Central Greene School District

Central Greene School District
Address
250 South Cumberland Street Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, Greene County 15370-0472 United States
Information
Type	Public
Closed	Perry Elementary School (closed 8/10/2011)[1]
School board	9 locally elected members
Superintendent	Mr Brian T Uplinger contract June 1, 2013 to June 30, 2018[2] Salary $122,500 (2013)[3]
Administrator	Mr. Justin Stephenson - Athletic Director Mr. James Shargots - Business Manager Mr Matthew R. Blair - Director of Technology 2013 salary $84,769 (2012) Mrs. Annette J. Vietmeier, Curriculum, Instruction and Tech salary $84,769 (2012) Mrs. Tammy Mandich, Director of Special Education, $84,769
Principal	Scott Headlee, WCES, salary $84,185
Principal	John Lipscomb, MBMMS salary $83,191
Principal	Robert Stephenson, WCHS salary $93,568
Staff	121 staff members (2011)
Faculty	172 teachers (2011)
Grades	K-12
Age	5 years old to 21 years special education students
Pupils	1,902 students (2013),[4] 1,991 students (2011-2012)[5] 2,086 students in 2010-2011[6] 2,147 students (2006-2007)
• Kindergarten	165 (2012), 140 (2010)
• Grade 1	152 (2012), 125
• Grade 2	144 (2012), 140
• Grade 3	137 (2012), 118
• Grade 4	157 (2012), 131
• Grade 5	132 (2012), 126
• Grade 6	148 (2012), 137
• Grade 7	142 (2012), 163
• Grade 8	128 (2012), 152
• Grade 9	158 (2012), 161
• Grade 10	149 (2012), 155
• Grade 11	153 (2012), 166
• Grade 12	137 (2012), 169 (2010)
• Other	Enrollment projected to decline to 1,739 pupils in 2020[7]
Language	English
Mascot	Raiders
Budget	$31,665,301 (2013-14)[8] $30,833,400.(2012-13) $2,132,202 (1968-69)[9]
per pupil spending	$12,510 (2008)
per pupil spending	$15,807.29 (2010-11)
Website	http://www.cgsd.org/

The Central Greene School District is a small, rural public school district located in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The District serves: the Borough of Waynesburg and Franklin Township, Perry Township, Washington Township, Wayne Township and Whiteley Township. It encompasses approximately 168 square miles (440 km²). In 1962, the District was created through an agreed joining of school administrations in each six townships served. The District is located about sixty miles south of Pittsburgh and twenty miles north of Morgantown, West Virginia. According to the 2000 federal census data, Central Greene School District served a resident population of 16,681. By 2010, the District's population declined to 15,902 people.^[10] In 2009 the District residents' per capita income was $14,354, while the median family income was $39,358.^[11] The educational attainment levels for the population 25 and over were 84.8% high school graduates and 15.8% college graduates.^[12]

According to Central Greene School District officials, in school year 2007-08, the District provided basic educational services to 2,180 pupils. It employed 180 teachers, 98 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 13 administrators. Per District officials, in school year 2009-10, Central Greene School District provided basic educational services to 2,101 pupils. The District employed: 186 teachers, 102 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 13 administrators. Central Greene School District received more than $13 million in state funding in school year 2009-10.

Central Greene School District operates three (3) schools: Waynesburg Central Elementary School, Margaret Bell Miller Middle School and Waynesburg Central High School. The facilities include a pool, a football stadium, an auditorium, a soccer field and indoor basketball courts that are used as a community center for the Waynesburg area. High school students may choose to attend Greene County Career and Technology Center for training in the construction and mechanical trades. The Intermediate Unit IU1 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.

Academic achievement

Central Greene School District was ranked 278th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2013 by the Pittsburgh Business Times.^[13] The ranking was based on the last three years of student academic performance on the reading, writing, math and science PSSAs. 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 and 8th grades.

• 2013 - 293rd^[14]
• 2012 - 321st ^[15]
• 2011 - 349th^[16]
• 2010 - 341st ^[17]
• 2009 - 350th
• 2008 - 397th
• 2007 - 394th out of 501 school districts.^[18]

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Central Greene School District was in the 16th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania school districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best)^[19]

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Central Greene School District ranked 256th. In 2012, the district was 289th.^[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]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Central Greene School District declined to Warning AYP status due to a low graduation rate coupled with lagging student achievement in reading and Mathematics.^[22] In 2011, Central Greene School District 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.^[23] Central Greene School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003 the District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.^[24]

Graduation rate

In 2013, the graduation rate for Central Greene School District declined to 78%.^[25] In 2012, the graduation rate for Central Greene School District was 80%.^[26] In 2011, Central Greene's graduation rate was 87%.^[27] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Central Greene School District's rate was 70% for 2010.^[28]

