Blue Ridge School District

This article is about a school district in Pennsylvania. For the similarly named district in Arizona, see Blue Ridge Unified School District.
Blue Ridge School District
Address
5058 School Road
New Milford, Pennsylvania, Susquehanna County, 18834
United States
Information
Type Public
Superintendent Mr. Robert McTiernan
Dean Lynn Parker
Principal Matthew Nebzydoski
Principal Matthew Button
Grades K-12
Age range 5-21 years
Pupils 1099 pupil enrolled (2010) [1]
 • Kindergarten 122
 • Grade 1 78
 • Grade 2 65
 • Grade 3 70
 • Grade 4 79
 • Grade 5 81
 • Grade 6 83
 • Grade 7 79
 • Grade 8 79
 • Grade 9 89
 • Grade 10 76
 • Grade 11 95
 • Grade 12 103
 • Other Enrollment projected to decline to 900 pupils in 2019
Colour(s) Red & White
Mascot Raiders
Newspaper The Raider Reader
Tuition ES - $8,577.88, HS - $9,552.73 [2]
Website http://www.brsd.org/

The Blue Ridge School District is a small, rural, public school district located in northeastern Pennsylvania. It serves the Boroughs of Great Bend, Hallstead and New Milford and Great Bend Township, Jackson Township and New Milford Township in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The district encompasses approximately 100 square miles (260 km2). According to the 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 7,331. In 2009, the district residents’ per capita income was $15,852, while the median family income was $37,412.[3] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 [4] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[5] According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the Blue Ridge School District provided basic educational services to 1,250 pupils through the employment of 100 teachers, 89 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 5 administrators.

The district operates three schools: Blue Ridge High School, Blue Ridge Middle School and Blue Ridge Elementary School.

Academic achievement

Blue Ridge School District was ranked 287th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2012, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on the last three years of student academic performance as measured by the PSSAs for: reading, writing, math and science.[6]

In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Blue Ridge School District, was in the 27th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best) [9]

Graduation rate

In 2011, Blue Ridge School District graduation rate was 88%.[10] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Blue Ridge High School's rate was 73% for 2010.[11]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

High school

Blue Ridge High School is located at 5058 School Road, New Milford. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 377 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 166 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 30 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[15] In 2010 and 2011, Blue Ridge High School achieved AYP status.[16] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 5 teachers have emergency certification.[17]

PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math
11th Grade Science
College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 17% of Blue Ridge 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.[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.

SAT scores

From January to June 2011, 60 Blue Ridge School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 491. The Math average score was 488. The Writing average score was 468.[26] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[27] 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.[28]

Dual enrollment

Blue Ridge High School offers the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. 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.[29] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[30] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.[31] In 2010, the district received a $19,363 state grant to be used to assist students with tuition, fees and books. However, the funding for dual enrollment state-wide was eliminated for the 2011 - 12 school year. The program continues with families paying a reduced rate of tuition.

Middle school

Blue Ridge Middle School is located at 5058 School Road, New Milford. In 2010, the middle school reported an enrollment of 257 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 135 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 23 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 11:1.[32] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[33] In 2010, the attendance rate was reported as 95%. In 2011 the attendance rate declined to 94%. In 2011, Blue Ridge Middle School declined to Warning AYP status due to the lagging achievement of its pupils. In 2010, the school achieved AYP status.[34]

8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Math
8th Grade Science

7th Grade Reading
  • 2011 - 82% on grade level (4% below basic). State – 76%
  • 2010 - 78%, 42% advanced, (11% below basic) State - 73%
  • 2009 - 77%, 49% advanced (11% below basic), State - 71.7%
  • 2008 - 68%, 30% advanced (15% below basic), State - 70%
  • 2007 - 77%, 38% advanced (8% below basic), State - 66%
7th Grade Math
  • 2011 - 72% on grade level (11% below basic). State - 78.6%
  • 2010 - 77%, 49% advanced (8% below basic) State - 77%
  • 2009 - 79%, 41% advanced (11% below basic), State - 75%
  • 2008 - 69%, 34% advanced (18% below basic), State - 72%
  • 2007 - 74%, 41% advanced (10% below basic), State - 67%

6th Grade Reading
  • 2011 - 65%, 29% advanced (12% below basic). State - 69.9%
  • 2010 - 64%, 32% advanced (15% below basic) State - 68%
  • 2009 - 65%, 42% advanced (15% below basic), State - 67%
  • 2008 - 60%, 26% advanced (12% below basic), State - 67%
  • 2007 - 54%, 24% advanced (17% below basic), State - 63%
6th Grade Math
  • 2011 - 69%, 26% advanced (13% below basic). State - 78.8%
  • 2010 - 73%, 30% advanced (9% below basic) State - 78%
  • 2009 - 72%, 43% advanced (12% below basic), State - 75.9%
  • 2008 - 75%, 41% advanced (18% below basic), State - 72%
  • 2007 - 65%, 34% advanced (12% below basic), State - 69%

