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| The '''Northern Potter School District''' is rural a ] district in ]. It serves the municipalities of ], ], Genesee, Bingham, and Harrison. Portions of ] and ] are also within its boundaries. Northern Potter School District encompasses approximately {{convert|231|sqmi|km2}}. According to 2010 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 4,113. In 2009, the district residents’ ] was $14,003, while the ] was $35,333.<ref>US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2009</ref> In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 <ref>{{cite web |url= http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42000.html |author=US Census Bureau |title=American Fact Finder, State and County quick facts |year=2010}}</ref> and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/p60-239.pdf |author=US Census Bureau |title=Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010 |date=September 2011}}</ref> | |||
| According to District officials, in school year 2009-10, the Northern Potter School District provided basic educational services to 590 pupils. Northern Potter School District employed: 54 teachers, 29 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 4 administrators. Northern Potter School District received more than $5.7 million in state funding in school year 2009-10. | |||
| Northern Potter School District operates one elementary school and one junior–senior high school. | |||
| ==Governance== | |||
| The school district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serves without compensation for a term of four years.), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the ] and the ].<ref>Pennsylvania Public School Code Governance 2010</ref> The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the ] and the ], which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills. The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. | |||
| The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the Northern Potter School Board and District Administration an "F" 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Pennsylvania_school_districts |title=The Pennsylvania Project |author=The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives |accessdate=May 20, 2010}}</ref> | |||
| ==Academic achievement== | |||
| Northern Potter School District was ranked 422nd out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the ] in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/events/2012/school_guide/index.html |title=Guide to Pennsylvania Schools Statewide ranking |author=Pittsburgh Business Times |date=April 6, 2012}}</ref> The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the ]s for: reading, writing math and science.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/events/2012/school_guide/statewide-ranking-information.html |title=Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2012 |publisher=Pittsburgh Business Times |date=April 5, 2012}}</ref> 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. | |||
| *2011 - 415th <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/events/pennsylvania_schools/statewiderank.html |title=Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2011 |publisher=Pittsburgh Business Times |date=April 2011}}</ref> | |||
| *2010 - 410th <ref>{{cite web |url=http://bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/feature/schools/statewide_rankings.html |title=Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2010 |author=Pittsburgh Business Times |date=April 30, 2010}}</ref> | |||
| *2009 - 361st | |||
| *2008 - 331st | |||
| *2007 - 331st out of 501 school districts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wtae.com/education/13346734/detail.html |title=Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County |publisher=Pittsburgh Business Times |date=May 23, 2007}}</ref> | |||
| ;District AYP status history: | |||
| In 2012, Northern Potter School District achieved AYP status.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/District/Overview/c53/109535504 |title=Northern Potter School District AYP Overview |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref> In 2011, Northern Potter 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.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Public School District AYP History, 2011</ref> Northern Potter School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003 Northern Potter School District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania District AYP History 2003-2010, 2011</ref> | |||
| ===Graduation rate=== | |||
| In 2012, Northern Potter School District’s graduation rate was 86%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/District/DataTable/c53/109535504 |title=Northern Potter School District AYP Data Table 2012 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref> In 2011, the graduation rate was 87.5%.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Northern Potter School District AYP Data Table 2011, September 29, 2011</ref> In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Northern Potter Junior Senior High School's rate was 85.71% for 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennsylvania_department_of_education/7237/info/757639 |title=New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=March 15, 2011}}</ref> | |||
| ;According to traditional graduation rate calculations: | |||
| *2010 - 92%<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Northern Potter School District Report Card 2010 data table, October 20, 2012</ref> | |||
| *2009 - 92%<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Northern Potter School District Report Card 2009, September 14, 2009</ref> | |||
| *2008 - 100% | |||
| *2007 - 100%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.papartnerships.org/reports/droppingbackin/tables/Grad_Info_By_District.pdf |author=Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children |title=High School Graduation rate 2007 |year=2008}}</ref> | |||
| ===High school=== | |||
| Northern Potter Junior Senior High School is located at 763 Northern Potter Road, Ulysses. According to the ], in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 288 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 127 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 25.5 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 11:1.<ref>National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data - Northern Potter Junior Senior High School, 2010</ref> According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Northern Potter Junior Senior High School, September 29, 2011</ref> | |||
