Williamsport Area School District

Williamsport Area School District
Address
2780 West Fourth Street Williamsport , Lycoming , Pennsylvania 17701 United States
Information
Type	Public
School board	9 locally elected members
Superintendent	Dr. Timothy Bowers
Administrator	Dr. Susan Bigger Jeffery Richards, Business Manager
Principal	Cindy Schuyler, CPS
Principal	Kirk Felix, JPS
Principal	Timothy Fausnaught, LVES
Principal	James Ellis, SPS Dr. Justin Ross, WAMS Brandon Pardoe, WASHS
Staff	392 non teaching staff members (2013)[1]
Faculty	394
Grades	K-12
Age	5 years old to 21 years old special education students
Number of pupils	4,997 pupils (2015)[2] 5,134 pupils (2013)[3] 5,209 pupils (2012)[4] 5,573 pupils (2010)[5] 5,788 pupils (2006)
• Kindergarten	442 (2012), 440 (2010)
• Grade 1	440 (2012), 459
• Grade 2	436 (2012), 396
• Grade 3	389 (2012), 422
• Grade 4	394 (2012), 464
• Grade 5	380 (2012), 384
• Grade 6	391 (2012), 381
• Grade 7	438 (2012), 390
• Grade 8	390 (2012), 381
• Grade 9	350 (2012), 462
• Grade 10	402 (2012), 483
• Grade 11	380 (2017), 447
• Grade 12	391 (2012), 464 (2010)
• Other	Enrollment projected to be at 5,364 pupils by 2019
Language	English
Color(s)	Cherry & White
Mascot	Millionaires
Website	http://www.wasd.org/wasdpa/site/default.asp

The Williamsport Area School District is a large, urban school district and one of several public school districts in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The district is centered on the city of Williamsport and also serves the neighboring Lewis, Hepburn, Lycoming, Old Lycoming, and Woodward townships. The district encompasses approximately 98 square miles (250 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, it served a resident population of 44,192. By 2010, the District's population had declined to 41,757 people.^[6] The educational attainment levels for the Williamsport Area School District population (25 years old and over) were 85.5% high school graduates and 17.4% college graduates.^[7] The District is one of the 500 public school districts of Pennsylvania.

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 62.5% of the District's pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty Level [1] as shown by their eligibility for the federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012.^[8] In 2009, the District residents’ per capita income was $15,693, while the median family income was $37,157.^[9] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 ^[10] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.^[11] In Lycoming County, the median household income was $45,430.^[12] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.^[13] In 2014, the median household income in the USA was $53,700.^[14]

According to District officials, the District provided basic educational services to 5,581 pupils through the employment of 442 teachers, 383 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 47 administrators during the 2009-10 school year. The District received $35,864,547 in state funding in the 2009-10 school year. In school year 2005–06, Williamsport Area School District enrollment was 5,912 pupils. The District employed: 472 teachers, 376 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 57 administrators.

The district currently operates eight schools:

• Cochran Primary School
• Hepburn-Lycoming Primary School
• Jackson Primary School
• Stevens Primary School
• Curtin Intermediate School
• Lycoming Valley Intermediate School
• Williamsport Area Middle School
• Williamsport Area High School

The Williamsport Area Middle School building also houses the District Service Center.^[15]

The IU17 provides the District with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, background checks for employees, state mandated recognizing and reporting child abuse training, speech and visual disability services and criminal background check processing for prospective employees and professional development for staff and faculty.

Governance[]

Williamsport Area School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve without compensation for a term of four years), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.^[16] The federal government controls programs it funds like: Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills. The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent and Business Manager regarding renewal of their employment contracts.^[17]

Academic achievement[]

Opportunity Scholarship - lowest achieving schools

In May 2015, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) released a report identifying Williamsport Area School District as having a school among the lowest achieving schools for reading and mathematics in the state.^[18] Included on the state's lowest achievement list was Stevens Primary School, which has been on the list each school year, since its inception in 2011. One hundred four (104) public school districts had one or more schools on the list. Parents and students may be eligible for scholarships to transfer to another public or nonpublic school through the state's Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program passed in June 2012.^[19] The scholarships are limited to those students whose family's income is less than $60,000 annually, with another $12,000 allowed per dependent. Maximum scholarship award is $8,500, with special education students receiving up to $15,000 for a year's tuition. Parents pay any difference between the scholarship amount and the receiving school's tuition rate. Students may seek admission to neighboring public school districts. Each year the Pennsylvania Department of Education publishes the tuition rate for each individual public school district.^[20]

