Danville Area School District

Danville Area School District
Address
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733 Ironmen Lane Danville , Montour County and Northumberland County , Pennsylvania 17821 United States
Information
Type	Public
Founded	1900
Closed	Danville Elementary School, Riverside Elementary School, Mahoning Cooper Elementary School in 2011
School board	9 members elected at large
Superintendent	Ricki Boyle[1]
Administrator	Bobbi Ely, Business Manager
Principal	Jeremy Winn, HS, TBD, HSVP
Principal	David Snover MS Jes Noel, MS VP
Principal	Lee Gump, LVIC
Principal	Amy Willoughby, DPS
Staff	143 non-teaching staff[2]
Faculty	182 teachers 2013),[3] 205 teachers (2010)
Grades	Preschool-12th
Age	4 years old preschool to 21 years special education students
Number of pupils	2,267 students (2016)[8] 2,276 students (2015)[9] 2,500 students (2014)[10] 2,431 students 2012[11] 2,428 students in 2010[12] 2,498 students (2005)[13]
• Kindergarten	173 (2014),[14] 188 (2012),[15] 201 (2010)[16]
• Grade 1	170 (2015),[17] 171 (2012),[18] 187
• Grade 2	170 (2015), 175 (2012), 187
• Grade 3	175 (2015), 181 (2012), 167
• Grade 4	181 (2015), 185 (2012), 171
• Grade 5	178 (2015), 185 (2012), 160
• Grade 6	194 (2015), 191 (2012), 157
• Grade 7	205 (2015), 169 (2012), 180
• Grade 8	196 (2015), 176 (2012), 175
• Grade 9	169 (2015), 133 (2012), 197
• Grade 10	144 (2015), 157 (2012), 176
• Grade 11	158 (2015), 173 (2012), 186
• Grade 12	136 (2015), 167 (2012), 217 (2010)
• Other	105 (2012)
Student to teacher ratio	12:1 (2013), 11:1 Student/teacher 2010
Language	English
Color(s)	Orange and purple
Mascot	Ironman
Budget	$40 million (2017-18)[5] $38.77 million (2016-17)[6] $34.9 million (2014-15),[7] $34.02 million (2013-14) $32,850,131 (2012-13)
Tuition	For nonresident and charter school students ES - $11,300.44, HS - $11,324.28[4]
Per-pupil spending	$12,124 (2008) $12,846.24 (2010)[19] $13,132.18 (2013)
State Classification	District of the 3rd class due to district population between 5,000 and 30,000 people[20]
Website	danville.k12.pa.us

The Danville Area School District is a midsized, rural, public school district which spans portions of two counties in Pennsylvania. In Montour County it covers the Boroughs of Danville and Washingtonville and Cooper Township, Derry Township, Liberty Township, Mahoning Township, Mayberry Township, Valley Township and West Hemlock Township. In Northumberland County it covers the Borough of Riverside and Rush Township. The district encompasses approximately 120 square miles (310 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, it served a resident population of 18,894. By 2010, the district's population declined to 18,765 people.^[21] The educational attainment levels for the Danville Area School District population (25 years old and over) were 89.8% high school graduates and 27.4% college graduates.^[22] The district is one of the 500 public school districts of Pennsylvania.

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 28.8% of the district's pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty level as shown by their eligibility for the federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012.^[23] In 2009, the residents' per capita income was $20,247, while the median family income was $46,435.^[24] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501^[25] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.^[26] In Montour County, the median household income was $45,255.^[27] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.^[28]

Danville Area School District officials reported that, in school year 2007-08, the district provided basic educational services to 2,563 pupils through the employment of 200 teachers, 152 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 16 administrators. In 2009-10, the district provided basic educational services to 2,470 pupils. It employed: 202 teachers, 143 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 15 administrators during the 2009-10 school year. The district received $11.4 million in state funding in the 2009-10 school year.

The district operates Danville Area High School (Grades 9-12), Danville Middle School (Grades 6-8), Liberty Valley Intermediate Elementary School (Grades 3-5), and Danville Area Primary Elementary School (Grades K2). Of the 4 elementary schools formerly operated by the district until June 2011, only Liberty Valley remains open today. Danville Elementary School, Riverside Elementary School, and Mahoning Cooper Elementary School all closed in the 2011 consolidation of the new Danville Area Primary Elementary School. [1] The district provides an online learning option called Danville eLearning Cyber Academy. In 2015, 52 Danville Area School District pupils opted for the eLearning Cyber Academy alternative and another 29 attended one of the 14 public, cyber charter schools operating in the Commonwealth. Danville's cost for cyber school students was $9,817 per pupil.^[29]

Danville Area School District has experienced a significant decline in enrollment. The 2009-10 enrollment was 2,342 pupils. It had peaked at 2,837 pupils in 1998-99. The board added 36 professional positions and nearly doubled the number of nonprofessional positions by adding 23 workers over that period.^[30]

Mascot and Colors

The district's school colors are Orange and Purple and its mascot is the Ironman. The Orange and Purple represent the colors of hot iron. Iron turns orange at forging temperatures and purple at even hotter casting temperatures. This is due to the historical significance of an iron refinery in downtown Danville. Danville Area was commissioned in 1900, within a few years of when the mill closed. The refinery stood idle for decades, but it was finally demolished in the 1930s.

