Bedford Area School District

Bedford Area School District
Location
Bedford County, Pennsylvania
Information
Type	Public
Superintendent	Dr. Alan Sell
Grades	K-12
Enrollment	2292 (2010)[1]
• Kindergarten	137
• Grade 1	156
• Grade 2	181
• Grade 3	176
• Grade 4	178
• Grade 5	168
• Grade 6	207
• Grade 7	172
• Grade 8	192
• Grade 9	192
• Grade 10	171
• Grade 11	171
• Grade 12	191
• Other	Enrollment projected to decline to 2000 in 2019
Website	http://www.bedford.k12.pa.us/

Bedford Area High School
Address
330 E. John St. Bedford, Pennsylvania, 15522
Information
School type	Public Public High School
School district	Bedford Area School District
Superintendent	Dr. Alan Sell
Principal	Mr. Kyle Kane
Asst. Principal	Mr. Gary Dawson
Staff	21
Teaching staff	45
Grades	9–12
Athletics	Soccer, Football, Tennis, Cross Country, Golf, Wrestling, Basketball, Track and Field, Baseball and Softball
Athletics conference	PIAA District V
Mascot	Bison
Website	Bedford High School

Hyndman Middle Senior High School
Address
130 School Dr. Hyndman, Pennsylvania, 15545
Information
School type	Public Public Middle School and Public High School
School district	Bedford Area School District
Superintendent	Dr. Alan Sell
Principal	Mr. Paul Ruhlman
Asst. Principal	Mr. Gary Dawson
Staff	8
Teaching staff	22
Grades	6–12
Color(s)	Orange and White
Athletics conference	PIAA District V
Sports	Soccer, Volleyball, Tennis, Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball, Softball
Mascot	Hornets
Website	Hyndman Middle-Senior High School

The Bedford Area School District is a midsized, rural public school district located in southcentral Pennsylvania It covers the Boroughs of Bedford, Hyndman, Manns Choice and Rainsburg and Bedford Township, Colerain Township, Cumberland Valley Township, Harrison Township, Londonderry Township and Snake Spring Township in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The district encompasses approximately 292 square miles (760 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 16,890. Per Bedford Area School District officials, in school year 2007–08, the Bedford Area School District provided basic educational services to 2,326 pupils through the employment of 167 teachers, 97 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 18 administrators. By 2019, the district enrollment is projected to decline below 2000.^[2] Bedford Area School District received more than $11.4 million in state funding in school year 2007-08.

Schools

There are five buildings within the district.

• Bedford Elementary School
• Bedford Middle School
• Bedford High School
• Hyndman-Londonderry Elementary School
• Hyndman Middle Senior High School

Academic achievement

The Bedford Area School District was ranked 291st out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts, in 2010, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic performance on five years of PSSA results in: reading, writing, mathematics and three years of science.^[3]

• 2010 - 338th ^[4]
• 2009 – 338th
• 2008 – 340th
• 2007 – 276th of 501 school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times.^[5]

In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Bedford Area School District, was in the 36th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0–99; 100 is state best).^[6]

Bedford Senior High School

In 2011, Bedford Senior High School improved to achieving AYP status. In 2010 the school is in Warning status for AYP due to a 23% decline in Reading on grade level, among low family income students.

Graduation rate

In 2011, the graduation rate was 90%. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Bedford Area High School's rate was 88% for 2010.^[7]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

• 2010 – 89%^[8]
• 2009 – 85%
• 2008 – 90%^[9]
• 2007 – 90%^[10]

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

• 2011 - 69% on grade level, (19% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[11]
• 2010 – 70% (14% below basic). State - 66% (130 pupils)^[12]
• 2009 – 70%, (15% below basic). State – 65% (148 pupils) ^[13]
• 2008 – 66%, (14% below basic). State – 65% (125 pupils) ^[14]
• 2007 – 71%, (12% below basic). State – 65% (142 pupils) ^[15]

11th Grade Math

• 2011 - 71% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 60.3%
• 2010 – 74% (13% below basic). State - 59%
• 2009 – 57%, (18% below basic) State – 56%
• 2008 – 56%, (20% below basic). State – 56% ^[16]
• 2007 – 46%, (29% below basic). State – 53%

