West Shore School District

West Shore School District
Address
507 Fishing Creek Road New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, Cumberland County and York County 17070-9517 United States
Information
Type	Public
Closed	Mount Zion Elementary (June 2012), Lemoyne Middle School (June 2013)
School board	9 locally elected members
Superintendent	Dr. Todd Stoltz beginning July 2014 for 4 years.[1] Salary $130,000 (2014)[2] Jemry Small former superintendent ($135,200 salary 2009) ($139,256 in 2011) retired July 2014
School number	(717) 938-9577
Administrator	Jamie Whye (Asst Super Curriculum) $104,000 (July 2014) David Zuilkoski (Asst Super) (salary $113,601 in 2012) Dr. Todd Stoltz, (Asst Super Curriculum) Thomas Burnheimer, Director of Pupil Services Timothy Dorsey, Coordinator of Special Education Brett Sanders, Coordinator of Technology & Media Anthony McNaughton, Coordinator of Transportation Mr. Bruce Kilmoyer, Athletic Director
Director of Business Affairs	David Shipe
Staff	569 non teaching staff
Faculty	521 teachers (2012);[3] 582 teachers 2012; 598.50 teachers 2010
Grades	K-12 (plus Kindergarten Acceleration Program)
Age	5 years to 21 years old special education students
Pupils	7,827 pupils (2014)[4] 7,875 pupils (2012) 7,882 pupils (2009)[5] 8,223 pupils (2006)[6]
• Kindergarten	590 (2013),[7] 537 (2010)
• Grade 1	592 (2013), 619
• Grade 2	568 (2013), 569
• Grade 3	621 (2013), 609
• Grade 4	610 (2013), 563
• Grade 5	599 (2013), 571
• Grade 6	592 (2013), 633
• Grade 7	621 (2013), 594
• Grade 8	609 (2013), 577
• Grade 9	638 (2013), 661
• Grade 10	677 (2013), 697
• Grade 11	541 (2013), 589
• Grade 12	547 (2013), 663 (2010)
Language	English (ESL available at select schools)
Mascot	Red Land Patriots; Cedar Cliff Colts
Budget	$105,662,739 (2015-16)[8] $96.2 million (2013-14)[9] $93.6 million (2012-13)[10] $95 million (2010-11)[11]
Per pupil spending	$10,498 (2008)
Per pupil spending	$11,467 (2010)[12]
Per pupil spending	$11,202 (2012)[13]
Website	http://www.wssd.k12.pa.us/news.cfm

West Shore School District, is a large, suburban, public school district with its main office located in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania.The Superintendent is Todd Stoltz. This district serves students in eastern Cumberland County and northern York County. It serves the municipalities of Lemoyne, New Cumberland and Wormleysburg boroughs and Lower Allen Township in Cumberland County; Goldsboro and Lewisberry boroughs, Fairview Township and Newberry Township in York County. West Shore School District encompasses approximately 78 square miles (200 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, the District served a resident population of 57,960 people. By 2010, the district's population increased to 62,514 people.^[14]

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 26 of the District’s pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty Level as shown by their eligibility for the federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012.^[15] In 2009, the District residents' per capita income was $24,740, while the median family income was $57,500.^[16] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 ^[17] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.^[18] In York County, the median household income was $57,494.^[19] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.^[20]

According to District officials, in school year 2007–08, the West Shore School District provided basic educational services to 8,016 pupils through the employment of 670 teachers, 451 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 43 administrators. The West Shore School District received more than $23.2 million in state funding in school year 2007–08. According to a district report 58% of the pupils live in York County, while 42% reside in Cumberland County.^[21] By school year 2009-10, West Shore School District provided basic educational services to 7,926 pupils. The District employed: 678 teachers, 420 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 39 administrators. West Shore School District received more than $23.6 million in state funding in school year 2009-10.

