Waynesboro Area School District

Waynesboro Area School District
Address
210 Clayton Avenue Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, Franklin County 17268-2066 United States
Information
Type	Public
School board	9 elected members
Superintendent	Dr Sherian Diller Contract July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015[1]
Administrator	Dr Wendy Royer - Assistant Superintendent, salary $110,000 (2012)[2] (Contract August 2012 through June 30, 2015) Mr Thomas Dick - Business Manager Purnell, Jean, supervisor $102,242 (2012) Mclaughlin, Robert, Coordinator $87,179 (2012)
Principal	Dennis, Christopher, salary $97,463 (2012)
Principal	Sterner-Hine, Rita, salary $91,084 (2012)
Principal	Richter, R salary $89,039 (2012)
Principal	Eberhardt, Dianne salary $85,983 (2012)
Principal	Taylor, Aaron salary $82,401 (2012)
Staff	239 non teaching staff members
Faculty	280 teachers[3]
Grades	K-12
Age	5 years old to 21 years old special education students
Pupils	4,303 pupils (2013); 4,219 students (2011); 4,124 (2010)[4]
• Kindergarten	285 (2012),[5] 285 (2010)
• Grade 1	358 (2012), 332
• Grade 2	322 (2012), 319
• Grade 3	326 (2012), 332
• Grade 4	305 (2012), 343
• Grade 5	330 (2012), 390
• Grade 6	344 (2012), 330
• Grade 7	350 (2012), 351
• Grade 8	366 (2012), 321
• Grade 9	347 (2012), 350
• Grade 10	289 (2012), 323
• Grade 11	306 (2012), 228
• Grade 12	275 (2012), 260 (2010)
Medium of language	English
Budget	$50,451,603 (2014-2015)[6] $49 million (2013-2014)[7] $50.792 million (2012-13) $49.936 million (2011-12)[8] $51.228 million (2010-11)[9]
Per pupil spending	$10,200 (2008)
Per pupil spending	$11,175.61 (2010)
Website	http://www.wasd.k12.pa.us/

The Waynesboro Area School District is a midsized, suburban public school district located in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The District is one of the 500 public school districts of Pennsylvania. It encompasses the boroughs of Waynesboro and Mont Alto, as well as all of Washington Township and Quincy Township, and a portion of Guilford Township. Waynesboro Area School District encompasses approximately 93 square miles (240 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 28,376. By 2010, the District's population increased to 32,386 people.^[10] In 2009, the District residents’ per capita income was $18,503, while the median family income was $46,584.^[11] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501^[12] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.^[13]

According to Waynesboro Area School District officials, in school year 2007-08, Waynesboro Area School District provided basic educational services to 4,140 pupils. The District employed: 306 teachers, 197 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 17 administrators. Waynesboro Area School District received more than $18.7 million in state funding in school year 2007-08. In 2011-2012, Waynesboro Area School District provided basic educational services to 4,536 pupils. It employed: 274 teachers, 225 full-time and part-time support personnel, and twelve (12) administrators during the 2011-2012 school year. The District received $19 million in state funding in the 2011-2012 school year.

The District operates four elementary schools: Fairview Avenue Elementary School, Hooverville Elementary School, Mowery Elementary School, and Summitview Elementary School. It also operates: Waynesboro Area Middle School, and Waynesboro Area Senior High School. High school students may choose to attend Franklin County Career and Technology Center for training in the construction and mechanical trades.

Waynesboro Area School District is served by the Lincoln Intermediate Unit IU12 which offers a variety of services, including assistance in developing K-12 curriculum that is mapped and aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards, shared services, a group purchasing program and a wide variety of special education and special needs services. Students may choose to attend Franklin Virtual Academy which is an online education program operated by a cooperative agreement of local Franklin County public school districts.^[14]

Governance

Waynesboro Area 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 Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.^[15] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills. The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The Waynesboro Area School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent regarding renewal of the employment contract.^[16]

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the 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.^[17]

Academic achievement

In 2014, Waynesboro Area School District was ranked 275th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times.^[18] 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.^[19] 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.

