Carbondale Area School District

Carbondale Area School District
Address
Business Route 6/101 Brooklyn Street
Carbondale, Pennsylvania, Lackawanna County, 18407-2207
United States
Information
Type Public
Closed Fell ES 2002, Roosevelt School 1996
School board 9 elected members serve 4 year terms
Superintendent

Mr. Joseph Gorham (2013) salary $110,000
Dr. Dominick Famularo (salary $158,313 in 2011) retired 6/2012

Martin Lawler Former superintendent (2001)
Administrator


Cerra, David, Business Manager, $83,106
Borick, Timothy, Psychologist, $71,219
Ms. Angela Geyer, Special Education Supervisor
Paul Daniels, Director of Food Service
Mrs. Lisa Emmett, Reading First Coordinator
Mrs. Stephanie Miller, Truant Officer

Erik Larson, Athletic Director
Principal Mr. William Vaverchak
Principal Farrell, Joseph, salary $106,139 (2012)
Staff 121 nonteaching staff members
Faculty 108.20 teachers (2010)
Grades preschool-12
Age 4 years old preschool to 21 years old for special education students
Pupils

1,643 pupils (2014)[1]
1,613 students (2012)
1,478 pupils (2010)[2]
1,477 pupils (2006)[3]

Enrollment projected to be 1,818 pupils 2020
 • Kindergarten 136 (2012),[4] 104 (2010)
 • Grade 1 121 (2012), 108
 • Grade 2 123 (2012), 106
 • Grade 3 124 (2012), 114
 • Grade 4 121 (2012), 127
 • Grade 5 113 (2012), 118
 • Grade 6 123 (2012), 105
 • Grade 7 132 (2012), 129
 • Grade 8 121 (2012), 120
 • Grade 9 109 (2012), 117
 • Grade 10 110 (2012), 111
 • Grade 11 109 (2012), 107
 • Grade 12 92 (2012), 112 (2010)
 • Other 79 pupils Preschool
Language English
Mascot Chargers
Budget

$23,172,853 (2014-15)[5]
$22.02 million (2013-14)[6]
$21 million (2012-13)
$20,623,457 (2011-12)
$16,546,000 (2010-11)
$15,830,000 (2009-10)
$14,384,000 (2008-09)

$13,551,000 (2007-08)
Per pupil spending $10,873 (2008)
Per pupil spending $11,511.14 (2010)
Website http://gateway.ca.k12.pa.us/

The Carbondale Area School District is a small, suburban school district that provides education services to the children residing in the City of Carbondale and Fell Township in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. The district encompasses an area of 18.6 square miles (48 km2). The school district had a population of 11,641, according to the 2000 federal census. By 2010, the District's population declined to 11,065 people.[7] The educational attainment levels for the Carbondale Area School District population (25 years old and over) were 87.4% high school graduates and 16.4% college graduates.[8]

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 64.7% of the District’s pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty level as shown by their eligibility for the federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012.[9] In 2009, the District residents' per capita income was $15,174, while the median family income was $35,833.[10][11] In the United States the median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[12] In Lackawanna County, the median household income was $43,673.[13] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[14]

According to District officials, the Carbondale Area School District provided basic educational services to 1,615 pupils in 2011-12. The District employed: 121 teachers, 94 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 6 administrators during the 2011-12 school year. The Carbondale Area School District received $11 million in state funding in the 2011-12 school year. Per Carbondale Area School District administrative officials, during the 2005-06 school year, the district provided basic educational services to 1,458 pupils. The district students are 95% white, 1% Asian, 2% black and 3% Hispanic.[15] In 2006, the District employed 6 administrators, 103 teachers, and 46 full-time and part-time support personnel.

Special education is provided by the district and the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit IU19. Occupational training and adult education in various vocational and technical fields were provided by the district and the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County.

The Carbondale Area School District operates two schools: Carbondale Area Junior Senior High School (7th-12th) and Carbondale Area Elementary School (K-6th).

Academic achievement

In 2015, Carbondale Area School District ranking fell to 411th out of 493 Pennsylvania public school districts, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. [16] The ranking is based on the last 3 years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school.[17] Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Carbondale Area School District ranked 3rd. In 2011, the District was ranked 2nd.[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]

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Carbondale Area School District was in the 67th percentile of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale (0-99; 100 is state best).[24]

In 2008, students in Carbondale Area School District demonstrated the highest achievement on the state's annual math test, among all ten Lackawanna County school districts.[25] Additionally, the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development found that Carbondale 5th grade writing achievement is low 20% on grade level, which is below the county's average score and has declined from a high f 40% in 2006. The district's 8th grade declined in writing achievement from 2007-2009 achieving 65% on grade level in 2009. Eleventh grade students at 09% on grade level, showed strong writing skills acquisition from 2006-2009.[26]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Carbondale Area School District declined to Warning Adequate YEarly Progress (AYP) status due to lagging student achievement at both schools and a low graduation rate.[27] In 2011, Carbondale Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress. 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.[28] Carbondale Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2009, while in 2003 the District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[29]