| In 2012, Northern Potter Junior Senior High School declined to '''School Improvement I''' AYP status due to low reading and mathematics achievement.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c53/109535504/3875 |title=Northern Potter Junior Senior High School AYP Overview 2012 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref> In 2011 the school declined to Warning AYP Status due to lagging student and mathematics achievement. Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes and to offer the parent 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. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/fedprog/grantmgmnt/NCLB_PDF/NCLB_Parents_Guide_USDE_062003.pdf |title=NCLB Parental Notices |author=US Deptartment of Education |year=2003}}</ref> The High School is eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/federal_programs/7374/school_improvement_grant_%28sig%29/797379 |title=School Improvement Grant |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| ;PSSA Results: | |||
| ;11th Grade Reading: | |||
| *2012 - 68% on grade level, (16% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2011-2012_pssa_and_ayp_results/1235182 |title=2011-2012 PSSA and AYP Results |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 29, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| *2011 - 52% (42% below basic). State - 69.1% <ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442 |title=2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 29, 2011}}</ref> | |||
| *2010 - 51% (19% below basic). State - 67%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442 |title=2009-2010 PSSA and AYP Results |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 14, 2009}}</ref> (41 pupils) | |||
| *2009 - 44%, State - 65%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thetimes-tribune.com/data-center/grading-our-schools#axzz1AEtaWzpF |title=Grading Our Schools database, 2009 PSSA results |author=The Times-Tribune |date=September 14, 2009}}</ref> | |||
| *2008 - 46%, State - 65% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514 |title=2007-2008 PSSA and AYP Results |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=August 15, 2008}}</ref> | |||
| ;11th Grade Math: | |||
| *2012 - 45% on grade level (32% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.<ref name="Pittsburgh Post Gazette">{{cite web |url=http://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/PSSA/2012/ |title=How is your school doing? |author=Pittsburgh Post Gazette |date=October 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| *2011 - 46% (40% below basic). State - 60.3% <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Northern Potter Junior Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011</ref> | |||
| *2010 - 41% (39% below basic). State - 59% <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Northern Potter Junior Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010</ref> | |||
| *2009 - 31%, State - 56% <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Northern Potter Junior Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009, September 14, 2009</ref> | |||
| *2008 - 34%, State - 56% <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Northern Potter Junior Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2008, August 15, 2008</ref> | |||
| ;11th Grade Science: | |||
| *2012 - 45% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.<ref>{{cite web |url= |title= High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| *2011 - 32% (28% below basic). State - 40% <ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442 |title=2010-2011 PSSA results in Science |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 29, 2011}}</ref> | |||
| *2010 - 33% (26% below basic). State - 39% | |||
| *2009 - 16%, State - 40% | |||
| *2008 - 26%, State - 39% | |||
| ====Graduation requirements==== | |||
| Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. Northern Potter School Board requires 24 credits and prescribed courses that a student must pass to graduate. The District also offers a Veterans Diploma to those who were honorably discharged in WWII, Korea War or Vietnam War.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://npsdpolicymanual.wikispaces.com/file/view/217+Graduation+Requirements.pdf/254918058/217%20Graduation%20Requirements.pdf |title=Northern Potter Graduation Requirements policy 217 |author=Northern Potter School Board |date=February 13, 2006}}</ref> | |||
| 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/s4.24.html |title=Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements |author=Pennsylvania State Board of Education}}</ref> 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.<ref>Pennsylvania State Board of Education, Proposed changes to Chapter 4, May 10, 2012</ref> | |||
| By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2017, public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in ] I, ], and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://static.pdesas.org/Content/Documents/Keystone_Exam_Program_Overview.pdf |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Keystone Exam Overview |year=2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.pdesas.org/module/assessment/Keystone.aspx |title=Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol40/40-2/56.html |title=Rules and Regulation Title 22 PA School Code CH. 4 |author=Pennsylvania State Board of Education |year=2010}}</ref> 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.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Education Finalizes Adoption of Pennsylvania Common Core State Academic Standards and High School Graduation Requirements, March 14, 2013</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/keystone_exams/20436 |title=Keystone Exams |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2011}}</ref> 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 2012, 23 Northern Potter School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 481. The Writing average score was 455. 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, 14 Northern Potter School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 544. The Math average score was 549. The Writing average score was 491.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/data_and_statistics/7202/sat_and_act_scores/674663 |title=Public School SAT Scores 2011 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2011}}</ref> Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.commonwealthfoundation.org/policyblog/detail/sat-scores-by-state-2011 |title=SAT Scores State By State - Pennsylvania |author=College Board |date=September 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/09/while_us_sat_scores_dip_across.html |title=While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady |work=NJ.com |date=September 2011}}</ref> | |||
| ===Junior High=== | |||
| {{col-begin}} | |||
| {{col-1-of-2}} | |||
| ;8th Grade Reading: | |||
| *2012 - 76% on grade level (11% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.<ref name="Pittsburgh Post Gazette"/> | |||
| *2011 - 63% (19% below basic) State - 81.8% | |||
| *2010 - 75% (19% below basic). State - 81% (37 pupils) | |||
