]
  • 2008 – 78%, State – 70%
  • 2007 – 72%, State – 68%
8th Grade Science:
7th Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 78% on grade level (6% below basic). State – 76%
  • 2010 – 70%, State – 73%
  • 2009 – 63%, State – 71%
  • 2008 – 73%, State – 70%
  • 2007 – 65%, State – 67%
7th Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 81% on grade level (9% below basic). State - 78.6%
  • 2010 – 81%, State – 77%
  • 2009 – 73%, State – 75%
  • 2008 – 69%, State – 70%
  • 2007 – 69%, State – 67%
6th Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 65% on grade level (10% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 69.9% of 6th graders are on grade level.
  • 2010 – 68%, State – 68%
  • 2009 – 59%, State – 67%
  • 2008 – 60%, State – 67%
  • 2007 – 65%, State – 63%
6th Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 70% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 78.8%
  • 2010 – 81%, State – 78%
  • 2009 – 71%, State – 75%
  • 2008 – 69%, State – 72%
  • 2007 – 67%, State – 69%

T. W. Holtzman Jr, Elementary School

Has both a principal and an assistant principal. The school is in Warning status due to low student achievement. In 2009 the school achieved AYP.[21]

5th Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 58% on grade level (19% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 67.3% of 5th graders are on grade level.
  • 2010 – 54%, State – 64%[22]
  • 2009 – 63%, State – 64% [23]
  • 2008 – 56%, State – 61%
  • 2007 – 57%, State – 67% [24]
5th Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 71% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 74%
  • 2010 – 68%, State – 74%
  • 2009 – 68%, State – 73%[25]
  • 2008 – 69%, State – 73%
  • 2007 – 67%, State – 71%
4th Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 69% (13% below basic), State – 73.3%
  • 2010 – 68%, State – 73%
  • 2009 – 73%, State – 72%[26]
  • 2008 – 73%, State – 70%
  • 2007 – 70%, State – 70%
4th Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 85% (5% below basic), State – 85.3%
  • 2010 – 86%, State – 84%
  • 2009 – 80%, State – 81%
  • 2008 – 83%, State – 79%
  • 2007 – 78%, State – 78%
4th Grade Science:
3rd Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 72%, (14% below basic), State – 77.2%
  • 2010 – 71%, State – 75%
  • 2009 – 79%, State – 77% [27]
  • 2008 – 73%, State – 77%
  • 2007 – 75%, State – 72%
3rd Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 81%, (3% below basic), State – 83.5%
  • 2010 – 83%, State – 84%
  • 2009 – 87%, State – 81%
  • 2008 – 76%, State – 80% [28]
  • 2007 – 83%, State – 78%

Special Education

In December 2009, the district administration reported that 536 pupils or 17.2% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[29] In 2008, Susquehanna Township School District reported that 17% of its pupils received special education services.[30]

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 Supervisor of Special Education.[31] Capital Area IU conducts the Capital Area Local Task Force. The Right to Education Consent Agreement of 1972 provided for the establishment of a Local Task Force in each of the 29 Intermediate Units. The primary purpose is to ensure that the intent and spirit of the Right to Education Consent Agreement is carried out throughout the Commonwealth.[32]

Gifted Education

The Susquehanna Township School District Administration reported that 61 or 1.91% of its students were gifted in 2009. [33] 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. [34] Through the strategic planning process, the Superintendent must ensure that Susquehanna Township School District provides a continuum of programs and service options to meet the needs of all mentally gifted students for enrichment, acceleration, or both.

Bullying policy

The school district administration reported there were 6 incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.[35][36]

The Susquehanna Township School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online.[37] 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.[38] 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.[39]

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.[40]

Wellness policy

Susquehanna Township School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 – Policy 246.[41] 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, 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.[42] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for its approval.[43] This includes classroom party guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[44]

Budget

In 2007, the Susquehanna Township School District employed 216 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $51,432 for 180 days worked.[45][46]

Susquehanna Township School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $627.50 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[47]

In 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the school board and administration.[48]

In 2008, Susquehanna Township School District reported spending $11,685 per pupil. This ranked 316th in the commonwealth.[49]

The district is under investigation by the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office regarding credit card use irregularities by administrators. In April 2010, the school board authorized a forensic audit by Boyer & Ritter, Camp Hill, of district-issued credit cards.[50] In October 2010, the business manager revealed $14,000 in questionable spending by school board members for travel which included reimbursements without receipts or for alcohol or spouses’ expenses.[51]