Based on enrollment, the school district is the largest serving Cumberland County and one of the largest in the greater Harrisburg metropolitan area. It was formed in 1966 from four small Cumberland County districts and one school district in York County.^[22] About 58 percent of the district’s students come from York County, with the remaining 42 percent coming from Cumberland County. Eighty percent of the district's area resides in York County.^[22]

West Shore School District operates two high schools (grades 9–12). Most students from Cumberland County attend Cedar Cliff High School and most of the York County students attend Red Land High School. The district also operates three middle schools (grades 6–8), and ten elementary schools (grades K-5). Total enrollment as of 2005–06 is 8,344 students.^[22]

Governance

West Shore 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.^[23] 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 district is divided into 3 electoral zones. Three board members are elected from each zone.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and school district administration a "C-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.^[24]

Visitors may view District Board meetings and study sessions live from the opening page of the site on the evenings the meetings are conducted.^[25]

Schools

Cedar Cliff High School Principal: Dr. Kevin Fillgrove Red Land High School Principal: Holly W. Sayre Allen Middle School Principal: Brian Granger New Cumberland Middle School Principal: Melissa Herbert Crossroads Middle School Principal: Christopher Konieczy

Washington Heights Elementary School Principal: Michelle Trevino Rossmoyne Elementary School Principal: Amanda Lerew Red Mill Elementary School Principal: Kathleen Wagner Newberry Elementary School Principal: Travis Peck Lower Allen Elementary School Principal: Amanda Lerew

Hillside Elementary School Principal: Julie Dougherty Highland Elementary School Principal: Meghan Sheraw Fishing Creek Elementary School Principal: Lisa Crum Fairview Elementary School Principal: Christopher Stine

Academic achievement

In 2015, West Shore School District ranked 296th out of 496 Pennsylvania public school districts, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.^[26] The ranking is based on the last 3 years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school.^[27] Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. West Shore School District ranked 451st. In 2012, the district was ranked 440th. ^[34] 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."^[35]

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students in the West Shore School District was in the lower 38th percentile among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale (0–99; 100 is state best)^[36]

District wide AYP

In 2012, West Shore School District declined to Warning status when 8 of the 16 schools did not achieve AYP.^[37] In both 2010 and 2011, West Shore School District, as a whole, achieved AYP status under the federal No Child Left Behind law. In 2011, 7 of the District's schools did not achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).^[38][39] 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.^[40] West Shore School District achieved AYP status each year from 2006 to 2010.

• 2005 - Warning status due to lagging student achievement.
• 2004 - achieved AYP status
• 2003 - Warning status due to lagging student achievement.^[41]

Cedar Cliff High School

Cedar Cliff High School is located at 1101 Carlisle Road, Camp Hill. In 2014, enrollment was reported as 1,268 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 30% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 19.9% of pupils received special education services, while 5.5% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[42] The school employed teachers.^[43] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Cedar Cliff High School reported an enrollment of 1,322 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 281 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 95 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[44] According to a 2012 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 4 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[45]

2014 School Performance Profile

Cedar Cliff High School achieved 78.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 73% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, just 56% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology, 52.9% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[46] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.^[47]

2013 School Performance Profile

Cedar Cliff High School achieved 87 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 79% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 62% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 39.7% showed on grade level science understanding.^[48] 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.^[49]

AYP History

In 2012, Cedar Cliff High School declined to Corrective Action I AYP status due to low student achievement and a low graduation rate.^[50] In 2011, Cedar Cliff High School declined to School Improvement II AYP status.^[51] In 2010, the school was in Making Progress: in School Improvement I in student achievement. In 2009, the school was in School Improvement I due to chronically low student achievement.

Cedar Cliff High School Graduation Rate:

In 2014, the District’s graduation rate was 88%.^[52]

• 2013 - 83%
• 2012 - 87% ^[53]
• 2011 - 89% ^[54]
• 2010 - 90% ^[55]
• 2009 - 89%^[56]
• 2008 - 92%, State – 65%

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 70% on grade level, (15% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[57]
• 2011 - 67% (17% below basic). State - 69.1% ^[58]
• 2010 - 74%, State - 67% ^[59]
• 2009 - 69%, State – 65% ^[56]
• 2008 - 64%, State – 65%^[60]
• 2007 - 72%, State – 65%

11th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 62% on grade level (25% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[61]
• 2011 - 58%, (23% below basic). State - 60.3%
• 2010 - 63%, State - 59%
• 2009 - 56%, State – 56% ^[62]
• 2008 - 58%, State – 56%
• 2007 - 60%, State – 53% ^[63]

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 47% on grade level (13% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[64]
• 2011 - 33% (20% below basic). State - 40%
• 2010 - 43%, State – 39%
• 2009 - 46%, State – 40%^[65]
• 2008 - 34%, State – 39%^[66]

SAT scores

In 2012, 199 Cedar Cliff High School students took the SAT exams. The School's Verbal Average Score was 510. The Math average score was 505. The Writing average score was 481. 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.

