Tunkhannock Area School District

Tunkhannock Area School District
Address
41 Philadelphia Avenue
Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, 18657-1602
United States
Information
Type Public
Administrator

Dr Ann S Way, Asst Superintendent $91,730 (2012)
Mr Patrick O'Shea, Business Manager $92,700 (2012)
Kormis, Joseph, Director of Management Info Sys $88,547 (2012)

Carey, Donna, Supervisor
Superintendent Michael Healey salary $116,319 (2012)
Staff 202 nonteaching staff[1]
Faculty 236.50 teachers
Grades K-12
Age 5 years old to 21 years old special education
Pupils

2,682 students (2012-13)[2]
2,818 students (2010-11)

2,839 students (2009-10) [3]
 • Kindergarten 207
 • Grade 1 187
 • Grade 2 214
 • Grade 3 186
 • Grade 4 192
 • Grade 5 200
 • Grade 6 210
 • Grade 7 213
 • Grade 8 213
 • Grade 9 228
 • Grade 10 201
 • Grade 11 208
 • Grade 12 223
 • Other Enrollment projected to decline to 2227 by 2019[4]
School color(s) Orange and Black
Mascot Tiger
Budget

$45 million (2013-14)[5] $42,879,665 (2012-13)
$42,222,426 (2011-12)[6]
$36,933,000 (2010-11)
$36,086,000 (2009-10)
$34,873,000 (2008-09)

$32,471,000 (2007-08)[7]
Per pupil Spending $12,709 (2008)
Per pupil Spending $14,489.07 (2010)
Website http://www.tasd.net/pages/Tunkhannock_ASD

Tunkhannock Area School District is a midsized rural/suburban public school district serving most of Wyoming County in northeast Pennsylvania in the United States. Tunkhannock Area School District encompasses approximately 397 square miles (1,030 km2). According to 2010 federal census data, Tunkhannock Area School District served a resident population of 28,276. By 2010, the District's population declined sharply to 19,032 people.[8] In 2009, the District residents’ per capita income was $18,112, while the median family income was $44,626.[9] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 [10] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[11]

According to District officials, in school year 2009-10 the Tunkhannock Area School District provided basic educational services to 2,892 pupils through the employment of 229 teachers, 164 full-time and part-time support personnel; as well as 24 administrators. Tunkhannock Area School District received more than $18.3 million in state funding in school year 2009-10.[12] In school year 2007-08, the Tunkhannock Area School District provided basic educational services to 3,026 pupils. It employed: 258 teachers, 153 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 6 administrators. Tunkhannock Area School District received more than $17.6 million in state funding in school year 2007-08.

Tunkhannock Area School District operates six schools - Roslund Elementary in Tunkhannock, Mehoopany Elementary in Mehoopany Township, Mill City Elementary in Dalton, PA, Evans Falls Elementary in Monroe Township, the Tunkhannock Area Middle School in Tunkhannock, and the Tunkhannock Area High School in Tunkhannock. The school mascot is the Tiger.

Governance

The school district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[13] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "C-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.[14]

Teacher Evaluation project

In 2011, Tunkhannock Area School District agreed to participate in a pilot program to develop a new way to evaluate teachers that, in part, takes into account student achievement.[15] The pilot program had 104 K-12 entities, including: nine career and technical centers, nine charter schools and nine intermediate units. Beginning in January 2012, participating school districts will use the new evaluation method and provide feedback to the Department of Education. This new evaluation will not be used to determine an educator’s official 2011-12 assessment. Under the new evaluation system, 50% of the evaluation of a teacher will be based on an observation divided into four categories: planning and preparation, classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilities. The other half will be based on student achievement (15 percent will be building-level data, 15 percent will be teacher-specific data, and 20 percent will be elective). The new evaluation system includes both announced and unannounced observations. There are meetings between the teacher and evaluator before and after the direct observation of a lesson.[16]

Academic achievement

Tunkhannock Area School District was ranked 262nd out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2013.[17] The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the PSSAs for: reading, writing math and science.[18] The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th and the 11th grade in high school. Adapted examinations are given to children in the special education programs.