In 2010, the board had increased the district's unreserved-undesignated reserves to $3,100,000.00. The district's unreserved-designated fund balance was $5,321,527.00.[52] In 2008, the Susquehanna Township School District reported an unreserved designated fund balance of $2.5 million and a unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $2,390,826.[53]

The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 0.5%, a property tax, per capita tax $5, Resident Tax $5, Occupation Privilege Tax $5, Occupation Tax $270, Amusement Tax 10%, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.[54] 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 both state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.[55]

Reserves

In 2008, the district reported a $2,390,826.00 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was repoted as $2,500,000.[56]

State basic education funding

In 2011–12, the district will receive $3,311,788 in state Basic Education Funding.[57] Additionally, the district will receive $88,433 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.[58] 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.[59]

In 2009, the administration reported that 901 students received a free or reduced price lunch based on the federal poverty levels.

For 2010–11 the district received a 15.89% increase in State Basic Education Funding for a total of $3,615,584. This was the highest awarded to a Dauphin County school district.[60] Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest increase, in the state, at 23.65% increase in basic education funding for the 2010–11 school year. The amount each district receives is determined by the Governor and Secretary of Education, as a part of the state's annual budget process.[61]

In the 2009–2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 10.66% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $3,119,891 to the Susquehanna Township School District.[62] The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008–09 was $2,819,264.50. This was the highest increase received by any Dauphin County school district. The district also received supplemental funding for: Title I (federal funding for low income students), for district size, a poverty supplement from the Commonwealth and more. Three school districts in Dauphin County received an increase in excess of 5%. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest increase in the commonwealth at 22.31%.[63]

Accountability Block Grants

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 $240,030 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The Susquehanna Township School District uses the funding to provide reduced class size K-3rd and for teacher coaches who train classroom teacher in reading and math instruction for the 4th year. The funding is also used to pay teachers for writing new curriculum at the high school.[64][65][66] In 2009–10, the state provided $271.4 million dollars in Accountability Block Grants $199.5 million went to providing all day kindergartens.[67]

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. Susquehanna Township School District did not apply for funding in 2006–07. In 2007–08 in received $171,104. In 2008–09, the district received $52,046 for a total funding of $223,150.[68]

Federal Stimulus Funding

The district received an extra $1,286,188 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.[69] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 808 students qualified for free or reduced lunch due to low family income in 2008.[70]

Race to the Top grant

District officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have meant hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars to improve 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. According to then Governor Rendell, failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[74]

Common Cents state initiative

The Susquehanna Township 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.

Real estate taxes

The school board set property taxes for 2011–2012 at 24.8370 mills.[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. 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. 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. 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.[77]

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 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.[82] With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly voted to end most of the Act 1 exceptions leaving only special education costs and pension costs. The cost of construction projects will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum.[83]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Susquehanna Township School District 2006–2007 through 2010–2011.[84]

For the 2011–12 school year, the Susquehanna Township School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the Susquehanna Township 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.[88]

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.[89]

Susquehanna Township School Board did not seek an exception for the 2010–11 school year budget.[90] 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.[91]

Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Susquehanna Township School District was $70 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 6,427 property owners applied for the tax relief. In Dauphin County, the highest amount of tax relief in 2009, went to Harrisburg School District at $446.[92] The 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. In Dauphin County, 68.71% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[93] 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.[94]

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 whose income is 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%).[95]

Extracurriculars

The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is determined by school board policies.[96][97] Susquehanna Township does not charge a fee for participation in extracurriculars.[98]

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.[99]

