Frazier School District

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Frazier School District
Address
142 Constitution Street
Perryopolis, PA, Fayette, 15473
United States
Information
School type Public
Religious affiliation(s) sectarian
School board 9 elected members
Superintendent Dr.David Blozowich
Principal Michael V. Turek
Principal Chris S. Sefcheck
Grades K-12
Kindergarten 100
Grade 1 83
Grade 2 94
Grade 3 99
Grade 4 97
Grade 5 102
Grade 6 86
Grade 7 82
Grade 8 89
Grade 9 97
Grade 10 96
Grade 11 92
Grade 12 79
Mascot Commodores
Website https://www.edline.net/pages/Frazier_SD/

The Frazier School District is a diminutive, rural public school district located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles south of Pittsburgh. It serves the boroughs of Perryopolis and Newell, and the townships of Perry, Jefferson, and Lower Tyrone. Frazier School District encompasses approximately 83 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data it serves a resident population of 8,531. In 2009, the district residents’ per capita income was $16,262, while the median family income was $39,438[1] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501[2] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[3] Per Frazier School District officials, in school year 2007-08, the district provided basic educational services to 1,119 pupils. It employed: 90 teachers, 46 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 8 administrators. Frazier School District received more than $9.3 million, in state funding, for the 2007-08 school year.

The district is named for a wealthy Perryopolis resident named Mary Fuller Frazier, who provided the struggling school district then named Perry Area with an endowment. Frazier is the smallest district in Fayette County. The district operates four schools. There are two elementary schools: Central Elementary School and Perry Elementary School. Both schools serves grades K-5. There are two secondary schools the Frazier Middle School and Frazier High School. They are connected together and are located in Perryopolis Borough. There is also a library that is open to the community and an athletic field.

Academic achievement

Frazier School District was ranked 33rd in 2010 and 32nd out of 105 western Pennsylvania school districts in 2009 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on three years of student academic performance on the PSSAs for math, reading, writing and one year of science.[4] In 2008, the school district was ranked 34th among western Pennsylvania school districts. This schhol has givin birth to many stars including but not limited to: Christiena Jordan, Thomas Hunts III, and Olimpic gold metalist Michal Felps made an appearance here when his parents where on there tour of duty for the military.

In 2011, the Frazier School District ranked 142nd out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts, in student academic achievement as demonstrated by five years of results on the PSSAs in: reading, writing, math and three years of science.[5]

  • 2010 - 111th[6]
  • 2009 - 115th
  • 2008 - 123rd
  • 2007 - 98th out of 501 school districts.[7]

In 2010, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Frazier School District ranked 20th. In 2009 the district was 17th. The paper describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-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."[8]

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Frazier School District was in the 70th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania school districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best)[9]

Graduation rate

For the Frazier School District Class of 2011, the graduation rate was 92%.[10] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Frazier High School's rate was 84% for 2010.[11]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

Frazier High School, as seen during a winter storm.

Frazier High School

The high school's 11th grade ranked 37th out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools based on three years of results in PSSAs on: reading, math writing and two years of science.[15] In 2009, the 11th grade ranked 42nd out of 123 high schools in the Pittsburgh region.[16]

PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
  • 2011 - 61% on grade level, (20% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.[17]
  • 2010 - 77% (5% below basic). State - 66%[18]
  • 2009 - 67%, State - 65%[19]
  • 2008 - 74%, State - 65%[20]
  • 2007 - 69%, State - 65%[21]
11th Grade Math
  • 2011 - 64%, on grade level (19% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
  • 2010 - 64%, (14% below basic). State - 59%
  • 2009 - 65%, State - 56%
  • 2008 - 72%, State - 56%
  • 2007 - 68%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science
  • 2011 - 47% on grade level (14% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.[22]
  • 2010 - 50% (1% below basic). State - 39%
  • 2009 - 56%, State - 40%
  • 2008 - 37%, State - 39%[23]

College Remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 22% of Frazier School District's graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[24] Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.[25] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

Frazier 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. Frazier School District has an agreement with Penn State Fayette to allow the students to attend.[26] The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books[27] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[28] For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $4,986 for the program.[29]

Graduation requirements

The School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 30 credits to graduate, including: math 4 credits, English 4 credits, social studies 3 credits, science 4 credits, Wellness 2 credits, Arts and Humanities 2 credits (unless attending CWCTC) and electives.