Graduation rate

In 2014, Carbondale Area School District's graduation rate was 89.5%.[30]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

Junior Senior High School

Carbondale Area junior Senior High School is located at 101 Brooklyn Street, Carbondale. In 2014, enrollment was reported as 713 pupils in 7th through 12th grades, with 60% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 17.9% of pupils received special education services, while 2% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 52 teachers.[39] Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Carbondale Area junior Senior High School reported an enrollment of 628 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 312 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 51 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[40]

2014 School Performance Profile

Carbondale Area Junior Senior High School achieved 74.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 72% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, only 69% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, just 49% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course. In eighth grade - 74% of pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[41][42] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.[43]

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.[44] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[45][46]

2013 School Performance Profile

Carbondale Area Junior Senior High School achieved 68.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 70.24% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 67.4% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 42% showed on grade level science understanding. In 8th grade, 84.95% demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[47] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, beginning in 2012, they take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.[48]

AYP history

In 2012, Carbondale Area Junior Senior High School declined further to School Improvement II AYP status due to continuing low student achievement and low graduation rates.[49] Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes and to offer the parent(s) the opportunity to transfer to a successful school within the District.

PSSA Results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[53]

In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.[54]

11th Grade Reading:
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:

Science in Motion Carbondale Area High School did not take 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.[63] Schools in the area worked with Cedar Crest College to provide the enrichment experiences.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 16% of Carbondale Area 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.[64] 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.[65] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

Carbondale Area 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 offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[66] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[67] For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $1,005 for the program.[68]

Graduation requirements

The Carbondale Area School Board has determined that students must earn 23 credits to graduate, including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 3 credits, Mathematics 3 credits, Science 3 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Arts or Humanities 2 credits, Health 0.5 credits, and Electives 5.5 credits.[69]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.[70] At Carbondale Area School District the project is a three-year process which includes a research paper and oral presentation. Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[71]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2017, public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[72] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade. Students have several opportunities to pass the exam, with those who do not pass able to perform a project in order to graduate.[73][74] For the class of 2019, a Composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements.[75] In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit - 49% on grade level.[76] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

SAT scores

In 2014, Carbondale Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 470. The Math average score was 494. The Writing average score was 462.[77] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[78]

In 2013, 58 Carbondale Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 464. The Math average score was 475. The Writing average score was 455. The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.[79]

In 2012, 71 Carbondale Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 462. The Math average score was 470. The Writing average score was 446. 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, 59 Carbondale Area students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 460. The Math average score was 487. The Writing average score was 453.[80] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[81] 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.[82]

Junior high school

Seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999, as a state initiative.[83]

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

7th Grade Reading
  • 2012 - 68% on grade level. 32% advanced, (10% below basic) State - 76%
  • 2011 - 66%, 35% advanced, (13% below basic) State - 76%
  • 2010 - 69%, 31% advanced, (14% below basic) State - 73%
  • 2009 - 74%, 46% advanced (8% below basic), State - 71.7%
  • 2008 - 75%, 43% advanced (7% below basic), State - 70%
  • 2007 - 73%, 40% advanced (8% below basic), State - 66%
7th Grade Math
  • 2012 - 74% on grade level. 48% advanced (8% below basic) State - 80%
  • 2011 - 76%, 52% advanced (13% below basic) State - 78%
  • 2010 - 77%, 47% advanced (8% below basic) State - 77%
  • 2009 - 81%, 53% advanced (5% below basic), State - 75%
  • 2008 - 82%, 50% advanced (11% below basic), State - 72%
  • 2007 - 69%, 44% advanced (12% below basic), State - 67%

Elementary school

Carbondale Area Elementary School is located at 103 Brooklyn Street, Carbondale. In 2014, the School's enrollment was 930 pupils in grades preschool through 6th, with 56% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 19% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[89] The school employed 61 teachers. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full day kindergarten since 2004.[90] The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school has a mandatory uniform policy.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 933 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 634 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. Carbondale Area Elementary School employed 56 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 16.5:1.[91] Carbondale Area Elementary School reported a 94% attendance rate in 2010 and 2009.[92] Carbondale Elementary School has provided full-day kindergarten since 2004. The school also provides taxpayer funded preschool.[93]

2014 School Performance Profile

Carbondale Area Elementary School achieved a score of 62.5 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 55% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, only 57% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, just 60% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, just 60% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 45% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[94]

2013 School Performance Profile

Carbondale Area Elementary School achieved a score of 58.5 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 56.5% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, just 57.6% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 64.8% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, just 72.32% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In 5th grade writing, only 54% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[95] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.

