Blackhawk School District

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Blackhawk School District
Beaver County map showing Black Hawk in NW corner
Address
500 Blackhawk Road
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Beaver, Lawrence, 15010
United States
Information
School board Mr. Richard Oswald, Board President
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Miller
School number (724) 846-6600
Administrator Mr. Jay Blizman, Director of Computer Services
Director Mr. Jerry Wessel, Business Manager
Principal Mr. Scott Nelson
Director of Curriculum Mrs. Nancy Bowman,
Grades PreK-12
Pupils 2,515 pupils in 2010[1]
Kindergarten 171
Grade 1 173
Grade 2 183
Grade 3 189
Grade 4 154
Grade 5 220
Grade 6 191
Grade 7 217
Grade 8 180
Grade 9 221
Grade 10 223
Grade 11 201
Grade 12 192
Other Enrollment projected to be 2,476 pupils in 2020[2]
Fight song Notre Dame fight song
Mascot Cougar
Budget $29,671,565. in 2011
Tuition for nonresident and charter school students ES - $8,324.88, HS - $ 8,816.60[3]
Per pupils spending 2010 $11,500.41
Website http://www.bsd.k12.pa.us/

The Blackhawk School District is a small, rural public school district that spans portions of two counties in Pennsylvania. Blackhawk School District encompasses approximately 64 square miles (170 km2). In Beaver County it covers the Boroughs of Darlington, Patterson Heights and West Mayfield and Chippewa Township, Darlington Township, Patterson Township and South Beaver Township. In Lawrence County it covers the Borough of Enon Valley. According to 2000 federal census, it serves a resident population of 17,322 people. In 2009, the district residents’ per capita income was $21,310, while the median family income was $52,242[4] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501[5] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[6] According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the Blackhawk School District provided basic educational services to 2,688 pupils through the employment of 187 teachers, 76 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 9 administrators. Blackhawk School District received more than $13.1 million in state funding in school year 2007-08.

The district operates Blackhawk High School (8th-12th), Highland Middle School (6th-7th), Blackhawk Intermediate School (3rd-5th), Northwestern Primary School (K-2nd) and Patterson Primary School (K-2nd). The District also offers a taxpayer funded, free preschool for 4 year olds, at the Intermediate School.

Governance

Blackhawk 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.[7] 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.[8]

Academic achievement

Blackhawk School District was ranked 126th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2012.[9] The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the PSSAs for: reading, writing math and science.[10]

  • 2011 - 109th[11]
  • 2010 - 125th[12]
  • 2009 - 131st
  • 2008 - 105th
  • 2007 - 126th out of 501 school districts.[13]

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. School District ranked 287th. In 2011, the district was 249th.[14] The editor 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-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."[15]

Western Pennsylvania region ranking by PBT

(includes 104 districts in: Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Washington County and Westmoreland County excludes Duquesne City SD & Midland Borough SD due to no high schools)

  • 2012 - 32nd
  • 2011 - 29th
  • 2010 - 36th
  • 2009 - 37th

In 2011 and 2010, Blackhawk School District achieved AYP status.[16] In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania Public School Districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math skills. In 2011, just 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Blackhawk School District was in the 86th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania school districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best)[17]

Graduation rate

In 2011, the graduation rate at Blackhawk School District was 99%.[18] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. High School's rate was % for 2010.[19]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

High school

Blackhawk High School is located at 500 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 1,073 pupils in grades 8th through 12th, with 231 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 81 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[24] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 11 classes were taught by teachers who were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the No Child Left Behind Act.[25]

In 2012, Blackhawk High School was ranked 18th in Pennsylvania, and 955th nationally (22,000 high schools ranked nationwide), by US News and World Report for academic programs.[26]

Local region academic ranking 11th graders
  • 2012 - 47th out of 104 high schools
  • 2011 - 49th
  • 2010 - 55th (out of 106 local)
  • 2009 - 70th among western Pennsylvania high schools based on three years of results in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and one year of science.[27]
PSSA results