History[]

Shortly before the turn of the 20th century, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania called for special districts acting as their own local government units to run the state's public school system, whereas counties, boroughs, townships, towns, and cities had previously been allowed to run schools. In 1900, the legislature commissioned Danville School District. Originally, the district covered only Danville, but it was granted an increasing geographical region as the state decommissioned surrounding districts. It expanded to cover all but the very northernmost townships of Montour County. Later, with the decommission and annexation of South Danville School District, it took up part of Northumberland County as well. In 1957, Danville School District was awarded the designation of "Area" in its name. In 2007, a U.S. News & World Report study rated Danville High School in the top 5% as one of the best public high schools in the United States of America. In 2010, the high school was no longer listed in the Top US Schools Listing.^[31]

Governance[]

Danville 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.^[32] 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, (renamed Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in December 2015) which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.^[33] The school board is required by state law to post a financial report on the district in its website by March of each school year.^[34]

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 school board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. These contracts must be in writing and are subject to public disclosure under the state's Right to Know Act. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the superintendent regarding renewal of the employment contract.^[35] Pursuant to Act 141 of 2012 which amended the Pennsylvania School Code, all school districts that have hired superintendents on/after the fall of 2012 are required to develop objective performance standards and post them on the district's website.^[36][37]

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "C-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.^[38]

Academic achievement[]

In 2010, Danville Area School District adopted an Instructional Model with the intent to strengthen student achievement in all grades.^[39]

Statewide academic ranking

Danville Area School District ranked 67th out of the 494 ranked Pennsylvania School Districts in 2017, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.^[40][41] The ranking was 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.^[42] Three school districts were excluded from the ranking because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Danville Area School District ranked 187th. ^[52] 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."^[53]

• 2011 - 201st
• 2010 - 313th
• 2009 - 282nd

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students at Danville Area School District was in the 72nd percentile among Pennsylvania's 500 schools districts. Scale (0-99; 100 is state best).^[54]

District AYP Status[]

In 2010 through 2012, Danville Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status. 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 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. From 2004 to 2009, Danville Area School District achieved AYP status. In 2003, the district was in Warning status due to lagging student academic achievement.

Graduation rate[]

In 2016, Danville Area School District's graduation rate rose to 94.4%.^[55]

• 2015 - 90%
• 2014 - 94.97%.^[56]
• 2013 - 93.62%.
• 2012 - 92.3%.^[57]
• 2011 - 93.6%.^[58]
• 2010 - 91.98%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.^[59]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 - 90% ^[60]
• 2009 - 91.39% ^[61]
• 2008 - 92.45%
• 2007 - 87.75% ^[62]
• 2006 - 91.71%

High school[]

Danville Area High School is located at 600 Walnut Street, Danville. In 2013, Danville Area High School enrollment was 625 students, in 9th through 12th grades, with 19.5% of pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 19.5% of pupils receiving special education services, while 12% of pupils were identified as being gifted. The school employed 51 teachers.^[63] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 720 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 122 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 61 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.^[64] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[65]

In 2009, Danville High School ranked 139th out of 666 Pennsylvania high schools for the reading and mathematics achievement of its students.^[66]

2017 School Performance Profile

Danville Area High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 92% of students were on grade level in reading/literature and 80.5% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 80% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.^[67] The school had the highest achievement among schools in the CSIU16 region.^[68] Statewide 72.7% of students who took the Keystone Reading/Literature exam were on grade level or advanced. In Algebra 1, 65.6% demonstrated on grade level skills. In Biology I, 63.4% of students who took a biology course showed on grade level understanding of concepts.^[69][70]

2016 School Performance Profile

Danville Area High School Keystone Exams (federally mandated testing) results were: 95.8% of students were on grade level in reading /literature and 88.5% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I skills. In Biology I, 90.3% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.^[71] The requirement that pupils pass the Keystone Exams in reading, algebra I and bIology I in order to graduate was postponed until 2019 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly because less than 60% of 12 grade pupils statewide would have been eligible for graduation from high school due to failing one or more Keystone Exams.^[72] Danville Area High School remained the highest achieving school in the CSIU16 region.

2015 School Performance Profile

Danville Area High School achieved 89.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 92.9% of the high school's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 89.76% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 78% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[73] Statewide, 53 percent of schools with an eleventh grade achieved an academic score of 70 or better. Five percent of the 2,033 schools with 11th grade were scored at 90 and above; 20 percent were scored between 80 and 89; 28 percent between 70 and 79; 25 percent between 60 and 69 and 22 percent below 60. The Keystone Exam results showed: 73 percent of students statewide scored at grade-level in English, 64 percent in Algebra I and 59 percent in biology.^[74][75]

2014 School Performance Profile

Danville Area High School achieved 92.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 86.6% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 84.7% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 76.6% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[76][77] Statewide, the percentage of high school students, who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I, increased to 39.7% (2013) to 40.1% (2014). The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7 (2013) to 41.4 (2014).^[78]

U.S. News & World Report rating In 2014, Danville Area High School was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a silver-level high school in a nationwide school ranking. Among Pennsylvania high schools (traditional, charter and private) 56 achieved gold or silver medals. Another 103 high schools achieved bronze rating out of 698 Pennsylvania high schools reviewed.^[79]

2013 School Performance Profile

Danville Area High School achieved 92.7 out of 100. This was the highest score achieved by an IU16 region high school. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 92% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 92.8% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 50% showed on grade level science understanding.^[80] 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.

AYP History

Each school year 2003 through 2012, Danville Area High School achieved AYP status, under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.^[81][82]

PSSA Scores

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. PSSAs are NCLB related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012. The PSSAs for 11th graders included: 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.