In October 2015, Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale reported that two schools in the Williamsport Area School District are among the 561 academically challenged schools that have been overlooked by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Both Stevens Primary School and Curtin Intermediate School were on the list.^[21][22] He also reported the Pennsylvania Department of Education failed to take any action to remediate the poorly performing schools to raise student academic achievement or to provide them with targeted professional assistance.^[23]

Statewide academic ranking

Williamsport Area School District was ranked 338th out of 493 Pennsylvania school districts in 2015 by the Pittsburgh Business Times.^[24] The ranking was based on student academic performance for last three years, on the PSSAs for: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school.^[25] Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.^[26]

• 2014 - 347th
• 2013 - 353rd
• 2012 - 379th
• 2011 - 363rd^[27]
• 2010 - 346th^[28]
• 2009 - 355th
• 2008 - 363rd
• 2007 - 390th out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts.^[29]

In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Williamsport Area School District, was in the 35th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0–99; 100 is state best)^[30]

District AYP status history[]

In 2012, Williamsport Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.^[31] In 2011, Williamsport Area School District declined again to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), due to lagging student achievement in reading and math and a low graduation rate. In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of Pennsylvania public school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.^[32][33]

• 2009 & 2010 - achieved AYP status^[34]
• 2008 - declined again to Warning AYP status due to lagging student academic achievement^[35]
• 2007 - achieved AYP status^[36]
• 2006 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student academic achievement^[37]
• 2004 & 2003 - achieved AYP status

Graduation rate[]

In 2015, the District's graduation rate was 87.7%.^[38]

• 2014 - 85%^[39]
• 2013 - 84.9%^[40]
• 2012 - 86%^[41]
• 2011 - 75%^[42]
• 2010 - 71%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.^[43]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 - 80%^[44]
• 2009 - 78%^[45]
• 2008 - 75%^[46]
• 2007 - 75%^[47]
• 2005 - 75%^[48]

High school[]

Williamsport Area High School is located at 2990 W 4th Street, Williamsport,. In 2015, enrollment was reported as 1,475 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 51% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 17% of pupils received special education services, while less than 1%% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[49] The school employed teachers.^[50] Per the PA Department of Education,97 % of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012, Williamsport Area HIgh School reported an enrollment of 1,502 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 50% pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. In 2012, Williamsport Area High School employed 114 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 12:1.^[51] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[52]

2015 School Performance Profile

Williamsport Area High School achieved 79.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 79.5% of the High School's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 76% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 61% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[53] 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.^[54][55]

2014 School Performance Profile

Williamsport Area High School achieved 80.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 73% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 75% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 53.5% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[56][57] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.^[58]

2013 School Performance Profile

Williamsport Area High School achieved 79.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 79% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 69.5% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 36% showed on grade level science understanding.^[59] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, beginning in 2012, they take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.^[60]

AYP History[]

In 2012, Williamsport Area HIgh School was in Making Progress: in Corrective Action II AYP status, due to chronic low academic achievement.^[61]

• 2011 - declined to Corrective Action II 5th Year due to chronically low student achievement and failure to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress in reading and mathematics.^[62]
• 2010 - declined to Corrective Action II 4th Year due to chronically low student achievement and failure to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress in reading and mathematics, plus a low graduation rate.^[63]
• 2009 - declined to Corrective Action II 3rd Year, due to chronically low student achievement and failure to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress in reading and mathematics.^[64]
• 2008 - declined to Corrective Action II 2nd Year, due to chronically low student achievement and failure to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress in reading and mathematics.^[65]
• 2007 - declined further to Corrective Action II First Year, due to chronic low student achievement and failure to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress in reading and mathematics and a low graduation rate.^[66] Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes and to offer the parent the opportunity to transfer to a successful school within the District.
• 2006 - declined to Corrective Action Level I , due to chronic low student achievement and failure to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress in reading and mathematics and a low graduation rate.^[67]
• 2005 - declined to School Improvement Level II, due to low student achievement and failure to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress in reading and mathematics.^[68]
• 2004 - declined to School Improvement Level I, due to chronically low student achievement and failure to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress in reading and mathematics.^[69] The High School administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement and low graduation rate. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school district must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.^[70] The High School is eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.^[71]
• 2003 - Warning AYP status, due to lagging student achievement^[72]