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Tunkhannock Area School District ranked 124th. In 2011, the district was 175th. [22] The editor describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."[23]

District AYP HIstory

In 2012, Tunkhannock Area school District declined to Warning AYP status due to missing multiple academic metrics.[24] In 2010 and 2011, Tunkhannock Area School District achieved AYP status even though the high school is in Corrective Action I due to chronic low student achievement.[25] In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania Public School Districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance. Tunkhannock Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2005 to 2010, while in 2003 and 2004 the District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[26]

Graduation rate

In 2012, Tunkhannock Area School District's graduation rate was 86.9%. In 2011, Tunkhannock Area School District's graduation rate was 95%.[27] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Tunkhannock High School's rate was 81% for 2010.[28]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

High school

Tunkhannock High School is located at 120 West Tioga Street, Tunkhannock. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 1,023 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 279 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school is not a federally designated Title I school. Tunkhannock High School employed 81 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[33] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 3 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind Act.[34]

In 2012, Tunkhannock High School declined further to Corrective Action Level II status due to chronic, low student achievement. The school missed all 6 academic metrics measured.[35] In 2011, Tunkhannock High School declined to Corrective Action Level 1 status due to continuing low student achievement.[36] In 2011, Tunkhannock High School declined to School Improvement II status due to continuing lagging student achievement.[37] The administration was required to by the federal No Child Left Behind law to notify parents of the schools poor performance and to make them aware of their right to transfer their child to another school in the district that was achieving AYP status.[38] Additionally, the Tunkhannock High School administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school district must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.[39] The High School is eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.[40]

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

Science in Motion Tunkhannock High School took advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.[57] Wilkes University provides the enrichment experiences to the school.

College remediation rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 15% of Tunkhannock 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.[58] 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.[59] 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

In 2012, 161 Tunkhannock Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 484. The Math average score was 476. The Writing average score was 465. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the USA, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

In 2011, 171 Tunkhannock students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 491. The Writing average score was 466.[60] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[61] 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.[62]

Dual enrollment

Tunkhannock High School offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[63] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[64] Under state rules, other students that reside in the district, who attend a private school, a charter school or are homeschooled are eligible to participate in this program.[65]

For the 2009-10 funding year, the Tunkhannock Area School District received a state grant of $82,852 for the program.[66] In 2010, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students, from the Commonwealth, due to a state budget crisis.

Middle school

Tunkhannock Middle School is located at 200 Franklin Avenue, Tunkhannock. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 854 pupils in grades 5th through 8th, with 300 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 74 teachers yielding a very low student–teacher ratio of 11.5:1.[67] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 19 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[68]

In 2012, Tunkhannock Middle School achieved AYP status through special allowances. In 2011, Tunkhannock Middle School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement. In 2010 the school achieved AYP status under No Child Left Behind.[69]

PSSA Results:

8th Grade Reading

  • 2012 - 76% on grade level (11% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[70]
  • 2011 - 83% (8% below basic). State - 81.8%[71]
  • 2010 - 91% (6% below basic). State - 81%[72]
  • 2009 - 88% (6% below basic), State - 80%[73]
  • 2008 - 90% (2% below basic), State - 78% [74]
  • 2007 - 83% (7% below basic), State - 75%[75]

8th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 74% on grade level (13% below basic). State - 76% [76]
  • 2011 - 79% (12% below basic). State - 76.9%
  • 2010 - 80% (9% below basic). State - 75%
  • 2009 - 74% (8% below basic). State - 71%
  • 2008 - 79% (8% below basic). State - 70%
  • 2007 - 70% (17% below basic). State - 68%

8th Grade Science:

7th Grade Reading

  • 2012 - 78% (8% below basic). State – 76%
  • 2011 - 74% (13% below basic). State – 76%
  • 2010 - 71% (13% below basic). State - 73%
  • 2009 - 75% (10% below basic). State - 71%
  • 2008 - 79% (8% below basic). State - 70%
  • 2007 - 69% (7% below basic). State - 67%

7th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 84% (7% below basic). State - 80%
  • 2011 - 81% (5% below basic). State - 78.6%
  • 2010 - 85% (7% below basic). State - 77%
  • 2009 - 83% (6% below basic), State - 75%
  • 2008 - 83% (5% below basic), State - 71%
  • 2007 - 81% (6% below basic), State - 67%

6th Grade Reading:

  • 2012 - 73% (13% below basic). State - 68%
  • 2011 - 72% (14% below basic). State - 69.9%
  • 2010 - 66% (18% below basic). State - 68%
  • 2009 - 68% (14% below basic), State - 67%
  • 2008 - 71% (12% below basic), State - 67%
  • 2007 - 71% (8% below basic), State - 63%

6th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 84% (4% below basic). State - 77%
  • 2011 - 78% (12% below basic). State - 78.8%
  • 2010 - 76% (10% below basic). State - 78%
  • 2009 - 76% (11% below basic), State - 75%
  • 2008 - 68% (10% below basic), State - 72%
  • 2007 - 77% (9% below basic), State - 69%

5th Grade Reading:

  • 2012 - 66% (19% below basic). State - 65%
  • 2011 - 74% (9% below basic). State - 67.3%
  • 2010 - 70% (14% below basic). State – 64%
  • 2009 - 70% (14% below basic), State - 64%
  • 2008 - 69% (16% below basic), State - 62%
  • 2007 - 66% (15% below basic), State - 60%

5th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 74% (10% below basic). State - 73%
  • 2011 - 80% (6% below basic). State - 74%
  • 2010 - 74% (7% below basic). State - 76.3%
  • 2009 - 71% (10% below basic), State - 73%
  • 2008 - 61% (10% below basic), State - 73%
  • 2007 - 73% (9% below basic), State - 71%

Elementary schools

Evans Falls Elementary School is located at 2055 Sr 29 South, Tunkhannock. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 230 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 85 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 17 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.[79] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[80] In 2010 and 2011, Evans Falls Elementary School achieved AYP status.[81] In 2011, 81% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 94% of the students in 3rd and 4th grades were on grade level and 65% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 98% of the pupils were on grade level.[82]

Mehoopany Elementary School is located at 400 Scottsville Road, Mehoopany. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 174 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 87 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 17 teachers yielding an exceptionally low student–teacher ratio of 9:1.[83] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[84] In 2010 and 2011, Mehoopany Elementary School achieved AYP status.[85] In 2011, only 78% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 87% of the students in 3rd and 4th grades were on grade level and 58% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 89% of the pupils were on grade level.[86]

Mill City Elementary School is located at RR 2, Dalton. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 216 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 95 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 19 teachers yielding a low student–teacher ratio of 11:1.[87] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[88] In 2010 and 2011, Mill City Elementary School achieved AYP status.[89] In 2011, just 79% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 81% of the students in 3rd and 4th grades were on grade level and 56% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 75% of the pupils were on grade level.[90]

Roslund Elementary School is located at 99 Digger Drive, Tunkhannock. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 342 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 144 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 28 teachers yielding a low student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[91] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[92] In 2010 and 2011, Roslund Elementary School achieved AYP status.[93] In 2011, 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 86% of the students in 3rd and 4th grades were on grade level and 52% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 92% of the pupils were on grade level.[94]

Special education

In December 2010, the district administration reported that 440 pupils or 15% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 47% of identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 440 pupils or 15% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[95]

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.[96] 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.[97] The state requires each district to have a three year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[98] 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.[99] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[100]

Tunkhannock School District received a $1,679,655 supplement for special education services in 2010.[101] For the 2011-12, 2012–13 and 2013-14 school years, 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.[102][103]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 53 or 1.7% of its students were gifted in 2009.[104] 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.[105][106]

Budget

Pennsylvania public school districts budget and expend funds according to procedures mandated by the General Assembly and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). An annual operating budget is prepared by school district administrative officials. A uniform form is furnished by the PDE and submitted to the board of school directors for approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year on July 1.