In 2011, 198 Cedar Cliff High School students took the SAT exams. The school's Verbal Average Score was 512. The Math average score was 510. The Writing average score was 498.^[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]

Red Land Senior High School

Red Land Senior High School is located at 560 Fishing Creek Road, Lewisberry. In 2014, enrollment was reported as 1,135 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 19.9% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 19% of pupils received special education services, while 4% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[70] The school employed 77 teachers.^[43] Per the PA Department of Education, 3% 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, the school reported an enrollment of 1,275 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 186 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 87 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.^[71] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 10 courses were taught by teachers who were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind Act.^[72]

2014 School Performance Profile

Red Land Senior High School achieved 87.4 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 80% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 68.7% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, just 63% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[73]

2013 School Performance Profile

Red Land Senior High School achieved 88.7 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 85% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 63% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, just 44% showed on grade level science understanding.^[74]

AYP History

In 2012, Red Land Senior High School declined further to Corrective Action I AYP status under No Child Left Behind. In 2011, the Red Land Senior High School was in Making Progress: in School Improvement II status. In 2010, the school declined to School Improvement II status due to continued poor student achievement.^[75] In 2009, Red Land Senior High School was in Making Progress: in School Improvement I due to chronic, low student achievement. In 2008, Red Land Senior High School was in School Improvement I status due to chronic low student achievement.

Red Land Senior High School Graduation Rate:

• 2014 - 92.9%
• 2012 - 90% ^[76]
• 2011 - 90% ^[77]
• 2010 - 94%
• 2009 - 95% ^[78]
• 2008 - 90%

PSSA Results

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 44% on grade level (12% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[80]
• 2011 - 44%, (12% below basic). State - 40%
• 2010 – 39%, State – 39%
• 2009 – 41%, State – 40%
• 2008 – 32%, State – 39%

SAT scores

In 2013, School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was . The Math average score was . The Writing average score was . 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.^[81]

In 2012, 198 Red Land Senior High School students took the SAT exams. The School's Verbal Average Score was 509. The Math average score was 515. The Writing average score was 492. 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.

From January to June 2011, 186 Red Land Senior High School students took the SAT exams. The school's Verbal Average Score was 503. The Math average score was 501. The Writing average score was 477.^[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]

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 37% of West Shore School District 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.^[82] 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.^[83] 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.

Graduation requirements

The West Shore School Board has established that students must earn 22 credits to graduate, including: English 4 credits, Social studies 3 credits, Science 3 Credits, Mathematics 3 Credits,Health/physical education 2 credits and elective 7.25 credits.^[84]

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.^[85] 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.^[86]

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.^[87] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade. Students have several opportunities to pass the exam, with those who do not able to perform a project in order to graduate.^[88][89] 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.^[90] 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.^[91] 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.

Dual enrollment

West Shore School District offers a dual enrollment program. This state-funded program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.^[92] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.^[93] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.^[94] For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $6,852 for the program. In 2010, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students, from the Commonwealth, due to a state budget crisis.

Allen Middle School

Allen Middle School is located at 4225 Gettysburg Road, Camp Hill. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 440 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 101 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. Allen Middle School is not a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 11:1.^[95] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 18 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[96] As of August 19, 2016, Allen Middle School has 50 staff members.

2013 School Performance Profile

Allen Middle School achieved 70.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 75% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics, 76.87% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 64% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 70% of the 8th grade students were on grade level.^[97] In 2013 the school reported a 95% attendance rate.

AYP History

In 2012, Allen Middle School improved to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.^[98] In 2011, the Allen Middle School is in Warning status due to lagging student achievement in mathematics. In 2010, Allen Middle School achieved AYP status in 2010.^[99] In 2011 and 2010 the attendance rate was 94%.^[100] In 2008–09 and 2009–10 the attendance rate, at Allen Middle School, was reported as 95%.