PSSA Results[]

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.^[73] In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.^[74]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 65% on grade level, (13% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[75]
• 2011 - 55% (22% below basic). State - 69.1%^[76]
• 2010 - 58% (27% below basic). State - 66%^[77]
• 2009 - 57% (25% below basic). State - 65%^[78]
• 2008 - 58% (26% below basic). State - 65%^[79]
• 2007 - 62% (22% below basic). State - 65%^[80]
• 2005 - 59% (24% below basic). State - 65%
• 2004 - 54% (26% below basic). State - 61%

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 60% on grade level (20% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[81]
• 2011 - 51% (32% below basic). State - 60.3%^[82]
• 2010 - 49% (38% below basic). State - 59%^[83]
• 2009 - 46% (30% below basic). State - 56%^[84]
• 2008 - 48% (33% below basic). State - 56%^[85]
• 2007 - 51% (28% below basic). State - 53%^[86]
• 2005 - 40% (35% below basic), State - 51%
• 2004 - 45% (36% below basic), State - 49%

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 36% on grade level (17% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[87]
• 2011 - 30% (25% below basic). State - 40%^[88]
• 2010 - 31% (27% below basic), State - 39%
• 2009 - 25% (29% below basic). State - 40%
• 2008 - 26% (26% below basic). State - 39%

Science in Motion Williamsport Area High School took advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.^[89] Susquehanna University provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

Graduation requirements[]

The Williamsport Area School Board has determined that students must earn 22 credits to graduate, including: 4 English credits, 4 Social Studies credits, 3 Math Credits (4 math credits beginning with the class of 2016), 3 Science credits, 2 credits Physical Education, 1 credit Health, 2 credits Arts/Humanities (in different areas) and 3 elective credits.^[90]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.^[91] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.^[92]

By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2018, public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the respective Keystone Exams for each course.^[93] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.^[94]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Schools are mandated to provide targeted assistance to help the student be successful. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.^[95][96] 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.^[97] 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.^[98] 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.

By state orders all graduates by 2018 must have a drivers license in order to graduate high school this order was approved by the Pennsylvania School Board Association 7-24-2015 and this order does pend on your 16 birthday.

College remediation[]

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 28% of Williamsport Area High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.^[99] 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.^[100] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment[]

Williamsport Area High School offers the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.^[101] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.^[102] Williamsport Area School District has dual enrollment agreements with Bloomsburg University and Lock Haven University. Additionally, the district offers an Introduction to Literature course on the school's campus in cooperation with Bloomsburg University. The course counts as an English credit for high school graduation.^[103] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.^[104]

In 2010 the district received a $10,946 state grant to be used to assist students with tuition, fees and books.

Penn College NOW

In 2014, School District offered several dual enrollment courses in conjunction with Pennsylvania College of Technology. Penn College NOW classes are taught by approved local high school teachers, at the high school.^[105] Penn College NOW is partially funded by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-270) through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, by the support of Pennsylvania companies through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and by Pennsylvania College of Technology.

SAT scores[]

In 2014, 192 Williamsport Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 473. The Math average score was 483. The Writing average score was 443.^[106][107] 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.^[108] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, 189 Williamsport Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 489. The Math average score was 495. The Writing average score was 459. 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.^[109]

In 2012, 245 Williamsport Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 468. The Math average score was 481. The Writing average score was 446. 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, 85 Williamsport Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 481. The Math average score was 488. The Writing average score was 464.^[110] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[111] 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.^[112]

Williamsport Area Middle School[]

Williamsport Area Middle School was established in 2013 in the former Roosevelt Middle School building located at 2800 West Fourth Street Williamsport. The building underwent major renovations costing over $30 million and is the only middle school in the district.^[113] In 2015, the School reported an enrollment of 755 pupils in grades 7th and 8th, with 60% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 15% of pupils received special education services, while 1% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[114] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[115]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2013, Williamsport Area Middle School reported an enrollment of 821 pupils, in grades 7th and 8th, with 500 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 61 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 13.5:1.^[116]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE reported that 54% of 8th grade students at Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, 31% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 48% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 59% were on grade level in reading, while 39% showed on grade level math skills.^[117] Statewide 58% of eighth (8th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 29% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 7th graders were 58% on grade level in reading and 33% demonstrated on grade level math skills.^[118]