11th Grade Reading:

• 2007 - 79% on grade level. State - 65.4% of 11th graders on grade level
• 2008 - 78.6%, State - 65%^[83]
• 2009 - 75.5%, State - 65% ^[84]
• 2010 - 76%, State - 67%. The 11th grade ranked 6th in CSIU16 high schools for reading achievement.^[85]
• 2011 - 82.5%, (6% below basic). Ranked 2nd among CSIU16 region 11th grades. State - 69%.^[86]
• 2012 - 89% (5% below basic). State - 67%, CSIU16 region 11th grade rank - 1st.^[87]

11th Grade Mathematics on grade level:

• 2007 - 65.4%, State - 53.7%
• 2008 - 60.4%, State - 56%
• 2009 - 66.7%, State - 56% ^[88]
• 2010 - 77%, State - 59%. The 11th grade ranked 2nd, in the CSIU 16 region, for math achievement.^[89]
• 2011 - 77.6% (10% below basic). State - 60.3%. The 11th grade ranked 1st, in the CSIU 16 region, for math achievement.
• 2012 - 87% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 59% of 11th graders are on grade level. CSIU16 region rank - 1st.^[90]

11th Grade Science on grade level:

• 2008 - 39%, State - 36%
• 2009 - 48.5%, State - 39.7%^[91]
• 2010 - 54%, State - 39%. In the CSIU16 region, Danville ranked 6th for science achievement.^[92]
• 2011 - 52.6% (8% below basic). State - 40%. In the CSIU16 region, Danville AHS ranked 5th for science achievement.^[93]
• 2012 - 52% on grade level (5% below basic). State - 44% of 11th graders were on grade level. In the CSIU16 region, Danville AHS ranked 6th for science achievement.

Science in Motion Danville 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.^[94] The high school worked with Susquehanna University to provide the experiences.

College Remediation rate[]

In January 2009, research was presented to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education. The research examined course enrollment trends at the state's 14 community colleges and the 14 institutions in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The data, provided by PASSHE and the community colleges, showed that during the 2007-08 school year 18% of Danville Area High School graduates required costly remediation in math and/or reading before they could take regular college courses.^[95] 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.^[96] 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 2015, 131 Danville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's verbal average score was 521. The math average score was 527. The Writing average score was 501.^[97] The College Board also reported that statewide 96,826 pupils took the exams with average scores declining in all three measurers to: 495 in reading, 511 in math and 484 in writing.^[98]

In 2014, 135 Danville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's verbal average score was 514. The math average score was 530. The Writing average score was 490.^[99] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.^[100]

In 2013, 119 Danville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's verbal average score was 530. The math average score was 541. The Writing average score was 526. 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.^[101]

In 2012, 148 Danville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's verbal average score was 510. The math average score was 527. The Writing average score was 501. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the US, 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, 137 Danville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's verbal average score was 512. The math average score was 526. The Writing average score was 488.^[102] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[103] 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.^[104]

The Pennsylvania Department of Education compared the SAT data of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania to students in urban areas. From 2003 to 2005, the average total SAT score for students in rural Pennsylvania was 992, while urban students averaged 1,006. During the same period, 28 percent of 11th and 12th graders in rural school districts took the exam, compared to 32 percent of urban students in the same grades. The average math and verbal scores were 495 and 497, respectively, for rural students, while urban test-takers averaged 499 and 507, respectively. Pennsylvania's SAT composite score ranked low on the national scale in 2004. The composite SAT score of 1,003 left Pennsylvania ranking 44 out of the 50 states and Washington, DC.^[105]

Graduation requirements[]

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The Danville Area School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 28 credits to graduate, including: mathematics - 4 credits, English 4.5 credits, social studies 3 credits, science 4.5 credits, Computer technology 1 credit, Physical Education and health 2.5 credits, Graduation project 0.5 credit and electives. In 2017 graduation requirements will be reduced by 1 credit to 27 credits and the student must score proficient or advanced on the following Keystone Exams: Algebra I, English Literature, and Biology.^[106]

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.^[107] 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.^[108]

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.^{[109][110][111]} 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.^[112] 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.^[113] 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.

Advance Placement courses[]

In 2013, Danville Area High School offered 13 AP courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. Danville Area High School gives credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP classes.^[114] At Danville Area High School 76.8%% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.^[115]

In 2014, DAHS offered 12 AP Courses. Of those students who took the courses, 68% achieved a 3 or better on the AP exam.^[116]

ACE[]

Danville Area School District students have access to Bloomsburg University's Summer College and Advanced College Experience (ACE) during the summer of their sophomore, junior and senior years (after high school graduation). Tuition is deeply discounted to 75% of the regular rate.^[117] Successful students earn college credits that can be transferred to other Pennsylvania public colleges and universities through the Pennsylvania TRAC system.

Middle school[]

Danville Area Middle School is located at 120 Northumberland Road. In 2015, enrollment was 572 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 28.6% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 14% of pupils received special education services, while 4% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[118] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[119]

In 2013, Danville Area Middle School enrollment was 534 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 30% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 15.9% of pupils received special education services, while 3.9% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[120] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the No Child Left Behind Act.^[121]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, Danville Area Middle School reported an enrollment of 497 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 151 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 42 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 12:1.^[122] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[123]

In September 2011, the Danville Area Middle School building was heavily damaged by flash flooding of the Susquehanna River. Estimates put the damage at over $4 million. The district reports having $2 million in insurance on the building. The school is conducting classes, for the rest of the school year, by conducting 6th grade in one former, elementary school building and 7th and 8th grade in another former, elementary school building.^[124] In February 2013, the school board reported that most of the repairs were completed. In addition to insurance coverage, grants from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency covered most of the costs of repairs.^[125] the school reopened to students in fall 2013.

2017 School Performance Profile

No SPP was released by the PDE. Danville Area Middle School PSSA mandated testing results were: 66.9% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 36.6% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 56.5% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.^[126][127] In 7th grade, 70% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 45% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 73.8% were on grade level in reading and only 48% were on grade level in math. Statewide just 32.5% of eighth graders demonstrated on grade level in math and 58.9% of eighth graders were on grade level in reading. In science, 52.7% of eighth graders showed on grade level proficiency. Among Pennsylvania 7th graders, just 37.8% of students demonstrated on grade level skills in mathematics. In seventh grade reading, 59.5% were on grade level. Sixth graders had 40.3% showing on grade level math skills. In reading, 63.6% of Pennsylvania sixth graders were reading on grade level.^[128]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP sharply declined to 73.5 out of 100 points.^[129] Danville Area Middle School PSSA mandated testing results were: 66.8% of students in 8th were on grade level in reading, while just 37.1% of students demonstrated on grade level skills in mathematics. In science, 66.5% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.^[130] In 7th grade, 75.8% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 42.6% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 68.8% were on grade level in reading and 49.2% were on grade level in math.