Proponents of full day kindergarten and taxpayer funded preschool claim it will reduce special education numbers and it will raise primary student academic achievement especially in reading and math.[96] Those outcomes have not been realized in the Carbondale Area School District. Reading achievement in particular has declined.[97]

AYP history

Carbondale Area Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status in 2012 due to lagging student academic achievement in both reading and mathematics. The School achieved AYP in each school year 2004 through 2011.[98] In 2011, the school was named a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.[99] Dr. Paul Kazmarcik (principal) applied for the recognition.[100] In 2003, Carbondale Area Elementary School was in Warning AYP status due to lagging reading achievement.

PSSA results

6th Grade Reading:

  • 2012 - 70% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 68% [101]
  • 2011 - 75% (7% below basic). State - 70%
  • 2010 - 74% (7% below basic). State - 68% [102]
  • 2009 - 69% (11% below basic), State - 67% [103]
  • 2008 - 56% (18% below basic), State - 67% [104]
  • 2007 - 72% (14% below basic), State - 63%

6th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 82% (9% below basic). State - 77%
  • 2011 - 87% (3% below basic). State - 78%
  • 2010 - 86% (6% below basic). State - 78%
  • 2009 - 82% (6% below basic), State - 75%
  • 2008 - 84% (5% below basic), State - 72%
  • 2007 - 72% (10% below basic), State - 69%

5th Grade Reading:

  • 2012 - 56% on grade level (23% below basic). State - 65%
  • 2011 - 62% (8% below basic). State - 67%
  • 2010 - 63% (11% below basic). State - 64%
  • 2009 - 61% (16% below basic), State - 64%
  • 2008 - 51% (25% below basic), State - 62%
  • 2007 - 49% (26% below basic), State - 60%
  • 2006 - 56% (20% below basic), State - 60% [105]
  • 2005 - 60% (25% below basic), State - 64%

5th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 66% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 73%
  • 2011 - 84% (4% below basic). State - 76%
  • 2010 - 90% (3% below basic). State - 74%
  • 2009 - 75% (3% below basic), State - 73%
  • 2008 - 68% (6% below basic), State - 73%
  • 2007 - 67% (12% below basic), State - 71%
  • 2006 - 63% (15% below basic), State - 66%
  • 2005 - 63% (14% below basic), State - 68%

4th Grade Reading;
  • 2012 - 69% (17% below basic), State - 72%
  • 2011 - 83% (5% below basic), State - 73%
  • 2010 - 96% (2% below basic), State - 73%
  • 2009 - 95% (1% below basic), State - 72%
  • 2008 - 80% (5% below basic), State - 70%
  • 2007 - 54% (17% below basic), State - 60%
4th Grade Math;
  • 2012 - 82% (5% below basic), State - 82%
  • 2011 - 96% (2% below basic), State - 85%
  • 2010 - 90% (1% below basic), State - 84%
  • 2009 - 83% (3% below basic), State - 81%
  • 2008 - 88% (7% below basic), State - 80%
  • 2007 - 68% (12% below basic), State - 78%

4th Grade Science;

3rd Grade Reading;
  • 2012 - 74%, (13% below basic). State - 74%
  • 2011 - 81%, (11% below basic). State - 77%
  • 2010 - 83%, (6% below basic). State - 75%
  • 2009 - 81%, (10% below basic). State - 77%
  • 2008 - 91%, (4% below basic). State - 70%
  • 2007 - 68%, (16% below basic). State - 72%
  • 2006 - 50%, (27% below basic). State - 69%
3rd Grade Math;
  • 2012 - 73%, (8% below basic). State - 80%
  • 2011 - 80%, (7% below basic). State - 83%
  • 2010 - 89%, (4% below basic). State - 84%
  • 2009 - 86%, (2% below basic). State - 81%
  • 2008 - 89%, (1% below basic). State - 80%
  • 2007 - 69%, (8% below basic). State - 78%
  • 2006 - 63%, (15% below basic). State - 82%

Special education

In December 2013, Carbondale Area School District Administration reported that 344 pupils or 21.5% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 42.4% of those identified having a specific learning disability.[106] In December 2012, Carbondale Area School District Administration reported that 323 pupils or 20.8% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 45.5% of those identified having a specific learning disability.[107]

In December 2010, Carbondale Area School District Administration reported that 302 pupils or 19% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 48% of those identified having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the District administration reported that 314 pupils or 19.9% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[108]

In 2007, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak testified before the Pennsylvania House Education Committee regarding full day kindergarten. He claimed that districts which offered the program would see a significant decrease in special education students due to early identification and early intervention. He asserted the high cost of full day kindergarten would be recouped by Districts in lower special education costs.[109] Carbondale Area School District has seen an increase in the percentage of special education students it serves, yielding no savings. The District has provided full day kindergarten since 2004.