Blue Ridge Elementary School

Blue Ridge Elementary School is located at 5058 School Road, New Milford. In 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 511 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 305 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[41] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 17 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[42] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[43]

In 2010 and 2011, the school achieved AYP status. In 2010 the attendance rate was reported as 95%.[44] All students can receive a free breakfast regardless of their ability to pay.[45] Low income students are eligible for a free school lunch as determined by the Federal National School Lunch Program.[46]

5th Grade Reading;
  • 2011 - 70% on grade level (9% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 67.3% of 5th graders are on grade level.[47]
  • 2010 - 61%, 20% advanced (19% below basic), State - 64% [48]
  • 2009 - 59%, 18% advanced (17% below basic), State - 64%
  • 2008 - 59%, 17% advanced, State - 62%
  • 2007 - 42%, 10% advanced (26% below basic), State - 60%
5th Grade Math;
  • 2011 - 88% on grade level, 47% advanced. State - 74%
  • 2010 - 81%, 40% advanced, State - 74%
  • 2009 - 62%, 26% advanced, State - 73%
  • 2008 - 67%, 37% advanced, State - 73%
  • 2007 - 53%, 26% advanced, State - 71%

4th Grade Reading;
  • 2011 - 84%, 34% advanced, (3% below basic), State – 73.3%
  • 2010 - 71%, 40% advanced. State - 73%
  • 2009 - 67%, 32% advanced. State - 72%
  • 2008 - 55%, 17% advanced. State - 70%
  • 2007 - 77%, 21% advanced. State - 60%
4th Grade Math;
  • 2011 - 97%, 59% advanced. State – 85.3%
  • 2010 - 95%, 81% advanced. State - 84%
  • 2009 - 86%, 52% advanced. State - 81%
  • 2008 - 79%, 35% advanced. State - 80%
  • 2007 - 80%, 50% advanced. State - 78%

4th Grade Science;

3rd Grade Reading;
  • 2011 - 81%, 24% advanced. State – 77%
  • 2010 - 87%, 24% advanced. State - 75%
  • 2009 - 89%, 23% advanced. State - 77%
  • 2008 - 81%, 13% advanced. State - 70%
  • 2007 - 65%, 16% advanced. State - 72%
3rd Grade Math;
  • 2011 - 81%, 35% advanced. State – 83%
  • 2010 - 94%, 41% advanced. State - 84%
  • 2009 - 87%, 32% advanced. State - 81%
  • 2008 - 80%, 30% advanced. State - 80%
  • 2007 - 79%, 26% advanced. State - 78%

Special education

In December 2010, the district administration reported that 249 pupils or 21% of the district's pupils received Special Education services. Fifty one percent of the special education students were identified as having a Specific Learning Disability. In December 2009, 269 children or 23% of the district's pupils received Special education services.[49]

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 Special Education Department.[50]

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.[51] 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.[52] The state requires each district to have a three year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[53] 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.[54]

Blue Ridge School District received a $704,832 supplement for special education services in 2010.[55] 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.[56]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 19 or 1.66% of its students were gifted in 2009.[57] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment 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.[58]

Bullying policy

The Blue Ridge School District administration reported there was 1 incident of bullying in the district in 2009.[59][60]

The Blue Ridge School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online.[61] 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.[62] 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.[63]

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.[64]

Budget

In 2009, the district reports employing over 100 teachers with a starting salary of $36,386 for 180 days for pupil instruction. The average teacher salary was $49,741, while the maximum salary was $98,000.[65] Teachers work 186 days with 180 pupil days with a 7.5-hour work day, including a 30-minute duty-free lunch. 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.[66] Additionally, effective with the 2011 contract, Blue Ridge School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance (10% cost to employee), vision insurance (at no cost to employee), dental insurance (at no cost to employee), income protection insurance (at no cost to the employee), professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10 sick days (which accumulate)) and other benefits. Upon retirement teachers receive pay for unused sick and personal days at $85 per day. Teachers are paid extra if they are required to work outside of the regular school day [67] 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.[68]

In 2007, the district employed 90 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $47,321 for 180 school days worked.[69]

Blue Ridge School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $881.67 per pupil. The district is ranked 114th for administrative spending out of 500 school districts in Pennsylvania. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[70]