8th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 83% on grade level, 57% advanced. In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.^[61]
• 2011 - 81%, 61% advanced. State - 81.8%
• 2010 – 82% (10% below basic). State – 81% ^[101]
• 2009 – 82%, State – 80.9% ^[102]
• 2008 – 69%, State – 78%

8th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 82% on grade level (8% below basic). State - 76% ^[103]
• 2011 - 77% (13% below basic). State - 76.9% ^[104]
• 2010 – 75% (12% below basic). State – 75%
• 2009 – 70%, State – 71% ^[105]
• 2008 – 66%, State – 70%

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 60% on grade level (14% below basic). State - 59% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 67%, (18% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 – 61%, State – 59%
• 2009 – 61%, State – 55%
• 2008 – 51%, State – 52%^[106]

Crossroads Middle School

Crossroads Middle School is located at 535 Fishing Creek Road, Lewisberry. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 637 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 124 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 50 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.^[108] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 28 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.^[109] As of August 19, 2016, Crossroads Middle School has 60 staff members.

2013 School Performance Profile

Crossroads Middle School's report was withheld from the public at the District's September 2013 request.

AYP History

In 2012, Crossroads Middle School declined to School Improvement I status due to lagging student achievement.^[110] In 2011, Crossroads Middle School was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement. In 2010, the school achieved AYP status.^[111] In 2011, the attendance rate rose to 95%. In 2008–09 and 2009–10, the student attendance rate, at Crossroads Middle School, was reported as 94%.

PSSA Results:

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 65% on grade level (19% below basic). State - 59% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 66%, (16% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 – 65%, (19% below basic). State – 57%
• 2009 – 71%, (% below basic). State – 55%
• 2008 – 61%, State – 52% ^[106]

New Cumberland Middle School

New Cumberland Middle School is located at 331 8th Street, New Cumberland. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 351 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 86 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 8:1.^[118] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 12 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[119] As of August 19, 2016, New Cumberland Middle School has 60 staff members.

2013 School Performance Profile

New Cumberland Middle School's report was withheld from the public at the District's request.

AYP History

In 2012, New Cumberland Middle School declined to School Improvement I status due to continuing issues with student scores in mathematics and reading.^[120] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required that the administration develop a school improvement plan to address the shortcomings. Additionally, under NCLB they were mandated to inform parents that they could transfer their children to a better achieving school in the District. In 2011, the school was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement in mathematics and reading. While in 2010 the school achieved AYP status.^[121] The attendance rate was 94% in 2010-11.^[122] In 2008–09 and 2009–10 the attendance rate at New Cumberland Middle School was reported as 94% and 93% respectively.

8th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 80% on grade level (6% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.
• 2011 - 83% (12% below basic). State - 81.8%
• 2010 – 85%, State – 81%
• 2009 – 82%, State – 80.9%^[102]
• 2008 – 78%, State – 78%

8th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 78% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 76% ^[123]
• 2011 - 64% (17% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 – 75%, State – 75% ^[124]
• 2009 – 75%, State – 71% ^[125]
• 2008 – 67%, State – 70%

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 62% on grade level (19% below basic). State - 59% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 53% (29% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 – 54%, State - 57%
• 2009 – 60%, State – 55%
• 2008 – 54%, State – 52% ^[106]

Fairview Elementary School

Fairview Elementary School is located at 480 Lewisberry Road, New Cumberland. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 224 pupils in grades 3rd through 5th, with 60 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. Fairview is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 18 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.^[126] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, all of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[127] The 2013 attendance rate was reported as 95%. As of August 19, 2016, Fairview Elementary School has 27 staff members.

2013 School Performance Profile

Fairview Elementary School achieved a score of 80.8 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 79% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 73% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 83% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 61% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[128]

AYP History

In 2012, Fairview Elementary School achieved AYP status through safe harbor. In 2011, Fairview Elementary School declined to Warning status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics. In 2010, Fairview Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[129] In 2012, 78% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 79% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level with 53% scoring advanced. In 3rd grade 82% were on grade level in math. In 4th grade science, 82% of the pupils were on grade level with 44% advanced.^[130]

In 2011, 75% of Fairview Elementary School students in 3rd through 5th grades were reading on grade level. In math, 75% of the students, in 3rd through 5th grades, were on grade level with 51% scoring advanced. In 3rd grade only 67% were on grade level in math. In 4th grade science, 87% of the pupils were on grade level with 55% advanced.^[131][132]

Fishing Creek Elementary School

Fishing Creek Elementary School is located at 510 Fishing Creek Road, Lewisberry. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 517 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 85 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. Fishing Creek Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 36 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[133] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, all of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[134] The school provides full day kindergarten. The 2013 attendance rate was 96%. As of August 19, 2016, Fishing Creek Elementary School has 40 staff members.