Carbondale Area School District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. 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.[110][111]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[112] The Special Education funding structure is through the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds and state appropriations. IDEA funds are appropriated to the state on an annual basis and distributed through intermediate units (IUs) to school districts, while state funds are distributed directly to the districts. Total funds that are received by school districts are calculated through a formula. The Pennsylvania Department of Education oversees four appropriations used to fund students with special needs: Special Education; Approved Private Schools; Pennsylvania Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind; and Early Intervention. 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.[113] Over identification 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.[114] The state requires each public school district and charter school to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[115] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[116]

Carbondale Area School District received a $1,015,364 supplement for special education services in 2010.[117] For the 2011-12, 2012–13, 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.[118][119] For the 2014-2015 school year, ASD received an increase to $1,050,871 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.[120]

Gifted education

Carbondale Area School District Administration reported that 33 or 2.18% of its students were gifted in 2009.[121] 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.[122] Through the strategic planning process, the Superintendent must ensure that Carbondale Area School District provides a continuum of program and service options to meet the needs of all mentally gifted students for enrichment, acceleration, or both. The Carbondale Area School District gifted curriculum focuses on complex and in-depth study of major ideas, key concepts and themes that integrate knowledge within and across disciplines.[69]

Bullying Policy

Carbondale Area School District administration reported there were nine incidents of bullying in the District in 2012. Additionally, there were five assaults on a pupil and no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in zero incidents at the schools.[123]

The School District administration reported there were twelve incidents of bullying in the District in 2011. Additionally, there were no reported assaults on a pupil and no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in zero incidents at the schools.[124][125] Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center which then publishes the compiled reports online. Nationally, nearly 20% of pupils report being bullied at school.[126]

The Carbondale Area School Administration reported three incidents of bullying occurring in the schools in 2009.[127][128]

The Carbondale Area School Board prohibits bullying by district students and employees.[129] The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying. 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.[130] District administration are required to annually provide the following information with the district's Safe School Report: the board’s bullying policy, a report of bullying incidents in the school district, and information on the development and implementation of any bullying prevention, intervention or education programs. 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.[131]

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.[132]

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.[133]

In September 2015, Carbondale Area Administration reported to the Pennsylvania School Board Association that it had borrowed $900,000 to make payroll and open schools.[134]This was done even as the districts was collecting the annual property tax revenue due in September each year. Superintendent Joseph Gorham was widely quoted in the media as considering shutting down the schools. He encouraged other districts to consider shutting down rather than taking out a loan to pay staff.[135]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Carbondale Area School District was $55,599.90 a year. [136][137][138] Carbondale Area School District teacher and administrator retirement benefits are equal to at least 2.00% x Final Average Salary x Total Credited Service. (Some teachers benefits utilize a 2.50% benefit factor.)[139] After 40 years of service, a teacher can retire with 100% of the average salary of their final 3 years of employment. 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.[140]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Carbondale Area School District was $55,599.90 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $16,388 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $67,429.[141] It was noted that Carbondale had the highest paid superintendent in the county and the most expensive elementary principal in Lackawanna County, even though it had a high number of low income children.[142] 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.[143]

In 2009, Carbondale Area School District reported employing 128 teachers and administrators with a median salary of $52,333 and a top salary of $140,898.[144] The teacher’s work day is 7 hours with 180 student instruction days in the contract year. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, and other benefits.[145]

In 2007, the Carbondale Area School District employed 89 teachers working 180 days of pupil instruction. The average teacher salary in the district was $46,528.[146] District officials reported that Famularo, the superintendent earns $169,000 plus benefits, which makes him the highest-paid school superintendent in the county. By renewing Famularo’s contract as currently written, it would end up costing the district over $1 million.[147] 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.[148]

Per pupil spending In 2008, per pupil spending at Carbondale Area School District was $10,837 for each child. This ranked 403rd among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts.[149] In 2010, the District’s per pupil spending had increased to $11,511.14.[150] In 2011, Pennsylvania’s per pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.[151] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[152]

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.[153] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[152] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.[154] Pennsylvania’s total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.[155]