Under Pennsylvania’s Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, all school districts of the first class A, second class, third class and fourth class must adopt a preliminary budget proposal. The proposal must include estimated revenues and expenditures and the proposed tax rates. This proposed budget must be considered by the Board no later than 90 days prior to the date of the election immediately preceding the fiscal year. The preliminary budget proposal must also be printed and made available for public inspection at least 20 days prior to its adoption. The board of school directors may hold a public hearing on the budget, but are not required to do so. The board must give at least 10 days’ public notice of its intent to adopt the final budget according to Act 1 of 2006.[107]

In 2012, the average teacher salary in Tunkhannock Area School District was $58,716 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $24,270 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $82,986.[108] The District employed 244 teachers with an average salary of $59,179 and a top salary of $116,319.[109]

In 2009, Tunkhannock Area School District reported employing 294 teachers and administrators with a median salary of $56,773 and a top salary of $107,543.[110] The teacher’s work day is 7.5 hours with a duty-free lunch and daily preparation period. The teachers work 185 days in the contract year (182 pupil instruction). Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance (employee pays 1% of salary towards premium), dental insurance, life insurance, an accident death insurance plan, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, and other benefits. Teachers who have been at the district for 12 years or more receive an added benefit of $50 per unused sick or personal day.[111][112] In 2011, the average teacher salary in Tunkhannock Area School District was $57,815.03 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $18,043.50 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $75,858.53.[113] According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation, including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.[114]

For the 2011-12 school year the Tunkhannock Area School Board and teachers' union agreed to a one year contract which froze salaries. The freeze did not include step increases nor an increase in tuition reimbursement.[115] In exchange for the pay freeze the Board agreed to not layoff teachers in response to declining enrollment. In 2011, 25 teachers resigned. In June 2012, the Board announced the elimination of more than 30 faculty positions due to declining enrollment and fiscal challenges.[116]

Tunkhannock Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $608.34 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[117] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association collects and maintains 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.[118]

In 2008, Tunkhannock Area School District administration reported that per pupil spending was $12,709 which ranked 197th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts. By 2010, the per pupil spending had increased to $13,901.85.[119] Among the states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.[120] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.[121] The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.[122]

Reserves In 2008, Tunkhannock Area School District reported a balance of $3,843,466 in an unreserved-undesignated fund. The unreserved-designated fund balance was reported as zero. [123] In 2010, Tunkhannock Area Administration reported an increase to $4,400,331 in the unreserved-undesignated fund and a balance of 4,400,331 in the reserved fund. In 2012, the District reported its reserves were $4,946,693.[124] 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.[125]

Audit In April 2012, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the Tunkhannock Area School District. Significant findings included Overpayment of Subsidies and Reimbursements which were reported to the School Board and the District’s administration.[126]

Tuition Students who live in the Tunkhannock Area School District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Tunkhannock Area School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the Tunkhannock Area School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School -$9,758.43, High School - $9,999.11.[127]

Tunkhannock Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local income tax 0.5%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.[128] Interest earnings on accounts also provide nontax income to the district. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the level of the individual’s personal wealth.[129] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 a year plus they receive federal Social Security benefits: both are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.[130]

State basic education funding

For the 2013-14 school year, Tunkhannock Area School District will receive a 1.5% increase or $10,715,039 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $156,645 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Tunkhannock Area School District will receive $170,061 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Wyoming County, Tunkhannock Area received the highest percentage increase in BEF. The District has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth’s budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[131] The state funded the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[132]

For the 2012-13 school year, Tunkhannock Area School District received $10,728,455 in basic education funding.[133] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 includes $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which is an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. The state also provides $100 million for the Accountability Block grant. Tunkhannock Area School District received $170,061 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The state will also provide $544.4 million for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[134] This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation.