11th Grade Reading

  • 2011 - 77% on grade level, (9% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.[28]
  • 2010 - 79% (5% below basic). State - 66%[29]
  • 2009 - 74% (12% below basic). State - 65%[30]
  • 2008 - 62% (18% below basic). State - 65%[31]
  • 2007 - 73% (11% below basic). State - 65%[32]

11th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 74% on grade level (13% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.[33]
  • 2010 - 73% (11% below basic). State - 59%
  • 2009 - 72% (11% below basic). State - 56%.
  • 2008 - 61% (19% below basic). State - 56%
  • 2007 - 64% (19% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

  • 2011 - 32% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.[34]
  • 2010 - 38% (10% below basic). State - 39%
  • 2009 - 37% (19% below basic). State - 40%[35]
  • 2008 - 34% (17% below basic). State - 39%[36]

College remediation rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 25% of the Blackhawk 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.[37] 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.[38] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

The high school offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[39] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[40] For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $3,412 for the program.[41]

SAT scores

From January to June 2011, 147 Blackhawk School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 493. The Math average score was 510. The Writing average score was 475.[42] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[43] In the United States 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing.[44]

Graduation requirements

The Blackhawk School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 23.5 credits to graduate, including: mathematics 4 credits, English 4 credits, social studies 4 credits, science 3 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Health 0.5 credit, Software Apps 0.5 credits, Arts/Humanities 2 credits and electives 3.5. A student must earn a minimum of 5.5 credits to obtain sophomore standing. All students are required to successfully complete four credits of Mathematics in order to graduate. Music academy students will take other classes and not be required the 4 math credits and take less gym credits.[45]

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.[46] At Blackhawk High School students have one of three options: Comprehensive Career Development Plan, Community Service Project and In-depth Academic Research Project.[47]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class of 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.[48][49][50] In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit - 49% on grade level.[51] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Eighth grade

Local region academic ranking 8th graders
  • 2012 - 30th out of 105 districts
  • 2011 - 42nd
  • 2010 - 52nd (out of 106 local)
  • 2009 - 35th out of 141 western Pennsylvania schools based on three years of results in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and one year of science.[52]
PSSA Results

8th Grade Reading

  • 2011 - 93% on grade level, 69% advanced (2% below basic). State - 81.8%
  • 2010 - 90%, 64% advanced (3% below basic). State - 81%
  • 2009 - 82%, 61% advanced (8% below basic), State - 80%
  • 2008 - 85%, 62% advanced (6% below basic), State - 78%[53]
  • 2007 - 87% (3% below basic), State - 75%

8th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 87% on grade level 54% advanced (5% below basic). State - 76.9%
  • 2010 - 82%, 58% advanced (6% below basic). State - 75%[54]
  • 2009 - 78%, 52% advanced (7% below basic). State - 71%[55]
  • 2008 - 83%, 58% advanced (5% below basic). State - 70%
  • 2007 - 84%, 55% advanced (4% below basic). State - 68%

8th Grade Science:

  • 2011 - 76% on grade level (6% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
  • 2010 - 76% (7% below basic). State – 57%[56]
  • 2009 - 61% (16% below basic). State - 55%[57]
  • 2008 - 62% (12% below basic). State - 52%[58]
  • 2007 - tested, but results not made public.