| *2009 - 54%, State - 80.9% | |||
| *2008 - 65%, State - 78% | |||
| {{col-2-of-2}} | |||
| ;8th Grade Math: | |||
| *2012 - 64% on grade level (17% below basic). State - 76% | |||
| *2011 - 60% (23% below basic). State - 76.9% | |||
| *2010 - 51% (21% below basic). State - 75% | |||
| *2009 - 54%, State - 71%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/35767985/Nothern-Potter-Junior-Senior-High-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009 |title=Northern Potter Junior Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 14, 2009}}</ref> | |||
| *2008 - 59%, State - 70% | |||
| {{col-end}} | |||
| ;8th Grade Science: | |||
| *2012 - 45% on grade level (26% below basic). State - 59% | |||
| *2011 - 54% (25% below basic). State – 58.3% | |||
| *2010 - 56% (24% below basic). State - 57% | |||
| *2009 - 52%, State - 55% | |||
| *2008 - 45%, State - 50% | |||
| {{col-begin}} | |||
| {{col-1-of-2}} | |||
| ;7th Grade Reading: | |||
| *2012 - 49% on grade level (28% below basic). State – 76% | |||
| *2011 - 73% (11% below basic). State – 76% | |||
| *2010 - 64% (19% below basic). State - 73% (42 pupils) | |||
| *2009 - 47%, State - 71% | |||
| *2008 - 54%, State - 70% | |||
| {{col-2-of-2}} | |||
| ;7th Grade Math: | |||
| *2012 - 64% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 80% | |||
| *2011 - 80% (11% below basic). State - 78.6% | |||
| *2010 - 71% (17% below basic). State - 77% | |||
| *2009 - 63%, State - 75% | |||
| *2008 - 59%, State - 70% | |||
| {{col-end}} | |||
| ===Northern Potter Childrens School=== | |||
| Northern Potter Children's School is located at 745 Northern Potter Road, Ulysses. Northern Potter Children's School provides preschool to 3 and 4 year olds and Kindergarten through 6th grade. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 317 pupils, with 177 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federal Title I school. The school employed 20.6 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.<ref>National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data – Northern Potter Childrens School, 2011</ref> According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind Act.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Northern Potter Childrens School, September 29, 2011</ref> | |||
| Northern Potter Children's School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics. In 2011, Northern Potter Children's School achieved AYP status.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Northern Potter Childrens School AYP Overview 2012, September 19, 2012</ref> | |||
| {{col-begin}} | |||
| {{col-1-of-2}} | |||
| ;6th Grade Reading: | |||
| *2012 - 62% (3% below basic). State - 68% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC12S109535504000006931.PDF |title=Northern Potter Children's School Academic Achievement Report card 2012 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| *2011 - 61% (12% below basic). State - 69.9% <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Northern Potter Children's School Academic Achievement Report card 2011, September 29, 2011</ref> | |||
| *2010 - 68% (17% below basic). State - 68% | |||
| *2009 - 73%, State - 67%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/35768019/Northern-Potter-Chil-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2009 |title=Northern Potter Children's Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| *2008 - 74%, State - 67% | |||
| {{col-2-of-2}} | |||
| ;6th Grade Math: | |||
| *2012 - 97%, 59% advanced. State - 77% | |||
| *2011 - 76% (10% below basic). State - 78.8% | |||
| *2010 - 85% (0% below basic). State - 67%<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Northern Potter Children's School Achievement Report card 2010, October 29, 2010</ref> | |||
| *2009 - 93%, State - 75% | |||
| *2008 - 88%, State - 72% <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Northern Potter Children's School Achievement Report card 2008, August 15, 2008</ref> | |||
| {{col-end}} | |||
| {{col-begin}} | |||
| {{col-1-of-2}} | |||
| ;5th Grade Reading: | |||
| *2012 - 55% (23% below basic). State - 65% | |||
| *2011 - 68% (3% below basic). State - 67.3% | |||
| *2010 - 60% (15% below basic). State - 64% (38 pupils) | |||
| *2009 - 61%, State - 64% | |||
| *2008 - 67%, State - 61% | |||
| {{col-2-of-2}} | |||
| ;5th Grade Math: | |||
| *2012 - 79% (9% below basic). State - 73% | |||
| *2011 - 97% (0% below basic). State - 74% | |||
| *2010 - 61% (8% below basic). State - 73% | |||
| *2009 - 78%, State - 73% | |||
| *2008 - 90%, State - 73% | |||
| {{col-end}} | |||
| {{col-begin}} | |||
| {{col-1-of-2}} | |||
| ;4th Grade Reading: | |||
| *2012 - 68% (0% below basic). State - 72% | |||
| *2011 - 67% (22% below basic). State - 73% | |||
| *2010 - 91%, (0% below basic). State - 72% (34 pupils) | |||
| *2009 - 73%, State - 72% | |||
| *2008 - 73%, State - 70% | |||
| {{col-2-of-2}} | |||
| ;4th Grade Math: | |||
| *2012 - 91% (0% below basic). State - 82% | |||
| *2011 - 81% (6% below basic). State - 85% | |||
| *2010 - 94%, 70% advanced. State - 84% | |||
| *2009 - 85%, State - 82% | |||
| *2008 - 96%, State - 79% | |||
| {{col-end}} | |||
| ;4th Grade Science: | |||
| *2012 - 100%, State - 82% | |||
| *2011 - 75%, (8% below basic). State - 82.9% | |||
| *2010 - 100%, State - 81% | |||
| *2009 - 90%, State - 83% | |||
| *2008 - 93%, State - 81% | |||
| {{col-begin}} | |||
| {{col-1-of-2}} | |||
| ;3rd Grade Reading: | |||
| *2012 - 67%, (30% below basic). State - 74% | |||
| *2011 - 87%, (3% below basic). State - 77% | |||
| *2010 - 66%, (19% below basic). State - 75% (36 pupils) | |||
| *2009 - 100%, State - 77% | |||
| *2008 - 93%, State - 77% | |||
| {{col-2-of-2}} | |||
| ;3rd Grade Math: | |||
| *2012 - 52%, (12% below basic). State - 80% | |||
| *2011 - 92%, (5% below basic). State - 83% | |||
| *2010 - 75%, (5% below basic). State - 84% | |||
| *2009 - 100%, State - 81% | |||
| *2008 - 93%, State - 80% | |||
| {{col-end}} | |||
| ==Special Education Services== | |||
| In December 2010, Northern Potter School District administration reported that 86 pupils or 14% of the district's pupils received ] services, with 50% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://penndata.hbg.psu.edu/BSEReports/PR_AlphaList.aspx |title= Area School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets |author=Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education Services |date=2010-2011}}</ref> In December, 2008 the District reported that 15.5% of pupils received special education services.<ref></ref> Special education services in the Commonwealth are provided to students from ages three years to 21 years old. In the 2010-11 school year, the total student enrollment was more than 1.78 million students with approximately 275,000 students eligible for special education services. Among these students 18,959 were identified with mental retardation and 21,245 students with autism.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Testimony Hearing on Special Education Senate Republican Policy Committee, January 2013</ref> The largest group of stduents are identified as Specific Learning Disabilities 126,026 students (46.9 percent) and Speech or Language Impairments with 43,542 students (16.2 percent). | |||