2014 School Performance Profile

Williamsport Area Middle School achieved 76 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 73% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 80% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 53% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 80% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[119]

Lycoming Valley Intermediate School[]

Lycoming Valley Intermediate School is located at 1825 Hays Lane, Williamsport. The School was established in the former Lycoming Valley Middle School building in 2014, when the District reorganized schools. In 2015, Lycoming Valley Intermediate School enrollment was 584 pupils, in grades 4th through 6th, with 55% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 15% of pupils received special education services, while 4.6% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[120] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 90% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[121] Lycoming Valley Intermediate School is a Title I school. It is one of the two (4-6) intermediate schools operated by the district.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2013, Lycoming Valley Intermediate School reported an enrollment of 567 pupils, in grades 4th through 6th, with 322 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 43 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.^[122] The School was a Title I school.^[123]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 59% of 5th grade students at Lycoming Valley Intermediate School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 45% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 49% were on grade level in reading, while 37% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 63% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among 6th graders, 63% were on grade level in reading and 38% were on grade level in mathematics.^[124] 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.^[125]

2014 School Performance Profile

Lycoming Valley Intermediate School achieved a score of 74.8 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 65% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 4th through 6th. In math, 75.5% were on grade level (4th-6th grades). In 4th grade science, just 73.5% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 57.9% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[126]

Lycoming Valley Middle School[]

2013 School Performance Profile

Lycoming Valley Middle School achieved 70.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 70% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 82% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 65% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 67% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[127] 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.

In 2010, Lycoming Valley Middle School attendance rate was reported as 95%. In the 2009 school year the attendance rate was 95%.^[128]

AYP history[]

In 2012, Lycoming Valley Middle School declined to School Improvement I AYP status due to lagging academic achievement in reading.^[129] The school administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school district must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.^[130] The School was eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.^[131]

In 2011, Lycoming Valley Middle School was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.^[132]

PSSA history

Sixth and seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999, as a state initiative.^[133] 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.^[134] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.^[135] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.^[136]

8th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 77% on grade level (7% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.^[137]
• 2011 - 86% (7% below basic) State - 81.8%^[138]
• 2010 - 86%, 48% advanced (7% below basic) State - 81%^[139]
• 2009 - 91%, 59% advanced (6% below basic), State - 80%^[140]
• 2008 - 85%, 57% advanced (8% below basic), State - 78%^[141]
• 2007 - 74%, 42% advanced (11% below basic), State - 75%^[142]

8th Grade Math

• 2012 - 89% on grade level (2% below basic). State - 76% ^[143]
• 2011 - 86% (4% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 - 96%, 77% advanced (2% below basic) State – 75%
• 2009 - 94%, 69% advanced (2% below basic), State – 71%
• 2008 - 85%, 44% advanced (6% below basic), State – 70%^[144]
• 2007 - 72%, 35% advanced (15% below basic), State – 67%

8th Grade Science

• 2012 - 56% on grade level (26% below basic). State - 59%^[145]
• 2011 - 56% (26% below basic). State - 58.3%
• 2010 - 55% (25% below basic). State – 57%.
• 2009 - 69% (10% below basic), State – 55%^[146]
• 2008 - 58%, State – 52%^[147]

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Williamsport Area School District did not implement the state's dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the middle school.^[149] The process identifies students at risk for dropping 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.^[150]

Curtin Intermediate School[]

Curtin Intermediate School was established in 2014. It is located at 85 Eldred Street, Williamsport, in the former Curtin Middle School building. The principal of AGC is Mr. David Michaels, and the assistant principal is Mr. William Rathjen. The School reported enrollment of 583 pupils in grades 4th through 6th, with 72% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 17.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while 4.4% are identified as gifted.^[151] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 10% of the teachers were rated "Non-Highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.^[152] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, just 47% of 5th grade students at Curtin Intermediate School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, just 37% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 41% were on grade level in reading, while 39% showed on grade level math skills. In science, % of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among 6th graders, 37% were on grade level in reading and 42% were on grade level in mathematics.^[153]