Highland Middle School

Highland Middle School is located at 402 Shenango Road, Beaver Falls. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 388 pupils in grades 6th through 7th, with 89 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 36 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 11:1.[59] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 27 classes are taught by teachers who were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[60]

Local region academic ranking 7th graders
  • 2012 - 14th out of 105 districts
  • 2011 - 15th
  • 2010 - 12th among 106 western Pennsylvania schools based on three years of student results in PSSAs in: reading, math, writing and one year of science.[61]
PSSA Results

7th Grade Reading

  • 2011 - 85% on grade level, 54% advanced (5% below basic). State – 76%[62]
  • 2010 - 90%, 60% advanced (2% below basic). State - 73%[63]
  • 2009 - 62% (2% below basic). State - 71%
  • 2008 - 83%, 53% advanced (7% below basic). State - 70%[64]
  • 2007 - 80% (4% below basic). State - 67%

7th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 88% on grade level, 62% advanced (5% below basic). State - 78.6%
  • 2010 - 95%, 78% advanced (2% below basic). State - 77%
  • 2009 - 90%, 72% advanced (2% below basic). State - 75%
  • 2008 - 82%, 55% advanced (5% below basic). State - 71%
  • 2007 - 87%, 64% advanced (5% below basic). State - 67%

Local region academic ranking 6th graders
  • 2012 - 9th out of 105 districts
  • 2011 - 16th
  • 2010 - 7th among 106 western Pennsylvania schools based on three years of student results in PSSAs in: reading, math, writing and one year of science.[65]

6th Grade Reading:

  • 2011 - 83%, 53% advanced (5% below basic). State - 69.9%
  • 2010 - 82%, 60% advanced (6% below basic). State - 68%
  • 2009 - 84% (2% below basic), State - 67%
  • 2008 - 86% (4% below basic), State - 67%
  • 2007 - 75% (9% below basic), State - 63%

6th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 88% on grade level, 68% advanced (3% below basic). State - 78.8%
  • 2010 - 93%, 77% advanced (2% below basic). State - 78%
  • 2009 - 96%, 82% advanced (1% below basic), State - 75%
  • 2008 - 90%, 75% advanced (3% below basic), State - 72%
  • 2007 - 89%, 66% advanced (% below basic), State - 69%

Intermediate School

Blackhawk Intermediate School is located at 603 Shenango Road, Beaver Falls. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 565 pupils in grades 3rd through 5th, with 159 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 39 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14.56:1.[66] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[67]

In 2010 and 2011, Blackhawk Intermediate School achieved AYP status.[68]

PSSA Results

5th Grade Reading:

  • 2011 - 75% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 67.3%[69]
  • 2010 - 69% (8% below basic). State – 64%
  • 2009 - 72% (10% below basic), State - 64%[70]
  • 2008 - 70% (9% below basic), State - 62%
  • 2007 - 75% (8% below basic), State - 60%

5th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 84% on grade level (3% below basic). State - 74%
  • 2010 - 82% (3% below basic). State - 76.3%
  • 2009 - 82% (3% below basic). State - 73%
  • 2008 - 90% (5% below basic). State - 73%
  • 2007 - 87% (1% below basic). State - 71%

4th Grade Reading
  • 2011 - 77% (5% below basic). State – 73.3%
  • 2010 - 83% (5% below basic). State - 73%
  • 2009 - 82% (6% below basic). State - 72%
  • 2008 - 78% (8% below basic). State - 70%
  • 2007 - 79% (11% below basic). State - 60%
4th Grade Math
  • 2011 - 95%, 51% advanced (3% below basic). State – 85%
  • 2010 - 95%, 69% advanced (1% below basic). State - 84%
  • 2009 - 91%, 58% advanced (1% below basic). State - 81%
  • 2008 - 90%, 62% advanced (5% below basic). State - 80%
  • 2007 - 86%, 57% advanced (5% below basic). State - 78%

4th Grade Science
  • 2011 - 93%, 52% advanced (1% below basic), State – 82.9%
  • 2010 - 89%, 55% advanced (4% below basic), State - 81%
  • 2009 - 95%, (2% below basic), State - 83%
  • 2008 - 90%, (2% below basic), State - 81%