| A parent or staff member may initiate the referral process for special assistance or gifted education, by submitting a written request. Screening information will be used by the Prereferral Intervention Team to meet the child's specified needs or to document the need for further evaluation. If it is determined that a child needs additional services, the Prereferral Intervention Team makes adjustments relative to such things as the child's learning style, behavior, physical inabilities, and speech problems. Recommendations are made and put into effect in the regular classroom setting. Parents are involved in the prereferral process. If a student does not make progress with prereferral involvement, parents will be asked to give written permission for necessary individual professional evaluations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://npsdannualpublicnotice.wikispaces.com/home |title=Annual Public Notice of Northern Potter School District Screening and Evaluation Procedures |author=Northern Potter School District Administration |year=2012}}</ref> The District contracts with Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9 to provide needed services. | |||
| In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/proposed_special_education_funding_-/539261 |title=Pennsylvania Special Education Funding |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education}}</ref> The Special Education funding structure is through the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds and state appropriations. IDEA funds are appropriated to the state on an annual basis and distributed through intermediate units (IUs) to school districts, while state funds are distributed directly to the districts. Total funds that are received by school districts are calculated through a formula. The Pennsylvania Department of Education oversees four appropriations used to fund students with special needs: Special Education; Approved Private Schools; Pennsylvania Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind; and Early Intervention. The Pennsylvania Special Education funding system assumes that 16% of the district’s students receive special education services. It also assumes that each student’s needs accrue the same level of costs.<ref>Browne, Patrick., Senate Education Committee Hearing on Special Education Funding & Accountability testimony, November 1, 2011</ref> Over identification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.<ref>Kintisch, Baruch., Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Education Law Center, November 11, 2011</ref> The state requires each public school district and charter school to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.<ref>Amy Morton, Executive Deputy Secretary, Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Pennsylvania Department of Education, November 11, 2011</ref> In 2012, the Obama Administration's ] issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.<ref>US Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education Clarifies Schools' Obligation to Provide Equal Opportunity to Students with Disabilities to Participate in Extracurricular Athletics, January 25, 2013</ref> | |||
| Northern Potter School District received a $422,302 supplement for special education services in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/7234/budget/930276 |title=Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=July 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/proposed_special_education_funding_-/539261 |title=Special Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/7234/p/1100265 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education, |title=Investing in PA kids, |date=April 2012}}</ref> | |||
| ===Gifted education=== | |||
| Northern Potter District Administration reported that 9 or 1.5% of its students were gifted in 2009. The highest percentage of gifted students reported among all 500 school districts and 100 public charter schools in Pennsylvania was ] with 15.5% of its students identified as gifted.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://penndata.hbg.psu.edu/BSEReports/docs/Ad_Hoc_Gifted_0910_from_Revised_Count.pdf |title=Gifted Students as Percentage of Total Enrollment by School District/Charter School |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date= Revised December 1, 2009 Child Count (Collected July 2010)}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter16/chap16toc.html |title=CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_123405_52894_7393_509493_43/http;/pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_hhs/pde/pde_community_content/dsf_migration/k12/gifted_education/content/general_information/parents__guide/odr_notice_and_forms_latest2.pdf |title= Special Education for Gifted Students Notice of Parental rights |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=March 26, 2010}}</ref> | |||
| ==Wellness policy== | |||
| Northern Potter School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.northernpottersd.org/mod/resource/view.php?inpopup=true&id=483 |title=Northern Potter School Board Policy 246 |author=Northern Potter School Board |year=2006}}</ref> 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 ] (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.<ref></ref> The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval. | |||
| The District offers a free school breakfast to low-income children. The program is funded with federal dollars through the USDA.<ref>Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center, The Pennsylvania School Breakfast Report Card, 2009</ref> | |||
| ===Highmark Healthy High 5 grant=== | |||
| In 2011, Northern Potter School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Northern Potter Children's School received $7,700 which was used to fund Winter Sports Program. The Junior Senior High School also received a $7,850 grant for its Winter Sports Program.<ref>Highmark Foundation, 2011 School Challenge Grants, 2011</ref> Beginning in 2006, Highmark Foundation engaged in a 5 year, $100 million program to promote lifelong healthy behaviors in children and adolescents through local nonprofits and schools. | |||
| ==Budget== | |||
| In 2011, the average teacher salary in ASD was $52,446.24 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $14,186.19 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $66,632.43.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/7234/p/1100265 |title=Investing in Pennsylvania Students |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2012}}</ref> | |||
