Hampton Township School District (Pennsylvania)

Hampton Township School District
Address
4591 School Drive Allison Park, Pennsylvania, Allegheny County, 15101 United States
Information
Type	Public
Superintendent	Dr. John Hoover salary $165,277 (2012)
Administrator	Dr. Monique Mawhinney, Director of Pupil Services $111,474 Mr. Jeff Kline, Director of Administrative Services & Transportation $117,544 (2012) Dr. Jay Thornton, School Psychologist
Principal	Dr. Marguerite Imbarlina, HS salary $129,694 (2012)
Principal	Dr. Eric Stennett, MS salary $113,503
Principal	Dr. Roberta M. Good, WES $114,453 (2012)
Principal	Dr. Michael Mooney, PES $108,062
Principal	Dr. Amy Kern, CES $109,200
Vice principal	Dr. Steve Pellathy, HS
Vice principal	Michael Amick, HS
Vice principal	Marlynn M. Lux, MS
Staff	177 non teaching staff members
Faculty	197 teachers (2011)
Grades	K-12
Age	5 years old to 21 years old special education
Pupils	3,083 pupils (2012-13),[1] 3,111 pupils (2009-10),[2] 3,100 pupils (2005-06)[3]
• Kindergarten	132
• Grade 1	216
• Grade 2	191
• Grade 3	218
• Grade 4	245
• Grade 5	216
• Grade 6	238
• Grade 7	254
• Grade 8	251
• Grade 9	266
• Grade 10	281
• Grade 11	285
• Grade 12	290
• Other	Enrollment projected to be 2,672 in 2020[4]
Budget	$43,909,736 (2013-14)[5] $43,033,566 (2012-13) $41,565,500 (2011-12) $41,784,489 (2010-11) $40,253,889 (2009-10)
Per pupil spending	$12,932 (2008)
Per pupil spending	$13,072.14 (2010)
Website	http://www.ht-sd.org/

Hampton Township School District is a midsize, urban/suburban public school district operating in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The District serves only the residents of Hampton Township, Western Pennsylvania, USA. The District encompasses approximately 16 square miles (41 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, Hampton Township School District served a resident population of 17,526 people. Per the US Census Bureau in 2010, the population rose to 18,367 people.^[6] The district graduated its first class in 1943.

In 2009, Hampton Township School District residents’ per capita income was $29,071, while the median family income was $67,367.^[7] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 ^[8] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.^[9] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.^[10]

According to District officials, in school year 2009-10, Hampton Township School District provided basic educational services to 3,109 pupils through the employment of 253 teachers, 123 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 18 administrators. Hampton Township School District received more than $10 million in state funding in school year 2009-10.

Hampton's mascot is the talbot, which is an extinct hunting dog. It is also the only high school in the United States with the Talbot as their mascot.

A Tradition of Excellence, the District slogan, characterizes the positive, progressive, caring attitude focused on benefitting students academically as well as personally.^[11]

The District operates five public schools: Hampton High School, Hampton Middle School and three elementary schools. Hampton High School students may choose to attend A. W. Beattie Career Center for training. The Allegheny Intermediate Unit IU3 provides the district with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, speech, and visual disability services and professional development for staff and faculty.

Governance

The Hampton township School District is governed by nine individually elected board members (serve without compensation for a term of four years), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.^[12] 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 Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent regarding renewal of the employment contract.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a B- 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.^[13]

Academic Achievement

Hampton Township School District was ranked 7th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2013.^[14] The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the PSSAs for: reading, writing, math and science.^[15] 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. Writing exams were given to children in 5th, 8th and 11th grades.

• 2012 - 7th^[16]
• 2010 - 8th^[17]
• 2008 - 7th
• 2007 - 4th^[18]
• 2006 - 3rd ^[19]

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Hampton Township School District ranked 77th. In 2012, the District was 51st. ^[20] 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."^[21]

Western Pennsylvania local ranking Hampton Township School District was ranked 4th out of 104 western Pennsylvania school districts, in 2013, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on the last three years of student academic performance on the PSSAs on: math, reading, writing and science.^[22] (includes 105 districts in: Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Washington County and Westmoreland County, but excludes Duquesne City School District & Midland Borough School District due to their not operating a high school). In 2012, the District also ranked 4th locally.