In 2011-12, Tunkhannock Are School District received a $10,558,394, allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[135][136] Additionally, the Tunkhannock Area School District received $170,061 in Accountability Block Grant funding. Tunkhannock Area School District receivef $170,061 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.[137] 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.[138] In 2010, the district reported that 1,289 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[139]

In the 2010-2011 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $11,023,457 to Tunkhannock Area School District. Among the districts in Wyoming County, the highest increase went to Lackawanna Trail School District which got a 2.25% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[140] The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where a district received at least the same amount as the year before, even where enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by then Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.43% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $10,814,893. Among the districts in Wyoming County, Tunkhannock Area School District received the highest increase. Ninety school districts received a 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.[141] The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.[142]

The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $10,558,393.78. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1,144 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[143]

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, Tunkhannock Area School District applied for and received $461,589 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide full-day kindergarten.[144][145]

PreK Counts grant

Tunkhannock Area School District receives state funding to provide preschool through H.A.N.D.S. OF Wyoming County. For the 2011 school year, Pre-K Counts was funded at the 2010 levels of $83.6 million statewide in Gov. Tom Corbett`s proposed budget,. The state also supplements the federal Head Start preschool program with an additional $37.6 million. Pre-K Counts funding was initiated during the Rendell administration. In 2007-08 the state funded Pre-K Counts at $75 million.[146] In 2009-10 the district received $209,350 to provide preschool to 17 children.[147][148]

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. Tunkhannock Area School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07 or in 2007-08. The district received $154,610 in 2008-09.[149] The highest funding state wide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide due to a massive state financial crisis.

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, Tunkhannock Area School District received $67,184.[150]

Other grants

The Tunkhannock Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants, PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell), 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal Stimulus grant

Tunkhannock Area School District received an extra $3,569,062 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[151] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.[152] 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

Tunkhannock Area School District officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided nearly one million dollars in additional federal funding to improve student academic achievement.[153] 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.[154] 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.[155][156][157]

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2013-14 were set by the Tunkhannock Area School Board at 73.0000 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. 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.[158] When the school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.[159] In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.[160]

The average yearly property tax paid by Wyoming County residents amounts to about 3.73% of their yearly income. Wyoming County ranked 304th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[167] According to a report prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the total real estate taxes collected by all school districts in Pennsylvania rose from $6,474,133,936 in 1999-00 to $10,438,463,356 in 2008-09 and to $11,153,412,490 in 2011.[168] 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%).[169]

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.[170] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[171] Several 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.[172][173]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Tunkhannock Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[174]

  • 2006-07 - 5.2%, Base 3.9%
  • 2007-08 - 4.5%, Base 3.4%
  • 2008-09 - 5.8%, Base 4.4%
  • 2009-10 - 5.4%, Base 4.1%
  • 2010-11 - 3.9%, Base 2.9%
  • 2011-12 - 1.8%, Base 1.4%
  • 2012-13 - 2.2%, Base 1.7% [175]
  • 2013-14 - 2.2%, Base 1.7%[176]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Tunkhannock Area School Board applied for one exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit due to rapidly increasing teacher pension costs. For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[177]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Tunkhannock Area School Board applied for 2 exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: special education and increasing mandated teacher pension costs. 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.[178]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Tunkhannock Area School Board applied for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index for the teachers' pensions. Each year, the Tunkhannock 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.[179]

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.[180]