2014 School Performance Profile

Curtin Intermediate School achieved a score of 68.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 50.6% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 4th through 6th. In math, 64.7% were on grade level (4th-6th grades). In 4th grade science, just 65% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 45% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[154]

Curtin Middle School[]

Curtin Middle School was located at 85 Eldred Street, Williamsport. In 2013, the School's enrollment was 594 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 69% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 24% of the pupils receive special education services, while 6% are identified as gifted.^[155] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.^[156] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full day kindergarten.^[157] The school was a federally designated Title I school. In 2013 the school was changed to an intermediate school grades 4th through 6th. Seventh and eight graders were sent to the Williamsport Area Middle School.

2013 School Performance Profile

Curtin Middle School achieved a score of 70.4 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 65% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 4th through 6th. In math, 73.6% were on grade level (4th-6th grades). In 4th grade science, just 46% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 65% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[158]

In 2010 and 2009, the school attendance rate was 93%.^[159]

PSSAs history

8th Grade Reading

• 2010 - 84% on grade level. 53% advanced (7% below basic) State - 81%^[160]
• 2009 - 69%, 39% advanced (17% below basic), State - 80%
• 2008 - 74%, 38% advanced (10% below basic), State - 78%
• 2007 - 68%, 37% advanced (15% below basic), State - 75%^[161]

8th Grade Math

• 2010 - 84% on grade level. 63% advanced (6% below basic) State - 75%
• 2009 - 69%, 32% advanced (12% below basic), State - 71%
• 2008 - 74%, 43% advanced (12% below basic), State - 70%^[162]
• 2007 - 63%, 35% advanced (16% below basic), State - 67%

8th Grade Science

• 2010 – 54% on grade level. State – 57%.
• 2009 – 38%, State – 55%^[163]
• 2008 – 45%, State – 52%^[164]

7th Grade Reading

• 2010 – 66% on grade level. 41% advanced, (15% below basic) State – 73%
• 2009 – 64%, 31% advanced (12% below basic), State – 71.7%
• 2008 – 63%, 25% advanced (11% below basic), State – 70%
• 2007 – 56%, 24% advanced (20% below basic), State – 66%

7th Grade Math

• 2010 – 75% on grade level. 55% advanced (12% below basic) State – 77%
• 2009 – 77%, 52% advanced (13% below basic), State – 75%
• 2008 – 75%, 44% advanced (8% below basic), State – 72%
• 2007 – 67%, 41% advanced (15% below basic), State – 67%

6th Grade Reading

• 2010 – 69% on grade level. 43% advanced (17% below basic) State – 68%
• 2009 – 56%, 32% advanced (25% below basic), State – 67%
• 2008 – 59%, 26% advanced (15% below basic), State – 67%
• 2007 – 43%, 20% advanced (26% below basic), State – 63%

6th Grade Math

• 2010 – 82% on grade level. 47% advanced (8% below basic) State – 78%
• 2009 – 71%, 50% advanced (10% below basic), State – 75.9%
• 2008 – 80%, 55% advanced (8% below basic), State – 72%
• 2007 – 63%, 30% advanced (15% below basic), State – 69%

Stevens Elementary School[]

Stevens Elementary School is located at 1150 Louisa Street, Williamsport. In 2015, the School's enrollment was 291 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 89% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 14% of the pupils receive special education services, while 0.69% are identified as gifted.^[165] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 70% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full day kindergarten.^[166] The Stevens Primary School is a federally designated Title I school. The Pennsylvania Department of Education reports that the school has been among the lowest achieving schools in the Commonwealth each school year, from 2011-2015.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2013, enrollment was 312 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 276 pupils receiving a free or reduced price lunch. The School employed 25 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 12:1.^[167] 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.^[168] The school provided full day kindergarten to all its pupils.^[169] In 2011 and 2012, the School provided Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Williamsport Area School District has provided full-day kindergarten for more than a decade (since 2003).^[170] Proponents of full day kindergarten claim it will reduce special education costs and it will raise primary student academic achievement in reading.^[171] Those outcomes have not been realized in the Stevens Elementary School. Reading achievement in particular has not improved.^[172]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 61% of 3rd grade students at Stevens Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 29% of 3rd grade students showed on grade level skills.^[173] Among Pennsylvania third (3rd) graders, 62% were reading on grade level, while 48.5% demonstrated on grade level math skills.^[174]