Former calculation graduation rate

• 2010 - 88%^[29]
• 2009 - 90%
• 2008 - 91%^[30]
• 2007 - 85% ^[31]

Waynesburg Central High School

Waynesburg Central High School is located at 30 Zimmerman Drive, Waynesburg. In 2013, enrollment had declined to 597 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 39% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 18.7% of pupils received special education services, while 2.5% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 53 teachers.^[32] Per the PA Department of Education 4% of the teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Waynesburg Central High School reported an enrollment of 646 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 223 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 53 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.^[33] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.^[34]

2013 School Performance Profile

Waynesburg Central High School achieved 72 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 71% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 74% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 43% showed on grade level science understanding.^[35] 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.^[36]

AYP History

In 2012, Waynesburg Central High School remained in School Improvement II due to chronic low reading and mathematics achievement, coupled with a low graduation rate. In 2011, Waynesburg Central High School declined to School Improvement II due to chronic low mathematics achievement.^[37] In 2010, the school is in School Improvement I due to the chronic low academic performance of its students. Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, Central Greene School District Administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes and to offer the parent the opportunity to transfer to a successful school within the District. Additionally, the school administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement and graduation rate. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.^[38] The High School is eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.^[39]

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.^[40]

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.^[41]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 75% on grade level, (7% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[42]
• 2011 - 75% (7% below basic). State - 69.1% ^[43]
• 2010 - 56%, State - 67% (144 pupils enrolled)^[44]
• 2009 - 63%, State - 65%
• 2008 - 68%, State - 65% ^[45]
• 2007 - 63%, State - 65%

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 73% on grade level (9% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[46]
• 2011 - 56% (20% below basic). State - 60.3%^[47]
• 2010 - 53%, State - 59%^[48]
• 2009 - 52%, State - 56%^[49]
• 2008 - 60%, State - 56%^[50]
• 2007 - 48%, State - 53%^[51]

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 54% on grade level (3% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[52]
• 2011 - 45% (6% below basic). State - 40% ^[53]
• 2010 - 37%, State - 39%
• 2009 - 44%, State - 40%^[54]
• 2008 - 48%, State - 39%^[55]

College remediation rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 28% of the Waynesburg Central 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.^[56] 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.^[57] 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 The 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

The Central Greene School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 28 credits to graduate, including: English 4 credits, social studies 3.5 credits, science 3.5 credits, math 3.5 credits, Physical Education, health, drivers Education 3 credits and 10.5 electives.^[58]

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.^[59] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.^[60]

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.^[61][62][63] 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.^[64] 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.^[65] 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 2013, Central Greene School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 479. The Math average score was 521. The Writing average score was 475. 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.^[66]

In 2012, 84 Central Greene School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 470. The Math average score was 490. The Writing average score was 450. 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, 79 Central Greene School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 477. The Math average score was 510. The Writing average score was 474.^[67] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[68] 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.^[69]

AP Courses

In 2013, Waynesburg Central High School offered 7 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 Waynesburg Central High School 46% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.^[70]

Margaret Bell Miller Middle School

Margaret Bell Miller Middle School is located at 126 East Lincoln St, Waynesburg. In 2013, enrollment was 418 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 43.7% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 20.5% of pupils received special education services, while 1.6% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[71] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 99% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[72]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, Miller Middle School reported an enrollment of 452 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 196 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 47 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 9:1.^[73] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[74]

2013 School Performance Profile

Miller Middle School achieved 80 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 68.5% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, only 72% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 68.7% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 75% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[75]

AYP history

In 2012, Margaret Bell Miller Middle School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and in mathematics. In 2011 and 2010, Miller Middle School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.^[76] In 2011 and 2010 the school reported a 93% attendance rate.^[77]

PSSA Results

Sixth and 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.^[78] Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science.^[79] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.^[40] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.^[80]

Eighth Grade Science

• 2012 - 57% on grade level (19% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 58% (23% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 63%, State - 57%
• 2009 - 44%, State - 55% ^[86]
• 2008 - 47%, State - 52% ^[87]

Waynesburg Central Elementary School

Waynesburg Central Elementary School is located at 90 Zimmerman Drive, Waynesburg. In 2013, Waynesburg Central Elementary School's enrollment was 887 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 44% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 21.7% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted.^[88] 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.^[89] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 780 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 352 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. Waynesburg Central Elementary School employed 62 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.^[90] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[91]

2013 School Performance Profile

Waynesburg Central Elementary School achieved a score of 71 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 65% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 71% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, just 73% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 75% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 62% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[92]

AYP History

In 2012, Waynesburg Central Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading and math achievement.^[93] In 2010 and 2011, the School achieved AYP status.^[94] The attendance rate for 2011 was 93% while the rate for 2010 was 93%.^[95]