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.[30] At Frazier High School the students must complete a career focused project under the supervision of the English teachers.[31]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2015 and 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.[32][33][34]

AP courses

Frazier High School participates in the Advanced Placement Program offered by the College Board. All advanced placement courses are counted as a level 3 weighted course for the purposes of class rank only. All students taking an Advanced Placement course are required to take the associated AP exam. The cost of the advanced placement examination(s) are covered by the district.

SAT scores

In 2010-2011, 39 students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 474. The Math average score was 491. The Writing average score was 470.[35] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among state with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[36] 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.[37]

Middle school

In 2011 and 2010, Frazier Middle School achieved AYP status.[38] The attendance rate was 94% in 2001 and 93% in 2010.[39]

PSSA Results:

8th Grade Reading

  • 2011 - 86% on grade level (3% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
  • 2010 - 81% (4% below basic). State - 81%
  • 2009 - 85% (7% below basic). State - 80% (98 pupils enrolled)
  • 2008 - 84% (9% below basic). State - 78%[40]
  • 2007 - 86% (2% below basic). State - 75%
8th Grade Math
  • 2011 - 88% on grade level (3% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
  • 2010 - 87% (6% below basic). State - 75%[41]
  • 2009 - 83% (10% below basic). State - 71%[42]
  • 2008 - 83% (9% below basic). State - 70%
  • 2007 - 88% (4% below basic). State - 68%

8th Grade Science:

  • 2011 - 85% on grade level (5% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
  • 2010 - 66% (19% below basic). State – 57%[43]
  • 2009 - 77% (11% below basic). State - 55%[44]
  • 2008 - 76% (9% below basic). State - 52%[45]

7th Grade Reading

  • 2011 - 82% on grade level (4% below basic). State – 76%
  • 2010 - 80% (11% below basic). State - 73%
  • 2009 - 76% (6% below basic). State - 71%
  • 2008 - 83% (3% below basic). State - 70%
  • 2007 - 73% (10% below basic). State - 67%

7th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 93% on grade level (1% below basic). State - 78.6%
  • 2010 - 90% (4% below basic). State - 77%
  • 2009 - 88% (2% below basic). State - 75%
  • 2008 - 89% (3% below basic). State - 71%
  • 2007 - 87% (3% below basic). State - 67%

6th Grade Reading:

  • 2011 - 75% on grade level (3% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 69.9% of 6th graders are on grade level.
  • 2010 - 79% (9% below basic). State - 68%
  • 2009 - 76% (15% below basic). State - 67%
  • 2008 - 76% (4% below basic). State - 67%
  • 2007 - 70% (10% below basic). State - 63%

6th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 93% on grade level (4% below basic). State - 78.8%
  • 2010 - 91% (0% below basic). State - 78%
  • 2009 - 83% (5% below basic). State - 75%
  • 2008 - 86% (4% below basic). State - 72%
  • 2007 - 84% (5% below basic). State - 69%

Elementary schools

  • Central Elementary School - Achieved AYP in both 2010 and 2011.[46] In 2011 the attendance rate was 94% and in 2010 it was 93%.[47][48]
  • Perry Elementary School - Achieved AYP in both 2010 and 2011.[49] In 2010 and 2011 the attendance rate was 94%.[50][51]

Special education

In December 2010, the district administration reported that 168 pupils or 13.2% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[52] In particular, 23.8% of the district's special education students have a speech or language impairment. This ishigher than the state rate of SLI of 16%.[53]

In order to comply with state and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules and regulations, Frazier School District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress .[54] To identify students who may be eligible for special education services, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Special Education administration.[55] When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the district's Special Education Department.[56]

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.[57] 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.[58] The state requires each district to have a three year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[59] 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.[60]

Frazier School District received a $664,588 supplement for special education services, in 2010.[61] For the 2011-12 school year, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.[62]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 31 or 2.70% of its students were gifted in 2009.[63] The highest gifted pupil percentage, within Fayette County, was 3.18% at Connellsville Area School District. 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. By Pennsylvania regulation, the testing must be done within 60 days of a parent signing the consent form.[64]

Budget

The district's administrative costs per pupil were $839.12 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 in 2008.[65] 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.[66] In November 2011, the school board approved a contract with Kenneth Meadows (former district elementary principal) to serve as acting superintendent for $110,000 a year. This follows Frederick Smeigh, former acting superintendent's July 2011 resignation.[67]