3rd Grade Reading
  • 2011 - 88%, (4% below basic), State – 77%
  • 2010 - 87%, (3% below basic), State - 75%
  • 2009 - 88%, (3% below basic), State - 77%
  • 2008 - 82%, (6% below basic), State - 70%
  • 2007 - 79%, (10% below basic), State - 72%
3rd Grade Math
  • 2011 - 96%, 58% advanced (0% below basic). State – 83%
  • 2010 - 94%, 59% advanced (1% below basic). State - 84%
  • 2009 - 93%, 61% advanced (1% below basic), State - 81%
  • 2008 - 91%, 56% advanced (1% below basic), State - 80%
  • 2007 - 90%, (1% below basic), State - 78%

Elementary schools

Northwestern Primary School is located at 256 Elmwood Blvd., Darlington. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 331 pupils in grades kindergarten through 2nd, with 86 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 25.60 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[71] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[72]

Patterson Primary School is located at 701 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 200 pupils in grades kindergarten through 2nd, with 50 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 15.6 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[73] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[74]

Special education

In December 2010, the district administration reported that 264 pupils or 10% of the district's pupils received Special Education services. Of the identified pupils, 41% had a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 271 pupils or 10.5% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[75]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[76] The Pennsylvania Special Education funding system assumes that 16% of the district’s students receive special education services. It also assumes that each student’s needs accrue the same level of costs.[77] The state requires each district to have a three year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[78] Overidentification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.[79]

Blackhawk School District received a $1,496,931 supplement for special education services in 2010.[80] For the 2011-12 school year, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010-11. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.[81][82]

Gifted education

Blackhawk School District Administration reported that 67 or 2.46% of its students were gifted in 2009.[83] 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.[84][85]

Budget

In 2009, Blackhawk School District reported employing 238 teachers and administrators with a salary median teacher salary of $58,932 and a top $110,854.[86] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, long term disability insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 12 paid sick days (which accumulate), and many other benefits. The length of the contract year is 187 days with a 71⁄2 hour day which provides a thirty minute free lunch period. A total of eight days work time are released, without loss of pay, to attend the semi-annual PSEA House of Delegates Meetings. These days may be used for any other educational meeting designated by the Association and if the Superintendent approves. Additionally, authorized representatives of the Association (not to exceed four) will be released from duty, with no loss of pay, for a total of eight workdays for attendance at Association meetings. In addition to the pension, employees who meet State requirements for full retirement benefits and have served at least 20 years in the Blackhawk School District, upon retirement shall receive a payment of $25,000.00 and payment for unused sick days.[87][88] In 2011, the average teacher salary in BSD was $58,121.33 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $19,151.29 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $77,272.62.[89] According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation, including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.[90]

In 2007, the district employed 170 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $58,539 for 187 days worked.[91] 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.[92]

Blackhawk School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $599.25 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[93] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association's report, the average salary for a superintendent, for the 2007-08 school year, was $122,165. Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.[94]

In 2008, the district administration reported that per pupil spending was $10,430 which ranked 450th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts. In 2010, the per pupil spending had increased to $11,500.41[95] Among the states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.[96] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.[97]

Reserves In 2008, the district reported a balance of $906,491 in an unreserved-designated fund. The unreserved-undesignated fund balance was reported as $850,173.[98] In 2010, Blackhawk School Administration reported a decrease to $28,799 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance and an unreserved-designated fund of zero. Pennsylvania school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.[99]

In July 2011, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the District. The findings were reported to the Blackhawk School Board and the District’s administration.[100]

The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.[101] 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 level of the individual’s personal wealth.[102]

State basic education funding

In 2011-12, the district received a $8,780,604 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[103][104] Additionally, the Blackhawk School District received $135,478 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $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.[105] 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.[106] In 2010, the district reported that 556 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[107]

In the 2010-2011 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $9,149,269. Among the districts in Beaver County, the highest increase went to Midland Borough School District which got a 7.57% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[108] The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where a district received at least the same amount as the year before, even where enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.16% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $8,969,872. Among the districts in Beaver County, the highest increase went to Big Beaver Falls Area School District which got a 5.26%. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $4,787,151.79. Ninety school districts received a 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.[109] The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.[110]

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 $367,720 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide Intensive instruction for struggling students during the school day, to extend the school year, to provide after school tutoring, and for high school reform.[111][112]

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, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Blackhawk School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07 or in 2007-08. The district received $113,840 in 2008-09.[113] In County the highest award was given to area School District. The highest funding state wide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide due to a massive state financial crisis.