2014 School Performance Profile

Stevens Elementary School achieved a score of 61 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 43% of the 3rd grade students were reading on grade level. In math, 52% were on grade level (3rd grade).^[175]

2013 School Performance Profile

Stevens Elementary School achieved a score of 70 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 53.9% of the students in 3rd grade through 5th grade were reading on grade level. In 3rd grade, 52.8% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 58.5% were on grade level (3rd - 5th grades). In 5th grade writing, 58% demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[176]

AYP status history

In 2012, Stevens Elementary School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, due to lagging achievement in both reading and mathematics.^[177] In 2011, Stevens Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[178] From 2003 to 2010, Stevens Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.

PSSA History

Each year, in the Spring, in order to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Law, 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. Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.^[179] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.^{[180][181][182]} The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.^[183] The first cohort of children who attended Accountability Block Grant funded full-day kindergarten reached third grade and took the PSSAs in the spring of 2008.

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 78%, (6% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 62%, (12% below basic). State - 82.9%
• 2010 - 85%, (5% below basic). State - 81%

Special education[]

In December 2013, the District administration reported that 856 pupils or 16.6% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 43.7% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.^[188] In December 2011, the District administration reported that 1,016 pupils or 18.5% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 48 of the identified students having a specific learning disability.^[189] In December 2009, the district administration reported that 1156 pupils or 20% of the district's pupils received special education services.^[190]

Williamsport Area School District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. 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 Special Education Department.^[191][192] The IDEA 2004 requires each school entity to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, including the student handbook and website regarding the availability of screening and intervention services and how to access them.

Students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may take the PSSA-M an alternative math exam rather than the PSSA.^[193] Some special education students may take the PASA (Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment), rather than the PSSA.^[194] Schools are permitted to provide accommodations to some students.^[195]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.^[196] The Special Education funding structure is through the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds and state appropriations. IDEA funds are appropriated to the state on an annual basis and distributed through intermediate units (IUs) to school districts, while state funds are distributed directly to the districts. Total funds that are received by school districts are calculated through a formula. The Pennsylvania Department of Education oversees four appropriations used to fund students with special needs: Special Education; Approved Private Schools; Pennsylvania Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind; and Early Intervention. The Pennsylvania Special Education funding system assumes that 16% of the district's students receive special education services. It also assumes that each student's needs accrue the same level of costs.^[197] Over identification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.^[198] The state requires each public school district and charter school to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.^[199] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.^[200]

Williamsport Area School District received a $4,252,043 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[201] For the 2011–12, 2012–13 and 2013-14 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010-11. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.^[202][203] For the 2014-2015 school year, Williamsport Area School District received an increase to $4,335,576 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.^[204] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The District must apply for this added funding.

In 2013, the state's Special Education Funding Reform Commission provided a report on the state of funding for special education in the Commonwealth.^[205] Funding for special education programs is borne largely on a local basis at 60%, with the state contributing $1 billion or 30% and the federal government providing 10% of the funding.

Gifted education[]

Williamsport Area School District administration reported that 92 or 1.68% of its students were gifted in 2009.^[206] 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.^[207]

Bullying policy[]

The Williamsport Area School Board has provided the district's anti-bullying policy online.^[208] All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.^[209] The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.^[210]

Education standards relating to student safety and anti-harassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety, and Physical Education.^[211]

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.^[212]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Williamsport Area School District was $63,486 a year, while the benefits the teachers received cost over $20,000 yielding a total compensation of over $83,000.^[213] The District employed 479 teachers and administrators with a top salary of $142,000.^[214][215] Pennsylvania teacher salaries (2013–14) are searchable in a statewide database provided by TribLive News.^[216] Williamsport 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.)^[217] After 40 years of service, Pennsylvania public school teachers and administrators 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.^[218] 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.^[219] In 2014-15, the state mandated District contribution to the teacher pension fund rose to 21.40% of employee salaries and in 2015-16 it rose again to 25.84% of total District salaries.^[220]