Administration costs Carbondale Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $638.79 per pupil. This is ranked 400th among in the 500 school districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[156] In 2011 it was revealed that administrative costs had risen dramatically in recent years. The principal of the elementary school is the highest paid in the region at $155,000 which $12,000 more than the next highest-paid elementary principal in the county. He received a 6 percent raise and a $2,400 annuity in 2011-12. The principal's wife is a member of the Carbondale Area School Board.[157] For the 2011-12 school year, Superintendent received a base salary and annuity of $158,000. He also receives a comprehensive benefits package, which brings his total pay to $189,000. In 2011, the school board notified the superintendent they would not renew his current contract. The Pennsylvania School Board Association tracks salaries for Pennsylvania public school employees. It reports that the average superintendent salary in Pennsylvania was $122,165, in 2008.[158] In 2012 Dr. Dominick Famularo retired, receiving $320,000 in retirement incentives and a PSERS pension of $140,722 a year.[159] Additionally, elementary principal Paul Kaczmarcik, Ed.D. salary $126,220 (2012), and elementary Vice Principal Joseph Golecki also retired to take advantage of the incentive offered by the Board. These benefits included the former employees receiving nine percent of their final year's salary each year until they are 65 as well as the district paying for their health insurance.

For the 2011-12 school year, the board made significant cuts due to a loss of federal funding. The final budget was $20,623,457. It eliminated out of state travel, closed the pool and eliminated 2 teaching position, as well as, various staff positions. A $25 yearly fee will be charged to students who plan on driving to school and parking their cars in the student parking lot.[160]

Reserves In 2008, the Carbondale Area School District reported an unreserved designated fund balance of zero and an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $3,119,237.[161] In 2010, Carbondale Area School District Administration reported an increase to $6,129,811.00 in its reserves. By 2012, the Districts's reserves were $5,421,000. Pennsylvania public 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.[162] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.[163] In 2014, Carbondale Area School District had accumulated $4,287,907 in reserves.[164]

Audits In January 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit on the district. Several findings were reported to the school board and administration. The auditors noted that Board members had failed to file Statements of Financial Interests in violation of the Pennsylvania Public Official and Ethics Act.[165] In October 2013, the district was audited again. A violation of state law was found and reported to the School Board. In particular, the termination of a former superintendent, as well as, nonresidents students attending the district at no costs were cited. Additionally, the Board was criticized for approving retirement packages for a former Superintendent and two former principals totaling at least $690,466.[166]

Tuition Students who live in the Carbondale 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 Carbondale 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 District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $7,749, High School - $9,720[167]

Carbondale Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local tax on earned income, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants have provided an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the level of wealth.[168]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Carbondale Area School District receives 54.8% of its annual revenue from the state.[169]

For the 2014-15 school year, Carbondale Area School District will receive $7,804,350 in State Basic Education funding. The District will also receive $247,136 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State’s enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[170] The Education budget also includes Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State is paying $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania’s Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[171]

For the 2013-14 school year, the Carbondale Area School District will receive a 1.9% increase or $7,803,609 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is 41,973$1 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Carbondale Area School District will receive $115,012 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Lackawanna County, Mid Valley School District received the highest percentage increase at 2.4%. 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.[172] 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.[173]

For the 2012-13 school year, Carbondale Area School District received $7,661,636.[174] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 included $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which was an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) program. Carbondale Area School District received $115,012 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[175] This amount was 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. Since taking office, Corbett’s first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In the 2011-12 school year, Carbondale Area School District received $7,661,220 in state Basic Education Funding.[176][177] Additionally, the District received $115,012 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011. 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.[178] Districts experienced a reduction in funding due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.

For the 2010-11 budget year, the Carbondale Area School District received a 6.24% increase in state basic education funding for a total of $8,467,455. The highest increase in state funding, among Lackawanna County school districts, was awarded to Dunmore School District at 11.88% increase. One hundred fifty school districts in Pennsylvania received the 2% base increase for budget year 2010-11. The highest increase in the state was given to Kennett Consolidated School District of Chester County which was awarded a 23.65% increase in state basic education funding.[179] Fifteen (15) Pennsylvania public school districts received a BEF increase of greater than 10%. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.[180] In 2010, the District reported that 950 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.13% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $7,966,172. The highest increase in state funding, to Lackawanna County school districts, was 9.46% increase which was awarded to Scranton School District. In Pennsylvania, 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[181] 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.[182]

The state's Basic Education Funding to the Carbondale Area School District in 2008-09 was $6,999,344.06.[183] In 2008, the district reported that 717 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to their family meeting the federal poverty threshold of $22,050 for a family of four. Many state and federal programs use the threshold to calculate benefits.