In 2007, the district employed 81 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $52,277 for 180 days worked.[68] 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.[69] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, paid sick days, life insurance, retirement bonus and other benefits.[70] According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the state teacher retirement fund, a 40-year Pennsylvania public school educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.[71]

Reserves - In 2008, the district reported an unreserved designated fund balance of zero and an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $688,754.00.[72]

In January 2011, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the school board and administration. In reviewing a prior audit of certificates and assignments of professional personnel for the period July 1, 2006 through September 30, 2008, it was found that one teacher was assigned to teach one course for which she was not certified. This District was previously cited for the same teacher in our audit reports for the 2003-04 and 2002-03 school years and the 2001-02 and 2000-01 school years. The district was fined and reported to Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality.[73]

In 2008, the district administration reported that per pupil spending was $12,229 which ranked 249th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts. In 2010, the per pupil spending had increased to $12,443.77.[74]

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. 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 state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.[75]

State basic education funding

In 2011-12, the district received a $6,581,004 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[76][77] Additionally, the Frazier School District received $63,969 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.[78] 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.[79] In 2010, the district reported that 467 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[80]

For the 2010-11 budget year, Frazier School District received a 3.02% increase in state basic education funding for $6,717, 566. The highest increase in Fayette County was given to the Laurel Highlands School District a 6.29% increase in Basic Education Funding. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. In the Commonwealth, the highest increase, in 2010-11, went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[81]

In 2009-2010, Frazier School District received an 2.08% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $6,717,566. The highest increase in Fayette County went to Connellsville Area School District with a 4.03% increase. In Pennsylvania, over 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. Ninety school districts were given the base 2% increase. The state's Basic Education Funding to the Frazier School District in 2008-09 was $6,581,003.60.[82] The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[83]

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 $173,630, in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the sixth year.[84][85]

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. Frazier School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07 or in 2007-08. The district received $75,926 in 2008-09.[86]

Common Cents state initiative

The Frazier 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.[87] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Federal Stimulus grant

The district received an extra $1,178,753 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[88] This funding is for the 2009-2011 school years.

The district reported to that 452 student received a free or reduced-price lunch in 2008 due to low family income.[89]

Race to the Top grant

School district officials applied for the Race to the Top federal grant which will bring the district millions of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[90] 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.[91] Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state RTTT application judging will occur in June 2010.[92]

Technology grant

In 2010, the district was eligible for a federal Enhancing Education through Technology grant.[93] The district did not apply for the funding. Other Fayette County districts received the extra funding.[94]

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2011-12 were set by the Frazier School Board at 13.3300 mills. 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.[95] 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.[96]

  • 2010-11 - 13.0690 mills.[97]
  • 2009-10 - 12.5550 mills.[98]
  • 2008-09 - 12.2690 mills.[99]
  • 2007-08 - 12.2690 mills.[100]

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.[101] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[102] 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 taking into account on the PSERS contribution rate.[103][104]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Frazier School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[105]

  • 2006-07 - 5.6%, Base 3.9%
  • 2007-08 - 4.9%, Base 3.4%
  • 2008-09 - 6.3%, Base 4.4%
  • 2009-10 - 5.8%, Base 4.1%
  • 2010-11 - 4.1%, Base 2.9%
  • 2011-12 - 2.0%, Base 1.4%
  • 2012-13 - 2.5%, Base 1.7%[106]

For the 2011-12 school year, Frazier School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the 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.[107]

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.[108]

Frazier School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011.[109] For 2009-10 school budget, the board also did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Index.[110] 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.[111]

Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Frazier School District was set at $115 for the 2,432 approved primary homesteads and farmsteads.[112] The highest tax relief in Fayette County was given to Uniontown Area School District which was set at $200. In 2009, Frazier School District tax relief was set at $116 for 2,398 homesteads.[113] 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 Fayette County, 72% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[114] 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.[115] This was the second year CUSD was the top recipient.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals 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%).[116]

Wellness policy

Frazier School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.[117] The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 - 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."