In 2009, Williamsport Area School District reported employing 496 teachers, with a starting salary of $40,500 for 7 hour 30 minutes for 180 days for pupil instruction.^[221] The average teacher salary was $60,600 while the maximum salary is $146,016.^[222] 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.^[223] Additionally, Williamsport Area School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 sick days, 5 days bereavement leave and other benefits. Teachers are paid extra if they are required to work outside of the regular school day^[224] 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.^[225]

In 2007, the district employed 396 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $57,225 for 180 school days worked. This was the highest average teacher salary in Lycoming County.^[226]

Administrative costs Williamsport Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $826.48 per pupil. The District is ranked 160th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[227] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association collects and maintains statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania.^[228] 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.^[229]

Per pupil spending In 2008, Williamsport Area School District reported spending $11,702 per pupil. This ranked 312th in the commonwealth.^[230] In 2010, the District's per pupil spending had increased significantly to $13,292.10 ^[231] In 2013, the per pupil spending was reported as increasing to $14,396.75.^[232] In 2011, Pennsylvania's per pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.^[233] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.^[234]

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.^[235] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.^[236] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[237] Pennsylvania's total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.^[238]

Reserves

In 2009, Williamsport Area School District reported $8,041,231 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $875,000.^[239] In 2010, Williamsport Area School District Administration reported an increase to $4,763,743 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The District also reported $7,582,203 in its unreserved-designated fund in 2010. Pennsylvania public school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.^[240] In 2005, the total reserve funds held by Pennsylvania public school districts was $1.9 billion.^[241] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.^{[242][243][244]} Williamsport Area School District had $11,598,397 in unassigned fund balance and $5,270,792 in designated reserves.

Audit In July 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.^[245] In April 2014, the Pennsylvania Auditor General again audited the District with multiple findings reported to the administration and school board.^[246]

Tuition Students who live in the District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Williamsport 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 District's schools. The 2013 tuition rates are Elementary School - $8,932.49, High School - $9,793.47.^[247]

Williamsport Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1.5%,^[248] a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants 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 level of the individual's personal wealth.^[249] 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 local public schools.^[250]

State basic education funding[]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Williamsport Area School District receives 49.8% of its annual revenue from the state.^[251] This exceeds some education advocates goal of the state providing 50% of district funding.^[252]

For the 2014-15 school year, Williamsport Area School District received $23,941,556 in State Basic Education funding. The District also received $781,771 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.^[253] 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.^[254]

In the 2013-14 school year, Williamsport Area School District received a 1.7% increase or $23,947,805 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $ more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Williamsport Area School District received $399,517 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Lycoming County, Loyalsock Township School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 2.6%. The District had 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.^[255] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland School District, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.^[256] As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.^[257]

For the 2012-13 school year, Williamsport Area School District received $23,556,111.^[258] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 included $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which was an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) program. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[259] This amount was a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett's first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In 2011-12 school year, Williamsport Area School District received a $23,556,088.95 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.^[260][261] Additionally, Williamsport Area School District received $1,084,390 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount was a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.^[262] The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District of Allegheny County, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.^[263] In 2010, the District reported that 3,558 students received free or reduced price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.^[264] Some Pennsylvania public school districts experienced a reduction of total funding due to the termination of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.

For 2010–11 school year, Williamsport Area School District received a 5.01% increase in state Basic Education Funding (BEF) resulting in a $26,022,950 payment.^[265] Loyalsock Township School District received an 8.13% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF in Lycoming County. Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010–11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010–11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.^[266]

In the 2009–10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.31% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $24,779,148. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low-income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more.^[267] Loyalsock Township School District received a 5.94% increase, the highest increase in Lycoming County for the 2009–10 school year. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.^[268]

The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008–09 was $23,529,101.29. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 3,169 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.^[269]

Accountability Block Grants[]

Beginning in 2004–2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania's school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010–11 the Williamsport Area School District applied for and received $1,084,390 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the 7th year.^[270][271]

Ready to Learn grant[]

Beginning in the 2014-2015 budget, the State funded a new Ready to Learn Grant for public schools. A total of $100 million is allocated through a formula to districts based on the number of students, level of poverty of community as calculated by its market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) and the number of English language learners. Ready to Learn Block Grant funds may be used by the Districts for: school safety; Ready by 3 early childhood intervention programs; individualized learning programs; and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.^[272]