2015 School Performance Profile

SPP withheld by the PDE. The PDE reported that 72% of 8th grade students at Danville Area Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 51.5% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 74% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 65% were on grade level in reading, while just 47% showed on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 70% were on grade level in reading and 54% were on grade level in mathematics.^[131] Statewide 58% of eighth (8th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 29% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 7th graders were58% on grade level in reading and 33% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among sixth (6th) graders, 60.7% were reading on grade level, while only 39.7% demonstrated on grade level math skills.^[132]

2014 School Performance Profile

Danville Area Middle School achieved a SPP 84.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 77% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 85.66% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 78.8% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 81% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[133]

2013 School Performance Profile

Danville Area Middle School achieved 94.4 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, 80% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics, 85.8% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, 82% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 91% of the 8th grade students were on grade level.^[134]

Adequate Yearly Progress History

• 2012 - achieved AYP status.^[135]
• 2011 - achieved AYP status.^[136] From 2004 through 2010, Danville Area Middle School achieved AYP each school year. In 2003, Danville Area Middle School was in Warning AYP status, due to lagging academic achievement.^[137]

PSSA HIstory

PSSAs are NCLB related examination given in the Spring of each school year. Sixth and seventh grades are 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. 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. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.^[138]

8th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 87% on grade level (8% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.^[139]
• 2011 - 84.9% (6% below basic). State - 81.8%. Ranks 9th in the CSIU16 region 8th grades.
• 2010 - 87%, State - 81%. Ranked 6th in the region.^[140]
• 2009 - 89%, State - 80.9%.^[141]
• 2008 - 84%, State - 78% ^[142]

8th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 88% on grade level (6% below basic). State - 76%
• 2011 - 93.4% (3% below basic). State - 76.9%. The 8th grade ranked 2nd in the CSIU16 region.^[143]
• 2010 - 84.5%, State - 75%. The 8th grade ranked 5th in the CSIU16 region.^[144]
• 2009 - 89%, State - 71%^[145]
• 2008 - 73%, State - 70% ^[146]

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 76% on grade level (12% below basic). State - 59% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 67% (13% below basic). State - 58.3%. Ranks 11th, in 8th grade science, in CSIU16 region.
• 2010 - 71%, State - 57%.^[147]
• 2009 - 68%, State - 55%
• 2008 - 60%, State - 50%

In 2010, the school administration set the goal that 90% of students would be on grade level. They developed an Instructional Plan to achieve that goal.^[154]

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Danville Area School District did not implement a state funded dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the middle school.^[155] The process identifies students at risk for droping out by examining the pupil's: attendance, behavior and course grades. Interventions are implemented to assist at-risk pupils to remain in school. The program is funded by federal and private dollars.^[156]

School safety and bullying

Danville Middle School administration reported there was one incident of bullying in the school in the 2014-15 school year. Additionally, there were three assaults in pupils and one sexual incident involving a student. The local law enforcement was involved in zero incidents at the school.^{[157] [158]} Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center which then publishes the compiled reports online. Nationally, nearly 20% of pupils report being bullied at school.^[159] Bullying at school was cited as the reason some pupils opted for the district's eLearning Cyber Academy.

Liberty-Valley Elementary School[]

Liberty-Valley Elementary School is located at 175 Liberty Valley Road. In 2016, the School's enrollment declined to 534 pupils in grades 3rd through 5th, with 30% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 16% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted.^[160] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.^[161] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, the school's enrollment was 551 pupils, in grades 3rd through 5th, with 36% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 14.5% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2.3% are identified as gifted.^[162] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.^[163] The school was not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, enrollment was 584 pupils in grades 3rd through 5th, with 209 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 39 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.^[164] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.^[165]

2017 School Performance Profile

No SPP was released by the PDE. Liberty-Valley Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 71% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while 69% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 71% were on grade level in reading, while just 52% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 84% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts, in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 72% were on grade level in reading and just 41% showed on grade level mathematics skills.^[166][167]

2016 School Performance Profile

School Performance Profile declined further to 76.4 out of 100 points.^[168] Liberty-Valley Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 71.4% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while only 45.2% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 74.2% were on grade level in reading, while 52.2% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 83.1% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 70.3% were on grade level in reading and just 57.2% showed on grade level mathematics skills.^[169][170]

2015 School Performance Profile

School Performance Profile withheld by the PDE.^[171] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 74% of 5th grade students at Liberty-Valley Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 61% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 71% were on grade level in reading, while 54% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 80% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 69% were on grade level in reading and 57% were on grade level in mathematics.^[172] Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 4th graders were 58.6% on grade level in reading and 44.4% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 77.3% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among Pennsylvania third (3rd) graders, 62% were reading on grade level, while 48.5% demonstrated on grade level math skills.^[173]

2014 School Performance Profile

Liberty-Valley Elementary School achieved a score of 80.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 73.7% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, only 75.8% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 79.6% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 80% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 75 of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[174]

2013 School Performance Profile

Liberty-Valley Elementary School achieved a score of 82.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 72% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 81.7% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 76% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 83% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 77% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[175]

AYP status history

Liberty Valley Elementary School was in Warning status for student academic achievement in 2010 and 2012, due to declining student achievement.^{[136][176][177]}

PSSA results history

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.