In 2008, Blue Ridge School District reported spending $13,800 per pupil. This ranked 117th in the commonwealth.[71] In 2010 the per pupil spending had declined to $13,146.93 [72] Among the states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.[73] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.[74]

Reserves

In 2009, the district reported $1,726,407 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.[75] In 2010, Blue Ridge Administration reported an increase to $1,860,489.00 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance while the designated fund balance was $490,000.00. 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.[76]

In August 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.[77]

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.[78] 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.[79]

State basic education funding

In 2011-12, the district received a $6,189,755 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[80][81] Additionally, the Blue Ridge School District received $91,770 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.[82] 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.[83] In 2010, the district reported that 581 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[84]

For 2010-11 the Blue Ridge School District received a 2.39% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $6,569,429 payment.[85] Elk Lake School District received a 2.82% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF in Susquehanna 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 the Governor Edward Rendell and Secretary of Education, Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[86] This was the second year of the 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 3.65% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,415,929. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $6,189,754.86. 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.[87] Montrose Area School District received a 4.88% increase, the highest increase in Susquehanna 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.[88] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 496 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.[89]

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 Blue Ridge School District applied for and received $249,067 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the 6th year and to reduce class size K-3rd grade.[90][91]

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. Blue Ridge School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the district received $151,622. For the 2008-09, school year the district received $45,413 for a total of $197,035. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[92]

Federal Stimulus grant

The district received an extra $138,657 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like Title 1, special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[93] The funding is for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.

Race to the Top grant

School district officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[94] 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.[95] 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.[96]

Common Cents state initiative

The Blue Ridge School Board chose 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.[97] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement any of the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

The school board set property tax rates in 2011-12 at 44.8900 mills.[98] 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. 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.[99]

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.[105]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Blue Ridge School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.[106]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Blue Ridge 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.[108]

For the 2011-12 school year, Blue Ridge School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Blue Ridge 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.[109]

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.[110]

Blue Ridge School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 or in 2010-11.[111][112] 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.[113]

Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Blue Ridge School District was $377 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 1,943 property owners applied for the tax relief.[114] 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 (40,000 m2) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The Pennsylvania Auditor General found that 48% of property owners applied for tax relief in Susquehanna County.[115] In Susquehanna County, the highest property tax relief in 2009 was awarded to the approved property owners in Blue Ridge School District. 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.[116] This was the second year Chester Upland School District 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 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.[117]

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%).[118]

Enrollment and consolidation

Blue Ridge School District is experiencing low enrollment in K-12. The Pennsylvania Department of Education projects the district's enrollment will remain below 1000 pupils through 2018.[119] Shifting population trends across the U.S. and Pennsylvania are affecting school enrollment and may impact the building needs of school districts in the years to come.[120] Over the next 10 years, rural Pennsylvania school enrollment is projected to decrease 8 percent. The most significant enrollment decline is projected to be in western Pennsylvania, where rural school districts may have a 16 percent decline. More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania are projected to experience significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).[121]

A study done by Standard and Poors in 2007 (at the request of the PA General Assembly) examined the district consolidating with neighboring Mountain View School District. It found that residents in both districts would realize substantial savings in a consolidation. Savings of over $1000 per pupil were estimated.[122] Superintendent were asked about savings, if their district were to merge with another district at the administrative level only, but not close any of their schools. It found 42% of survey respondents thought consolidation could achieve cost reductions. Additionally, 63% of responding superintendents believed that consolidation with another district would help provide additional academic enrichment opportunities for the students.[123] In March 2011, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Fiscal Responsibility Task Force released a report which found that consolidating school district administrations with one neighboring district would save the Commonwealth $1.2 billion without forcing the consolidation of any schools.[124]

Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. Less than 95 of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts have enrollment below 1250 students, in 2007.[125]

Extracurriculars

The Blue Ridge School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies.[126][127]

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 home schooled, 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.[128][129][130]