Accountability Block Grant

The state provides additional education funding to schools in the form of Accountability Block Grants. The use of these funds is strictly focused on specific state approved uses designed to improve student academic achievement. Carbondale Area School District uses its $312,172 to fund all day kindergarten for the sixth year. These annual funds are in addition to the state's basic education funding and all federal funding.[184] School Districts apply each year for Accountability Block Grants.[185] In 2009-10, the state provided $271.4 million in Accountability Block grants $199.5 million went to providing all-day kindergartens.[186]

Ready to Learn grant

Beginning in the 2014-2015 budget, the State funded a new Ready to Learn Grant for public schools. A total of $100 million is allocated through a formula to districts based on the number of students, level of poverty of community as calculated by its market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) and the number of English language learners. Ready to Learn Block Grant funds may be used by the Districts for: school safety; Ready by 3 early childhood intervention programs; individualized learning programs; and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.[187]

Carbondale Area School District will receive $247,136 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, Accountability Block Grant funding, PreK Counts funding, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

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, Mathematics) and paid for mandatory teacher training to optimize the computers' use in the classroom for improving instruction. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Carbondale Area School District administration did not apply for the grant in 2006-07. In 2007-08, the district received $162,577 in funding. For the 2008-09, school year the District received a final $45,413 for a total funding of $207,990. In Lackawanna County, Scranton School District received the largest funding. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[188] The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

Science It’s Elementary grant

Carbondale Area Elementary School successfully applied to participate and received a Science It’s Elementary grant in 2008-2009. For the 2008-09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 2,847 teachers and 66,973 students across Pennsylvania.[189] In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Education initiated an effort to improve science instruction in the Commonwealth’s public elementary schools. Called Science: It’s Elementary, the program was a hands on instruction approach for elementary science classes that develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills.[190] To encourage schools to adopt the program’s standards aligned curriculum, the state provided a grant to cover the costs of materials and extensive mandatory teacher training.[191] The district was required to develop a three-year implementation plan for the participating school. They had to appoint a district liaison who was paid $3000 by PDE to serve as the conduit of all information between the district and the Department and its agents along with submitting orders and distributing supplies to implementing teachers. For the 2006-07 state education budget, $10 million was allocated. The 2006-07 State Education Budget provided $635 million in new spending for pre-K through 12th grades for the 2006-07 school year. This marks an 8-percent increase over 2005-06 public school funding.[192] The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget. The grant was discontinued in 2010 by Governor Rendell due to a massive state budget.

Literacy grant

Carbondale Area School District was awarded a $749,003 competitive literacy grant. It is to be used to improve reading skills birth through 12th grade. The district was required to develop a lengthly literacy plan, which included outreach into the community. The funds come from a Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, also referred to as the Keystones to Opportunity grant It is a five-year, competitive federal grant program designed to assist local education agencies in developing and implementing local comprehensive literacy plans. Of the 329 pre-applications by school districts reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, School District was one of only 148 entities that were invited to submit a full application. In County 5 school districts and one charter school were awarded funding for one year.[193] The funds must be used for teacher training, student screening and assessment, targeted interventions for students reading below grade level and research-based methods of improving classroom instruction and practice. Districts must hire literacy coaches. The coaches work with classroom teachers to improve the teacher's literacy teaching skills. Pennsylvania was among six other states, out of the 35 that applied, to be awarded funding. Pennsylvania received $38 million through the federal program. The Department of Education reserved 5% of the grant for administration costs at the state level.

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 the Carbondale Area School District received $36,519.[194]

Hybrid Learning grants

Carbondale Area School District participated in a pilot year of the state’s Hybrid learning initiative. Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning uses three learning models to increase student achievement: instruction from the teacher, group activities, and self-instruction through digital content. According to state testing results, among the pilot schools, 88 percent achieved higher academic performance in hybrid classes compared to traditional classes in the same district or statewide benchmarks, 75 percent reported better academic achievement, and all of them met or exceeded academic growth.[195] In 2013-14, the state awarded $633,000 in federal Title 2A funds to accelerate teacher training in the implementation of hybrid learning programs in 50 school buildings in 34 school entities. In 2012, $1.1 million was awarded to 15 districts to launch the first hybrid pilot schools in the state that included more than 1,900 students and 48 teachers.[196] Carbondale Area School District received $17,500.

Other grants

Carbondale Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants;[197][198] PreK Counts preschool grants; 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; Project 720 High School Reform grants (discontinued effective with 2011-12 budget); nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal stimulus grant

The Carbondale Area School District received $2.1 million in ARRA - Federal stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[199] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.[200] 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

Carbondale Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district up to million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[201] Several Lackawanna County school districts applied for funding. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success.[202] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[203] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. According to then Governor Rendell, failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[204]

Common Cents state initiative

The Carbondale Area School District 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.[205] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

In 2014, the Carbondale Area School Board set the property taxes rate at 111.0400 mills for the 2014-15 school year.[206] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. 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. 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. 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.[207] 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. When a 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.[208] 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.[209]