References

  1. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Susquehanna Township School District Enrollment and Projections, January 2009
  2. ^ American Fact Finder, US Census Bureau, 2009
  3. ^ Pennsylvania Public School Code Governance 2010
  4. ^ The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives. "The Pennsylvania Project". http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Pennsylvania_school_districts. Retrieved May 20, 2010. 
  5. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 1, 2011). "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings,". http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/feature/schools/statewide_rankings.html. 
  6. ^ "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings". April 20, 2010. http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/feature/schools/statewide_rankings.html. 
  7. ^ WTAE-TV (2007). "USC Ranked Best School District In Pa.; Complete List Inside,". http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/education/13346734/detail.html. 
  8. ^ Allentown Morning Call (2009). "2009 PSSA RESULTS Susquehanna Township SD". http://projects.mcall.com/PSSA-results/district/115228303/SUSQUEHANNA%20TOWNSHIP%20SD/. 
  9. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP SD - District AYP Data Table". http://paayp.emetric.net/District/DataTable/c22/115228303. 
  10. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented". http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennsylvania_department_of_education/7237/info/757639. 
  11. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Susquehanna Township Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 data table". http://paayp.emetric.net/District/DataTable/c22/115228303. 
  12. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Susquehanna Township School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2009". http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC09D115228303.PDF. 
  13. ^ {{cite web }url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/23571629/PA-High-School-Graduation-Info-by-School-District-2007 |author=Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children |title=High school Graduation Rates |date=2007}}
  14. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Susquehanna township Middle School AYP report". http://paayp.emetric.net/District/SchoolList/c22/115228303. 
  15. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "SUSQUEHANNA TWP MS – School AYP Overview". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c22/115228303/1805. 
  16. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "SUSQUEHANNA TWP MS – School AYP Data Table". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/DataTable/c22/115228303/1805. 
  17. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442. 
  18. ^ The Scranton Times-Tribune. "Grading Our Schools Susquehanna Township School District PSSA results 2010". http://thetimes-tribune.com/data-center/grading-our-schools#axzz18vVMeXYG. 
  19. ^ Pennsyvlania Department of Education (2010). "Susquehanna Township Middle School Academic Achievement Report card 2010". http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S115228303000001805.PDF. 
  20. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Susquehanna Township Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009". http://www.scribd.com/doc/28880956/Susquehanna-Township-Middle-School-Academic-Achievement-2009. 
  21. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2011). "THOMAS W. HOLTZMAN JR. Elementary School AYP Overview". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c22/115228303/1802. 
  22. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2011). "THOMAS W. HOLTZMAN JR. Elementary. School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010". http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S115228303000001802.PDF. 
  23. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education PSSA Math and Reading Results 2009
  24. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 29, 2007). "PSSA, AYP Data Show Pennsylvania Student Achievement Continues to Rise,". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2006-2007_pssa_and_ayp_results/507511. 
  25. ^ "Grading our Schools – Susquehanna Township SD PSSA Results Math, Science and Reading School 2009". The Times-Tribune. June 28, 2008. http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/pssa-scores-by-school-database-2009-1.864356?appSession=463200159899611#axzz1D5KcjUpN. 
  26. ^ Pennsylvania department of Education (2009). "Holtzman Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009". http://www.scribd.com/doc/28880822/Holtzman-Elementary-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009. 
  27. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Math and Reading Results 2009". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2008-2009_pssa_and_ayp_results/600286. 
  28. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Results Math and Reading School 2008". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514. 
  29. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Special Education. "Susquehanna Township School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets School Year 2008–2009". http://penndata.hbg.psu.edu/BSEReports/Public%20Reporting/2008_2009/PDF_Documents/Speced_Data_Report_SD334_299_Final.pdf. 
  30. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Special Education. "Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets". http://penndata.hbg.psu.edu/BSEReports/PR_AlphaList.aspx. 
  31. ^ Susquehanna Township School District Administration (2010). "Susquehanna Township School District – Special Education Department – Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services". http://www.caiu.org/Libraries/Resources%20for%20Families%20Schools%20and%20Communities/Annual%20Public%20Notice%202009.sflb?download=true. 