• 2013 - 317th^[20]
• 2012 - 324th
• 2011 - 343rd
• 2010 - 366th ^[21]
• 2009 - 347th
• 2008 - 349th
• 2007 - 369th out of 501 school districts.^[22]

Overachiever ranking

The Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Waynesboro Area School District ranked 287th. The paper describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations." ^[23]

• 2012 - 261st
• 2011 - 311th
• 2010 - 363rd

District AYP status history

In 2012, Waynesboro Area School District declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, due to lagging student achievement in both: reading and mathematics.^[24][25] In 2011, 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.^[26] Waynesboro Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003 the Waynesboro Area School District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.^[27]

Graduation rate

In 2013, Wayneboro Area School District's graduation rate was 87%.^[28] In 2012, the graduation rate was 83%.^[29] In 2011, the graduation rate was 85%.^[30] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Waynesboro Area School District's rate was 75% for 2010.^[31]

Former calculation graduation rate

• 2010 - 82% ^[32]
• 2009 – 87% ^[33]
• 2008 – 90% ^[34]
• 2007 – 90% ^[35]

High school

Waynesboro Area Senior High School is located at 550 East 2nd Street, Waynesboro. In 2013, enrollment was reported as 1,272 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 24% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 9% of pupils received special education services, while 1% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 87 teachers.^[36] Per the PA Department of Education 1% 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 1,190 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. The school is not a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 96 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.^[37] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[38]

2013 School Performance Profile

Waynesboro Area Senior High School achieved 74.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 83% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, just 68% showed on grade level math skills. In Biology, 31% showed on grade level science understanding.^[39] 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.^[40]

AYP history

In 2012, Waynesboro Area Senior High School declined further to School Improvement Level I Adequate Yearly Progress status, due to a low graduation rate and lagging student achievement in both reading and mathematics.^[41] Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes. Additionally, the Waynesboro Area Senior High 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 district must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.^[42]

• 2011 - declined to Warning AYP status due to chronically low student achievement in math^[43]
• 2010 - Achieved AYP status.
• 2009 - Warning AYP level for lagging student academic achievement

PSSA Results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.^[44]

In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.^[45]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 69% on grade level, (13% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[46]
• 2011 - 70% (9% below basic). State - 69%^[47]
• 2010 - 66% (19% below basic). State - 66% ^[48]
• 2009 – 52%, State - 65% ^[49]
• 2008 – 61%, State – 65%% ^[50]
• 2007 – 61%, State – 65% ^[51]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 59% on grade level (16% below basic). In Pennsylvania - 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[52]
• 2011 - 60% (15% below basic). State - 60.3%^[53]
• 2010 - 65% (14% below basic). State - 59%
• 2009 – 46%, State - 56% ^[54]
• 2008 – 51%, State – 56% ^[55]
• 2007 – 49%, State – 53% ^[56]

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 29% on grade level (18% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[57]
• 2011 - 28% (21% below basic). State - 40%^[58]
• 2010 - 27% (29% below basic). State - 39%
• 2009 – 20%, State - 40% ^[59]
• 2008 – 20%, State - 39% ^[60]

Science in Motion Waynesboro Area Senior High School took advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.^[61] Gettysburg College provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

College Remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 16% of Waynesboro Area 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.^[62] 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.^[63] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

Waynesboro Area Senior High School offers its students a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school, including the graduation ceremony. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.^[64] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.^[65] 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.^[66]

For the 2009–2010 funding year, Waynesboro Area School District received a state grant of $34,151 for the program.^[67] In 2010, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students, from the Commonwealth, due to a state budget crisis.

Other students that reside in the Waynesboro Area School District who attend a private nonpublic school, a public cyber charter school, a public charter school or are homeschooled are eligible to attend the university courses contained in the District's dual enrollment contract.

SAT scores

In 2013, Waynesboro Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 483. The Math average score was 481. The Writing average score was 464. 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.^[68]

In 2012, 132 Waynesboro Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 495. The Math average score was 496. The Writing average score was 473. 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, 141 Waynesboro Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 488. The Math average score was 501. The Writing average score was 467.^[69] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[70] 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.^[71]

Graduation requirements

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The Waynesboro Area School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 24.75 credits to graduate, including: math 4 credits, English 4 credits, social studies 4 credits, science 4 credits, Arts and Humanities 2 credits, Computers ! credit, Physical Education 1 credit, health 1 credit, Driver's Education 0.25 credit, Basic Oral Communications 0.5 credit, and electives 3 credits. Students who attend FCCTC have modified graduation requirements.

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students were required to complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.^[72] At Waynesboro Area School District the senior project consists of four parts: a research paper, a related visual project, an organizational notebook, and an oral presentation. 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.^[73]

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.^[74] 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.^[75][76] 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.^[77] 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.^[78] 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.