2013 School Performance Profile

Fishing Creek Elementary School achieved a score of 77.2 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 76% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 85% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 82% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 90% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 72% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[135]

AYP History

In 2011 and 2010, Fishing Creek Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[136] In 2011, 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 87% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level with 65% scoring advanced. In 4th grade science, 90% of the pupils were on grade level with 54% advanced.^[137][138]

Highland Elementary School

Highland Elementary School is located at 1325 Carlisle Road, Camp Hill. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 430 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 101 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. Highland Elementary is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 27 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.^[139] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[140] Highland Elementary provides full day kindergarten. The attendance rate in 2013 was 96%.

2013 School Performance Profile

Highland Elementary School achieved a score of 81.5 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 71.8% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 82% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 79% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 78% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing 81% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[141]

AYP History

In 2010 and 2011, Highland Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[142] In 2011, only 77% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 80% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 46% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 97% of the pupils were on grade level with 54% scoring advanced.^[143][144]

Hillside Elementary School

Hillside Elementary School is located at 516 7th Street, New Cumberland. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 401 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 125 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 27 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.^[145] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.^[146] Hillside Elementary School provides full day kindergarten. In 2013, Hillside Elementary School reported an 96% attendance rate.

2013 School Performance Profile

Hillside Elementary School achieved a score of 65.6 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 63% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, just 77% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 64% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 73.68% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 63% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[147]

AYP History

In 2012, Hillside Elementary School achieved AYP status through exceptions even though it missed all academic metrics measured.^[148] In 2010 and 2011, Hillside Elementary School also achieved AYP status.^[149]

In 2012, only 74% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade 81% of students were reading on grade level. In math, only 75% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades demonstrated on grade level skills, with 44% scoring advanced. In 4th grade science, just 79% of the pupils were on grade level.^[150]

In 2011, only 76% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 77% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 40% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 92% of the pupils were on grade level.^[151][152]

Newberry Elementary School

Newberry Elementary School is located at 2055 Old Trail Road, Etters According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 395 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 132 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. Newberry Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 29 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.^[153] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[154] In 2010 and 2011, Newberry Elementary School served grades K-5th. Newberry Elementary School provides full day kindergarten. In 2013, the attendance rate was 95% at Newberry Elementary School.

2013 School Performance Profile

Newberry Elementary School achieved a score of 65.2 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 60% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 76% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 70.99% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 65% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 48% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[155]

AYP History

In 2012, Newberry Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status.^[156] In 2010 and 2011, Newberry Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[157]

In 2012, only 63% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, just 73% of the students showed on grade level skills. In math, 78% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 37% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils were on grade level.^[158]

In 2011, only 62% of the students at Newberry Elementary School were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 79% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 41% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 86% of the pupils were on grade level, with 30% achieving advanced.^[159][160]

Red Mill Elementary School

Red Mill Elementary School is located at 700 Red Mill Road, Etters. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 571 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 141 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. Red Mill Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 41 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[161] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[162] The school provides full day kindergarten. The attendance rate was 95.75% in 2013.

2013 School Performance Profile

Red Mill Elementary School achieved a score of 75.2 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 78% of the students were reading on grade level, in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 83% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 87% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 95.7% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 79% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[163]

AYP History

In 2010 through 2012, Red Mill Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[164]

In 2012, 87% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade 93% of the pupils were on grade level in reading. In math, 89% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 65% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 92% of the pupils were on grade level.^[165]

In 2011, 86% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 90% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 59% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 88% of the pupils were on grade level, with 55% scoring advanced.^[166][167]

Rossmoyne Elementary School

Rossmoyne Elementary School is located at 1225 Rossmoyne Road, Mechanicsburg. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 192 pupils in grades 3rd through 5th, with 42 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. Rossmoyne Elementary School is a federally designated Title I. The school employed 13 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.^[168] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[169] The 2013 attendance rate was 96%.

2013 School Performance Profile

Rossmoyne Elementary School achieved a score of 77.5 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 69% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 75% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 75% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 96% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 64% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[170]

AYP History

In 2012, Rossmoyne Elementary School achieved AYP status even though it missed all reading metrics measured.^[171] In 2010 and 2011, Rossmoyne Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[172]

In 2012, 81% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In third grade, 89% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 83% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 43% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 81% of the pupils were on grade level.^[173]

In 2011, just 78% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 84% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 39% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils were on grade level.^[174][175]

Washington Heights Elementary School

Washington Heights Elementary School is located at 531 Walnut Street, Lemoyne. The school reported an enrollment of 365 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 143 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. Washington Heights Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 27 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.^[176] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1 teacher was rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[177] Washington Heights Elementary School provides full day kindergarten. The attendance rate 95% was 2013.

