Spring Grove Area School District

Spring Grove Area School District
Shaping the future, one student at a time...
Address
100 East College Avenue Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, York County United States
Information
Type	Public
Superintendent	Dr. Robert Lombardo, salary $144,900 2012[1]
Grades	K through 12[2]
Number of students	3,827 students 2012; 3,863[3]
• Kindergarten	233
• Grade 1	272
• Grade 2	296
• Grade 3	297
• Grade 4	319
• Grade 5	306
• Grade 6	298
• Grade 7	306
• Grade 8	302
• Grade 9	313
• Grade 10	289
• Grade 11	290
• Grade 12	258
Budget	$61.3 million 2013-14[4]
Website	District Website

Spring Grove Area School District is a midsized, suburban, public school district located in Spring Grove, York County, Pennsylvania. It encompasses approximately 96 square miles (250 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 24,401. By 2010, the district's population increased to 27,417 people.^[5] In 2009, the district residents’ per capita income was $20,078, while the median family income was $52,385.^[6] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 ^[7] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.^[8] According to District officials, in school year 2007–08, Spring Grove Area School District provided basic educational services to 3,829 pupils through the employment of 295 teachers, 161 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 20 administrators.

Schools

Elementary schools

Spring Grove Area School District currently operates three elementary schools.

• New Salem Elementary School
• Paradise Elementary School
• Spring Grove Elementary School

Middle school

Spring Grove Area School District currently operates two junior high school.

• Spring Grove Intermediate
• Spring Grove Middle School

High school

Spring Grove Area School District currently operates one senior high school.

• Spring Grove Area High School

Governance

SpringGrove Area School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.^[9] 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 its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "D-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.^[10]

Academic achievement

Spring Grove Area School District was ranked 234th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2013. The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the PSSAs for: reading, writing math and science.

• 2012 - 252nd ^[11]
• 2011 - 257th ^[12]
• 2010 - 258th ^[13]
• 2009 - 237th
• 2008 - 263rd
• 2007 - 224th out of 501 school districts.^[14]

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Spring Grove Area School District ranked 419th. The editor describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."^[15]

• 2011 - 469th
• 2010 - 368th ^[16]
• 2009 - 372nd

In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students of Spring Grove Area School District, was in the 46th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania school districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best) ^[17]

District AYP History

In 2012, Spring Grove Area School District achieved AYP status, even though four (4) of its schools were in Warning status.^[18] In 2011, Spring Gorve Area 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.^[19] Spring Grove Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003 the District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.^[20]

Graduation rate

In 2012, the graduation rate at Spring Grove Area School District was 91%.^[21] In 2011, the graduation rate was 95%.^[22] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Spring Grove Area High School's rate was 92% for 2010.^[23]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 – 89%^[24]
• 2009 – 88%
• 2008 – 88%^[25]
• 2007 – 88%^[26]

High school

Spring Grove Area High School is located at 1490 Roth Church Road, Spring Grove. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 1,235 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 276 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 85.50 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[27]

In 2012, Spring Grove Area School District remained in Warning status due to missing all reading metrics measured in 11th grade.^[28] In 2011, Spring Grove Area High School declined to Warning Status due to lagging student achievement in mathematics. In 2010, the school achieved AYP status under No Child Left Behind.^[29]

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 70% on grade level, (13% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[30]
• 2011 - 74% (17% below basic). State - 69.1% ^[31]
• 2010 – 72% (13% below basic). State - 68% ^[32]
• 2009 – 62%, State – 65%^[33]
• 2008 – 65%, State – 65%
• 2007 – 68%, State – 65.4%^[34]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 68% on grade level (17% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[35]
• 2011 - 62% (20% below basic). State - 60.3% ^[36]
• 2010 – 65% (20% below basic). State - 59% ^[37]
• 2009 – 56%, State – 56%
• 2008 – 58%, State – 56% ^[38]
• 2007 – 59%, State – 53% ^[39]

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 45% on grade level (11% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[40]
• 2011 - 33% (17% below basic). State - 40%^[41]
• 2010 – 43% (10% below basic). State – 39% ^[42]
• 2009 – 40%, State – 40%^[43]
• 2008 – 40%, State – 39%^[44]
• 2007 – Tested, The state did not make the results public.

Science in Motion Spring Grove Area 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.^[45] Spring Grove Area Middle School also participated. Both schools worked with Gettysburg College to provide the experiences.