AP Courses

In 2013, Waynesboro Area Senior High School offered 8 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. The student pays the fee for the exam which was $89 per test per pupil in 2012. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Waynesboro Area High School 21.36% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.^[79]

Middle school

Waynesboro Area Middle School is located at 702 East 2nd Street, Waynesboro. In 2013, enrollment was 716 pupils, in grades 7th and 8th, with 32% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 10% of pupils received special education services, while 3.49% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[80] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[81]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 679 pupils in grades 7th and 8th, with 263 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 47 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[82] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 17 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[83]

2013 School Performance Profile

Waynesboro Area Middle School achieved 78.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 78% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 80.6% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 63% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 79.7% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[84]

AYP history

In 2012, Waynesboro Area Middle School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.^[85] In 2011, Waynesboro Area Middle School declined to Warning status under No Child Left Behind.^[86] In 2010, the School achieved AYP status. The attendance rate in 2011 was reported at 94%, while in 2010 it was 93%.^[87]

PSSA Results:

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are NCLB related examination given in the Spring of each school year. Seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999, as a state initiative.^[88] Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science.^[89] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.^[44] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.^[90]

8th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 81% on grade level (8% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.^[52]
• 2011 - 78% (10% below basic). State - 81.8%^[91]
• 2010 - 86% (6% below basic). State - 81%^[92]
• 2009 - 81%, (8% below basic). State - 80%^[93]
• 2008 - 76% State - 78%^[94]

8th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 77% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 76% ^[95]
• 2011 - 71% (13% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 - 74% (9% below basic), State - 75% ^[96]
• 2009 - 69% (12% below basic). State - 71%
• 2008 - 72%, State - 70%

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 53% on grade level (19% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 50% (24% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 57% (23% below basic). State - 57 ^[97]
• 2009 - 49%, State - 55%
• 2008 - 45%, State - 52% ^[98]

7th Grade Reading: 2012 - 81% on grade level (7% below basic). State – 76% 2011 - 75% (9% below basic). State – 76% 2010 - 71% (11% below basic). State - 73% 2009 - 78% (9% below basic). State - 71% 2008 - 70%, State - 70%

7th Grade Math: 2012 - 87% (4% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 79% (9% below basic). State - 78.6% 2010 - 77% (13% below basic). State - 77% 2009 - 80% (10% below basic). State - 75% 2008 - 74%, State - 70%

Fairview Avenue Elementary School

Fairview Avenue Elementary School is located at 220 Fairview Avenue, Waynesboro. In 2013, the school's enrollment was pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 46% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 10% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.^[99] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides both half day kindergarten and full day kindergarten.^[100] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 812 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 392 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 47 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 17:1.^[101] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[102]

2013 School Performance Profile

Fairview Avenue Elementary School achieved a score of 79.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 68% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, just 72% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 80% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 81% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 65% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[103]

AYP history

In 2012, Fairview Avenue Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading and math achievement in several grades. In 2010 and 2011, the Fairview Avenue Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[104][105] In both 2010 and 2011, the attendance rate was 94%.^[106] From 2003 through 2009, Fairview Avenue Elementary School achieve AYP status each year.

PSSA results: Each year, in the Spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. The sixth grade is tested in reading and mathematics. PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.^[107] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.^{[108][109][110]} The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.^[111]

6th Grade Reading 2012 - 74% (9% below basic). State - 68%[112] 2011 - 72% (12% below basic). State - 69.9%[113] 2010 - 67% (18% below basic). State - 68% [114] 2009 – 64% (12% below basic). State - 67% [115] 2008 – 78%, State – 67% [116]

6th Grade Math 2012 - 76% (3% below basic). State - 77% 2011 - 89% (2% below basic). State - 78.8% 2010 - 90% (3% below basic). State - 78% 2009 – 84% (4% below basic). State - 75% 2008 – 80%, State – 72%

5th Grade Reading 2012 - 75% on grade level (9% below basic). State - 65% 2011 - 71% (11% below basic). State - 67.3% 2010 - 68% (10% below basic). State – 64% 2009 – 70% (17% below basic). State - 64% [115] 2008 – 58%, State – 61%