Low Income 3rd Grade Students Achievement Reading

• 2012 - 73% on grade level. State - 59%
• 2011 - 55.9% on grade level. State - 65.6%
• 2010 - 64% on grade level. State - 61% ^[183]

Low Income 3rd Grade Students Achievement Math

• 2012 - 73% on grade level. State - 66%.
• 2011 - 50% on grade level. State - 73%
• 2010 - 72.5% on grade level. State - 74%

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 85%, (4% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 85%, (3% below basic). State - 82.9%
• 2010 - 82.6%, State - 81.4%
• 2009 - 92%, State - 83%
• 2008 - 97%, State - 82%

Danville Primary School[]

Danville Primary School is located at 604 Walnut Street. In 2014, the school's enrollment declined to 536 pupils in grades preschool through second, with 33% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 10.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while none are identified as gifted.^[187] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school provides full day kindergarten.^[188] The school is a school. In April 2015, the school won a contest to have a free visit from renown children's author-illustrator Jan Brett visit the school, at her expense, during the 2015-16 school year.^[189]

In 2013, Danville Primary School's enrollment was 635 pupils in grades preschool through second, with 33% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 6% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.^[190] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school provided full-day kindergarten.^[188] The school was a Title I school.

Danville Head Start provides a taxpayer funded, preschool program that provides education, health, and social services to children and families. It serves 111 pre-school aged children throughout Montour County and the Danville Area School District in 2010.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, enrollment was 625 pupils in grades preschool through 2nd, with 202 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 44 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.^[191]

Special education[]

In December 2015, the Danville Area School District administration reported that 372 pupils, or 15.6% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with 41.1% having specific learning disabilities.^[192]

In 2012, the Danville Area School District administration reported that 310 pupils, or 13% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with 47.7% having specific learning disabilities.^[192] In 2011, the Danville Area School District administration reported that 322 pupils, or 13.3% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with 47.2% having specific learning disabilities.^[193] In December 2010, the district administration reported that 321 pupils, or 12.6% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with 44.5% having specific learning disabilities. In December 2009, the administration reported that 363 pupils, or 15.4% of the district's pupils, received special education services.^[194]

In 2007, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak testified before the Pennsylvania House Education Committee regarding full-day kindergarten. He claimed that districts which offered the program would see a significant decrease in special education students due to early identification and early intervention. He asserted the high cost of full-day kindergarten would be recouped by districts in lower special education costs.^[195] Danville Area School District has seen a slight decrease in the percentage of special education students it serves, yielding minimal budget savings.

The district engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the district seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the district or contact the Supervisor of Special Education.^[196]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815 for special education services. This funding was in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.^[197] 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.^[198] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.^[199] 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.^[200][201] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.^[202]

Danville Area School District received a $1,387,004 supplement for special education services in 2010 from the state.^[203] For the 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010-11. This level funding was 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.^[204][205] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The district must apply for this added funding. For 2014–15, Danville Area School District received $1,399,443 for special education. from the state along with added dollars from the federal government. IN 2015-16 the district received $1,417,674 in special education funding.

For 2016–17, Danville Area School District received an increase to $1,429,564 for special education. from the state along with added dollars from the federal government.^[206]

Gifted education[]

The district administration reported that 75 or 3.09% of its students were gifted in 2009.^[207] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the high school have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.^[208]

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.^[209]

In October 2015, Danville Area School District teachers threatened to strike again. Board negotiators agreed to a new contract two days before the announced strike. The contract covers 7 years giving teachers 21% raise of the life of the contract, with a 1% increase in teacher contributions to the rising costs of their health insurance (10% to 11%).^[210] Union contract negotiators requested secrecy regarding the terms of the contract. The top salary of a Danville Area School District teacher was $70,420 in 2013.^[211] Danville Area School District teacher and administrator retirement benefits are equal to at least 2.00% x Final Average Salary x Total Credited Service. (Some teachers benefits utilize a 2.50% benefit factor.)^[212] After 40 years of service, a teacher can retire with 100% of the average salary of their final 3 years of employment. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.^[213] In 2014-15, Pennsylvania Public school district mandated teacher pension contribution rose to 21.40% of employee salaries and in 2015-16 it rose again to 25.84% of total salaries.^[214]

In December 2013, the teachers union voted to authorize a strike if their contract demands were not met by the school board.^[215] The union and board had sought a state arbitrator review. The report rejected many of the Danville Area School Teachers Union's demands. In April, 2014, the Danville Teachers Union made good its threat, going out on strike for five days. This is the fifth teacher strike in Pennsylvania since 2010.^[216] Of nearly 140 teacher strikes that occurred nationally between 2000 and 2007, 60 percent took place in Pennsylvania, according to a report released in August 2012, by the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy.^[217] Pennsylvania is one of 13 states in which teacher strikes are legal. Pennsylvania has the highest rate of teacher strikes in the United States. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there were three teacher union strikes in 2010; one teacher union strike in 2011, one teacher union strike in 2012 and three teacher union strikes in 2013.^[218] State law gives the Pennsylvania Department of Education the power to order the teachers to return so that students will complete 180 days of school by June 15.

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Danville Area School District was $54,143 a year, while the cost of the benefits Danville teachers received rose to $20,170 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $74,314.^[219] According to a report from State Representative Fred Keller, the increase in compensation of Danville Area School District teachers has exceeded the rate of inflation over the past decade.^[220]

In 2012, the average teacher salary in Danville Area School District was $54,799 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $18,444 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $73,244.^[221] The district employed 222 teachers with an average salary of $55,734 and a top salary of $125,000.^[222]

In May 2012, Danville Area School District eliminated 3 teaching position through attrition. The positions were eliminated due to declining enrollment. The school board and administration are wrestling with repairs to the flood damaged middle school. The school was heavily flooded in September 2011. An empty elementary school was used to provide middle school classes through the 2011-12 school year. The board has ruled out building a new building due to financial constraints.^[223]

The Danville Area School District approved a preliminary budget that did not furlough any professional staff in 2011. There were several open teaching positions that were eliminated due to declining enrollment. The budget included $500,000 for new capital projects and a $200,000 increase technology budget. Superintendent Price reported that class sizes remain ideal and lower than other schools in the region. Seventeen class aide positions were eliminated as well as an assistant food service director. Spending on sports was reduced by $25,000.^[224]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Danville Area School District was $52,076 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $15,363 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $67,440.^[225]