  32. ^ Susquehanna Township School District Administration. "Local task Force Brochure". http://www.edline.net/files/_CTK1Q_/24df57af2c6bad663745a49013852ec4/Local_Task_Force_brochure.pdf. 
  33. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (Revised December 1, 2009 Child Count (Collected July 2010)). "Gifted Students as Percentage of Total Enrollment by School District/Charter School". http://penndata.hbg.psu.edu/BSEReports/docs/Ad_Hoc_Gifted_0910_from_Revised_Count.pdf. 
  34. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board. "CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students". http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter16/chap16toc.html. Retrieved February 4, 2011. 
  35. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Susquehanna Township SD School Safety Annual Report 2008 – 2009". https://www.safeschoolsreports.state.pa.us/historic/historic/2009/42d9ebe4-57e8-49a5-9208-4ad62648c1a6.pdf. 
  36. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Safe Schools Online Reports". https://www.safeschools.state.pa.us/Main.aspx?App=6a935f44-7cbf-45e1-850b-e29b2f1ff17f&Menu=dbd39a1f-3319-4a75-8f69-d1166dba5d70&res=. 
  37. ^ Susquehanna Township School Board (December 2008). "Bullying/Cyberbullying Policy 5015". http://www.edline.net/files/_3VJoQ_/b6d4ed26a553d8253745a49013852ec4/5015.pdf. 
  38. ^ Pennsylvania General Assembly. "Regular Session 2007–2008 House Bill 1067, Act 61 Section 6 page 8". http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2007&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1067. 
  39. ^ Center for Safe Schools of Pennsylvania,. "Bullying Prevention advisory". http://www.center-school.org/bullyingprevention/about.php. 
  40. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Academic Standards". http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/chap4toc.html. 
  41. ^ Susquehanna Township School Board. "Susquehanna Township School Board Policy Manual Student Wellness Policy". http://www.hannacafe.com/Portals/34/Susquehanna%20-%20Wellness%20Policy.pdf. 
  42. ^ Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools for the School Nutrition Incentive, Pennsylvania Department of Education – Division of Food and Nutrition. July 2008
  43. ^ Probart C, McDonnell E, Weirich JE, Schilling L, Fekete V., Statewide assessment of local wellness policies in Pennsylvania public school districts. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008 Sep;108(9):1497-502.
  44. ^ Classroom party foods guidelines
  45. ^ Fenton, Jacob, Average classroom teacher salary in Dauphin County, 2006–07. The Morning Call. accessed March 2010.
  46. ^ Pa. Public School Salaries, 2009
  47. ^ Fenton, Jacob. Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?, The Morning Call, Feb 2009.
  48. ^ Susquehanna Township School District Performance Audit 2009
  49. ^ Central Pennsylvania School Districts Spending Versus Academic Results
  50. ^ DA probes report of potential money misuse, The Partiot-News. October 2, 2010
  51. ^ Susquehanna Township School District business manager questions nearly $14,000 in expenses, The Harrisburg Partiot-News. October 26, 2010
  52. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "General Fund Balance: 1996–97 to 2009–10". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/summaries_of_annual_financial_report_data/7673/other_financial_information/509049. 
  53. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report 2008 (2008). "General Reserved Fund Balance by School District 1996–2008,". http://www.scribd.com/doc/25254368/Pennsylvania-Public-Schools-Finances-AFR-General-Fund-Balance-1996-97-to-2007-08. 
  54. ^ Susquehanna Township School District Administration. "Susquehanna township SD 2011 Tax Rates". http://www.susquehannatwp.com/TaxRates.asp. 
  55. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Personal Income Tax information October 2010
  56. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education report on Fund Balances by Local Education Agency 1997 to 2008
  57. ^ PA Senate Appropriations Committee (June 28, 2011). "School District 2011–12 funding Report". http://www.scribd.com/doc/58929810/PA-Senate-Appropriations-Committee-Report-School-District-2011-12. 
  58. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/basic_education_funding/539259. 
  59. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding 2011–2012 Fiscal Year". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/basic_education_funding/539259. 
  60. ^ PA House Appropriations Committee. "Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010–2011". http://www.scribd.com/doc/40153192/PA-Basic-Education-Funding-Printout2-2010-2011. 
  61. ^ Pennsylvania Budget Office. "Governor's Budget Proposal 2009". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=4571&mode=2#2008-09. 
  62. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding 2009–2010 October 2009 to School Districts". http://www.scribd.com/doc/27867508/Pennsylvania-Basic-Education-Funding-2009-2010-October-2009-to-School-Districts. 
  63. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 2009). "2009–2010 Funding Report by LEA". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/2010-2011_education_budget/668291. 
  64. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant report 2010, Grantee list 2010". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/pa_accountability_grants/604468. 
  65. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report". http://www.scribd.com/doc/23322599/ACCOUNTABILITY-BLOCK-GRANT-Awards. 
  66. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "PA-PACT Information". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/grants_and_subsidies/7207/pa-pact_information/507147. 