5th Grade Math 2012 - 90% (1% below basic). State - 73% 2011 - 84% (0% below basic). State - 74% 2010 - 85% (3% below basic). State - 76.3% 2009 – 88% (2% below basic). State - 73% 2008 – 69%, State – 73%

4th Grade Reading 2012 - 85% (4% below basic). State - 72% 2011 - 84% (4% below basic). State – 73.3% 2010 - 71% (13% below basic). State - 73% 2009 – 69% (8% below basic). State - 72% [115] 2008 – 73%, State – 70%

4th Grade Math 2012 - 94% (3% below basic). State - 82% 2011 - 94% (0% below basic). State – 85.3% 2010 - 87% (5% below basic). State - 84% 2009 – 84% (7% below basic). State - 81% 2008 – 79%, State – 79%

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 95%, (3% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 95%, (1% below basic). State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 83%, (7% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 – 83%, State - 83%
• 2008 – 84%, State – 81%

3rd Grade Reading 2012 - 70% (19% below basic). State - 74% [52] 2011 - 78% (15% below basic). State – 77.2% 2010 - 78% (13% below basic). State - 75% 2009 – 75% (14% below basic). State - 77% [115] 2008 – 69%, State – 77%

3rd Grade Math 2012 - 77% (4% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 81% (10% below basic). State – 83.5% 2010 - 82% (3% below basic). State - 84% 2009 – 77% (6% below basic). State - 81% 2008 – 72%, State – 80%

Hooverville Elementary School

Hooverville Elementary School is located at 10829 Buchanan Trl East, Waynesboro. In 2013, Hooverville Elementary School's enrollment was 352 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 30.6% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 7% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.7% are identified as gifted.^[117] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind Act. The school provides both half day and full day kindergarten.^[118] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 359 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 98 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is not a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 19 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 19:1.^[119] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[120]

2013 School Performance Profile

Hooverville Elementary School achieved a score of 79.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 77.5% 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, 88.7% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 84% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 59.5% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[121]

AYP history

In 2010 through 2012, Hooverville Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[122] In both 2010 and 2011, the attendance rate was 94%.^[123] From 2003 through 2010, Hooverville Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress each school year.

6th Grade Reading: 2012 - 73% (6% below basic). State - 68%[124] 2011 - 84% (5% below basic). State -69.9% [125] 2010 - 86% (4% below basic). State - 68%[126] 2009 - 69% (14% below basic). State - 67% [127] 2008 - 94%, State - 67%[128]

6th Grade Math: 2012 - 96%, 67% advanced. State - 77% 2011 - 95%, 75% advanced. State - 78.8% 2010 - 94% (0% below basic). State - 78% 2009 - 89% (2% below basic). State - 75% 2008 - 94%, State - 72%

5th Grade Reading: 2012 - 78% (7% below basic). State - 65% 2011 - 81% (8% below basic). State - 67.3% 2010 - 79% (4% below basic). State – 64% 2009 - 71% (13% below basic). State - 64% [127] 2008 - 63%, State - 61%

5th Grade Math: 2012 - 90%, 52% advanced. State - 73% 2011 - 89%, 68% advanced. State - 74% 2010 - 92% (0% below basic). State - 76.3% 2009 - 86% (0% below basic). State - 73% 2008 – 79%, State – 73%

4th Grade Reading: 2012 - 78% (7% below basic). State - 72% 2011 - 77% (6% below basic), State – 73.3% 2010 - 82% (4% below basic), State - 73% 2009 - 85% (5.8% below basic) State - 72% [127] 2008 - 80%, State - 70%

4th Grade Math: 2012 - 87%, 66% advanced. State - 82% 2011 - 92%, 56% advanced. State – 85.3% 2010 - 93% (0% below basic). State - 84% 2009 - 90% (5% below basic). State - 81% 2008 - 89%, State - 79%

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 85%, (2% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 92%, (2% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 93%, (4% below basic), State - 81%
• 2009 – 94%, State - 83%
• 2008 – 89%, State – 81%

3rd Grade Reading: 2012 - 80%, (10% below basic). State - 74% [52] 2011 - 80%, (7% below basic). State – 77.2% 2010 - 88%, (2% below basic). State - 75% 2009 - 88%, (4% below basic). State - 77% [127] 2008 - 91%, State - 77%

3rd Grade Math: 2012 - 84%, (4% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 93%, (0% below basic), State – 83.5% 2010 - 94%, (2% below basic), State - 84% 2009 – 92%, (4% below basic). State - 81% 2008 - 91%, State - 80%

Mowrey Elementary School

Mowrey Elementary School is located at 7891 Tomstown Road, Waynesboro. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 553 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 36% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 15.5% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.^[129] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides half day and full day kindergarten.^[130] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 566 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 207 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 37 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.^[131] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[132]

2013 School Performance Profile

Mowrey Elementary School achieved a score of 82.8 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 68% 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, 77.7% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 81% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 78% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[133]

AYP results

In 2010 through 2012, Mowery Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[134] In both 2010 and 2011, the attendance rate was 95%.^[135] The school participated in the state's Science it's Elementary curriculum which was an immersion program.