11th Grade Science

• 2011 -57% on grade level (14% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[17]
• 2010 – 50% (11% below basic). State – 39% ^[18]
• 2009 – 38%, State – 40%
• 2008 – 20%, State – 39%

SAT scores

From January to June 2011, 81 Bedford High School students took the SAT exams. The school's students Verbal Average Score was 464. The Math average score was 488. The Writing average score was 465.^[19] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[20] 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.^[21]

Bedford Middle School

Bedford Middle School is located at 440 East Watson Street, Bedford, Pennsylvania 15522. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school had 447 pupils enrolled in grades 6th through 8th, with 176 receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 29 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.^[22] In 2011, the school declined to Warning status due to low student achievement in reading and mathematics.^[23] All of the teachers were Highly Qualified under No Child Left Behind.

PSSA Results

8th Grade Reading

• 2011 - 84% on grade level (8% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.^[24]
• 2010 – 79% (9% below basic). State – 81% (137 pupils) ^[25]
• 2009 – 83%, (8% below basic). State – 80% (148 pupils)
• 2008 – 76%, (10% below basic). State – 78% (149 pupils)
• 2007 – 71%, (14% below basic). State – 75% (136 pupils) ^[26]

8th Grade Math

• 2011 - 80% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 – 81% (6% below basic). State – 75%
• 2009 – 72%, (14% below basic). State – 71%
• 2008 – 78%, (14% below basic). State – 70% ^[27]
• 2007 – 75%, (11% below basic). State – 67%

8th Grade Science

• 2011 - 69% on grade level (17% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2010 – 66% (19% below basic). State – 57%.
• 2009 – 52% (24% below basic). State – 54% ^[28]
• 2008 – 62% (16% below basic). State – 52% ^[29]

7th Grade Reading 2011 - 83% on grade level (6% below basic). State – 76% 2010 – 85% (2% below basic). State – 73% (137 pupils) 2009 – 78%, (9% below basic). State – 71.7% (139 pupils) 2008 – 72%, (8% below basic). State – 70% (148 pupils) 2007 – 69%, (11% below basic). State – 66% (145 pupils)

7th Grade Math 2011 - 85% on grade level 60% advanced. State - 78.6% 2010 – 91%, 67% advanced. State – 77% 2009 – 82%, (8% below basic). State – 75% 2008 – 73%, (12% below basic). State – 72% 2007 – 78%, (13% below basic). State – 67%

6th Grade Reading 2011 - 71%, (16% below basic). State - 69.9% 2010 – 75%, (13% below basic). State – 68% (156 pupils) 2009 – 83%, (7% below basic). State – 67% (132 pupils) 2008 – 72%, (16% below basic). State – 67% (137 pupils) 2007 – 64%, (18% below basic). State – 63% (142 pupils)

6th Grade Math 2011 - 89% on grade level, 63% advanced. State - 78.8% 2010 – 91%, 62% advanced. State – 78% 2009 – 82%, (8% below basic). State – 75.9% 2008 – 83%, (9% below basic). State – 72% 2007 – 66%, (14% below basic). State – 69%

Bedford Elementary School

Bedford Elementary School is located at 3639 Business Route 220, Bedford. The school enrolled 799 students kindergarten through 5th grades, with 342 students receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 53 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.^[30] In 2011, the school achieved 'AYP status. In 2010, the school was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.^[31] All of the teachers were rated Highly Qualified under No Child Left Behind.

5th Grade Reading: 2011 - 75% on grade level (8% below basic). State - 67.3% [32] 2010 - 67% (18% below basic). State – 64%

5th Grade Math: 2011 - 85%, 55% advanced. State - 74% 2010 - 84%, 45% advanced. State - 76.3%

4th Grade Reading 2011 - 68% (10% below basic), State – 73.3% 2010 - 69% (15% below basic), State - 73%

4th Grade Math 2011 - 88% (6% below basic), State – 85.3% 2010 - 82% (7% below basic), State - 84%

4th Grade Science

• 2011 - 86%, (3% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 81%, (5% below basic), State - 81%