  67. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009–2010 Accountability block Grant Mid-year report". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_50617_7207_507147_43/http;/pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_hhs/pde/pde_community_content/dsf_migration/k12/pre_k_12_schools/content/public_schools/public_schools/abg2009_2010_execsum.pdf. 
  68. ^ "Classrooms For the Future grants audit". December 22, 2008. http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/reports/performance/special/specff122208.pdf. 
  69. ^ Dauphin County ARRA FUNDING Report
  70. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education School District Funding Report. October 2009.
  71. ^ Governor's Press Office. (January 20, 2010). "Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support,". http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pennsylvanias-race-to-the-top-fueled-by-effective-reforms-strong-local-support-82086397.html. 
  72. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchek (December 2009). "Pennsylvania Race to the Top Letter to Superintendents". http://www.scribd.com/doc/25365273/Pennsylvania-Race-to-the-Top-Letter-to-Superintendents. 
  73. ^ Governor's Press Office. (January 20, 2010). "Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support,". http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=7201&PageID=510952&mode=2&contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/global/news_releases/governor_s_office/news_releases/pennsylvania_s__race_to_the_top__fueled_by_effective_reforms__strong_local_support.html. 
  74. ^ U.S. Department of Education (March 29, 2010). "Race to the Top Fund". http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/index.html. 
  75. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Common Cents program – Making Every Dollar Count". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/common_cents/8781. 
  76. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Finances_Real Estate Tax Rates 2011–12". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672. 
  77. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2004). "Act 511 Tax Report". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/summaries_of_annual_financial_report_data/7673/afr_excel_data_files/509047. 
  78. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Finances_Real Estate Tax Rates 2010–11". http://www.scribd.com/doc/40000011/Pennsylvania-Department-of-Education-Finances-Real-Estate-Tax-Rates-2010-11. 
  79. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Pennsylvania School District Finances_Real Estate Tax Rates_0910". http://www.scribd.com/doc/40403084/Pennsylvania-School-District-Finances-Real-Estate-Tax-Rates-0910. 
  80. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. (2009). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672. 
  81. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672. 
  82. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "2010–11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/referendum_exceptions/7456. 
  83. ^ Pittsburgh Post Gazette (July 28, 2011). "Law could restrict school construction projects". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11209/1163275-56-0.stm. 
  84. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, (May 2010). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006–2007 through 2010–2012,". http://www.scribd.com/doc/39162629/Pennsylvania-Property-Tax-SSAct1-Adjusted-Index-History-2006-07-to-2011-12. 
  85. ^ "Index Calculation Required by the Taxpayer Relief Act". Sept 18, 2010. http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol40/40-38/1760.html. 
  86. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Financial Data Elements". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672. 
  87. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "The Index Special Session Act 1 of 2006". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_relief/7452/act_1_index/510332. 
  88. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_relief/7452. 
  89. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2011). "Report on Exceptions". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/referendum_exceptions/7456/report_on_referendum_exceptions/510336. 
  90. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education SSAct1_Act1 Referendum Exceptions Report 2010-2011 April 2010
  91. ^ Scarcella, Frank and Pursell, Tricia, (May 25, 2010). "Local school tax assessments exceed state averages.". The Daily Item. http://dailyitem.com/0100_news/x1174308659/Local-school-tax-assessments-exceed-state-averages. 
  92. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (May 1, 2009). "Tax Relief per Homestead 2009". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_relief/7452/property_tax_reduction_allocations/510335. 
  93. ^ Pennsylvania Auditor General Office (2-23-2010). "Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief". http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/department/press/wagnerpennsylvaniansmissingoutonprop.html. 
  94. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, (May 2010). "Tax Relief per Homestead 5–1–10. Report". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_relief/7452/property_tax_reduction_allocations/510335. 
  95. ^ Tax Foundation (September 22, 2009). "New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners,". http://www.taxfoundation.org/news/show/26742.html. 
  96. ^ Susquehanna Township School Board. "Susquehanna Township School District Academic Eligibility Policy". http://www.scribd.com/doc/37328793/Susquehanna-Township-School-District-Academic-Eligibility-Policy. 
  97. ^ Susquehanna Township School Board. "Susquehanna Township School District Academic Eligibility policy #5035". http://www.hannasd.org/Page/2226. 
  98. ^ DICK VanOLINDA, SPECIAL REPORT: Pay-to-play a growing trend in area school districts, The York Dispatch, 2011
  99. ^ Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities,". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=18&objID=667364&mode=2. 

External links