6th Grade Reading: 2012 - 68% (8% below basic). State - 68%[136] 2011 - 70% (6% below basic). State - 69.9% [137] 2010 - 74% (9% below basic). State - 68% [138] 2009 – 64%, State - 67% [139] 2008 – 77%, State – 67%

6th Grade Math: 2012 - 86%, 66% advanced. State - 77% 2011 - 87%, 64% advanced. State - 78.8% 2010 - 96% (0% below basic). State - 78% 2009 – 87%, State - 75% 2008 – 81%, State – 72%

5th Grade Reading: 2012 - 66% (9% below basic). State - 65% 2011 - 70% (6% below basic). State - 67.3% 2010 - 64% (15% below basic). State – 64% [138] 2009 – 58%, State - 64% [139] 2008 – 69%, State – 61%

5th Grade Math: 2012 - 88%, 51% advanced. State - 73% 2011 - 84%, 57% advanced. State - 74% 2010 - 70% (6% below basic). State - 76.3% 2009 – 69%, State - 73% 2008 – 80%, State – 73%

4th Grade Reading: 2012 - 74% (7% below basic). State - 72% 2011 - 62% (16% below basic), State – 73.3% 2010 - 74% (12% below basic), State - 73% 2009 – 71%, State - 72% [139] 2008 – 60%, State – 70%

4th Grade Math: 2012 - 94%, 56% advanced. State - 82% 2011 - 91%, 55% advanced. State – 85.3% 2010 - 93% (3% below basic). State - 84% 2009 – 78%, State - 81% 2008 – 76%, State – 79%

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 88%, (3% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 88%, (0% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 88%, (5% below basic), State - 81%
• 2009 – 91%, State - 83%
• 2008 – 79%, State – 81%

3rd Grade Reading: 2012 - 71%, (10% below basic). State - 74% [52] 2011 - 69%, (13% below basic), State – 77.2% 2010 - 75%, (10% below basic), State - 75% 2009 – 83%, State - 77% [139] 2008 – 71%, State – 77%

3rd Grade Math: 2012 - 82%, (7% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 83%, (3% below basic), State – 83.5% 2010 - 79%, (2% below basic), State - 84% 2009 – 77%, State - 81% 2008 – 71%, State – 80%

Summitville Elementary School

Summitville Elementary School is located at 840 East 2nd Street, Waynesboro. In 2013, the Summitviile Elementary School's enrollment was 620 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 28% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 6% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted.^[140] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. Summitville Elementary School provides half day and full day kindergarten.^[141] Summitville Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 613 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 215 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is not a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 32.5 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 18:1.^[142] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[143]

2013 School Performance Profile

Summitville Elementary School achieved a score of 93.2 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 83% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 86% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 87.8% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 90% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 80% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[144]

AYP History: In 2012, Summitville Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status, due to lagging reading achievement.^[145] In 2011, Summitville Elementary School achieved AYP status.

6th Grade Reading: 2012 - 79% (7% below basic). State - 68%[146] 2011 - 83% (7% below basic). State - 69.9% [147] 2010 - 83% (3 below basic). State - 68% [148]

6th Grade Math: 2012 - 91%, 75% advanced. State - 77% 2011 - 92%, 72% advanced. State - 78.8% 2010 - 95%, 75% advanced. State - 78%

5th Grade Reading: 2012 - 74% (7% below basic). State - 65% 2011 - 75% (7% below basic). State - 67.3% 2010 - 67% (15% below basic). State - 64%

5th Grade Math: 2012 - 89%, 65% advanced. State - 73% 2011 - 90%, 63% advanced. State - 74% 2010 - 83%, 54% advanced. State - 76.3%