References

  1. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Enrollment and Projections by District, 2010
  2. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tuition rates per LEA, 2010
  3. ↑ US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2009
  4. ↑ US Census Bureau (2010). "American Fact Finder, State and County quick facts".
  5. ↑ US Census Bureau (September 2011). "Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010" (PDF).
  6. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times, Guide to Western Pennsylvania Schools Statewide Rankings, April 6, 2012
  7. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times (May 1, 2010). "Statewide Honor Roll.".
  8. ↑ "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County,". Pittsburgh Business Times,. May 23, 2007.
  9. ↑ "2009 PSSA RESULTS Blue Ridge School District,". The Morning Call. Retrieved March 2011.
  10. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Blue Ridge School District AYP DataTable".
  11. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented".
  12. ↑ "Blue Ridge School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 data table". Retrieved March 29, 2011.
  13. ↑ The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "Susquehanna County Graduation Rates 2008".
  14. ↑ Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. "High School Graduation rate 2007". Retrieved January 31, 2011.
  15. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data - Blue Ridge High School, 2010
  16. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Blue Ridge High School AYP Overview, September 29, 2012
  17. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Blue Ridge High School, September 29, 2011
  18. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Blue Ridge High School Academic Achievement Report card 2011" (PDF).
  19. ↑ "2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results".
  20. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 14, 2010). "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results".
  21. ↑ "The 2008 PSSA Mathematics and Reading School Level Proficiency Results (by Grade and School Total)". August 2008.
  22. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Math and Reading results by School and Grade 2007".
  23. ↑ "Math PSSA Scores by District 2007-08 Blue Ridge School District Results". The Times-Tribune. June 25, 2009.
  24. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report".
  25. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics
  26. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011".
  27. ↑ College Board, SAT Scores State By State - Pennsylvania, September 2011
  28. ↑ Star-Ledger Staff NJ.com, While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady, September 2011
  29. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Department of Education - Dual Enrollment Guidelines.".
  30. ↑ "Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement.". March 2010.
  31. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. (April 29, 2010). "Report: PA College Credit Transfer System Makes Higher Education More Affordable, Accessible".
  32. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data - Blue Ridge Middle School, 2010
  33. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Blue Ridge Middle School, September 29, 2011
  34. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Blue Ridge Middle School AYP Overview".
  35. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Blue Ridge Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011" (PDF).
  36. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Blue Ridge Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, September 14, 2010
  37. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Math and Reading Results 2007". Retrieved February 2011.
  38. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Results Math and Reading School 2008". Retrieved February 2011.
  39. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Science results 2008-09". Retrieved February 2011.
  40. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Science Results by School and Grade 2008". Retrieved February 2011.
  41. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data - Blue Ridge Elementary School, 2010
  42. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Middle School, September 29, 2011
  43. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Blue Ridge Elementary School, September 29, 2011
  44. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Blue Ridge Elementary School AYP Data Table". Retrieved March 31, 2011.
  45. ↑ Blue Ridge School District Administration. "Blue Ridge Elementary School Handbook".
  46. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "National School Lunch Program".
  47. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Blue Ridge Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011" (PDF).
  48. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Blue Ridge Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010" (PDF). Retrieved March 31, 2011.
  49. ↑ Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education (January 31, 2011). "Blue Ridge School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets School Year 2008-2009" (PDF).
  50. ↑ Blue Ridge School District (2010–2011). "Blue Ridge School District Special Education Department - Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services".
  51. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Special Education Funding".
  52. ↑ Senator Patrick Browne (November 1, 2011). "Senate Education Committee Holds Hearing on Special Education Funding & Accountability".
  53. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Amy Morton, Executive Deputy Secretary (November 11, 2011). "Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony".
  54. ↑ Baruch Kintisch Education Law Center (November 11, 2011). "Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony" (PDF).
  55. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011".
  56. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year".
  57. ↑ 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" (PDF). Check date values in: |date= (help)
  58. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board. "CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students". Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  59. ↑ Pennsylvania Office of Safe Schools. "Blue Ridge School District School Safety Annual Report 2008 - 2009" (PDF). Retrieved February 8, 2011.
  60. ↑ "Pennsylvania Safe Schools Online Reports". February 2011.
  61. ↑ Blue Ridge School District Administration (September 2008). "Blue Ridge School District Bullying/Cyberbullying Policy 249".
  62. ↑ "Regular Session 2007-2008 House Bill 1067, Act 61 Section 6 page 8".
  63. ↑ "Center for Safe Schools of Pennsylvania, Bullying Prevention advisory". Retrieved January 2011.
  64. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Academic Standards".
  65. ↑ "Blue Ridge School Payroll report". openpagov. Retrieved March 31, 2011.