The school district states that "three of the five schools have earned National Blue Ribbon status in recent years. Hampton has also been recognized twice by The PA Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, for implementing best practices for inclusive education in the regular education classroom."^[23] The district was voted the best in Allegheny County in a survey of 1,400 area residents in February 2014.^[24]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Hampton Township School District achieved AYP status.^[25] In 2011, School District also achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). 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 Pennsylvania public 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.^[26] Hampton Township School District achieved AYP status each year from 2003 to 2010.^[27]

Graduation rate

In 2013, the District’s graduation rate was 97.6.^[28] In 2012, the District’s graduation rate was 98%.^[29] In 2011, the graduation rate was 97%.^[30] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Hampton High School's rate was 96.7% for 2010.^[31]

Hampton High School

Hampton High School is located at 2929 McCully Road, Allison Park. In 2013, Hampton High School's enrollment was 1,122 pupils with 9% coming from low income homes. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 1,133 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 89 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. The school employed 65 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 17:1.^[32] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[33]

2013 School Performance Profile

Hampton High School achieved 91.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 96% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 91% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 82% showed on grade level science understanding.^[34] 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, they now take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.

The School was noted as a Blue Ribbon School for 1994-96. In a 2007 U.S. News & World Report article titled America's Best High Schools, Hampton received a silver ranking, making it among the top 3% of US High Schools.^[35][36]

In 2012, Hampton High School was again recognized by US News and World Report as a Silver level high school in a nationwide school ranking (21,000 public high schools examined).^[37] The school was ranked 685th among US high schools. Hampton High School was ranked 18th among Pennsylvania high schools. The study was conducted by American Institutes for Research which examined how many students attained performance levels that exceed statistical expectations given the school's relative level of student poverty, as measured by state accountability test scores for all the school's students in the core subjects of reading and math. The study also examined the success rate for the school's least advantaged student groups (e.g., black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students) that exceed state averages. The study of 752 high schools in Pennsylvania included: traditional public schools, public charter schools and public magnet schools.^[38] In Pennsylvania, 136 public high schools achieved a Bronze rating in 2012; 49 achieved a silver rating and 7 received a gold rating. The highest ranking went to Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School in the School District of Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

STEM education US News and World Report also examined 500 top achieving US high schools regarding STEM education. They evaluated the high school's student participation and success in Advanced Placement (AP®) science and math tests. Hampton High School was noted for a strong preparation in Science, Technology Mathematics, Engineering.

AYP status

In 2012, Hampton High School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.^[39] Hampton High School also achieved AYP status every year from 2003 through 2011. Effective with Spring 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSA's to 11th graders.

PSSA results

PSSAs are NCLB related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012. 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.

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 93% on grade level, (0% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[40]
• 2011 - 92% (2% below basic). State - 69.1% ^[41]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 84% on grade level (5% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[42]
• 2011 - 87% (3% below basic). State - 60.3%^[43]

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 63% on grade level (3% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[44]
• 2011 - 72% (4% below basic). State - 40%^[45]

Science in Motion Hampton 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.^[46] Westminster College provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

College Remediation Rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 24% of the Hampton 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.^[47] 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.^[48] 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 Hampton High School does not offer the Pennsylvania Dual Enrollment program which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits while still enrolled in high school. The program is offered through over 400 school districts with the assistance of a state grant.

Graduation requirements

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The Hampton Township School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 25 credits to graduate, including: a required class every year in math, English, social studies, science 3 credits, Arts and Humanities 2 credits, Public speaking 0.5 credits, Wellness I 0.5 credits, Wellness II 0.5 credits, Physical Education 0.5 credits and electives 5.5 credits. All students are required to perform 10 hours of community service each year.^[49] The following middle school courses receive a transfer credit onto the high school transcript: Algebra I, Algebra I TE, Algebra I part 1, Geometry and all world language level 1 courses. The credit and grade are listed on the high school transcript.