4th Grade Reading 2012 - 89% (3% below basic). State - 72% 2011 - 74% (11% below basic). State - 73% 2010 - 76% (9% below basic). State - 73%

4th Grade Math 2012 - 89%, 70% advanced. State - 82% 2011 - 92%, 53% advanced. State - 85% 2010 - 97%, 67% advanced. State - 84%

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 91%, (2% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 79%, (3% below basic). State - 82.9%
• 2010 - 85%, (2% below basic). State - 81%

3rd Grade Reading 2012 - 85%, (7% below basic). State - 74% [52] 2011 - 73%, (14% below basic). State - 77% 2010 - 67%, (12% below basic). State - 75%

3rd Grade Math 2012 - 86%, (3% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 81%, (5% below basic). State - 83% 2010 - 81%, (3% below basic). State - 84%

Special education

In December 2012, Waynesboro Area School District administration reported that 472 pupils or 10.8% of the District's pupils received Special Education services, with 35% of identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the District administration reported that 475 pupils or 11% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.^[149]

In order to comply with state and federal laws, the school district engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress.^[150] 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 Special Education administration. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Special Education Department.^[151]

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.^[152] 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.^[153] 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.^[154] 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.^[155] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.^[156]

Waynesboro Area School District received a $2,257,352 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[157] For the 2011-12, 2012–13 and 2013-14 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010. 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.^[158] In 2014-2015, the District will receive $2,282,591 for special education services.

Gifted education

Waynesboro Area School District Administration reported that 91 or 2.14% of its students were gifted in 2009.^[159] 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.^[160]

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.^[161]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Waynesboro Area School District was $57,805 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $23,401 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $81,297.^[162]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Waynesboro Area School District was $56,833.73 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $17,816 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $74,650.^[163] The District reported employing 300 teachers and administrators with a top salary of $129,288.^[164] The Union receives 8 paid days off to conduct union business. In 2011, the school board and teachers' union are negotiating a new contract.^[165]

In 2009, Waynesboro Area School District reported employing 329 teachers and administrators with a median salary of $58,629 and a top salary of $127,002.^[166] The teacher’s work day is with days in the contract year.^[167] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, 1 paid emergency leave day, 4 paid bereavement days, 4 paid personal days (paid $100 per unused day), 10 paid sick days (which accumulate), 1 paid day professional absence, life insurance, retirement bonus and other benefits.^[168] According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the state teacher retirement fund, a 40-year Pennsylvania public school educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.^[169]

In 2007, Waynesboro Area School District employed 268 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $51,054 for 180 days worked.^[170] 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.^[171]

Administrative costs Waynesboro Area School District administrative costs per pupil was $471.62 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[172] In 2008, the board hired James L. Robertson as superintendent of schools with an initial salary of $122,000 and an extensive benefits package.^[173] 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.^[174] In December 2011, Waynesboro Area School Board declined to extend the employment contracts of then Superintendent James Robertson and then Assistant Superintendent Evan Williams. Robertson's salary was $129,288 and Williams' salary is $105,444.^[175]

Per pupil spending In 2008, Waynesboro Area School District reported spending $10,200 per pupil which ranked 495 out of 501 Pennsylvania public school districts. In 2010, the District’s per pupil spending had increased to $$11,175.61.^[176] In 2011, Pennsylvania’s per pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.^[177] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.^[178] The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.^[179]

Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[180] Pennsylvania’s total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.^[181]

Audit In May 2011, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the District. The findings were reported to the Waynesboro Area School Board and the District’s administration.^[182]

Tuition Students who live in the Waynesboro Area School District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Waynesboro Area School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each public 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 - $7,204.27, High School - $7,741.60.^[183]

Waynesboro Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax - 1%, a local real property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, and a per capita tax $5, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.^[184] 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.^[185]

Unreserved Funds

In 2008, Waynesboro Area School District reported a $5,394,759 in its unreserved-undesignated fund balance.^[186] In 2012, the District reported that it held $2,970,015 in unreserved funds and $5,355,043 in reserve funds. 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.^[187] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.^[188]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Waynesboro Area School District receives 40.6% of its annual revenue from the state.^[189]

For the 2014-15 school year, Waynesboro Area School District will receive $12,608,983 in State Basic Education funding. The District will also receive $494245 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State’s enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.^[190] The Education budget also includes Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State is paying $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania’s Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.^[191]