Graduation requirements

The Spring Grove Area School Board has set that a minimum of 25 credits, including English 1 credit/year in Grades 9–12, Social Studies 1 credit/year in Grades 9–12, Math 1 credit/year in Grades 9–11, Science 1 credit/year in Grades 9–11, along with various other credits.^[46] The project is completed during the junior year and consists of two components: a tangible project and an oral presentation.^[47]

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.^[48] Pupils earn 1 credit for completion of their graduation project. Seniors must complete graduation project in their 11th grade year to be eligible for senior release.

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.^[49][50][51] 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.^[52] 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.^[53] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

Dual enrollment

Spring Grove Area High School offers 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. 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, including the graduation ceremony. 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.^[54] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.^[55]

For the 2009–10 funding year, Spring Grove Area School District received a state grant of $19,929 for the program.^[56]

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 32% of Spring Grove 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.^[57] 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.^[58] 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.

SAT scores

In 2012, 169 Spring Grove Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 486. The Math average score was 513. The Writing average score was 481. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the USA, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

From January to June 2011, 201 Spring Grove students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 490. The Math average score was 511. The Writing average score was 480.^[59] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[60] In the United States 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing.^[61]

Middle school

Spring Grove Area Middle School is located at 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 615 pupils in grades 7th and 8th, with 191 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The middle school employed 46 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.^[62]

In 2011 Spring Grove Area Middle School achieved AYP status. In 2011 Spring Grove Area Middle School declined to Warning status due to lagging student achievement in mathematics. In 2010, achieved AYP status.^[63] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[64]

PSSA Results:

8th Grade Science

• 2012 - 63% on grade level (20% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 63% (19% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 56% (26% below basic). State – 57% ^[70]
• 2009 - 55% (21% below basic). State - 55% ^[71]
• 2008 - 58% (14% below basic). State - 52% ^[72]

Intermediate school

Spring Grove Area Intermediate School is located at 1480 Roth Church Road, Spring Grove. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 592 pupils in grades 5th and 6th, with 180 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[73] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 17 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[74] In 2012, Spring Grove Area Intermediate School declined to Warning AYP due to lagging achievement in reading and mathematics.^[75] In 2010 and 2011, Spring Grove Area Intermediate School achieved AYP status.^[76]

Elementary schools

New Salem Elementary School is located at 3745 Salem Road, York. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 447 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 132 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 28 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 16:1.^[79] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[74] In 2012, New Salem Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading achievement. In 2010 and 2011, New Salem Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[80]

In 2012, 84% of the students at New Salem Elementary School were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 91% of the students in 3rd and 4th grades were on grade level with 76% scoring advanced. In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils were on grade level with 62% achieving advanced comprehension.^[81] In 2011, 88% of New Salem Elementary School's students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 95% of the students in 3rd and 4th grades were on grade level and 69% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils at New Salem Elementary School were on grade level.^[82]

Paradise Elementary School is located at 6923 Lincoln Highway West, Thomasville. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 366 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 137 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 25 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[83] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[84] In 2010 through 2012, Paradise Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[85]

In 2012, 80% of the students at Paradise Elementary School were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 92% of the students in 3rd and 4th grades were on grade level, with 70% scoring advanced. In 4th grade science, 97% of the pupils were on grade level, with 81% achieving advanced.^[86] In 2011, 90% of the students at Paradise Elementary School were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 98% of the students in 3rd and 4th grades were on grade level, with 76% scoring advanced. In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils were on grade level.^[87]

Spring Grove Elementary School is located at 1450 Roth's Church Road, Spring Grove. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 608 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 186 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 41 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[88] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[89] In 2012, Spring Grove Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading and math achievement. In 2010 and 2011, Spring Grove Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[90]

In 2012, only 76% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 87% of the students (3rd and 4th grades) were on grade level, with 56% scoring advanced. In 4th grade science, 92% of the pupils were on grade level, with 55% achieving advanced.^[91] In 2011, 78% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 88% of the students (3rd and 4th grades) were on grade level, with 47% scoring advanced. In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils were on grade level.^[92]

Bullying policy and school safety

In 2011, Spring Grove Area School Administration reported there were 43 incidents involving law enforcement and 32 arrests, including: 7 assaults on students, 7 terroristic threats and a bomb threat.^[93] In 2009, the administration reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the district.^[94][95]

The Spring Grove School Board prohibits bullying by District students and faculty. The board policy 249 (Adopted December 2008) defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.^[96] The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.^[97] The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.^[98]

Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.^[99]

Special education

In December 2010, the district administration reported that 496 pupils or 12% of the district's pupils received Special Education services. Of the identified students, 52% had specific learning disabilities. In 2009, the district administration reported that 521 pupils or 13% of the district's pupils received Special Education services. Among them 9% had mental retardation.^[100]

The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. When a child experiences difficulty within the classroom, screening information will be gathered by a team located within the child’s school to determine his or her specific needs. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible make a written request for a multidisciplinary evaluation to the building principal.^[101]

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.^[102] 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.^[103] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.^[104] Overidentification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.^[105]

Spring Grove Area School District received a $2,036,126 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[106] For the 2011-12 school year, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010-11. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.^[107]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 149 or 3.86% of its students were gifted in 2009.^[108] 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.^[109][110]

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.^[111]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Spring Grove Area School District was $55,568 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $14,486 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $70,054.^[112]

In 2009, Spring Grove Area School District reported employing 332 teachers with a salary range of $37,460 to $117,548.^[113] The average salary in the district is $56,593.^[114]

In 2007, Spring Grove Area School District employed 252 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $50,259 for 180 days worked.^[115] 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.^[116] Additionally, the district's teachers receive: a defined benefit pension, health insurance, life insurance, paid sick, personal and emergency leave days, college credit reimbursement, a severance package and other benefits.^[117] Teachers receive substantial additional payment for extra duties and meetings held outside of regular school hours.

Spring Grove Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $563 per pupil which apparently ranked 472nd in Pennsylvania, in the lowest 10% of the state. This should be received as welcome news to local tax payers.

Reserves In 2008, Spring Grove Area School District reported a $8,711,410 balance in an unreserved-undesignated fund. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.^[118] In 2010, the District reported reserves of more than $10 million. In 2010, Area Administration reported an increase to $6,080,808 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The District reported $4,000,000 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. By law the state limits the total unreserved-undesignated fund balance at 8% of the annual budget for school districts that have budgets over $19 million a year. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.^[119]

Per Pupil Spending Spring Grove Area School District administration reported that per pupil spending in 2008 was $11,984 which ranked 272nd in the state's 500 school districts.^[120] In 2010 the per pupil spending had increased to $12,501.53 ^[121] Among the states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[122] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.^[123]

Audit In April 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the administration and the school board members.^[124]

Spring Grove Area School District faced multiple financial challenges for the 2011–12 budget year. Revenue for the 2011–12 school year is projected to be approximately $55.1 million. Anticipated expenditures are over $60 million. A 4 percent salary increase in the teacher's union contract is contributing to $1 million increase in salary expenses. The district's employee health insurance rate is set to increase by 15 percent. Finally the transportation contract called for a 3 percent increase.^[125]

APA study According to an extensive study of York County school districts conducted by APA Associates in 2008, Spring Grove Area School District achieved a +6 rating based on Performance and Relative Efficiency. Eleven of 16 York County districts achieved a positive rating.^[126]

Tuition Students who live in the Spring Grove 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 Spring Grove Area School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the Spring Grove Area School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary Schools - $8,364.48, High School - $9,207.21.^[127]

Spring Grove Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1.0% and net profit tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, per capita taxes, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the level of personal wealth.^[128]

State basic education funding

For the 2012-13 school year, Spring Grove Area School District received $10,221,236.^[129] 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. Spring Grove Area School District received $204,767 in ABG funding. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[130]

In 2011-12, Spring Grove Area School District received a $10,016,469 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.^[131][132] Additionally, the School District received $204,767 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 is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.^[133] 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.^[134] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 896 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.^[135]

In the 2010-2011 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.97% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $10,602,868 to Spring Grove Area School District. Among the districts in York County, the highest increase went to Hanover Public School District which got an 8.39% 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.^[136] The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where a district received at least the same amount as the year before, even where enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district receives was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.85% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $10,602,869 to Spring Grove Area School District. Among the districts in York County, the highest increase went to Central York School District which got a 12.54% increase in state basic education funding. Ninety school districts received a 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.^[137] The amount of increase each school district receives was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.^[138]

The state Basic Education Funding to Spring Grove Area School District in 2008-09 was $10,016,666.23. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 895 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.^[139]

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 Spring Grove Area School District applied for and received $555,766. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten and to reduce class size K-3rd grade.^[140][141]

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. Spring Grove Area High School did not apply to participate in 2006-07 or in 2007-08. Spring Grove Area High School received $188,223 in 2008-09.^[142] In York County the highest award was given to West Shore School District - $1,023,131. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide due to a massive state financial crisis.