| In 2007, the average teacher salary in the district was $48,505 for 180 days worked. This was the highest average teacher salary in Potter County in 2007.<ref>Fenton, Jacob., Average classroom teacher salary in Potter County, 2006-07. ''The Morning Call''. Accessed March 2010</ref> In 2009 salaries of NPSD teachers range from $98,325 to $38,000.<ref></ref> 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.<ref>Teachers need to know enough is enough, ''PaDelcoTimes'', April 20, 2010.</ref> Additionally, the teachers received a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, personal days, 10 paid sick days which accumulate, and other benefits.<ref>Northern Potter School Board, Northern Potter Teacher Union Contract, 2009</ref> 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.<ref>''The Patriot News'', Legislature must act on educators' pension hole, February 21, 2010</ref> | |||
| Northern Potter School District's administrative costs per pupil were $973 in 2008 which ranked 80th among Pennsylvania's 501 public school districts. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.<ref name="autogenerated1">Fenton, Jacob. Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?, The Morning Call, Feb 2009.</ref> In 2007 the school board awarded a five year employment contract to Scott V. Graham. The starting salary was $95,000 plus an extensive benefits package including life insurance, health insurance, a defined benefit pension, and the taxpayer pays for dues, as well as travel to conferences.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://extras.altoonamirror.com/ForTheRecord/Documents/northernpotter.pdf |title=Northern Potter SD Superintendent contract, Benefits of Learning |work=Altoona Mirror |date=July 2007}}</ref> | |||
| '''Per pupil spending''' In 2008, Northern Potter School District reported spending $22,324 per pupil which was 4th highest in the state out of 500 school districts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/38541513/Per-Pupil-Spending-in-Pennsylvania-Public-Schools-in-2008-Sort-Spending |title=Per Pupil Spending in Pennsylvania Public Schools in 2008 Sort by Administrative Spending |year=2008}}</ref> In 2010, Northern Potter's per pupil spending was $15,728.12.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672 |title=2009-10 Selected Data - 2009-10 Total Expenditures per ADM |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2010}}</ref> Among the states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/pdf/cb11-94_table_11.pdf |title=States Ranked According to Per Pupil Elementary-Secondary Public School System Finance Amounts: 2008-09 |author=United States Census Bureau |year=2009}}</ref> In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d09/tables/dt09_183.asp |title=Total and current expenditures per pupil in fall enrollment in public elementary and secondary education, by function and state or jurisdiction: 2006-07 |author=US Census Bureau |year=2009}}</ref> The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year year 2000-01.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www2.census.gov/govs/school/01fullreport.pdf |title=Public Education Finances 2000-01 Annual Survey of Local Government Finances |author=US Census Bureau |date= March 2003}}</ref> | |||
| '''Reserves''' In 2008, the district reported a balance of $669,537 in its unreserved-designated fund. The unreserved-undesignated fund balance was reported as $237,826.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/summaries_of_annual_financial_report_data/7673/other_financial_information/509049 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Fund Balances by Local Education Agency 1997 to 2008}}</ref> In 2010, Norther Potter School District Administration reported an increase to $716,500 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The District reported $569,038 in its unreserved-designated fund in 2010. Pennsylvania public school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.<ref>Murphy, Jan., Pennsylvania's public schools boost reserves, CentreDaily Times, September 22, 2010</ref> | |||
| '''Tuition''' Students who live in the 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 Northern Potter 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 - $10,563.25, High School - $13,429.96.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=509670&mode=2 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Pennsylvania Public School District Tuition Rates |date=May 2012}}</ref> | |||
| '''Audit''' In 2009 the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Several findings were cited, including teacher credentials.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/Reports/School.html#Potter |title=Northern Potter School District POTTER COUNTY, Pennsylvania PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT |author=Office of the Pennsylvania Auditor General |date=APRIL 2009}}</ref> | |||
| Northern Potter School District is funded by a combination of local taxes, including an earned income tax 1%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, Act 511 and Section 679 per capita taxes be $5.00 each, occupational tax rate be 50% of assessed valuation, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can 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 individual's wealth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/personal_income_tax/11409 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, |title=Personal Income Taxation Guidelines |date=April 2010}}</ref> | |||
| ===State basic education funding=== | |||
| For the 2012-13 school year, Northern Potter School District received $4,178,853.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jakecorman.com/PDF/2012/Basic-Education-Funding.pdf |title=Pennsylvania Education funding by Local School District |author=Senator Jake Corman |date=June 28, 2012}}</ref> 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 program. Northern Potter School District received $57,522. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2011&sessInd=0&billBody=S&billTyp=B&billNbr=1466&pn=2335 |title=SB1466 of 2012 General Fund Appropriation |author=Pennsylvania General Assembly Sen Jake Corman |date=June 29, 2012}}</ref> This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. | |||
| In 2011-12, the district received a $4,121,331 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jakecorman.com/appropriations.htm |author=PA Senate Appropriations Committee |title=School District 2011-12 Funding Report |date=June 28, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=509059&mode=2 |title=Basic Education Funding |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=July 2011}}</ref> Additionally, Northern Potter School District received $57,522 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount was a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/basic_education_funding/539259 |title=Basic Education Funding |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=June 30, 2011}}</ref> The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to ], which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/basic_education_funding/539259 |title=Basic Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=June 30, 2011}}</ref> In 2010, the district reported that 882 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the ].<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, District Allocations Report 2009, 2009-10</ref> | |||