2013 School Performance Profile

Washington Heights Elementary School achieved a score of 62.8 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 67% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 82% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 70% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 76.92% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 48% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[178]

AYP History

In 2012, Washington Heights Elementary School achieved AYP status, even though it missed all the reading and math metrics measured.^[179] In 2010 and 2011, Washington Heights Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[180]

In 2012, just 69% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 74% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 37% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 75% of the pupils were on grade level.^[181]

In 2011, only 73% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade 81% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 72% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 36% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 88% of the pupils were on grade level.^[182][183]

Special education

In December 2010, the district administration reported that 1,387 pupils or 17.5% of the district's pupils received Special Education services. Among the identified students 46% had a specific learning disability. In 2009, the administration reported that 1491 pupils or 18.6% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.^[184] In May 2010, the district entered into settlements with several parents over the services the district provided to their child.^[185]

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.^[186]

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.^[187] 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.^[188] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.^[189] Overidentification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.^[190]

West Shore School District received a $3,626,052 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[191] 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 2010-11. 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.^[192]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 240 or 3.04% of its students were identified as gifted in 2009.^[193] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.^[194]

Bullying policy

The West Shore School District administration reported there were 3 incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.^[195][196]

The West Shore School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online.^[197] 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.^[198] 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.^[199]

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.^[200]

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.^[201]

West Shore School District reported employing 667 teacher in 2012 with the average teacher salary being $61,020 and the highest being $139,256.^[202] In 2011, the average teacher salary in West Shore School District was $58,725 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $14,179 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $70,905.^[203] 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.^[204]

In 2009, the West Shore School District employed over 850 teachers with a starting salary of $46,522 for 191 contract days. The average teacher salary was $57,855 while the highest was $135,200.^[205] The school day is limited by the union contract to 7.5 hours. Additionally, West Shore School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, paid bereavement leave, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10 sick days and other benefits. Teachers are paid extra when they are required to work outside of the regular school day hours. The Board provides a substantial retirement incentive. The West Shore School Board agreed to provide the union with 20 paid employee days to conduct union business off campus.^[206] In 2010, the board approved a four-year contract with annual raises averaging 3.056 percent over the next four years.^[207] According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.^[208]

In 2007, West Shore School District employed 550 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $49,741 for 180 days worked.^[209] 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.^[210]

Per pupil spending West Shore School District administrative costs per pupil was $632.88 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[211] Jemry Goodrich-Small was hired as superintendent in June 2008 with a four-year contract that has a $125,000 initial salary.^[212] The Pennsylvania School Board Association tracks salaries for Pennsylvania public school employees. It reports that in 2008 the average superintendent salary in Pennsylvania was $122,165.^[213] In 2007, the Average District Administrator salary in West Shore School District was $95,417 which ranked seventh in York County. The Average School Administrator salary in Central York School District was $71,484 which ranked nearly last in York County.^[214] In 2011 the West Shore School District administrators agreed to a one-year pay freeze.^[215]

The Administration reported that the per pupil spending was $10,498, which ranked 438th in the commonwealth.^[216] In 2010 the per pupil spending had increased to $11,467.03 ^[217] Among the states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[218] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.^[219]

Reserves In 2008, West Shore School District reported $9,179,637.00 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.^[220] In 2010, West Shore School District Administration reported an increase to $14,937,949 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. in 2012, the Board reported $3,561,389 in reserves.^[221] Pennsylvania school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.^[222] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.^[223]

Audit March 2013, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the District. The findings were reported to the West Shore School Board and the District’s administration.^[224]

Tuition Students who live in the West Shore 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 West Shore School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $7,873, High School - $9,961.^[225]

West Shore School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 0.95%, a local real property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.05%, and per capita taxes, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.^[226] Grants provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. 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 income level.^[227]

State basic education funding

For the 2013-14 school year, the West Shore School District received a 2.7% increase or $12,403,799 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $327,682 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, West Shore School District received $323,342 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in York County, Dover Area School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 7.5%. West Shore 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.^[228] The state funded the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.^[229]