3rd Grade Reading 2011 - 75%, (14% below basic), State – 77% 2010 - 77%, (12% below basic), State - 75%

3rd Grade Math 2011 - 88%, 58% advanced. State – 83% 2010 - 86%, 49% advanced. State - 84%

Hyndman Middle Senior High School

Hyndman Middle Senior High School is located at 130 School Drive, Hyndman. In 2010, the school enrolled 226 students grades 6th through 12th, with 99 students receiving a free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 17 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.^[33] In 2010 and 2011, Hyndman Middle Senior High School achieved AYP status.^[34] Four of the teachers were rated Non Highly Qualified under No Child Left Behind. Seven teachers have emergency certifications.^[35]

Graduation rate

In 2011, the graduation rate was 92%.^[36]

• 2010 – 87%^[37]
• 2009 – 100%

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

• 2011 - 56% on grade level, (28% below basic). State - 69.1% ^[11]
• 2010 – 67% (14% below basic). State - 66% ^[38]
• 2009 – 40%, (37% below basic). State – 65% (35 pupils) ^[13]
• 2008 – 60%, (28% below basic). State – 65% (25 pupils) ^[14]
• 2007 – 50%, (26% below basic). State – 65% (30 pupils) ^[15]

11th Grade Math

:

• 2011 - 48% on grade level (32% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[39]
• 2010 – 67%, (24% below basic). State - 59%
• 2009 – 43%, (28% below basic). State – 56%
• 2008 – 56%, (24% below basic). State – 56% ^[16]
• 2007 – 40%, (23% below basic). State – 53%

11th Grade Science

• 2011 - 42% on grade level (8% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[17]
• 2010 – 40% (15% below basic). State – 39% ^[40]
• 2009 – 15%, State – 40%
• 2008 – 25%, State – 39%

SAT Scores

From January to June 2011, 3 Hyndman Middle Senior High School students took the SAT exams. Since fewer than 10 students took the exams, the state withheld the results to protect individual privacy.

PSSA Results

8th Grade Reading

• 2011 - 70% on grade level (17% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
• 2010 – 59% (22% below basic). State – 81%
• 2009 – 71%, (15% below basic). State – 80%
• 2008 – 54%, (25% below basic). State – 78% (24 pupils)
• 2007 – 65%, (8% below basic). State – 75% (23 pupils) ^[26]

8th Grade Math

• 2011 - 77% on grade level (13% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 – 68% (14% below basic). State – 75%
• 2009 – 76%, (15% below basic). State – 71%
• 2008 – 37%, (29% below basic). State – 70% ^[27]
• 2007 – 52%, (8% below basic). State – 67%

8th Grade Science

• 2011 - 37% on grade level (30% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 – 32%, (37% below basic). State – 57%.
• 2009 – 47%, (21% below basic). State: – 54% ^[28]
• 2008 – 54%, (8% below basic). State – 52% ^[29]

7th Grade Reading 2011 - 69% (3% below basic). State – 76% 2010 – 63%, (20% below basic). State – 73% (30 pupils) 2009 – 40%, (31% below basic). State – 71.7% (45 pupils) 2008 – 54%, (24% below basic). State – 70% (33 pupils) 2007 – 42%, (34% below basic). State – 66% (26 pupils)

7th Grade Math 2011 - 82% on grade level (3% below basic). State - 78.6% 2010 – 80% (13% below basic). State – 77% 2009 – 53%, (15% below basic). State – 75% 2008 – 63%, (12% below basic). State – 72% 2007 – 42%, (27% below basic). State – 67%

6th Grade Reading 2011 - 52% (20% below basic). State - 69.9% 2010 – 75% (11% below basic). State – 68% (36 pupils) 2009 – 46%, (23% below basic). State – 67% (30 pupils) 2008 – 36%, (40% below basic). State – 67% (47 pupils) 2007 – 42%, (30% below basic). State – 63% (33 pupils)

6th Grade Math 2011 - 50% on grade level (23% below basic). State - 78.8% 2010 – 83% (0% below basic). State – 78% 2009 – 73%, (16% below basic). State – 75.9% 2008 – 15%, (58% below basic). State – 72% 2007 – 51%, (24% below basic). State – 69%