| In the 2010-11 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding (BEF) for a total of $4,287,833 to Northern Potter School District. The majority of ] districts received the state's base 2% increase. The highest increase in Potter County went to ] which received a 5.50% increase in BEF. The largest increase in Pennsylvania, went to ] in ] which received a 23.65% increase in state Basic Education Funding in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/40153192/PA-Basic-Education-Funding-Printout2-2010-2011 |title=PA Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010-2011 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/pdf/201006/20100701pabudget_education.pdf |title=PA Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010-2011 |author=Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee Education Budget information |date=June 30, 2010}}</ref> The Commonwealth'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 ] 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.budget.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/past_budgets/4571 |title=Pennsylvania Budget Proposal 2010, |author=Office of the Budget |date=February 2010}}</ref> | |||
| In the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided Northern Potter School District a base 2% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $4,203,758. For comparison, Governor Rendell gave a 7.46% increase in funding to ] and ] received a 13.36% increase in state funding in 2009. Ninety school Pennsylvania public school districts received a 2% increase. ] in ] received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/basic_education_funding/539259 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Funding Allocations by district |date=October 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.budget.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=4566&&level=1&css=L1&mode=2 |title=Governor's Budget Proposal 2009 Pennsylvania Department of Education Budget Proposal 2009 |author=Pennsylvania Office of Budget |date=February 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>U.S. Census Bureau., Annual Survey of Local Government Finances., 2000</ref><ref>U.S. Census Bureau., 2008 Survey of Local Government Finances – School Systems, 2010</ref> | |||
| The state Basic Education funding to Northern Potter School District in 2008-09 was $4,121,330.60. | |||
| ====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, Northern Potter School District applied for and received $156,129 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the past five years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/pa_accountability_grants/604468 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Accountability Block Grant report Grantee list 2010 |year=2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/grants_and_subsidies/7207/pa-pact_information/507147 |title=Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2008}}</ref> | |||
| ====Classrooms for the Future grant==== | |||
| The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006 to 2009. Northern Potter School District did not apply to participate in any of the three years the grant ran. It was one of just fifty four districts that did not receive state funding for computers and smart boards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/reports/performance/special/specff122208.pdf |author=Pennsylvania Auditor General |title=Classrooms for the Future grants audit |date=December 22, 2008}}</ref> In Potter County the highest award was given to ]. The highest funding statewide was awarded to ] in ] - $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide, by Governor Rendell, due to a multibillion dollar state financial crisis. | |||
| ====Science It’s Elementary grant==== | |||
| Northern Potter Children's School successfully applied to participate and received a Science It’s Elementary grant in 2008-09. For the 2008-09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 2,847 teachers and 66,973 students across Pennsylvania.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Science: It’s Elementary Grantees Students in 143 Schools Benefit from Intensive Science Curriculum, July 22, 2008</ref> In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Education initiated an effort to improve science instruction in the Commonwealth’s public elementary schools. Called Science: It’s Elementary, the program is a hands on instruction approach for elementary science classes that develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills.<ref>Patricia Vathis Pennsylvania Department of Education, Grants and Subsidies Science: It’s Elementary, 2006</ref> To encourage schools to adopt the program’s standards aligned curriculum, the state provided a grant to cover the costs of materials and extensive mandatory teacher training.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2010 – 2011 Science: It’s Elementary Application Guidelines, July 2010</ref> Northern Potter School District was required to develop a three-year implementation plan for the participating school. They had to appoint a district liaison who was paid $3000 by PDE to serve as the conduit of all information between the district and the Department and its agents along with submitting orders and distributing supplies to implementing teachers. For the 2006-07 state education budget, $10 million was allocated. The 2006-07 State Education Budget provided $635 million in new spending for pre-K through 12th grades for the 2006-07 school year. It marked an 8-percent increase over 2005-06 public school funding by the Commonwealth.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Governor Rendell Commends Teachers for Enhancing Science Education in Pennsylvania, August 10, 2006</ref> The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget. The grant was discontinued in 2010 by Governor Rendell due to a massive state budget. | |||
| ====Education Assistance grant==== | |||
| The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010-11 Northern Potter School District received $30,892.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/educational_assistance_program_funding/604415 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Educational Assistance Program Funding 2010-2011 Fiscal Year |year=2010}}</ref> | |||
| ====Other grants==== | |||
| Northern Potter School District did not participate in: PA DEP Environmental Education grants, 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, nor the 21st Century learning grants. | |||