For the 2012-13 school year, West Shore School District received $12,076,117.^[230] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 includes $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which is an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. The state also provides $100 million for the Accountability Block grant. West Shore School District received $323,342 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement. The state will also provide $544.4 million for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[231] 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, West Shore School District received $12,076,117 in state Basic Education Funding.^[232][233] Additionally, the district will receive $323,342 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011–2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.^[234] Districts experienced a reduction in funding due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011. In 2010, the District reported that 1,685 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010–11 school year, West Shore School District received 5.03% increase in state Basic Education Funding for a total of $13,223,180. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in Cumberland County was awarded to Camp Hill School District at 13.99%, while the highest increase in York County was awarded to Hanover Public School District at 8.39%. Among Pennsylvania school districts, the highest increase in 2010–11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.^[235] 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 where 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 districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009–2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 4.25% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $12,589,705 to the West Shore School District. Eight York County school districts received increases of more than 5% in Basic Education Funding in 2009–10. Three school district in Cumberland County received increases of less than 5% in 2009–10. Central York School District received a 12.54% increase. In Pennsylvania, over 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.^[236] 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.^[237][238]

The state's Basic Education Funding to the West Shore School District in 2008–09 was $12,076,117.33.^[239] In 2008, the District reported that 1,412 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income.^[240]

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 West Shore School District applied for and received $877,632 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The District used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten, to fund interventions for struggling students and to pay for teacher training, as well as classroom teacher coaches.^[241][242]

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. West Shore School District received $415,146 in 2006–07. In 2007–08 the district received $310,138. The district received $431,786 in 2008–09 for a total of $176,199. In total the District received $1,023,131. Only 19 school districts in the state received this funding above $1 million. The vast majority of top receiving districts were urban districts.^[243] Among the public school districts in York County, West Shore School District received the highest CFF award. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

Environmental Education Grant

The Environmental Education Grant Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that 5 percent of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Department of Environmental Protection be set aside for environmental education. In 2010, West Shore School District was awarded $2,996 to purchase water quality testing kits that fifth grade students will use as part of a stream study program.^[244]

Education Assistance grant

The state's Education Assistance Program funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010–11 West Shore School District received $173,593.^[245]

Other state grants

The District did not participate in the following grants: Science its Elementary grants, Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grants, nor the Pre-K Counts preschool grants. The District will be eligible for School Improvement grants in 2013 due to declining academic achievement.

Federal Stimulus grant

West Shore School District received an extra $3,878,683 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[246] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.^[247] 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

West Shore School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district millions in additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.^[248] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success.^[249] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.^[250] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. According to then Governor Rendell, failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.^[251]

Common Cents state initiative

The West Shore School District School Board chose to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.^[252] 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 2015–16 were set at 13.2522 mills for York County residents and 10.1788 mills in Cumberland County. Pennsylvania public school districts located in more than one county are required to apportion the tax levy based on the market value in each county as determined by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) pursuant to section 672.1 of the School Code. As a result, the tax rate increases are not the same for each county in a multi-county school district.^[253] 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.^[254]

A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.^[255]

• 2013–14 - 12.5200 mills York County residents and 9.4000 mills in Cumberland County.
• 2012–13 - 12.3200 mills York County residents and 9.3000 mills in Cumberland County.^[10]
• 2011-12 - 11.78 mills for York County residents and 9 mills in Cumberland County.^[256]
• 2010–11 – 10.61 mills for district residents in Cumberland County and 11.1 mills for residents residing in York County.^[257]
• 2009–10 – 10.6 mills in Cumberland County and 10.3 mills York County^[258]
• 2008–09 – 10.5000 mills for both counties^[259]
• 2007–08 – 10.2000 mills for both communities^[260]
• 2006-07 - 9.9000 mills Cumberland County and 10.1000 mills York County.
• 2005-06 - 9.6140 mills Cumberland County and 11.9730 mills York County.