Property tax relief

In 2012, Tunkhannock Area School District approved homestead properties received $218.[181] 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. The amount of property tax relief each Pennsylvania public school district receives is announced by the PDE in May of each year. The amount of tax relief is dependent on the total tax revenue collected on the casino slots in the previous year. Thirty five percent of the slots tax revenues are used for property tax relief. In Wyoming County, the highest tax relief went to Lackawanna Trail School District which was set at $222.[182] The highest property tax relief provided, among Pennsylvania school districts, goes to the homesteads of Chester Upland School District in Delaware County which received $632 per approved homestead in 2010. Chester-Upland School District has consistently been the top recipient since the programs inception.[183][184]

In Pennsylvania, the homestead exclusion reduces the assessed values of homestead properties, reducing the property tax on these homes. The homestead exclusion allows homeowners real property tax relief of up to one half of the median assessed value of homesteads in the taxing jurisdiction (county, school district, city, borough, or township).[185]

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 people who have an income of substantially more than $35,000 still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This tax rebate can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief. In 2012, the Pennsylvania Secretary of the Treasury reported issuing more than half a million property tax rebates totaling $238 million.[186] The Property tax/rent rebate program is funded by revenues from the Pennsylvania Lottery. In 2012, these property tax rebates were increased by an additional 50 percent for senior households in the state, so long as those households have incomes under $30,000 and pay more than 15% of their income in property taxes.[187]

Extracurriculars

Tunkhannock Area School District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, costly sports program. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy and in compliance with standards set by the Pennsylvania interscholastic Athletics Association (PIAA).

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students residing in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[188]

Sports

The District funds:

Boys
Girls
  • Basketball - AAA
  • Cross Country - AA
  • Field Hockey - AA
  • Golf - AAA
  • Lacrosse - AAAA
  • Soccer (Fall) - AA
  • Softball - AAA
  • Swimming and Diving - AA
  • Girls' Tennis - AA
  • Track and Field - AAA
  • Volleyball - AA

Middle School Sports

Boys
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Football
  • Soccer
  • Track and Field
  • Wrestling

Girls
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Field Hockey
  • Soccer (Fall)
  • Softball
  • Track and Field

According to PIAA directory July 2013[189]

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  159. ↑ State Tax Equalization Board (2011). "State Tax Equalization Board About US".
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  162. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
  163. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Financial Elements Reports".
  164. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Financial Elements Reports 2008-09 Real Estate Mills".
  165. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
  166. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2006). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
  167. ↑ Tax-rates.org., The 2013 Tax Resource County Property Taxes 2012, 2012
  168. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania School Finances - Summaries of Annual Financial Report Data 2010-11, 2011
  169. ↑ New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners, Tax Foundation, September 22, 2009.
  170. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2010-11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines".
  171. ↑ Kaitlynn Riely (August 4, 2011). "Law could restrict school construction projects". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  172. ↑ Pennsylvania General Assembly, (June 29, 2011). "SB330 of 2011".
  173. ↑ Eric Boehm (July 1, 2011). "Property tax reform final piece of state budget". PA Independent.
  174. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2010). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006-2007 through 2010-2011".
  175. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2012-2013 School District Adjusted Index, May 2012
  176. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2013-2014 School District Adjusted Index, May 2013
  177. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2013-2014, April 2013
  178. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2012-2013, March 30, 2012
  179. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information".
  180. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2011). "Report on Exceptions".
  181. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 1, 2012). "2012-2013 Estimated State Property Tax Relief per Homestead".
  182. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tax Relief per Homestead, May 1, 2012.
  183. ↑ Tax Relief per Homestead 2009, Pennsylvania Department of Education Report, May 1, 2009
  184. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General Office, Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief, February 23, 2010
  185. ↑ Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension (1998). "Understanding the Homestead and Farmstead Exclusions" (PDF).
  186. ↑ Elias, Joe., Pennsylvania Treasury Department to issue $238 million in property tax rebates, The Harrisburg Patriot-News, |June 30, 2012
  187. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue., Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, June 2012
  188. ↑ Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities".
  189. ↑ Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (2013). "PIAA School Directory".

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