Federal Stimulus grant

The district received an extra $2,862,640 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[114] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.[115] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised to use the funds for one-time expenditures like acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Race to the Top grant

Blackhawk School District officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided hundreds of thousands in additional federal funding to improve student academic achievement.[116] 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.[117] 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.[118][119][120]

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2011-12 were set by the school board at 53.7600 mills in Beaver County and 17.9300 mills in Lawrence County. 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.[121] Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[122] The school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, necessitating a state board equalization of the tax rates between the counties.[123] In 2010, miscalculations by the board were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.[124]

  • 2010-11 - 52.7600 mills in Beaver County and 17.6000 mills in Lawrence County.[125]
  • 2009-10 - 51.2600 mills in Beaver County and 17.6000 mills in Lawrence County.[126]
  • 2008-09 - 48.6300 mills in Beaver County and 17.0000 mills in Lawrence County.[127]
  • 2007-08 - 46.9000 mills in Beaver County and 16.4000 mills in Lawrence County.[128]
  • 2006-07 - 45.9000 mills in Beaver County and 15.9000 mills in Lawrence County.[129]

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.[130] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[131] The following exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school’s share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.[132][133]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Blackhawk School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[134]

  • 2006-07 - 5.2%, Base 3.9%
  • 2007-08 - 4.5%, Base 3.4%
  • 2008-09 - 5.8%, Base 4.4%
  • 2009-10 - 5.4%, Base 4.1%
  • 2010-11 - 3.8%, Base 2.9%
  • 2011-12 - 1.9%, Base 1.4%
  • 2012-13 - 2.2%, Base 1.7%[135]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Blackhawk School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[136]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Blackhawk School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, Blackhawk School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[137]

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.[138]

Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Backhawk School District was $173 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 4,977 property owners applied for the tax relief.[139] In 2010, the relief was $171. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (40,000 m2) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Beaver County, 64% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[140] Among Beaver County public school districts, the highest amount of property tax relief goes to property owners in Big Beaver Falls Area School District who received $352 in 2010. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District of Delaware County who received $632 per approved homestead.[141] Residents of Chester Upland School District have been the top recipients each year, since the program began.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently, individual with income much more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.[142]

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%).[143]

Extracurriculars

The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.[144][145]

Bullying

The School District was featured in the landmark court case Morrow v. Balaski, 719 F. 3d 160 (3d Cir. 2013), dealing with a school's responsibility to prevent bullying. In the case, the Morrows daughter was subject to bullying by another student in the form of threats, assaults, and acts of intimidation. Unable to obtain help from school officials, the Morrows were ultimately compelled to remove their children from their school. According to the court opinion, "The Morrows subsequently met with school officials, but they responded by telling the Morrows that they could not guarantee Brittany and Emily's safety. Instead, rather than removing Anderson and her confederate from the school, school officials advised the Morrows "the victim" to consider another school for their children. In October 2008, the Morrows enrolled their daughters in a different school." The case stands for the precedent-setting proposition that even if a school is aware of bullying and does little to prevent it or protect the victim, it cannot be held legally liable.