The average yearly property tax paid by Cumberland County residents amounts to about 2.8% of their yearly income. Cumberland County is ranked 724th of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income. The average yearly property tax paid by York County residents amounts to about 4.01% of their yearly income. York County is ranked 232nd of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[261] 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%).^[262] 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.^[263]

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.^[264] With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly repealed most of the Act 1 exceptions leaving: electorally approved debt, special education costs and pension costs. The cost of future construction projects will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum.^[265]

The School District Adjusted Index for the West Shore School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.^[266]

For the 2013-14 budget year, West Shore School Board apply for two exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit: teacher pension costs and special education costs. For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.^[269]

For the 2012-13 budget year, West Shore School Board applied for an exception due to pension costs, to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.^[270]

For the 2011–12 school year, the West Shore School Board applied for several exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. These included: Pension Obligations, Maintenance Selected Revenue sources, and Special Education Costs. Each year the West Shore School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[271]

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.^[272]

The West Shore School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index for the budget year 2010–2011.^[273] 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.^[274]

Property tax relief

In 2010, the property tax relief was set by the state at $148 for 8,667 approved properties. In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the West Shore School District was $80 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 15,979 property owners applied for the tax relief. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Cumberland County, 75.93% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. No data was available for York County.^[275]

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, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This rebate can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.

Wellness policy

West Shore School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 – Policy 246.^[276] The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 – 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."

The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education, physical activity, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.^[277] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for its approval.^[278] This includes classroom party guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[279]

Extracurriculars

West Shore School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive costly sports. The school board determines eligibility for participation in coordination with respective individual governing organizations. Varsity and junior varsity athletic activities are under the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.^[280] In 2007–08 the district spent $910,900 on athletics. In 2007–08 West Shore spent $583,496 on school athletics (excluding coaches salaries). In 2010–11 the spending increased to $639,152 and in 2011–12 it has budgeted $600,680 for athletics.^[281] In October 2011, the school board voted to eliminate random drug testing of students who participate in extracurricular activities. Over the course of the program, six students were tested each at each high school each week for 899 tests administered, with just 37 positive results.^[282]

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.^[283]

Sports

The District funds:

Cedar Cliff High School

Red Land High School

Middle Schools:

According to PIAA directory July 2012 ^[284]

On March 19, 2015, the West Shore School District school board voted 6-2 to combine the Cedar Cliff and Red Land marching bands, to make West Shore Marching Band. It is under the direction of Robert Starrett (band director at Red Land) and Eric Graybill (band director at Cedar Cliff).

Closed Schools

Lemoyne Middle School

CLOSED AT END OF 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR Lemoyne Middle School is located at 701 Market Street, Lemoyne. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 405 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 125 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 10:1.^[285] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 20 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[286] The West Shore School Board voted unanimously to close Lemoyne Middle School in June 2013 to deal with budget constraints. Student are reassigned to the remaining 3 middle schools in the District. The District will save over $1 million a year by closing the school.^[287]

2013 School Performance Profile

Lemoyne Middle School achieved 64.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, only 67% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics, 62% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, 48% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 69.84% of the 8th grade students were on grade level.^[288]

AYP History

In 2012, Lemoyne Middle School declined further to School Improvement I status due to low student achievement, in reading and in math.^[289] The PA Department of Education required the administration to develop a school improvement plan and to submit it to the state for approval. Under No Child Left Behind the administration was required to notify parents that they may transfer their child to a successful middle school within the District. In 2011, Lemoyne Middle School declined to Warning status due to lagging student achievement, especially in math. In 2010, Lemoyne Middle School achieved AYP status.^[290] The attendance rate was 94% in 2011 and it was 93.94% in 2010.^[291] In 2008–09, the attendance rate at Lemoyne Middle School was reported as 94%.

PSSA Results:

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 59% on grade level (21% below basic). State - 59% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 49% (29% below basic). State – 58.3% ^[296]
• 2010 – 60% (19% below basic). State - 57%
• 2009 – 60%, State – 55%
• 2008 – 53%, State – 52%^[106]

Mount Zion Elementary School

Mount Zion Elementary School was a grade k-2 school locates in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, Fairview Township. After completing second grade, students would continue to third grade at Fairview Elementary School.

In January 2012, the members of the school board proposed the close of Mount Zion Elementary School, to help save the district's budget. Cumberland county residents of the West Shore School District were to expect a 3.33% increase in real estate tax, and York county residents were to expect 4.58%. In Spring 2012, the final vote was made to close Mount Zion after the end of the school year. Since its close, the district temporarily placed its students and incoming students of that area to other elementary schools in the district, until expansions at Fairview Elementary School were Complete. Fairview Elementary School now serves as a k-5 elementary school.^[297]

References

External links

• West Shore School District