  • 2013-14 - 107.6000 mills
  • 2012-13 - 107.6000 mills
  • 2011-12 - 107.6000 mills[210]
  • 2010-11 - 107.6000 mills.[211]
  • 2009-10 - 107.6000 mills.[212]
  • 2008-09 - 107.6000 mills.[213]
  • 2007-08 - 107.6000 mills.[214]
  • 2006-07 - 107.6000 mills.[215]
  • 2005-06 - 107.6000 mills.[216]

The average yearly property tax paid by Lackawanna County residents amounts to about 3.4% of their yearly income. Lackawanna County ranked 413th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[217] 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.[218] 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%).[219]

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 permitted to raise taxes above that index, unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the Pennsylvania 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.[220] With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly voted to end most of the Act 1 exceptions leaving only special education costs and pension costs. The cost of construction projects will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum.[221] A specific timeline for Act I Index decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[222]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Carbondale Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[223]

  • 2006-07 - 5.6%, Base 3.9%
  • 2007-08 - 4.9%, Base 3.4%
  • 2008-09 - 6.4%, Base 4.4%
  • 2009-10 - 6.0%, Base 4.1%
  • 2010-11 - 4.3%, Base 2.9%
  • 2011-12 - 2.1%, Base 1.4%
  • 2012-13 - 2.6%, Base 1.7% [224]
  • 2013-14 - 2.6%, Base - 1.7% [225]
  • 2014-15 - 3.2%, Base 2.1% [226]
  • 2015-16 - 2.9%, Base 1.9%[227]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Carbondale Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher’s pension fund (PSERS).[228] For the school budget 2014-15, 316 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 181 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Districts may apply for multiple exceptions each year. For the pension costs exception, 163 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 104 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Seven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[229]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Carbondale Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. 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.[230]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Carbondale Area 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.[231]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Carbondale Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the Carbondale 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 publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[222]

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.[232]

Carbondale Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 nor in 2010-11.[233][234] 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.[235]

Property tax relief

In 2013, Carbondale Area School District's 2,571 approved homestead properties received $243.[236] The increase in amount was related to fewer residents applying for tax relief. The amount received by the District must be divided equally among all approved residences.[237]

In 2011, property tax relief for 2,631 approved residents of Carbondale Area School District was set at $237.[238] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Carbondale Area School District was $247 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 2,532 property owners applied for the tax relief.[239] 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 and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption.[240]

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Carbondale Area School District residents who are: aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; or 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.[241]

Enrollment and Consolidation

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, there are fewer than 1469 students enrolled in Carbondale Area SD, K-12, in 2010. There were 111 students in the Class of 2010. The district's class of 2009 had 116 students. Enrollment in the Carbondale Area School District is projected, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to continue to increase to 1818 pupils K-12 total enrollment, by 2020.[242]

A Standard and Poors study found that an optimal school district size, to conserve administrative costs, was at least 3000 pupils.[243] Consolidation of the administration with an adjacent school district would achieve substantial administrative cost savings for people in both communities.[244] According to a proposal made in 2009, by Governor Edward G. Rendell, the excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improve lagging academic achievement, to enrich the academic programs or to substantially reduce property taxes.[245] Consolidation of two districts' central administrations into one would not require the closing of any local schools.

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 school buildings.[246] The study noted that while the best school districts spent 4% of the annual budget on administration, others spend over 15% on administration.[247]

More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania have been experiencing significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).[248]

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. This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity.[249] In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the 49 respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools.[250]

Transfer of school building

In 2000, Carbondale Area School Board voted to close the Fell Elementary School. It retained the building for other school uses. A community group fought to retain the building, which was opposed by the School Board. Eventually the Board transferred the building and land to foundation of developer Michael Melnick for $1. He stated he planned to demolish the building which had fallen into disrepair with the roof collapsing.[251] It was believed that the Carbondale Area School Board retained the empty building for so long to prevent a local charter school from using it.

Fell Charter Elementary School

Fell Charter Elementary School provides a free, public education to children in the area since 2002. The school has an enrollment of 157 for the 2011-12 school year. The school offers full-day kindergarten through 8th grade. It employs 24 teachers, including art, music and physical education. Fell Charter Elementary School has a longer school day; class begins at 7:45 am and ends at 3:15 pm. It has moved into a former elementary school in August 2011. Six area school districts provide bussing to the school, including Carbondale Area School District. The school made AYP in 2009 and 2010. The attendance rate in 2010 was 94%.[252][253] The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the charter school's grant and loan application in January 2010. The school will receive a $5 million loan to build a new school facility.[254]

The opening of the charter school was aggressively opposed by the Carbondale Area School Board. When the application to open the Fell Charter Elementary School was denied by the Board in 2002, an appeal was made to the State Charter Appeals Board (CAB). The CAB approved the charter school. The Carbondale Area School Board unsuccessfully sued against the opening.[255] Commonwealth Court of PennsylvaniaCommonwealth Court of Pennsylvania affirmed the order of the Charter Appeals Board.