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students were required to 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.^[50] 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.^[51]

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.^[52] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.^[53]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.^[54][55] 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.^[56] 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.^[57] 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.

Keystone Exam Tutoring Program All students are required to demonstrate proficiency in meeting state education standards. It is a graduation requirement that students demonstrate proficiency in Algebra I, Biology, and Literature, or any state mandated assessment that serves as the alternative method for demonstrating proficiency. Any student whose exam scores are below proficient on the Algebra I, Biology, or Literature Keystone Exams are required to participate in the High School Tutoring Program.

SAT scores

In 2013, Hampton Township School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 543. The Math average score was 555. The Writing average score was 533. 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.^[58]

In 2012, 226 Hampton Township School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 553. The Math average score was 564. The Writing average score was 545. 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, 240 Hampton Township School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 543. The Math average score was 547. The Writing average score was 538.^[59] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[60] 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.^[61]

AP Courses

In 2013, Hampton High School offered 15 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Hampton High School 96.77% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.^[62]

Hampton Middle School

Hampton Middle School is located at 4589 School Road, Allison Park. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 743 pupils with 11.7% from low income homes and 8% receiving special education services. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[63]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, Hampton Middle School reported an enrollment of 765 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 83 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 54 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.^[64] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[65]

Western Pennsylvania ranking

In 2012 and 2013, Hampton Middle School eighth grade ranked 4th out of 105 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on the last three years of student academic achievement in Pennsylvania System of School Assessments (PSSA) in: reading, math, writing and science.^[66] In 2009, the 8th grade was ranked 13th out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and one year of science.^[67]

2013 School Performance Profile

Hampton Middle School achieved 94.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, 92.7% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics, 93.5% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, 88% of the 8th graders demonstrated n grade level understanding. In writing, 92% of the 8th grade students were on grade level.^[68]

AYP History

Every year since 2003, Hampton Middle School achieved AYP status.^[69]

PSSA Results:

8th Grade Reading: 2012 - 97% on grade level (1% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79%[70] 2011 - 99% (0% below basic) State - 81.8%

8th Grade Math: 2012 - 92% on grade level (3% below basic). State - 76% [71] 2011 - 93% (2% below basic). State - 76.9%

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 88% on grade level (3% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 90% (3% below basic). State – 58.3%

7th Grade Reading: 2012 - 91% (2% below basic). State – 76% 2011 - 92% (2% below basic). State – 76%

7th Grade Math: 2012 - 92% (2% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 95% (3% below basic). State - 78.6%

6th Grade Reading: 2012 - 91% (2% below basic). State - 68% 2011 - 90% (4% below basic). State - 69.9%

6th Grade Math: 2012 - 91% (3% below basic). State - 77% 2011 - 93% (4% below basic). State - 78.8%

Central Elementary School

Central Elementary School is located at 4100 Middle Road, Allison Park. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 528 pupils with 10% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. 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 half day kindergarten.^[72] Central Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school. In 2011, the school employed 32 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.^[73]

2013 School Performance Profile

Central Elementary School achieved a score of 84.8 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 89% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 92% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 90% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 94% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 84% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[74]

Western Pennsylvania ranking

Central Elementary school's 3rd grade ranked 3rd out of 314 local elementary school third grades for academic achievement in 2013.^[75]

The 4th grade ranked 19th out of 300 Western Pennsylvania 4th grades.

The 5th grade ranked 15th out of 273 Western Pennsylvania 5th grades.