The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education and physical education that are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.[118] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

Extracurriculars

The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.[119]

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.[120]

Vocational - Technical Services

Frazier High School uses the services of the Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center in New Stanton

References

  1. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2009
  2. ↑ US Census Bureau, (2010). "American Fact Finder, State and County quick facts". 
  3. ↑ US Census Bureau (September 2011). "Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010". 
  4. ↑ Western Pennsylvania School District Rankings, Pittsburgh Business Times, May 15, 2009.
  5. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 4, 2011). "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings information 2011". 
  6. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times. (April 30, 2010). "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2010,". 
  7. ↑ "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County". Pittsburgh Business Times. May 23, 2007. 
  8. ↑ Overachiever statewide ranking, Pittsburgh Business Times. May 6, 2010
  9. ↑ "2009 PSSA RESULTS School District". 
  10. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Frazier School District AYP Data Table". 
  11. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented". 
  12. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "School District Academic Achievement Report Card Data table". 
  13. ↑ Frazier School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2009
  14. ↑ Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (2008). "High School Graduation rate 2007". 
  15. ↑ PBT 2010 11th Grade School Rankings, Pittsburgh Business Times, May 10, 2010
  16. ↑ The Rankings: 11th grade, Guide to Western Pennsylvania Schools, Pittsburgh Business Times, May 15, 2009.
  17. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results". 
  18. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009-2010 PSSA and AYP Results". 
  19. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Frazier School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2009, 2009
  20. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2008). "2007-2008 PSSA and AYP Results". 
  21. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2007). "PSSA Math and Reading results by school". 
  22. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA results in Science". 
  23. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Science PSSA 2008, August 2008.
  24. ↑ Pennsylvania College Remediation Report http://www.scribd.com/doc/23970364/Pennsylvania-College-Remediation-Report
  25. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics - IPEDS 2008
  26. ↑ Frazier School District High School Administration, Program of Studies, 2011
  27. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Dual Enrollment Guidelines". 
  28. ↑ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (March 2010). "Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement.". 
  29. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Dual Enrollment Grants 2009 10 Fall Grants by School District". 
  30. ↑ Pennsylvania State Board of Education. "Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements". 
  31. ↑ Frazier High School Administration, Program of Studies, 2011
  32. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Keystone Exam Overview". 
  33. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview". 
  34. ↑ Pennsylvania State Board of Education (2010). "Rules and Regulation Title 22 PA School Code CH. 4". 
  35. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011". 
  36. ↑ College Board (September 2011). "SAT Scores State By State - Pennsylvania". 
  37. ↑ "While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady". NJ.com. September 2011. 
  38. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "FRAZIER Middle School AYP Data Table". 
  39. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "FRAZIER Middle School AYP Overview". 
  40. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2008). "Reading and Math PSSA 2008 by Schools". 
  41. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (September 14, 2010). "2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing Results". 
  42. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results". 
  43. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 2010). "Science PSSA 2010 by Schools". 
  44. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 2009). "Science PSSA 2009 by Schools". 
  45. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 15, 2008). "Science PSSA 2008 by Schools". 
  46. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "CENTRAL Elementary School AYP Overview". 
  47. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "CENTRAL Elementary School AYP DataTable". 
  48. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "CENTRAL Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011". 
  49. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Perry Elementary School AYP Overview". 
  50. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Perry Elementary School AYP DataTable". 
  51. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Perry Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011". 
  52. ↑ Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education Services (2009-2010). "Frazier School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets". 
  53. ↑ Bureau of Special Education, Pennsylvania State Data Center (May 27, 2011). "Frazier School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets School Year 2009-2010". 
  54. ↑ Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education (2008). "Pennsylvania Parent Guide to Special Education Services". 
  55. ↑ Frazier School District Administration (2011). "Frazier School District Special Education Department". 
  56. ↑ Frazier School District Special Education Administration (2011). "Frazier School District Annual Public Notice Child Find". 
  57. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Special Education Funding". 
  58. ↑ Senator Patrick Browne (November 1, 2011). "Senate Education Committee Holds Hearing on Special Education Funding & Accountability". 