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students residing 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.[146]

References

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  2. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Enrollment and Projections by school district". 
  3. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tuition rates per LEA, 2011
  4. ↑ US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2009
  5. ↑ US Census Bureau (2010). "American Fact Finder, State and County quick facts". 
  6. ↑ US Census Bureau (September 2011). "Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010". 
  7. ↑ Pennsylvania Public School Code Governance 2010
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  9. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 6, 2012). "Guide to Pennsylvania Schools Statewide ranking". 
  10. ↑ "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2012". Pittsburgh Business Times. April 5, 2012. 
  11. ↑ "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2011". Pittsburgh Business Times. April 2011. 
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  13. ↑ "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County". Pittsburgh Business Times. May 23, 2007. 
  14. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Overachivers Ranking Information, April 6, 2012
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  16. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Blackhawk School District AYP Overview, September 29, 2011
  17. ↑ The Morning Call (2009). "2009 PSSA RESULTS School District". 
  18. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "School District AYP Data Table". 
  19. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented". 
  20. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Blackhawk School District Academic Achievement Report Card Data table". 
  21. ↑ The Times-Tribune (June 27, 2010). "PA School District Statistical Snapshot Database 2008-09". 
  22. ↑ The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "County School Districts Graduation Rates 2008". 
  23. ↑ Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (2008). "High School Graduation rate 2007". 
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  34. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA results in Science". 
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  36. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Report on PSSA Science results by school and grade 2008". 
  37. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 20, 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report,". 
  38. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2008
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  40. ↑ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (March 2010). "Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement". 
  41. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Dual Enrollment Grants 2009 10 Fall Grants by School District". 
  42. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011". 
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  44. ↑ "While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady". NJ.com. September 2011. 
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  47. ↑ Blackhawk School District Administration, Graduation Project, 2012
  48. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Keystone Exam Overview". 
  49. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview". 
  50. ↑ Pennsylvania State Board of Education (2010). "Rules and Regulation Title 22 PA School Code CH. 4". 
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  54. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (September 14, 2010). "2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing Results". 
  55. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results". 
  56. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 2010). "Science PSSA 2010 by Schools". 
  57. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 2009). "Science PSSA 2009 by Schools". 
  58. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 15, 2008). "Science PSSA 2008 by Schools". 
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  60. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Highland Middle School, September 29, 2011
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  63. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Highland Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010
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  65. ↑ The Rankings: Sixth grade, Pittsburgh Business Times, April 22, 2010.
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  67. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Blackhawk Intermediate School, September 29, 2011
  68. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Blackhawk Intermediate School AYP Overview, September 29, 2011
  69. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Blackhawk Intermediate School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 and 2011, September 29, 2011
  70. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Blackhawk Intermediate School Academic Achievement Report Card 2008 and 2009, September 14, 2009
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  72. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Northwestern Primary School, September 29, 2011
  73. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data – Patterson Primary School, 2010
  74. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Patterson Primary School, September 29, 2011
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  76. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Special Education Funding". 
  77. ↑ Senator Patrick Browne (November 1, 2011). "Senate Education Committee Holds Hearing on Special Education Funding & Accountability". 
  78. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Amy Morton, Executive Deputy Secretary (November 11, 2011). "Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony". 
  79. ↑ Baruch Kintisch Education Law Center (November 11, 2011). "Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony". 
  80. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011". 
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  82. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Investing in PA kids, April 2012
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  84. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board. "CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students". Retrieved February 4, 2011. 