PSSA Results

Each year, in the Spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.^[96] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.^[97][98][99] The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.^[100]

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 88% (2% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 85% (2% below basic). State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 71% (14% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 - 87%, State - 83%
• 2008 - 71%, State - 81%

Special education

In December 2011, Central Greene School District Administration reported that 403 pupils or 20.6% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 41% of identified students having a specific learning disability.^[106] In December 2010, the District's administration reported that 392 pupils or 19.6% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 42% of identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 424 pupils or 19.5% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.^[107]

The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Supervisor of Special Education.^[108] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.^[109]

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.^[110] 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.^[111] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students. Overidentification of students in order to increase state funding has been an issue in the Commonwealth.^[111]

Central Greene School District received a $1,659,153 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[112] For the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010. 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.^[113]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 37 or 1.72% of its students were gifted in 2009.^[114] 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.^[115] Students at Central Greene School District have an opportunity to participate in the Quiz Bowl Program. The Quiz Bowl competitions are sponsored by the Tri-County Academic League. Junior League teams from Central Greene compete against their counterparts from Laurel Highlands School District, Albert Gallatin Area School District, Jefferson-Morgan School District, Uniontown Area School District, Brownsville Area School District, Carmichaels Area School District, West Greene School District, Avella Area School District and Southeastern Greene School District.

School safety and bullying

The school district administration reported there were 26 incidents of bullying in the district in 2012.^[116] Additionally, there were three incidents which involved local law enforcement, including aggravated assault on a student. Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center which publishes the reports online.^[117]

The Central Greene School Board has not provided the District's antibully policy online.^[118] 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.^[119] 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.^[120][121]

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.^[122]

Enrollment

According to Pennsylvania Department of Education enrollment reports, there were 2086 students enrolled in K-12 in 2009–10 school year at Central Greene School District. There were 169 students in the Class of 2009. The district's class of 2010 had 155 students. By 2012 enrollment was 1,975 students. Enrollment is projected to continue to decline to 1,739 students by 2020.<^[123] In 2008, the district administrative costs were $798.10 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[124] A study of Pennsylvania public school spending, conducted by Standard and Poor's, examined the consolidation of Central Greene School Administration with Southeastern Greene School District. The study found that consolidation of the Districts' administrations would achieve substantial administrative cost savings over $4 million.^[125]

According to a 2009 school district administration consolidation proposal by Governor Edward Rendell, the excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improve lagging academic achievement, to enrich the academic programs or to reduce property taxes.^[126] Consolidation of two central administrations into one would not require the closing of any schools. The Governor's proposal called for the savings to be redirected to improving lagging reading and science achievement, to enriching the academic programs or to reducing residents' property taxes.^[127]

Over the decade 2000-2010, rural Pennsylvania public school district enrollment decreased 8 percent.^[128] As the enrollment declined, per pupil administrative costs of the schools continue to rise. In March 2011, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants released a report finding that the state would save hundreds of millions of tax dollars, by cutting the number of school administrations in half through consolidation, with no impact on programs offered to students.^[129]

The Commonwealth of 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.^[130] 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.^[131]

Governance

The school district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.^[132] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "D-" 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.^[133]

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.^[134]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Central Greene School District was $46,565 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $28,699 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $75,264.^[135] The District employer 191 teachers and administrators.

In 2011, Central Greene School District employed 180 teachers with the average teacher salary at $49,378 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $20,603 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $66,044.^[136] The top salary was $122,869.

In 2009, Central Greene School District reported employing 176 teachers, 90 support personnel and 12 administrators with a salary range of $31,000 to $107,078.^[137] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, and other benefits.^[138]

In 2007, Central Greene School District employed 167 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $45,186 for 180 days worked.^[139] 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.^[140] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, personal days, sick days, and other benefits.^[141]

Administrative costs

Central Greene School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $798.10 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[142] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps 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.^[143]

Reserves

In 2008, Central Greene School District reported $4,000,544 in an unreserved-designated fund balance. The unreserved-undesignated fund balance was reported as zero.^[144] In 2010, Central Greene School District Administration reported zero in the District's unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The District reported $4,689,865.00 in its unreserved-designated fund in 2010. In 2012, the District reported that its reserved fund balance was $3,227,812. In 2013, the reserve fund balance grew to $4,822,945.^[145]

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. By law the state limits the total unreserved-undesignated fund balance at 8% of the annual budget for school districts that have budgets over $19 million a year. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.^[146]

Per pupil spending

In 2008, Central Greene School District administration reported that per pupil spending was $12,510 which ranked 220th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts. In 2010, the per pupil spending had increased to $15,807.29 ^[147] Among the states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[148] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.^[149] The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.^[150]

Audits In October 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the Central Greene School District. The findings were reported to the school board and administration.^[151] In December 2012, the District was again audited by the Pennsylvania Auditor General with the findings reported to the administration and School Board.^[152]