In 2009, Danville Area School District reported employing over 200 teachers with a salary range of $37,569 to $109,000 for 188 days.^[226] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance employee pays 10%, dental and vision insurance, professional development reimbursement, 1 emergency day leave, 2 personal days, 3 bereavement leave, sick days, a retirement bonus and other benefits.^[227] According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.^[228]

In 2007, Danville Area School District employed 191 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $51,084 for 180 days worked.^[229] 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.^[230]

Per-pupil spending District administration reported that in 2008 its per-pupil spending was $12,124, which ranked 261st among Pennsylvania public schools.^[231] In 2010, the district's per-pupil spending had increased to $12,681.46.^[232]

In 2011, Pennsylvania's per-pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.^[233] Among the states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[234] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.^[235] The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.^[236]

Administrative costs Danville Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $613.26 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[237] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association collects and maintains statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association's report, the average salary for a superintendent, for the 2007-08 school year, was $122,165. Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.^[238] According to PSBA, the median superintendent salary rose to over $130,000 in 2011.^[239] In June 2011, the Danville Area School District School Board voted to hire Cheryl Latoore as superintendent, awarding her a 5-year contract with a beginning salary of $125,000 plus an extensive benefits package. At the time of hiring, Latorre was the Superintendent of neighboring Mount Carmel Area School District.^[240] In 2007, the board hired Dr. Susan Bickford as superintendent at an annual salary of $109,000.^[241][242] Dr. Bickford resigned on August 20, 2010.^[243]

Interest swap scheme loan In May 2011, the board took out a $8.4 million loan in order to buy out of an interest swap deal that was losing money. The board ended the employment of its business manager who had entered into the interest gambling swap contract.^[244][245]

In February 2013, the board reported a $1 million deficit in the proposed budget for 2013-14. The district reports that 45% of the budget is and 23% is the cost of the teachers' benefits. Additionally, student transportation costs $11,000 a day.^[246]

Reserves In 2008, Danville Area School District reported a balance of zero in its unreserved-designated fund. The unreserved-undesignated fund balance was reported as $2,828,446. ^[247] In 2010, Danville Area School District Administration reported an increase to $3,153,083.00 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The district reported zero 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.^[248]

Audit In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The results were provided to the board and administration.^[249] In July 2013, the district was audited again. One significant finding was that the departing superintendent was over compensated. Based on the superintendent's per diem rate at retirement of $417.62, the district made payments to the superintendent totaling $10,858. However, according to her contract and the Act 93 agreement, she was not required to receive payment for unused vacation days.^[250] The report also noted that on August 21, 2007, Danville Area School District entered into a swap agreement related to its issuance of $7,000,000 of bonds. The district terminated the swap agreement effective May 25, 2011. The termination fee resulted in the district jeopardizing $1,342,040 of taxpayer dollars.

Tuition Students who live in the Danville 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 Danville 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 Danville Area School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $8,934, High School - $9,808.^[251]

Building upgrades In the summer of 2014, the Danville Area School Board spent over $1 million to upgrade the former Danville Elementary School building. Upgrades included lighting and HVAC changes. The district plans to use the building for its e-Learning Cyber Academy. It is renting the second floor to a local company, Behavioral Specialists Inc. and is looking for a tenant for the third floor space.^[252]

Danville Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1.15%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Interest earnings on accounts also provide nontax income to the district. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the income level.^[253] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 a year plus they receive federal Social Security benefits: both are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds the local public schools.^[254]

State basic education funding[]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Danville Area School District receives 36.7% of its annual revenue from the state.^[255]

For the 2017-18 school year, Danville Area School District received an increase to $7,254,588 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.^[256] Pennsylvania again increased its public education spending to a record high of $5.995 billion. It was a $100 million increase, 1.7% increase over the 2016-17 state education appropriation.^[257] Additionally, the state continued to fund its Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $25 million increase to $1.121 billion.^[258] The state also paid $529,5 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.304 billion to the teacher's pension fund, an increase of 7.6% over the state's 2016-17 payment. The state maintained its $100 million reimbursement to school districts for transportation costs. Governor Wolf had proposed cutting the funding by 50% shifting the costs on to local taxpayers.^[259][260]

For the 2016-17 school year, Danville Area School District received $7,209,157 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a 2.6% increase over 2015-16 funding to the district. The district also received Ready to Learn grant of $279,308 and an increase in special education funding from the state. For the 2016-17 school year, Pennsylvania increased its public education spending to a record high of $5,895 billion. It was a $200 million increase, 3.51% increase over the 2015-16 appropriation.^[261] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.^[262] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher's pension fund.^[263]

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $3,391,565 to Danville Area School District, in January 2016.^[264] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public school, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.^[265] The disbursement did not follow the newly Basic Education Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2015.^[266]

For the 2014-15 school year, Danville Area School District received $6,892,411 in State Basic Education funding. The district also received $226,115 in new Ready To Learn Block grant and another $97,874 in Student-Focused Funding Supplement. The State's enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.^[267] 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.^[268]

For the 2013-14 school year, the Danville Area School District received a 1.6% increase or $6,898,927 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $110,987 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Danville Area School District received $128,241 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the school districts in Montour County, Danville Area School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF. The district has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth's budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.^[269] 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.^[270]

For the 2012-13 school year, Danville Area School District received $6,916,181.^[271] 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. Danville Area School District received $128,241 in ABG funding. The district also received special education funding from the state and federal government and transportation funding from the state.