AYP Status

Every year from 2003 through 2012, Central Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[76]

PSSA History

5th Grade Reading: 2012 - 95% on grade level (0% below basic). State - 65%[77] 2011 - 83% (4% below basic). State - 67.3%[78]

5th Grade Math: 2012 - 89% (75% advanced). State - 73% 2011 - 89% (59% advanced). State - 74%

4th Grade Reading 2012 - 96% (0% below basic). State - 72% 2011 - 91% (1% below basic). State - 73%

4th Grade Math 2012 - 95% (78% advanced). State - 82% 2011 - 96% (85% advanced). State - 85%

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 92%, (71% advanced). State - 82%
• 2011 - 96%, (78% advanced). State - 82.9%

3rd Grade Reading 2012 - 98%, (2% below basic). State - 74% [79] 2011 - 99%, (1% below basic). State - 77%

3rd Grade Math 2012 - 95%, (71% advanced). State - 80% 2011 - 100%, (79% advanced). State - 83%

Poff Elementary School

Poff Elementary School is located at 2990 Haberlein Road, Gibsonia. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 270 pupils with 9% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. 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 half day kindergarten.^[80] Poff Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school. In 2011, Poff Elementary School's enrollment was 320 pupils. The school employed 21 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.^[81]

2013 School Performance Profile

Poff Elementary School achieved a score of 85 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 92% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 95.8% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 94 were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 100% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts. In writing, 88% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[82]

Western Pennsylvania ranking

Poff Elementary school's 3rd grade ranked 2nd out of 314 local elementary school third grades for academic achievement in 2013.^[83]

The 4th grade ranked 5th out of 300 Western Pennsylvania 4th grades.

The 5th grade ranked 23rd out of 273 Western Pennsylvania 5th grades.

AYP History

Each year 2003 through 2012, Poff Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[84]

PSSA History

5th Grade Reading: 2012 - 92% on grade level (60% advanced). State - 65%[85] 2011 - 90% (32% advanced). State - 67.3%[86]

5th Grade Math: 2012 - 94% (70% advanced). State - 73% 2011 - 94% (69% advanced). State - 74%

4th Grade Reading 2012 - 92% (60% advanced). State - 72% 2011 - 100% (74% advanced). State - 73%

4th Grade Math 2012 - 96% (91% advanced). State - 82% 2011 - 95% (85% advanced). State - 85%

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 94% (85% advanced). State - 82%
• 2011 - 100% (88% advanced). State - 82.9%

3rd Grade Reading 2012 - 96%, (69% advanced). State - 74% [87] 2011 - 98%, (53% advanced). State - 77%

3rd Grade Math 2012 - 98%, (85% advanced). State - 80% 2011 - 98%, (85% advanced). State - 83%

Wyland Elementary School

Wyland Elementary School is located at 2284 Wyland Avenue, Allison Park. In 2013, the School's enrollment was 420 pupils with 14.5% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. 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 half day kindergarten through 5th grade.^[88]

In 2011, Wyland Elementary School reported an enrollment of 402 pupils, with 34 pupils who receive a free or reduced price lunch. The school reported employing 25 teachers resulting in a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.^[89]

2013 School Performance Profile

Wyland Elementary School achieved a score of 83 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 83% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 90% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 91% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 89% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding in science concepts. In writing, 90% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[90]

Western Pennsylvania ranking

Wyland Elementary school's 3rd grade ranked 9th out of 314 local elementary school third grades for academic achievement in 2013.^[91]

The 4th grade ranked 53rd out of 300 Western Pennsylvania 4th grades.

The 5th grade ranked 26th out of 273 Western Pennsylvania 5th grades.

AYP History

Every school year 2003 through 2012, Wyland Elementary School achievement Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.^[92]

PSSA History

5th Grade Reading: 2012 - 81% on grade level (45% advanced). State - 65% [93] 2011 - 88% (35% advanced). State - 67.3%[94]

5th Grade Math: 2012 - 93% (76% advanced). State - 73% 2011 - 95% (74% advanced). State - 74%

4th Grade Reading 2012 - 92% (55% advanced). State - 72% 2011 - 86% (45% advanced). State - 73%

4th Grade Math 2012 - 96% (70% advanced). State - 82% 2011 - 98% (67% advanced. State - 85%