Tuition Students who live in the Central Greene 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 Central Greene 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 - $9,421.16, High School - $10,255.63.^[153]

Central Greene School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.^[154] 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.^[155] 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.^[156]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Central Greene School District receives 45% of its annual revenue from the state.^[157]

For the 2014-15 school year, Central Greene School District will receive $7,953,531 in State Basic Education funding. The District will also receive $285,376 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.^[158] 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.^[159]

In the 2013-2014 school year, the Central Greene School District received a 1.6% increase or $7,953,531 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $ more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Central Greene School District received $161,121 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Greene County, Central Greene School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF. The District has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth’s budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.^[160] 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.^[161] 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.^[162]

For the 2012-13 school year, Central Greene School District received $7,983,649 in BEF from the State.^[163] 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. Central Greene School District received $161,121 in ABG funds. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[164] This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. 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 school year, Central Greene School District received a $7,822,528 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.^[165] Additionally, the Central Greene School District received $161,121 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.^[166] 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.^[167] In 2010, the district reported that 882 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.^[168]

For the 2010-11 budget year, the highest increase in Greene County was given to the Central Greene School District a 4.97% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $8,657,885. 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.^[169][170] 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.^[171]

In the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 6% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $8,247,230. Among the districts in Greene County, the highest increase went to Southeastern Greene School District which got a 6.92%. Ninety school districts received a 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.^[172] The amount of increase each school district received was set by then Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak as a part of the state budget proposal given each February.^[173] 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.^[174][175]

The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $4,787,151.79. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 850 Central Greene School District students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.^[176]

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 $437,324 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide full-day kindergarten and reduced class size K-3rd grade.^[177][178]

• 2009-10 - $320,064 for full-day kindergarten and $117,260 for Class size reduction K-3rd^[179]
• 2008-09 - $437,324 for full-day kindergarten and class size reduction.

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Central Greene School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07 or in 2007-08. The District received $136,749 in 2008-09.^[180] The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. Among the public school districts in Greene County, the highest award was given to Southeastern Greene School District which received $344,563. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

Literacy grant

Central Greene School District was awarded a $435,739 competitive literacy grant. It is to be used to improve reading skills birth through 12th grade. The district was required to develop a lengthy 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.^[181] 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 enhance their 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. The top Pennsylvania grant recipient was Pittsburgh School District which was awarded $1,9983,014.

Other grants

Central Greene School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education grants, PA Science Its Elementary grants, Education Assistance Grants, the 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants^[182] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal Stimulus grant

Central Greene School District received an extra $1,364,310 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[183] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.^[184] 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

Central Greene School District officials applied 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. 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.^[185] 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.^{[186][187][188]}

Common Cents state initiative

The Central Greene School Board elected 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.^[189] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2014-15 were set by the Central Greene School Board at 25.4700 mills.^[190] 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.^[191] Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.^[192]

The average yearly property tax paid by Greene County residents amounts to about 2.77% of their yearly income. Greene County ranked 746th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[200] 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.^[201] 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%).^[202]

Act 1 Adjusted Index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.^[203]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Central Greene School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.^[204]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Central Greene School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2013-2014, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 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 the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.^[207]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Central Greene School Board applied for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index citing high teacher pension costs. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.^[207]

For the 2011-12 school year, Central Greene School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, Central Greene School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[208]

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.^[209]

The Central Greene School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011.^[210] For 2009-10 school budget, the board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Index.^[211] 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.^[212]

Property tax relief

In 2012, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Central Greene School District was $288 per approved permanent primary residence. In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Central Greene School District was $296 per approved permanent primary residence. In the District, 3,113 property owners applied for the tax relief.^[213] 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. In Greene County, 37% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.^[214] In Greene County, the highest amount of tax relief in 2010, went to property owners in Central Greene School District. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District of Delaware County who received $632 per approved homestead.^[215] This was the third year they were the top recipient.

• 2009 - $310 for 2,976 properties.
• 2008 - $362 for 2,542 properties.

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).^[216]

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, individual with income much 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.^[217]

Extracurriculars

Central Greene School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and interscholastic sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.

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.^[218]

Sports

The District funds:

Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2012 ^[219]

Closed school

On August 9, 2011, the Central Greene School Board voted^[220] to close Perry Elementary as a cost-saving measure. All elementary students in the district were shifted to attend Waynesburg Central Elementary School.

In 2010 and 2011, Perry Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[221] The attendance rate for 2011 was 93% while the rate for 2010 was 94%.^[222]

4th Grade Science:

• 2011 - 96%, (0% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 93%, State - 81%
• 2009 - 80%, State - 83%
• 2008 - 100%, State - 81%

References

External links

• Central Greene School District