Other grants

Spring Grove Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education grants, PA Science Its Elementary grants, Education Assistance Grants, 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, nor the 21st Century learning grants.

Federal Stimulus funding

The district received an extra $1,460,432 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[143] The Pennsylvania Department of Education advised the districts to use the money for nonrecurring expenses like purchasing equipment and teaching resources like books, and software.

Race to the Top grant

Spring Grove Area School District officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided over one million dollars in additional federal funding to improve student academic achievement.^[144] 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.^[145] 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.^{[146][147][148]}

Real estate taxes

The school board levied a real estate tax of 20.0831 mills in 2012–13.^[149] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. On the local level, Pennsylvania 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.^[150]

• 2011-12 - 19.6700 mills
• 2010-11 - 19.1300 mills.^[151]
• 2009–10 – 18.4500 mills ^[152]
• 2008–09 – 18.3400 mills ^[153]
• 2007-08 - 17.2000 mills.^[154]
• 2005-06 - 18.2000 mills.^[155]

The average yearly property tax paid by York County residents amounts to about 4.01% of their yearly income. York County ranked 232nd of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[156] 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.^[157] 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%).^[158]

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's 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.^[159] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.^[160] The following 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.^[161][162]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Spring Grove Area School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.^[163]

For the 2013-14 school year, Spring Grove Area School Board applied for an exception to the Act 1 index due to teacher pension costs. For this school budget year 171 Pennsylvania public schools applied for exceptions to exceed their respective Act 1 index.^[166] Pennsylvania public school districts that adopt a preliminary budget have two options to increase tax rates above their index: 1) seek an exception from the Department or 2) request approval from the electorate by placing a referendum question on the ballot in the election immediately preceding the school year (May 21, 2013). In order to increase property taxes beyond the index without seeking voter approval, Spring Grove Area School Board was required to submit and receive approval for a referendum exception from the state's Department of Education.

For the 2012-13 budget year, Spring Grove Area School Board applied for all three exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. It was approved for debt and pension costs, while the special education costs was denied by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.^[167]

For the 2011-12 school year, Spring Grove Area School Board apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index for Pension costs. The request was allowed Each year, Spring Grove 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.^[168]

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.^[169]

Spring Grove Area School Board also apply for an exception (pension costs) to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011. The exception was allowed.^[170] For 2009-10 school budget, the board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Index.^[171] 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.^[172]

Property tax relief

In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Spring Grove Area School District was $124 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 8,065 property owners applied for the tax relief.^[173] In 2010, within York County school districts, the highest amount went to York City School District set at $495 per approved homestead. The property tax 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. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $641 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.^[174] CUSD was given $632 in 2009. This was the second year they were the top recipient.

• 2009 – $127 to 7,872 approved homestead owners.^[175]
• 2008 – $136 to 7,364 homesteads.^[176]

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially greater 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.

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%).^[177]

Extracurriculars

The district's students have access to a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive costly sports program. Eligibility for participation is determined by the school board policy and in compliance with standards set by the Pennsylvania interscholastic Athletics Association (PIAA).^[178] The District does not charge an activity fee to students regardless of how costly the program or sport is to run. Spring Grove School District spent $68,480 for the transportation of sports teams in 2011-12. Countywide nearly $1 million was spent on transporting public school sports teams.^[179] The total extracurricular budget for the District in 2007-08 was $711,420 and grew to $969,482 in 2010-11. Collectively, York County public schools spent over $9 million on sports budgets (does not include facility costs) in 2011-12.^[180]

Extracurricular activities available at Spring Grove include academics, such as Science Olympiad, Team America Rocketry Challenge, Student Launch Initiative, Envirothon, Vex Robotics, and Physics Olympics, and clubs, such as Key Club, GSA, Hacky Sack Club, Academic Booster club, Art Club, Book Club, Debate Club, Drama Club, Film Club, FBLA, Future Educators Club, History Club, Journalism, Link Crew, National Honor Society, Peer Mentoring, Physics Club, Power of One Club, Psychology Club, Project Harmony, Recycling Club, Rocket Scientists, SADD, Student Council, Ski Club, Spanish Club, Tech Squad, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Ultimate Frisbee, Yearbook, and York County Science and Engineering Fair.

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.^[181][182]

Sports

The District funds:

Junior High School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2012 ^[183]

References