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 92%, (65% advanced). State - 82%
• 2011 - 97%, (65% advanced). State - 82.9%

3rd Grade Reading 2012 - 91%, (5% below basic). State - 74% [95] 2011 - 91%, (3% below basic). State - 77%

3rd Grade Math 2012 - 97%, (79% advanced). State - 80% 2011 - 100%, (80% advanced). State - 83%

Special education

In December 2012, the District administration reported that 292 pupils or 9.4% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 33% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.^[96] In December 2009, the District administration reported that 3298 pupils or 10% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 39.9% of the identified students having a specific learning disability. Special education services in the Commonwealth are provided to students from ages three years to 21 years old. In the 2010-11 school year, the total student enrollment was more than 1.78 million students with approximately 275,000 students eligible for special education services. Among these students 18,959 were identified with mental retardation and 21,245 students with autism.^[97] The largest group of students are identified as Specific Learning Disabilities 126,026 students (46.9 percent) and Speech or Language Impairments with 43,542 students (16.2 percent).

In order to comply with state and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules and regulations, the 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 .^[98] To identify students who may be eligible for special education services, various screening activities are conducted by Hampton Township School district on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Special Education administration. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the district's Special Education Department.^[99][100] The IDEA 2004 requires each school entity to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, including the student handbook and website regarding the availability of screening and intervention services and how to access them.

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.^[101] 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.^[102] 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.^[103] 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.^[104] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.^[105]

Hampton Township School District received a $1,448,222 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[106] For the 2010-11, 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.^[107][108] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The District Administration must apply for this added funding.

Gifted education

Hampton Township School District Administration reported that 73 or 2.35% of its students were gifted in 2009. The highest percentage of gifted students reported among all 500 school districts and 100 public charter schools in Pennsylvania was North Allegheny School District with 15.5% of its students identified as gifted.^[109] 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.^[110][111]

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.^[112]

In 2012, the average teacher salary in Hampton Township School District was $58,855.66 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $20,365 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $79,221.^[113] The District employed 228 teachers with an average salary of $71,740 and a top salary of $165,277.^[114]

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.^[115]

In 2009, the Hampton Township School District reported employing 245 teachers and administrators with a median salary of $67,334 and a top salary of $143,000.^[116] The teacher’s work day was 7.5 hours (includes a 30-minute duty-free lunch and 1 prep period), with 194 days in the contract year (185 student days). Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, and other benefits. Teachers attended IEP meetings receive $30 an hour. Teachers contribute $20 per individual or $50 for family coverage per month for health insurance. Retiring teachers receive a retirement payment in excess of $10,000 including paid unused sick days. The teacher union's President gets 3 paid days each year to conduct union business.^[117]

In 2007, the average teacher salary in the district was $64,257 for 180 days worked. The district ranked third in Allegheny County for average teacher salary in 2007. The average teacher salary in Pennsylvania was $54,977.^[118]

Per pupil spending Hampton Township School District administrative costs per pupil in 2011 were $13,870 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[119] 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.^[120] According to PSBA, the median Superintendent salary rose to over $130,000 in 2011.^[121]

In 2008, the Hampton Township School District administration reported that per pupil spending was $12,932 which ranked 181st among Pennsylvania's then 501 public school districts. In 2010, the District’s per pupil spending had increased to $13,072.14.^[122] In 2011, Pennsylvania’s per pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.^[123] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.^[124]

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.^[125] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.^[126] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[127] Pennsylvania’s total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.^[128]

Reserves In 2008, the Hampton Township School District reported a balance of zero, in its unreserved-designated fund. The unreserved-undesignated fund balance was reported as $5,195,412.00.^[129] In 2010, Hampton Township School District Administration reported an increase to $3,950,000 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The District also reported $3,022,072 in its unreserved-designated fund in 2010. Pennsylvania public school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. In 2012, Hampton Township School District Administration reported its reserves had increased to $10,987,514. 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.^[130] In 2005, the total reserve funds held by Pennsylvania public school districts was $1.9 billion.^[131] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.^[132]