For the 2013-14 school year, the Waynesboro Area School District received a 2.1% increase or $12,604,113 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $253,373 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Waynesboro Area School District received $239,155 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Franklin County, Greencastle-Antrim School District received the highest percentage increase at 3.1%. The District has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth’s budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.^[192] 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.^[193]

For the 2012-13 school year', the Waynesboro Area School District received $12,350,740.^[194] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 included $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which was an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) program. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[195] This amount was a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett’s first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In the 2011-12 school year, Waynesboro Area School District received a $12,350,740 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.^[196] Additionally, the District received $239,156 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.^[197] 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.^[198]

For the 2010-11 budget year, Waynesboro Area School District was allotted a 4.01% increase in Basic Education Funding yielding $6,525,220. The highest increase in Franklin County was provided to Chambersburg Area School District which received a 7.08% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.^[199] Fifteen (15) Pennsylvania public school districts received a BEF increase of greater than 10%. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by the Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education, Gerald Zahorchak as a part of the state budget proposal given each February.^[200] This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.^[201]

In the 2009–10 school year, Waynesboro Area School District received an 4.49% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $12,905,087. The highest increase in Franklin County went to Tuscarora School District with a 5.50% increase. In Pennsylvania, over 15 public 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 basic education funding.^[202] The amount of increase each school district received was determined by Governor Edward G. Rendell and Secretary of Education, Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.^[203]

The state's Basic Education Funding to the Waynesboro Area School District in 2008–09 was $12,350,739.85. In 2008, the District reported that 1,163 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income.^[204]

Accountability Block Grants

Beginning in 2004-2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania’s school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students, For 2010-11, the district applied for and received $649,127, in addition to all other state and federal funding. The Waynesboro Area School District used the funding to provide all-day kindergarten; to increase instructional time for struggling students; to pay teachers to write new curriculum and revise current classes; to provide teachers with training to improve instruction and to make research based changes in the curriculum and instruction.^[205][206]

Ready to Learn grant

Beginning in the 2014-2015 budget, the State funded a new Ready to Learn Grant for public schools. A total of $100 million is allocated through a formula to districts based on the number of students, level of poverty of community as calculated by its market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) and the number of English language learners. Ready to Learn Block Grant funds may be used by the Districts for: school safety; Ready by 3 early childhood intervention programs; individualized learning programs; and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.^[207]

Science It’s Elementary grant

Mowrey Elementary School successfully applied to participate and received a Science It’s Elementary grant in 2008-09.^[208] For the 2008-09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 66,973 students across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.^[209] In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Education initiated an effort to improve science instruction in the Commonwealth’s public elementary schools. Called Science: It’s Elementary, the program was a hands on instruction approach for elementary science classes that develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills.^[210] 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.^[211] The District was required to develop a three-year implementation plan for the participating school. The Waynesboro Area School District administration was required to appoint a district liaison who was paid $3,000 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 for the program.^[212] The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget. The grant was discontinued in the state’s 2011 budget by Governor Edward G. Rendell.

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. Waynesboro Area School District Administration did not apply for funding in any of the three years of the program.^[213] The District was one of 50 school districts that did not apply for Classrooms for the Future grants. In Franklin County the highest award was given to Greencastle-Antrim School District $165,458. 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.

Education Assistance Program

The EAP initiative provides extended learning opportunities and is designed to boost student achievement and help all students succeed by utilizing evidenced-based instructional models. The funding provides tutoring in Math and Reading for students in grades 7-12. Tutoring is provided during the school day, during study halls and after school. In 2010-11, the Waynesboro Area School District received $104,702.^[214]

Other grants

Waynesboro Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants;^[215][216] 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;^[217] 2013 Safe Schools grant; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants^[218] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal Stimulus grant

Waynesboro Area School District received an extra $2,499,012 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students. This was in addition to all regular state and federal funding.^[219] This funding is for 2009-10 and 2010–2011 school years.^[220] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, the Governor and the Pennsylvania School Board Association, 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

Waynesboro Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district millions of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.^[221] 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.^[222] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of public school districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.^[223]

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2014-2015 were set at 86.50 mills by the Waynesboro Area School Board.^[224] 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.^[225] 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.^[226]

2013-2014 - 86.50 mills 2012-13 - 86.5000 mills [227] 2011-12 - 85.5000 mills.[228] 2010-11 - 84.0900 mills.[229] 2009-10 - 82.5900 mills.[230]