In the 2011-12 school year, Danville Area School District received $6,787,940 in state Basic Education Funding.^[272] Additionally, the district will receive $128,241 in Accountability Block Grant funding.^[273] 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.^[274] 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.^[275]

For the 2010-11 school year, the state gave a 3.22% increase in basic education funding to the Danville Area School District for $7,193,508. In the Commonwealth, the highest increase in state funding went to Kennett Consolidated School District which received a 23.65% increase. Among the 500 Pennsylvania public school district, 150 received the base 2% increase in 2010.^[276][277] 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 received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.67% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,969,142. The Pennsylvania Department of Education gave 15 school districts an increase of Basic Education Funding of over 10% in the 2009-10 budget.^[278] Mount Carmel Area School District received 6.23% which was the highest increase in Northumberland County in 2009. In Pennsylvania, ninety school districts were allotted the base increase of 2%. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received an increase of 22.31%. Fifteen school districts received Basic Education increases in excess of 10%^[279] The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.^[280]

The state Basic Education Funding to Danville Area School District in 2008-09 was $6,787,940.04. The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that, in the 2007-08 school year, 749 students received a free or reduced-price lunch due to low family income.^[281]

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 Kindergarten-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 Danville Area School District applied for and received $348,078 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to increase instructional time and to provide full-day kindergarten for the 7th year.^[282][283]

Ready to Learn grant[]

Beginning in the 2014-15 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.^[284] In 2014-15, Danville Area School District received $226,115 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, PreK Counts funding, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

In 2016-17, the Danville Area School District received an increased Ready to Learn grant of $279,308 from the Commonwealth.

Education Assistance grant[]

The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. For 2010-11, Danville Area School District received $76,123.^[285]

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), along with other specialized equipment and provided funding for teacher training to optimize the use of the computers. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Danville Area School District received $167,949 in 2006-07 and another $300,000 in 2007-08. The district did not apply for funding in 2009.^[286][287] 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.

PreK Counts grant[]

Danville Area School District receives state funding to provide taxpayer-funded preschool at the primary school. For the 2013-14 school year, Danville Area received a Pre K Counts grant of $133,620.^[288] For the 2011-12 school year, Danville Area School District received $134,300 to provide preschool to 17 children.^[289] The district was not identified as a high priority for funding due to less than 48% poverty level of children in the district's attendance area. Poverty rate of children was reported as 27%^{[290][291][292]} Enrollment for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is targeted to children living in families earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level.

In 2013, the state's PreK Counts program received $87,284,000. In 2010, the PreK Counts program received $83.6 million statewide in Governor Corbett's education budget. In 2007-08, the state funded Pre-K Counts at $75 million. Danville Area Head Start received funding in 2007-08.^[293] In 2009-10, the district received $134,300 to provide preschool to 17 children.^[294][295]

In addition to PreK Counts, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also supplements the federal Head Start preschool program with an additional funding on an annual basis. The program is available to low-income children residing within the district through private providers. In 2013, Pennsylvania contributed $39,178,000 to Head Start. In 2010, Head Start received $37.6 million in Pennsylvania state education dollars. Since 2003, Pennsylvania has more than doubled the number of preschoolers in publicly funded pre-kindergarten through a multipronged system including: school-based pre-kindergarten, Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts through private providers, Early Intervention, Head Start and Head Start Supplemental, and the school district's use of Accountability Block Grants. Over 100,000 Pennsylvania preschoolers participate in state taxpayer funded pre-kindergarten programs. In 2013, the federal government spends $8 billion for preschool programs nationwide.^[296] In 2013, Pennsylvania was awarded a $51.7 million federal grant to fund early learning programs.^[297] The funding will be used to create 50 Early Childhood Education Community Innovation Zones in areas where the lowest-performing public schools, including charter schools, exist. The federal dollars will not be used to provide seats for children in preschools. Instead, the money will be used to build bureaucracy and added training for teachers/providers.^[298]

Safe Schools grant[]

In 2013, Danville Area School District was awarded $25,000 in a state Safe Schools Targeted Grant. The maximum of $25,000 grants were awarded through a competitive application process.^[299] The funds must be used for research based interventions, like: peer mediation, staff training in managing behavioral issues and creating a positive school climate. The administrations did not participate in the School Resource Officer and Police Officer grant.^[300]

Other grants[]

Danville Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education grants, PA Science Its Elementary grants,^[301] 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant,^[302] 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants^[303] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

America's Farmers Grow Rural Education grant[]

In August 2012, Danville Area School District received a $25,000 grant for The America's Farmers Grow Rural Education program. The grant is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, which provided $2.3 million in rural schools across the United States for the 2012-2013 school year. Danville was one of 8 Pennsylvania public school districts to receive an award.^[304] Districts were nominated by local farmers. The district completed an application process which was reviewed by other school districts. There were 176 school districts in 35 states that received grants. The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work.

Federal grants[]

Danville Area School District received an extra $1,543,773 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[305] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010-2011 school years.^[306] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised to use the funds for one-time expenditures like acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Race to the Top grant[]

Danville Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant. When approved for the grant, the district would receive hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.^[307] 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.^[308] 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.^[309]

Title II grants[]

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to be used to improve the quality of teacher instructions to pupils. The goal is to provide each child in public schools with "Highly Quality" teachers and principals as defined by the state.^[310] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.^[311] Beginning in 2002, the federal funding committed to Title II was $3,175,000,000.