Interest swaps In November 2009, Auditor General Jack Wagner reported that Hampton Township School District entered into high risk Interest swap deals under Act 23 of 2003. By 2009, 107 Districts out of 500 Pennsylvania school districts entered into these transactions. Fourteen Allegheny County public school districts also entered into swap deals with investment banks. It was found that fees that were characterized as being paid by the investment banks were actually ultimately charged to the District.^[133][134]

Audit In February 2012, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the Hampton Township School District. The findings were reported to the School Board and the District’s administration.^[135]

Tuition Students who live in the Hampton Township 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 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 - $9,310.07, High School - $9,227.19.^[136]

The Hampton Township School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1%,^[137] a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.^[138] Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. 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.^[139] 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.^[140]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Hampton Township School District receives 25.2% of its annual revenue from the state.^[141]

For the 2013-14 school year, the Hampton Township School District received a 3.1% increase or $4,751,103 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $142,847 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Hampton Township School District received $88,848 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Allegheny County, South Fayette Township School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 5.5%. Hampton Township School 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.^[142] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland district, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.^[143] As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.^[144]

For the 2012-13 school year, the Hampton Township School District received $4,608,256.^[145] 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. Hampton Township School District received $88,848 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[146] 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 2011-12, the Hampton Township School District received a $4,608,256 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.^[147][148] Additionally, the Hampton Township School District received $88,849 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 was a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.^[149] The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District of Allegheny County, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.^[150] In 2010, the district reported that 882 students received free or reduced price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.^[151] Some public school Districts experienced a reduction in funding due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.

In the 2010-11 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 4.84% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $4,927,959 . Among the districts in Allegheny County, the highest increase went to South Fayette Township School District which got an 11.29% 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.^[152] 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.^[153]

In the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $4,700,421 to Hampton township School District. Among the districts in Allegheny County, the highest increase went to Chartiers Valley School District which got an 8.19%. Ninety (90) Pennsylvania public school districts received the base 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.^[154] 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.^[155]

The state Basic Education Funding to the District in 2008-09 was $4,608,256.46. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 185 district students received free or reduced- price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.^[156] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania spent $7,824 Per Pupil in the year 2000. This amount increased up to $12,085 by the year 2008.^[157][158]

Accountability Block Grants

Beginning in 2004-2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania’s school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, All Day Kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010-11, the district applied for and received $241,157 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The District uses the funding to provide Intensive instruction for struggling students during the school day.^[159][160] In 2008, 1% of the kindergarteners in Hampton Township School District attended full-day kindergarten.^[161]

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 to 2009. The Hampton Township School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the High school was awarded $333,246. The District received $60,265 in 2008-09.^[162] Among the public school districts in Allegheny County the highest award was given to Highlands School District which received $835,286. 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 his 2009-10 state budget.

Other grants

Hampton Township 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), Education Assistance Grants, 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, 2012 and 2013 nor Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants,^[163] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal Stimulus grant

Hampton Township School District received an extra $1,451,481 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[164][165] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.^[166] 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

Hampton Township School District officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided over one million dollars, in additional federal funding, to improve student academic achievement.^[167] 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.^[168] 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.^{[169][170][171]}

STEAM grant

In 2013, Hampton Township School District did not participate in a $20,000 grant opportunity from the Claude Worthington Benedum and Grable foundations. The STEAM funds are to be used to support science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics programs. The curriculum is to involve students in kindergarten through fifth grade.^[172] School administration were required to apply for the grants. Recipients included 24 schools located in: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Greene County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Washington County and Westmoreland County.^[173]

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2013-14 were set by the school board at 17.5900 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.^[174] 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 all government property (local, state and federal). 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.^[175] When a Pennsylvania public 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.^[176] 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.^[177]

2012-13 - 21.3500 mills [178] 2011-12 - 21.3500 mills.[179] 2010-11 - 20.8800 mills [180] 2009-10 - 20.8800 mills.[181]