  59. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Amy Morton, Executive Deputy Secretary (November 11, 2011). "Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony". 
  60. ↑ Baruch Kintisch Education Law Center (November 11, 2011). "Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony". 
  61. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011". 
  62. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year". 
  63. ↑ 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". 
  64. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board. "CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students". Retrieved February 4, 2011. 
  65. ↑ Fenton, Jacob. Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?, The Morning Call, Feb 2009.
  66. ↑ Pennsylvania School Board Association (October 2009). "Public School Salaries 11th Annual". 
  67. ↑ Judy Kroeger (November 18, 2011). "Frazier approves agreement with acting superintendent". Daily Courier. 
  68. ↑ Fenton, Jacob, Average classroom teacher salary in Fayette County, 2006-07. The Morning Call. Accessed March 2010.
  69. ↑ Teachers need to know enough is enough, PaDelcoTimes, April 20, 2010.
  70. ↑ Frazier Professional Education Association Employment Contract 2009
  71. ↑ Legislature must act on educators' pension hole. The Patriot News. February 21, 2010
  72. ↑ General Reserved Fund Balance by School District 1996-2008, Pennsylvania Department of Education Report 2008.
  73. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General (January 4, 2011). "Frazier School District Fayette County, Pennsylvania Performance Audit Report". 
  74. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009-10 Selected Data - 2009-10 Total Expenditures per ADM". 
  75. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (April 2010). "Personal Income Taxation Guidelines". 
  76. ↑ PA Senate Appropriations Committee (June 28, 2011). "School District 2011-12 Funding Report". 
  77. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2011). "Basic Education Funding". 
  78. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding". 
  79. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year". 
  80. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, District Allocations Report 2009, 2009-10
  81. ↑ Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee Education Budget information (June 30, 2010). "PA Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010-2011". 
  82. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report on Funding by School District, October 2009
  83. ↑ Pennsylvania Office of Budget (February 2009). "Governor's Budget Proposal 2009 Pennsylvania Department of Education Budget Proposal 2009,". 
  84. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Accountability Block Grant report Grantee list 2010". 
  85. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report". 
  86. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General (December 22, 2008). "Classrooms for the Future grants audit". 
  87. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2007). "Common Cents program - Making Every Dollar Count". 
  88. ↑ Fayette County ARRA FUNDING, site accessed April 2010.
  89. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on School Funding 2009-10, October 2009
  90. ↑ Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support, Governor's Press Office. January 20, 2010.
  91. ↑ Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support, Governor's Press Office release, January 20, 2010.
  92. ↑ U.S. Department of Education, Race to the Top Fund, March 29, 2010.
  93. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Enhancing Education through Technology Grants Eligible LEAs". 
  94. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Enhancing Education through Technology Grants Award List". 
  95. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Real Estate Tax Rates by School District 2011-12 Real Estate Mills". 
  96. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2004). "Act 511 Tax Report". 
  97. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,". 
  98. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Financial Elements Reports". 
  99. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Financial Elements Reports 2008-09 Real Estate Mills". 
  100. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,". 
  101. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2010-11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines". 
  102. ↑ Kaitlynn Riely (August 4, 2011). "Law could restrict school construction projects". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 
  103. ↑ Pennsylvania General Assembly, (June 2011). "SB330 of 2011". 
  104. ↑ Eric Boehm (July 1, 2011). "Property tax reform final piece of state budget". PA Independent. 
  105. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2010). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006-2007 through 2010-2011". 
  106. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2011). "2012-2013 School District Adjusted Index Listing". 
  107. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information". 
  108. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2011). "Report on Exceptions". 
  109. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2010). "Report on Referendum Exceptions for 2010-2011". 
  110. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2009). "Report on Referendum Exceptions for 2009-2010". 
  111. ↑ Scarcella, Frank and Pursell, Tricia, (May 25, 2010). "Local school tax assessments exceed state averages". The Daily Item. 
  112. ↑ Tax Relief per Homestead May 1, 2010, Pennsylvania Department of Education report.
  113. ↑ Tax Relief per Homesteads May 1, 2009, Pennsylvania Department of Education report.
  114. ↑ Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief, Pennsylvania Auditor General Office, 2-23-2010.
  115. ↑ Tax Relief per Homestead 5-1-10. Report Pennsylvania Department of Education, May 2010
  116. ↑ New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners, Tax Foundation, September 22, 2009.
  117. ↑ Frazier School Board Policy Manual
  118. ↑ Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools for the School Nutrition Incentive, Pennsylvania Department of Education — Division of Food and Nutrition. July 2008
  119. ↑ Frazier School Board Policy Manual Extracurriculars Policy 122 and Interscholastic Athletics Policy 123.
  120. ↑ Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release, November 10, 2005

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