| ===Federal Stimulus funding=== | |||
| Northern Potter School District received $822,336 in 2009-2010 of ] - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.<ref></ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.recovery.pa.gov/ |title=County ARRA FUNDING Report |author=Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |year=2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://projects.propublica.org/recovery/locale/pennsylvania/blair |title=Recovery Tracker Eye on the stimulus |author=ProPublica |year=2009}}</ref> The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09071/954967-298.stm |title=School stimulus money |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=March 12, 2009}}</ref> 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==== | |||
| Northern Potter School district officials did not apply for the ] federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.<ref></ref> 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.<ref>Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support, Governor's Press Office release, January 20, 2010.</ref> 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.<ref></ref> Substantial local property tax increases will be needed to make up the declined revenue. | |||
| ===Real estate taxes=== | |||
| Property tax rates in 2012-13 were set by Northern Potter School Board at 29.4890 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672 |title=Real Estate Tax Rates by School District 2012-13 Real Estate Mills |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2012}}</ref> Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The ] 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/summaries_of_annual_financial_report_data/7673/afr_excel_data_files/509047 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Act 511 Tax Report |year=2004}}</ref> When the school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.steb.state.pa.us/aboutusmain.asp |title=State Tax Equalization Board About US |author=State Tax Equalization Board |year=2011}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/reports/performance/special/spesteb021011.pdf |title=A Special Performance Audit of the Pennsylvania State Tax Equalization Boards |author=Pennsylvania Auditor General office - Bureau of Audits |date=February 2011}}</ref> | |||
| *2011-12 - 28.7980 mills.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672 |title=Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2011}}</ref> | |||
| *2010-11 - 28.7980 mills<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/financial_data_elements/7672 |title=Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2010}}</ref> | |||
| *2009-10 - 28.7980 mills<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Financial Elements Reports, 2010</ref> | |||
| *2008-09 - 28.7980 mills<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Financial Elements Reports 2008-09 Real Estate Mills, 2009</ref> | |||
| *2007-08 - 28.7980 mills<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2008</ref> | |||
| *2006-07 - 28.7980 mills<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2006</ref> | |||
| *2005-06 - 27.7300 mills<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2005</ref> | |||
| 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.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania School Finances - Summaries of Annual Financial Report Data 2010-11, 2011</ref> The average yearly property tax paid by County residents amounts to about 2.95% of their yearly income. Potter County is ranked 624th of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.<ref>Tax-rates.org., Potter County Property Taxes 2012, 2012</ref> | |||
| ====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 2010-11 school year was 1.4 percent, but it can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as local 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, increasing rising health care 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 ] in the ], 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_relief/7452 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=2010-11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines |year=2010}}</ref> In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11216/1164959-57-0.stm |title=Law could restrict school construction projects |author=Kaitlynn Riely |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=August 4, 2011}}</ref> Several exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school’s share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2011&sessInd=0&billBody=S&billTyp=B&billNbr=0330&pn=1459 |author=Pennsylvania General Assembly, |title=SB330 of 2011 |date=June 29, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://paindependent.com/2011/07/property-tax-reform-final-piece-of-state-budget/ |title=Property tax reform final piece of state budget |author=Eric Boehm |work=PA Independent |date=July 1, 2011}}</ref> | |||
| The School District Adjusted Index for the Northern Potter School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_relief/7452/act_1_index/510332 |title=Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006-2007 through 2010-2011 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=May 2010}}</ref> | |||
| {{col-begin}} | |||
| {{col-1-of-2}} | |||
| *2006-07 - 5.8%, Base 3.9% | |||
| *2007-08 - 5.0%, Base 3.4% | |||
| *2008-09 - 6.3%, Base 4.4% | |||
| *2009-10 - 5.9%, Base 4.1% | |||
| *2010-11 - 4.1%, Base 2.9% | |||
| {{col-2-of-2}} | |||
| *2011-12 - 2.0%, Base 1.4%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol40/40-38/1760.html |title=Index Calculation Required by the Taxpayer Relief Act |date=Sept 18, 2010}}</ref> | |||
| *2012-13 - 2.4%, Base 1.7%<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2012-2013 School District Adjusted Index, May 2011</ref> | |||
| *2013-14 - 2.3%, Base 1.7% <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2013-2014 School District Adjusted Index, May 2012</ref> | |||
| {{col-end}} | |||
| For the 2012-13 budget year, Northern Potter School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2012-2013, March 30, 2012</ref> | |||
| For the 2011-12 school year, Northern Potter School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Northern Potter 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 ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_relief/7452 |title=Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2011}}</ref> | |||
| 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/referendum_exceptions/7456/report_on_referendum_exceptions/510336 |title=Report on Exceptions |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=April 2011}}</ref> | |||
| 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.<ref></ref> In 2010, the Northern Potter School Board did not seek any exceptions and budgeted within the Act 1 Index limit.<ref></ref> | |||