2008-09 - 20.5300 mills.[182] 2007-08 - 20.5300 mills.[183] 2006-07 - 20.5300 mills.[184] 2005-06 - 20.5300 mills.[185]

The average yearly property tax paid by Allegheny County residents amounts to about 4.09% of their yearly income. Allegheny County ranked 209th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[186] 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.^[187] 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%).^[188]

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 property taxes above their annual Act 1 Index unless they either: allow Districts voters to approve the increase through a vote by referendum or they receive an exception from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The base index for the school year is published by the PDE in the fall of each year. Each individual school district’s Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as local property values and the personal income of district residents. Originally, Act 1 of 2006 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.^[189]

In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation eliminating six of the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.^[190] 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.^[191][192] The legislature also froze the payroll amount public school districts use to calculate the pension-plan exception at the 2012 payroll levels. Further increases in payroll cannot be used to raise the district’s exception for pension payments.

A specific timeline for Act I Index decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[193]

The School District Adjusted Index history for the Hampton Township School District:

2006-07 - 4.5%, Base 3.9%[194] 2007-08 - 3.4%, Base 3.4% 2008-09 - 5.1%, Base 4.4% 2009-10 - 4.9%, Base 4.1% 2010-11 - 2.9%, Base 2.9%

2011-12 - 1.7%, Base 1.4%[195] 2012-13 - 2.0%, Base 1.7%[196] 2013-14 - 2.0%, Base 1.7% [197] 2014-15 - 2.5%, Base 2.1% [198]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Hampton Township 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.^[199]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Hampton Township 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.^[200]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Hampton Township School Board applied for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index for rapidly escalating teacher pension costs. Each year, the Hampton Township 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.

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.^[201]

The Hampton Township School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2010-11.^[202]

For the 2009-10 school budget, the Hampton Township School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Index.^[203] 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.^[204]

Property tax relief

In 2013, Hampton Township School District approved homestead properties received $154 with 5,567 homesteads applying for the relief.^[205] 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 Allegheny County, the highest tax relief went to Duquesne City School District which was set at $358.^[206] 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.^[207] The tax relief was started by Governor Rendell with passage of the gaming law. Rendell promised taxpayers substantial property tax relief from legalized gambling.

In Allegheny County, 60.82% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. This was among the midrange homeowner participation rates in Pennsylvania.^[208]

• 2012 - property tax relief for 5,505 approved residences was $156.
• 2010 - property tax relief for 5,407 approved residences was $159.^[209]
• 2009 - property tax relief for 5,322 approved residents was $161.^[210]

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).^[211]

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.^[212] 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.^[213]

Extracurriculars

The Hampton Township 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 Athletic Association (PIAA) and/or the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL). Hampton student athletes must be passing a minimum of four (4) full credit subjects, not be failing more than one course, on a weekly basis, and have a minimum GPA of 2.0 to remain eligible to participate. The District is noncompliant with state law, due to failing to post its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website.

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.^[214]

Sports

The District funds:

Varsity

Boys Baseball - AAA Basketball- AAAA Cross Country - AAA Football - AAA Golf - AAA Indoor Track and Field - AAAA Lacrosse - AAAA Soccer - AAA Swimming and Diving - AAA Tennis - AAA Track and Field - AAA Wrestling - AAA

Girls Basketball - AAA Cross Country - AAA Gymnastics - AAAA Indoor Track and Field - AAAA Lacrosse - AAAA Soccer (Fall) - AAA Softball - AAA Swimming and Diving - AAA Girls' Tennis - AAA Track and Field - AAA Volleyball - AAA

Middle School Sports:

Boys Basketball Cross Country Football Track and Field Wrestling

Girls Basketball Cross Country Softball Track and Field Volleyball

According to PIAA directory July 2013 ^[215]

References

External links

• Official website

Coordinates: 40°35′29″N 79°57′10″W / 40.59127°N 79.95265°W / 40.59127; -79.95265