Hyndman Londonderry Elementary School

Hyndman Londonderry Elementary School is located in 233 School Drive, Hyndman. In 2010, the school enrolled 170 students grades kindergarten through 5th, with 100 students receiving a free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 14 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.^[41] In 2010 and 2011, Hyndman Londonderry Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[42] All of the teachers were rated Highly Qualified under No Child Left Behind.^[43]

PSSA Results

5th Grade Reading: 2011 - 55% on grade level (23% below basic). State - 67.3% [44] 2010 - 50% (23% below basic). State – 64% [45]

5th Grade Math: 2011 - 70% on grade level (2% below basic). State - 74% 2010 - 82% (0% below basic). State - 76.3%

4th Grade Reading 2011 - 52% (17% below basic), State – 73.3% 2010 - 71% (12% below basic), State - 73%

4th Grade Math 2011 - 87% (3% below basic), State – 85.3% 2010 - 83% (2% below basic), State - 84%

4th Grade Science

• 2011 - 90%, (3% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 76%, (5% below basic), State - 81%

3rd Grade Reading 2011 - 80%, (15% below basic), State – 77% 2010 - 77%, (10% below basic), State - 75%

3rd Grade Math 2011 - 95%, 50% advanced. State – 83% 2010 - 94%, (3% below basic), State - 84%

Dual enrollment

The high schools offer 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 offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.^[46] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.^[47] For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $8,786 for the program.^[48]

Graduation requirements

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.^[49] At Bedford Area School District, students are required to complete a project in one of the following four areas: Career, Creative, Service, Technical. The project includes a written paper and an oral presentation. The pupil must earn an 80% or better in order to graduate.^[50]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the graduating class 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.^[51]

Special education

In December 2009, the district administration reported that 375 pupils or 16.1% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.^[52]

The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Supervisor of Special Education.^[53]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for special education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.^[54]

Bedford Area School District received a $1,277,878 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[55]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 47 or 2.08% of its students were gifted in 2009.^[56] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to a dual enrollment program with local colleges. 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.^[57]

Bullying policy

The Bedford Area School District administration reported there were 3 incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.^[58][59]

The Bedford Area School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online Bullying-Cyberbullying Policy 249.^[60] All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.^[61] The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.^[62]

Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.^[63]

Budget

In 2009, the district reports employing over 100 teachers with a starting salary of $37,000 for 183 days work.^[64] The average teacher salary was $52,925 while the maximum salary is $104,250.^[65] In Pennsylvania, the average teacher salary for Pennsylvania's 124,100 public school teachers was $54,977 in 2008.^[66] 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.^[67]

Additionally, Bedford Area School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, taxpayer fully funded health insurance, retirement health insurance, 3 days bereavement leave, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10–12 sick days, accumulated sick days death benefit, life insurance and other benefits. Head teachers receive compensation beyond their salary. The union officers are allotted 5 days with pay to perform union business each year.^[68] According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.^[69]

In 2007, the district employed 148 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $50,129 for 183 school days worked.^[70]

Bedford Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $784.64 per pupil. The district is ranked 213th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[71]

In 2008, Bedford Area School District reported spending $10,040 per pupil. This ranked 474th in the commonwealth.^[72] In 2010, the per pupil spending had increased to $11,549.60 ^[73] Among the states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[74] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.^[75]

Reserves

In 2009, the district reported a $3,625,903 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $4,350,782.^[76][77] In 2010, Bedford Area Administration reported an increase to $2,500,936 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $4,245,296. 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.^[78]

In November 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the school board and the administration.^[79]

In February 2011, the school board approved the application for a charter school called Hope for Hyndman Charter School. It is to serve grades K-12. Funding will come for the school district. The charter school was founded by community members, in anticipation of the district closing both the Hyndman Middle-High School and/or Hyndman-Londonderry Elementary School due to low enrollment of 425 pupils K-12 and budget challenges.^[80]

The district is funded by a combination of: a local 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.^[81]

State basic education funding

In 2011-12, the district received a $7,023,656 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.^[82][83] Additionally, the School District received $144,460 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.^[84] 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.^[85] In 2010, the district reported that 897 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.^[86]

For the 2010–11 school year, Bedford Area School District received a 6.25% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $7,757,288 payment.^[87] This was the highest increase in BEF in Bedford County. Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010–11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010–11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by then Governor Edward G. Rendell and Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.^[88] This was the second year of the Governor's policy to fund some districts at a far higher rate than others.