  85. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 26, 2010). "Special Education for Gifted Students Notice of Parental rights". 
  86. ↑ Asbury Park Press (2009). "PA. Public School Salaries". 
  87. ↑ Blackhawk School Board (September 2009). "Blackhawk School District Teacher Union Employment Contract 2009-13". 
  88. ↑ "Pennsylvania Public Schools Teachers' Union Contracts". April 27, 2012. 
  89. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "Investing in Pennsylvania Students". 
  90. ↑ American Enterprise Institute, (2011). "Assessing the Compensation of Public School Teachers". 
  91. ↑ Fenton, Jacob, (March 2009). "Average classroom teacher salary in Beaver County, 2006-07". The Morning Call. 
  92. ↑ PA Delaware County Times, Teachers need to know enough is enough, April 20, 2010.
  93. ↑ Fenton, Jacob. (February 2009). "Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?". The Morning Call. 
  94. ↑ Pennsylvania School Board Association (October 2009). "Public School Salaries 11th Annual". 
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  96. ↑ United States Census Bureau (2009). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Elementary-Secondary Public School System Finance Amounts: 2008-09". 
  97. ↑ US Census Bureau (2009). "Total and current expenditures per pupil in fall enrollment in public elementary and secondary education, by function and state or jurisdiction: 2006-07". 
  98. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Fund Balances by Local Education Agency 1997 to 2008". 
  99. ↑ Murphy, Jan., Pennsylvania's public schools boost reserves, CentreDaily Times, September 22, 2010
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  102. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. "Personal Income Taxation Guidelines date=April 2010". 
  103. ↑ PA Senate Appropriations Committee (June 28, 2011). "School District 2011-12 Funding Report". 
  104. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2011). "Basic Education Funding". 
  105. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding". 
  106. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year". 
  107. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, District Allocations Report 2009, 2009-10
  108. ↑ Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee Education Budget information (June 30, 2010). "PA Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010-2011". 
  109. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 2009). "Funding Allocations by district". 
  110. ↑ Pennsylvania Office of Budget (February 2009). "Governor's Budget Proposal 2009 Pennsylvania Department of Education Budget Proposal 2009". 
  111. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Accountability Block Grant report Grantee list 2010". 
  112. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report". 
  113. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General (December 22, 2008). "Classrooms for the Future grants audit". 
  114. ↑ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (2009). "Beaver County ARRA FUNDING Report". 
  115. ↑ "School stimulus money". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. March 12, 2009. 
  116. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (December 9, 2009). "Race To The Top Webinar powerpoint for districts December 2009". 
  117. ↑ Governor's Press Office release (January 20, 2010). "Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support,". 
  118. ↑ Race to the Top Fund, U.S. Department of Education, March 29, 2010.
  119. ↑ Dr. Gerald Zahorchak (December 2008). "Pennsylvania Race to the Top Letter to Superintendents". 
  120. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 19, 2009). "Pennsylvania Race to the Top -School Districts Title I Allocations 2009-10". 
  121. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Real Estate Tax Rates by School District 2011-12 Real Estate Mills". 
  122. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2004). "Act 511 Tax Report". 
  123. ↑ State Tax Equalization Board (2011). "State Tax Equalization Board About US". 
  124. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General office - Bureau of Audits (February 2011). "A Special Performance Audit of the Pennsylvania State Tax Equalization Boards". 
  125. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,". 
  126. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Financial Elements Reports". 
  127. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Financial Elements Reports 2008-09 Real Estate Mills". 
  128. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,". 
  129. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2006). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,". 
  130. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2010-11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines". 
  131. ↑ Kaitlynn Riely (August 4, 2011). "Law could restrict school construction projects". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 
  132. ↑ Pennsylvania General Assembly, (June 29, 2011). "SB330 of 2011". 
  133. ↑ Eric Boehm (July 1, 2011). "Property tax reform final piece of state budget". PA Independent. 
  134. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2010). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006-2007 through 2010-2011". 
  135. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2012-2013 School District Adjusted Index, May 2011
  136. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2012-2013, March 30, 2012
  137. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information". 
  138. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2011). "Report on Exceptions". 
  139. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 1, 2010). "SSAct1_Property Tax Relief Per HomeStead 2010". 
  140. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General Office, (February 23, 2010). "Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief,". 
  141. ↑ Tax Relief per Homestead 2009, Pennsylvania Department of Education Report May 1, 2010
  142. ↑ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education (2006). "Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program". 
  143. ↑ Tax Foundation (September 22, 2009). "New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners". 
  144. ↑ Blackhawk School Board, Blackhawk School District policy manual Extracurriculars policy 122
  145. ↑ Blackhawk School Board, Blackhawk School District policy manual Interscholastic Athletics policy 123
  146. ↑ Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release, (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities". 
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