2008-09 - 82.5900 mills.[231] 2007-08 - 79.0900 mills.[232] 2006-07 - 75.7600 mills.[233] 2005-06 - 70.8800 mills.[234]

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.^[235] The average yearly property tax paid by Franklin County residents amounts to about 2.94% of their yearly income. Franklin County is ranked 631st of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[236]

Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not permitted to raise taxes above that index, unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.^[237] With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly voted to end most of the Act 1 exceptions leaving only special education costs and pension costs. The cost of construction projects will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum.^[238]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Waynesboro Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.^[239]

2006-07 - 5.1%, Base 3.9% 2007-08 - 4.4%, Base 3.4% 2008-09 - 5.7%, Base 4.4% 2009-10 - 5.2%, Base 4.1% 2010-11 - 3.7%, Base 2.9%

2011-12 - 1.8%, Base 1.4% 2012-13 - 2.2%, Base 1.7% [240] 2013-14 - 2.2%, Base 1.7% [241] 2014-15 - 2.7%, Base 2.1% [242]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Waynesboro Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher’s pension fund (PSERS).^[243] For the school budget 2014-15, 316 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 181 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Districts may apply for multiple exceptions each year. For the pension costs exception, 163 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 104 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Seven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.^[244]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Waynesboro Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.^[245]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Waynesboro Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.^[246]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Waynesboro Area School Board applied for three exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. The exceptions applied for include: grandfathered debt, pension costs and maintenance of Local Tax Effort. Each year, Waynesboro Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[247]

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.^[248]

Waynesboro Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2010-11.^[249] For 2009-10, the board did not apply for exceptions.^[250] 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.^[251]

Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Waynesboro Area School District was set per approved permanent primary residence and farmstead. 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.

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 can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.

In Pennsylvania, the homestead exclusion reduces the assessed values of homestead properties, reducing the property tax on these homes. The homestead exclusion allows homeowners real property tax relief of up to one half of the median assessed value of homesteads in the taxing jurisdiction (county, school district, city, borough, or township).^[252]

Wellness policy

Waynesboro Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 – Policy 246.^[253] 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 Student 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.^[254] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

The Waynesboro Area School District offers a free school breakfast and free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.^[255] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.^[256]

In 2013, the USDA issued new restrictions to foods in public schools. The rules apply to foods and beverages sold on all public school district campuses during the day. They limit vending machine snacks to a maximum of 200 calories per item. Additionally, all snack foods sold at school must meet competitive nutrient standards, meaning they must have fruits, vegetables, dairy or protein in them or contain at least 10 percent of the daily value of fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D.^[257] In order to comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 all US public school districts are required to raise the price of their school lunches to $2.60 regardless of the actual cost of providing the lunch.^[258] The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 mandates that Districts raise their full pay lunch prices every year until the price of non-subsidized lunches equals the amount the federal government reimburses schools for free meals. That subsidy in 2013-2014 was $2.93.

In 2014, President Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.^[259] The Food and Drug Administration requires that students take milk as their beverage at lunch. In accordance with this law, any student requesting water in place of milk with their lunch must present a written request, signed by a doctor, documenting the need for water instead of milk.^[260][261]

Waynesboro Area School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses are available to conduct annual health screenings (data reported to the PDE and state Department of Health) and to dispense prescribed medications to students during the school day. Students can be excluded from school unless they comply with all the State Department of Health’s extensive immunization mandates. School nurses monitor each pupil for this compliance.^[262][263] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.^[264]

Extracurriculars

The Waynesboro Area School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, costly sports program.^[265] The school board determines eligibility for participation in coordination with respective individual governing organizations.^[266][267] Varsity, junior varsity and middle school athletic activities are under the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.

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.^[268]

According to Pennsylvania’s Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.^[269][270]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.^[271]

Sports

The District funds:

Boys Baseball - AAAA Basketball- AAAA Cross Country - AAA Football - AAAA Golf - AAA Soccer - AAA Track and Field - AAA Wrestling - AAA

Girls Basketball - AAAA Cross Country - AAA Field Hockey - AAA Golf - AAA Gymnastics - AAAA Soccer (Fall) - AAA Softball - AAA Track and Field - AAA Volleyball - AAA

Middle School Sports

Boys Basketball Football Soccer Track and Field Wrestling

Girls Basketball Field Hockey Soccer Track and Field Volleyball

According to PIAA directory July 2013 ^[272]

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