  66. ↑ Teachers need to know enough is enough, PaDelcoTimes, April 20, 2010.
  67. ↑ Blue Ridge School Board. "Blue Ridge School District Teachers Union Employment Contract July 2011 through June 30, 2014".
  68. ↑ "Legislature must act on educators' pension hole". The Patriot News. February 21, 2010.
  69. ↑ Fenton, Jacob,. "Average classroom teacher salary in Susquehanna County, 2006-07". The Morning Call. Retrieved March 2011.
  70. ↑ Fenton, Jacob. (February 2009). "Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?". The Morning Call.
  71. ↑ "Per Pupil Spending in Pennsylvania Public Schools in 2008 Sort by Administrative Spending".
  72. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009-10 Selected Data - 2009-10 Total Expenditures per ADM".
  73. ↑ United States Census Bureau (2009). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Elementary-Secondary Public School System Finance Amounts 2008-09" (PDF).
  74. ↑ 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".
  75. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Fund Balances by Local Education Agency 1997 to 2008".
  76. ↑ Murphy, Jan., Pennsylvania's public schools boost reserves, CentreDaily Times, September 22, 2010
  77. ↑ "BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT". August 2010.
  78. ↑ Penn State Cooperative Extension (2007). "Which Local Taxes Are Available in Pennsylvania?".
  79. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (October 2010). "Personal Income Tax Information".
  80. ↑ PA Senate Appropriations Committee (June 28, 2011). "School District 2011-12 Funding Report".
  81. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2011). "Basic Education Funding".
  82. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding".
  83. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year".
  84. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, District Allocations Report 2011, June 2011
  85. ↑ Pennsylvania house Appropriations Committee (August 2010). "PA House Appropriations Committee Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010-2011".
  86. ↑ Office of Budget, (February 2010). "Pennsylvania Budget Proposal,".
  87. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 2009). "Basic Education Funding by School District 2009-10".
  88. ↑ "Pennsylvania Department of Education Report on Funding by school district". October 2009.
  89. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Funding Report by LEA 2009.
  90. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant report 2010, Grantee list 2010".
  91. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report".
  92. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General (2008-12-22). "Special Performance Audit Classrooms For the Future grants" (PDF).
  93. ↑ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Susquehanna County ARRA FUNDING Report". Retrieved February 2011.
  94. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Press Release (January 2009). "Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support".
  95. ↑ Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support
  96. ↑ U.S. Department of Education (March 29, 2010). "Race to the Top Fund,".
  97. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Common Cents program - Making Every Dollar Count". Retrieved February 1, 2011.
  98. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Finances Real Estate Tax Rates 2010-11, 2011
  99. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Act 511 Tax Report, 2004".
  100. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Finances_Real Estate Tax Rates 2010-11".
  101. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Finances_Real Estate Tax Rates 2009-10".
  102. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Finances_Real Estate Tax Rates 2008-09".
  103. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
  104. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2007). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District 2006-07".
  105. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education 2010-11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines.
  106. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2010). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006-2007 through 2011-2012".
  107. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2012-2013 School District Adjusted Index, May 2011
  108. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2012-2013, March 30, 2012
  109. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information".
  110. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2011). "Report on Exceptions".
  111. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2010). "Pennsylvania SSAct1_Act1 Exceptions Report 2010-2011 April 2010".
  112. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2010). "Pennsylvania SSAct1_Act1 Exceptions Report 2009-2010 May 2009".
  113. ↑ Scarcella, Frank and Pursell, Tricia (May 25, 2010). "Local school tax assessments exceed state averages". The Daily Item.
  114. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2009). "Estimated Tax Relief Per Homestead and Farmstead May 1, 2009" (PDF).
  115. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General Office, (2010-02-23). "Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief,".
  116. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, (May 2010). "Tax Relief per Homestead 5-1-10. Report".
  117. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program".
  118. ↑ Tax Foundation, (September 22, 2009). "New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners,".
  119. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Blue Ridge School District Enrollment and Projections, January 2009
  120. ↑ Research Analyzes Rural School District Enrollment and Building Capacity
  121. ↑ "Research Analyzes Rural School District Enrollment and Building Capacity", The Center for Rural Pennsylvania. October 2009.
  122. ↑ Standard and Poors (2007). "Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee Study - Study of the Cost-Effectiveness of Consolidating Pennsylvania School Districts part 2" (PDF).
  123. ↑ Standard and Poors (2007). "Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee Study - Study of the Cost-Effectiveness of Consolidating Pennsylvania School Districts part 1" (PDF).
  124. ↑ "Report of the Fiscal Responsibility Task Force" (PDF). Retrieved April 2011.
  125. ↑ Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, Study of the Cost Effectiveness of Consolidating Pennsylvania School Districts, 2007.
  126. ↑ Blue Ridge School District Board. "BRSD Extracurricular Activities Policy 122".
  127. ↑ Blue Ridge School District Board. "Blue RidgeSD Interscholastic Athletics Policy 123".
  128. ↑ Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release, November 10, 2005
  129. ↑ Blue Ridge School District Board. "Blue Ridge School District Policy_137.1 Extracurricular Participation by Home Education Students".
  130. ↑ Blue Ridge School District Board. "Blue Ridge School District Policy_140.1 Extracurricular Participation by Cyber Charter School Students".