Extracurriculars

Carbondale Area School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive sports program. Eligibility to participate is determined by Carbondale Area School Board policies and in compliance with standards set by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). The District is noncompliant with state law, due to failing to post its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website. Article XVI-C of the Public School Code requires the disclosure of interscholastic athletic opportunities for all public secondary school entities in Pennsylvania. All school entities with grades 7-12 are required to annually collect data concerning team and financial information for all male and female athletes beginning with the 2012-13 school year and submit the information to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, all non-school (booster club and alumni) contributions and purchases must also be reported to PDE.[256]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[257]

According to PA Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act 126 of 2014, all volunteer coaches and all those who assist in student activities, must have criminal background checks. Like all school district employees, they must also attend an anti child abuse training once every three years.[258][259][260]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[261]

According to Pennsylvania’s Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.[262][263]

The District funds:

Boys
Girls
  • Basketball - AA
  • Cross Country - A
  • Golf - AA
  • Soccer (Fall) - A
  • Track and Field - AA

Junior High School Sports

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

According to PIAA directory July 2013[264]

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  227. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2015-2016 School District Adjusted Index, September 2014
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  230. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2013-2014, April 2013
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  233. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2010). "Pennsylvania SSAct1_Act1 Exceptions Report 2010-2011 April 2010".
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  236. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 1, 2013). "2013-2014 Estimated State Property Tax Relief per Homestead".
  237. ↑ Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (2014). "Gaming Benefits for Pennsylvanians".
  238. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 3, 2011). "Tax Relief per Homestead".
  239. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 1, 2009). "Estimated Tax Relief Per Homestead and Farmstead 2009" (PDF).
  240. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General Office (February 23, 2010). "Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief,".
  241. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program".
  242. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 20, 2010). "Pennsylvania Public School Enrollments and enrollment projections by school district A-F.".
  243. ↑ Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, (2007). "Study of the cost-effectiveness of consolidating".
  244. ↑ Fenton, Jacob, (July 2009). "Administrative Costs for Lackawanna County School Districts 2007-08,". The Morning Call.
  245. ↑ Edward Rendell, Governor and Mary Soderberg, Secretary of the Budget. (February 2009). "2009-10 Executive Budget Facts Pennsylvania School District Consolidation," (PDF).
  246. ↑ "Report of the Fiscal Responsibility Task Force" (PDF). Retrieved April 2011.
  247. ↑ Jeff Blumenthal (March 7, 2011). "Pennsylvania accountants share budget-cutting ideas". Pennsylvania Business Journal.
  248. ↑ The Center for Rural Pennsylvania. (October 2009). "Research Analyzes Rural School District Enrollment and Building Capacity" (PDF).
  249. ↑ Rendell, E.; Soderberg, M. (2009). "Pennsylvania school district consolidation. 2009-10 Executive Budget Fast Facts." (PDF). Pennsylvania Office of the Governor.
  250. ↑ New York: Standard & Poor’s School Evaluation Services (2007). "Study of the cost-effectiveness of consolidating Pennsylvania districts.".
  251. ↑ Tom Flannery (July 16, 2014). "Fell Twp. official accuses CA of criminal neglect". Carbondale News.
  252. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "FELL Charter School - School AYP Data Table".
  253. ↑ "Fell Charter School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010" (PDF). 2010.
  254. ↑ Steve McConnell (June 16, 2010). "Fell Charter School receives $5M federal grant for new facility". News Valley Advantage.
  255. ↑ Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania (July 23, 2003). "Carbondale Area School District V Fell Charter School".
  256. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013). "Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form" (PDF).
  257. ↑ Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities".
  258. ↑ Eleanor Chute., New Pa. law expands clearance requirements for school volunteers, employees, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 15, 2014
  259. ↑ Pennsylvania General Assembly (2014). "ACT 126 – Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act".
  260. ↑ Ali Stevens., Child Protective Services Law impacts schools, WKOK.com 1070AM, January 6, 2015
  261. ↑ Carbondale Area School Board, Carbondale Area School District Teacher Union Contract, 2012
  262. ↑ PA General Assembly, (July 1, 2012). "Senate Bill 200 of Session 2011 Safety in Youth Sports Act".
  263. ↑ UMPC Sports Medicine (2014). "Managing Concussions in Student Athletes: The Safety in Youth Sports Act".
  264. ↑ Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (2013). "PIAA School Directory".

Coordinates: 41°36′32″N 75°30′13″W / 41.60902°N 75.50354°W / 41.60902; -75.50354

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