Public school district administrations must apply to the state annually for the Title II funds. In 2012-13, Danville Area School District received $121,657 in federal Title II funding.^[312] In 2014-15, Danville Area School District applied for and received $116,742.^[313]

English language learners grant[]

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.^[314] Upon registering for school a language survey is done for all new enrollment pupils, typically in kindergarten or preschool. They identify the primary language spoken at home. This data is collected and submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which in turn notifies the federal government.^[315]

In 2012-13 - Danville Area School District received $1,901 in Title III funding for English language learners.^[316]

Common Cents state initiative[]

The Danville School Board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.^[317] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes[]

In 2017-18, Danville Area School Board set property tax rates at: residents who live in Montour County 13.9173 mills and in Northumberland County - 13.9173 mills.^[5] In 2016-17, the board used its exception to raise taxes above the Act 1 Index, due to the high costs of the teachers' pension payments. 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 all government property (local, state and federal). Additionally, service-related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Unlike other states, under Pennsylvania state tax policy, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes.^[318] Unlike other states, under Pennsylvania state tax policy, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes.^[318] Pipeline companies prohibit development within the 100-foot-wide right-of-way, there by limiting future development options for the landowner. This limits future potential property tax revenues for the school district, by constraining future land development.^{[319][320][321]}

When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two counties, as Danville Area does, each county of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.^[322] In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.^[323]

On the local level, Pennsylvania district revenues are dominated by two main sources: Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues and Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.^[324]

• 2016-17 - Montour County residents 13.9173 mills and in Northumberland County - 13.9173 mills.^[325]
• 2015-16 - Montour County residents - 14.4808 mills and Northumberland County - 14.4808 mills^[326]
• 2014-15 - Montour County residents - 14.3857 mills and Northumberland County - 14.3857 mills
• 2013-14 - Montour County - 14.7128 mills and Northumberland County - 14.7128 mills^[327][328]
• 2012-13 - Montour County - 14.1545 mills and Northumberland County - 14.1545 mills^[329]
• 2011-12 - Montour County - 14.1545 mills and Northumberland County - 14.8961 mills ^[330]
• 2010-11 - Montour County and Northumberland County - 14.8961 mills.^[331]
• 2009-10 - Montour County residents 16.2164 mills. Millage for Northumberland County 16.2164 mills.^[332] For the real estate tax levied by the school district, other than interim real estate tax, taxpayers may elect an installment payment option.
• 2008-09 - Montour County residents 9.0380 mills and Northumberland County residents 55.3220 mills.^[333]
• 2007-08 - 8.9010 mills Montour County and 52.4660 mills Northumberland County.^[334]
• 2006-07 - 8.5250 mills Montour County and 51.6190 mills Northumberland County ^[335]

The average yearly property tax paid by Montour County residents amounts to about 2.86% of their yearly income. Montour County ranked 689th of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[336] 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.^[337] 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%).^[338]

Property tax relief[]

In 2016, the property tax relief for 4,991 homestead property owners of Danville Area School District remained $111.^[339]

In 2013, the property tax relief for residents of Danville Area School District was set $111 for 4,989 approved homesteads and farmsteads. The amount declined due to more residents participating and declining tax revenue from table gaming.^[340][341] In 2011, the property tax relief for residents of Danville Area School District was set $114 for 4,842 approved homesteads and farmsteads.^[342]

In 2010, the property tax relief for residents of Danville Area School District was $115.^[343] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Danville Area School District was $118 per approved permanent primary residence. This was among the lowest amounts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the district, 4665 property owners applied for the tax relief. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (40,000 m²) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the homestead owners of Chester Upland School District of Delaware County who received $632 per approved homestead.^[344]

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Danville Area 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.

Act 1 Index[]

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but it 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: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increasing rising health care costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or declining local 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 0.75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.^[345]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Danville Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.^[346]

For the 2017-18 budget year, Danville Area School Board once again did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the district's Act 1 Index limit.^[356] Statewide 356 school districts adopted a resolution to not exceed their Act I index in 2017-18. In 2017-18, all Pennsylvania public school districts were required to make a 32.85% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).^[357] This was in addition to the 6.2% social security employer match payment and the Medicare match of 1.45%.^[358][359]

For the 2016-17 budget year, Danville Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the district's Act 1 Index limit.^[360] Statewide 299 school districts adopted a resolution to not exceed their Act I index in 2016-17.

For the 2015-16 budget year, Danville Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget 2015-16, 310 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit.^[361]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Danville 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).^[362] 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.^[363]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Danville Area School Board applied for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index due to the high cost of teacher pensions. In 2012-13, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 12.36% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). For 2013-2014, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.^[364]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Danville Area School Board did not apply for an exception 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.^[364]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Danville Area School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. In 2011-12, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make an 8.65% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund. Each year, the Danville Area School Board has the option of adopting either; a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 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.^[365]

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.^[366]

Danville Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2010-11.^[367] 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.^[368]

Wellness policy[]

Danville Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.^[369] 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."

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant[]

In 2009, 1 school at Danville Area School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Danville Area High School received $4,000 which was used to purchase additional bikes and supplies for the Mountain Bike for Life program which was started in 2008 with the help of another School Challenge grant.^[370] Beginning in 2006, Highmark Foundation engaged in a 5-year, $100 million program to promote lifelong healthy behaviors in children and adolescents through local nonprofits and schools.

Extracurriculars[]

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.^[371] Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.^[372][373]

The district offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, sports program.^[374] Danville Area School District is a member of the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference^[375] for all athletics and participates under the rules and guidelines of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. The Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference is a voluntary association of 25 PIAA High Schools within the central Pennsylvania region.^[376]

The high school is also well known for its Forensics Team, which competes in the National Forensics League, National Catholic Forensics League, and Pennsylvania High School Speech League. Other high school groups include the student council (a member of the ), the Danville chapter of the Future Farmers of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, the Spanish Club, Ski Club, the literary magazine, the Key Club, and yearbook club.

According to PA Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act 126 of 2014, all volunteer coaches and all those who assist in student activities, must have criminal background checks. Like all school district employees, they must also attend an anti child abuse training once every three years.^{[377][378][379]}

Sports[]

In 2017, the board reported spending $1.8 million to upgrade the football stadium and track. The stadium will now have plastic grass turf.^[380] Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.^[381] The compensation enhances the employee's pension benefits.

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.^[382]

The district funds:

Middle School Sports

• According to PIAA directory July 2012 ^[385]

References[]

External links[]

• Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit CSIU16
• Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School
• SusQCyber Charter School

Coordinates: 40°57′36″N 76°36′25″W / 40.95990°N 76.60702°W / 40.95990; -76.60702