In the 2009–2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.01% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $7,300,796. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008–09 was $6,952,695. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low-income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more.^[89] Everett Area School District received 6.17% which was the highest increase in Bedford County for the 2009–10 school year. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.^[90] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 853 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.^[91]

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 Bedford Area School District applied for and received $392,101 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the 7th year.^[92][93]

Science It’s Elementary grant

Bedford Elementary School successfully applied to participate and received a Science It’s Elemenetary grant in 2008-09. For the 2008-09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 2,847 teachers and 66,973 students across Pennsylvania.^[94] In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Education initiated an effort to improve science instruction in the Commonwealth’s public elementary schools. Called Science: It’s Elementary, the program is a hands on instruction approach for elementary science classes that develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills.^[95] To encourage schools to adopt the program’s standards aligned curriculum, the state provided a grant to cover the costs of materials and extensive mandatory teacher training.^[96] The district was required to develop a three-year implementation plan for the participating school. They had to appoint a district liaison who was paid $3,000 by the PDE to serve as the conduit of all information between the district and the Department and its agents along with submitting orders and distributing supplies to implementing teachers. For the 2006-07 state education budget, $10 million was allocated. The 2006-07 State Education Budget provided $635 million in new spending for pre-K through 12th grades for the 2006-07 school year. This marked an 8-percent increase over 2005-06 public school funding.^[97] The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget.

Education Assistance grant

The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010-11, Bedford Area School District received $76,524.^[98]

21st Century Community Learning Center Grant

Bedford Area School District was designated as a before and after school program provider for Bedford and Huntingdon Counties in 2010. They received state funding – a grant of $604,800. CCLCs provide academic, artistic and cultural enhancement activities to students and their families when school is not in session.^[99]

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. Bedford Area School District received $279,086 for funding in 2006–07. In 2007–08 the district received $300,000. For the 2008–09 school year, the district administration did not apply. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.^[100]

Federal Stimulus grant

The district received an extra $2,023,034 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[101] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.^[102] 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

Bedford Area School District officials did not apply to participate in the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district over one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.^[103] 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.^[104] 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.^{[105][106][107]}

Common Cents state initiative

The Bedford Area School Board did 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.^[108] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

The school board set property tax rates in 2011–2012 at 10.2692 mills.^[109] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. 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 (Local Tax Enabling Act), which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.^[110]

• 2010-11 - 10.2692 mills.^[111]
• 2009–10 – 60.0000 mills.^[112]
• 2008–09 – 60.0000 mills.^[113]
• 2007–08 – 60.0000 mills.^[114]
• 2006–07 – 58.0000 mills.^[115]
• 2005–06 – 58.0000 mills.^[116]

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 authorized 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.^[117] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.^[118] 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.^[119][120]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Bedford Area School District 2006–2007 through 2010–2011.^[121]

• 2006–07 – 5.2%, Base 3.9%
• 2007–08 – 4.5%, Base 3.4%
• 2008–09 – 5.8%, Base 4.4%
• 2009–10 – 5.5%, Base 4.1%
• 2010–11 – 3.9%, Base 2.9%
• 2011–12 – 1.9%, Base 1.4%
• 2012-13 - 2.3%, Base 1.7% ^[122]

For the 2011-12 school year, Bedford Area School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, Bedford Area 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.^[123]

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.^[124]

The Bedford Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2010–11.^[125] 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.^[126]

Property tax relief

In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Bedford Area School District was $150 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 4,346 property owners applied for the tax relief.^[127] The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption.^[128] 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.^[129] This was the second year they were the top recipient.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially 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.^[130]

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%).^[131]

Extracurriculars

The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is determined by the Bedford Area School Board.

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.^[132]

References:

External links

• Bedford Area School District