| ===Property tax relief=== | |||
| In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Northern Potter School District was $249 per approved permanent primary residence. This was among the lowest amounts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the district, 946 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.<ref></ref> In 2009, 79% of Potter County property owners applied for the property tax relief.<ref></ref> | |||
| 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.<ref></ref> | |||
| 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%).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.taxfoundation.org/news/show/26742.html |title=New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners |author=Tax Foundation |date=September 22, 2009}}</ref> | |||
| ==Enrollment== | |||
| According to the ], total enrollment K-12 is 550 students. There were 49 students in the Class of 2009. The senior class of 2010 has 33 students. Enrollment in Northern Potter School District enrollment is projected to continue to decline to 362 by 2019.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education Enrollment and Projections for Northern Potter School District January 2009</ref> Northern Potter spent $973 per pupil on administrative costs in 2008. This was ranked 69th of 500 school districts for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> With limited resources, opportunities for students are acutely limited. In a Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study on school consolidation, 63% of the superintendents that responded expressed agreement that consolidation with another district could help them provide additional academic enrichment opportunities for their students.<ref></ref> Consolidation with adjacent school districts would achieve substantial cost savings for people in all the impacted communities.<ref>Fenton, Jacob, Administrative Costs for Potter County School Districts 2007-08, The Morning Call, July 2009</ref> The savings could be redirected to improve lagging academic achievement, to enrich the academic programs or to substantially reduce property taxes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.governor.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_24980_2985_368304_43/http;/pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_general_government_operations/pagov/media/latest_news/09_10_fs_schoolconsolidation_final.pdf |title=2009-10 Executive Budget Facts Pennsylvania School District Consolidation, |author=Edward Rendell, Governor and Mary Soderberg, Secretary of the Budget. |date=February 2009}}</ref> | |||
| Over the 2000 to 2010 decade, rural Pennsylvania school enrollment decrease by 8 percent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rural.palegislature.us/school_enrollment_build_cap.pdf |title=Research Analyzes Rural School District Enrollment and Building Capacity |author=The Center for Rural Pennsylvania. |date=October 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref name="autogenerated2">Rendell, E. & Soderberg, M. (2009). Pennsylvania school district consolidation. 2009-10 Executive Budget Fast Facts. Pennsylvania Office of the Governor.</ref> 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.<ref name="autogenerated6">Study of the cost-effectiveness of consolidating Pennsylvania districts. New York: Standard & Poor’s School Evaluation Services. 2007, p. 6.</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.picpa.org/Content/Files/Documents/Advocacy/FRTF%20Final%20Report%201_12_11.pdf |title=Report of the Fiscal Responsibility Task Force |author=Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants |date=January 2011}}</ref> | |||
| 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.<ref name="autogenerated2"/> 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.<ref name="autogenerated6"/> | |||
| ==Extracurriculars== | |||
| The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is determined by school board policy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.northernpottersd.org/mod/resource/view.php?inpopup=true&id=904 |title=Northern Potter School Board Policies online |author=Northern Potter School Board}}</ref> | |||
| 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.<ref>Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release, November 10, 2005</ref> | |||
| ===Sports=== | |||
| The District funds: | |||
| {{col-begin}} | |||
| {{col-1-of-2}} | |||
| ;Boys: | |||
| *] - A | |||
| *]- A | |||
| *] - A | |||
| *] - A | |||
| *] - AA | |||
| {{col-2-of-2}} | |||
| ;Girls: | |||
| *Basketball - A | |||
| *Cross Country - A | |||
| *] - A | |||
| *Track and Field - AA | |||
| *Volleyball - A | |||
| {{col-end}} | |||
| ;Junior High School Sports: | |||
| {{col-begin}} | |||
| {{col-1-of-2}} | |||
| ;Boys: | |||
| *Basketball | |||
| *Cross Country | |||
| *Soccer | |||
| {{col-2-of-2}} | |||
| ;Girls: | |||
| *Basketball | |||
| *Cross Country | |||
| *Volleyball | |||
| {{col-end}} | |||
| According to PIAA directory July 2012 <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.piaa.org/schools/directory/default.aspx |title=PIAA School Directory |author=Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association |year=2012}}</ref> | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist|3}} | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| {{Potter County, Pennsylvania School Districts}} | |||
| ] | |||
Revision as of 04:43, 15 August 2013
| Northern Potter School District | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Address | |
| 745 SR 49 Northern Potter Road Ulysses, Potter County, Pennsylvania  16948-9570United States  | |
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| School board | 9 elected members |
| Superintendent | Scott V Graham |
| Faculty | 46 teachers (2011) |
| Grades | Preschool-12 |
| Age | 4 years old to 21 years old special education |
| Number of pupils | 550 (2009-10) |
| • Kindergarten | 78 |
| • Grade 1 | 31 |
| • Grade 2 | 32 |
| • Grade 3 | 32 |
| • Grade 4 | 32 |
| • Grade 5 | 43 |
| • Grade 6 | 47 |
| • Grade 7 | 41 |
| • Grade 8 | 40 |
| • Grade 9 | 46 |
| • Grade 10 | 56 |
| • Grade 11 | 39 |
| • Grade 12 | 33 |
| • Other | Enrollment to decline to 362 by 2019 |
| Mascot | Panther |
| Budget | $8,912,631 2012 |
| Tuition | 600000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 |
| Per pupil spending | $22,324 (2008) 4th in PA for spending |
| Per pupil spending | $15,728.12 (2010) 96th in PA |
| Website | northernpottersd.org |
- National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data - Northern Potter School District, 2011
- Northern Potter School Board Secretary, Northern Potter School Board meeting minutes, June 2012
- Pennsylvania Department of Education, Enrollment and Projections, 2010
- Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2011). "Enrollment and Projections by school district".