Williamsport Area School District received $781,771 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, transportation reimbursement, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

Education Assistance grant[]

The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010–11 the Williamsport Area School District received $209,634.^[273]

Literacy Grant[]

Williamsport Area School District was awarded a $569,904 competitive literacy grant. It is to be used to improve reading skills birth through 12th grade. The district was required to develop a lengthy literacy plan, which included outreach into the community. The funds come from a Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, also referred to as the Keystones to Opportunity grant It is a five-year, competitive federal grant program designed to assist local education agencies in developing and implementing local comprehensive literacy plans. Of the 329 pre-applications by school districts reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, School District was one of only 148 entities that were invited to submit a full application. In County 5 school districts and one charter school were awarded funding for one year.^[274] The funds must be used for teacher training, student screening and assessment, targeted interventions for students reading below grade level and research-based methods of improving classroom instruction and practice. Districts must hire literacy coaches. The coaches work with classroom teachers to enhance their literacy teaching skills. Pennsylvania was among six other states, out of the 35 that applied, to be awarded funding. Pennsylvania received $38 million through the federal program. The Department of Education reserved 5% of the grant for administration costs at the state level. The top Pennsylvania grant recipient was Pittsburgh School District which was awarded $1,9983,014.

Classrooms for the Future grant[]

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006–2009. Williamsport Area School District did not apply for funding in 2006–07 nor in 2007–08. For the 2008–09, school year the district received $188,223. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.^[275]

Project 720[]

Project 720 was a high school reform program implemented for three years under the Rendell administration. The intent was to increase academic rigor and improve the instruction of teachers in the Commonwealth's high schools. Teachers were expected to use data driven instructional practices and to meet the needs of diverse learners.^[276] The 720 in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades.^[277] High schools applied for funding and were required to agree to report to the PDE their plans, their actions and the outcomes. In 2007-08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. Williamsport Area School District was one of 161 PA public school districts to apply, receiving $300,000 funding over three years.^[278][279] For 2010-11, Project 720 funding was decreased to $1.7 million by Governor Rendell. The grant program was discontinued effective with the 2011-12 state budget.^[280]

Other grants[]

The Williamsport Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants;^[281][282] PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell);^[283] 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; nor 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants.^[284]

21st century Community Learning Center grant[]

Williamsport Area School District was designated as a before and after school program provider for Lycoming County in 2010. They received state funding – a grant of $351,251. CCLCs provide academic, artistic and cultural enhancement activities to students and their families when school is not in session.^[285]

Federal grants[]

Williamsport Area School District received an extra $4,366,195 in ARRA – federal stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[286] The funding was limited to the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.^[287] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, the Governor and the Pennsylvania School Board Association, to use the funds for one-time expenditures like acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

School Improvement grant[]

In the summer of 2011, the district applied for and was awarded $2,136,051 in School Improvement grants. The district will be transforming the high school. The grant stipulates the funds be used for improving student achievement using one of four federally dictated strategies. The strategies are: transformation, turnaround, restart with new faculty and administration or closure of failing schools. Transformation calls for a change in faculty and administration evaluations, mandated training in proven teaching techniques and rigorous curriculum change that focuses on student achievement.^[288] In 2010, the high school was also identified as eligible for a School Improvement Grant.

Race to the Top grant[]

School district officials applied for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district millions in additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.^[289] 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.^[290] 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.^[291]

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 provide each child in public schools with "Highly Quality" teachers and principals as defined by the state.^[292] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.^[293] 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, Williamsport Area School District received $481,265 in federal Title II funding.^[294] In 2014-15, Williamsport Area School District applied for and received $457,483.^[295]

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.^[296] 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.^[297]

In 2012-13 - Williamsport Area School District received $2,444 in Title III funding for English language learners.^[298] For 2014-15, Area School District received $ in Title III funding.^[299]

Common Cents state initiative[]

The Williamsport Area School Board chose to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.^[300] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes[]

Even though the District receives 50% of its budget from the Commonwealth, the Board has raised property taxes each school year. Williamsport Area School Board set property tax rates in 2015–16 at 15.4700 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. 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. According to state tax policy, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes. 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. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75–85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections (Local Tax Enabling Act), which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.^[301] When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two or more counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.^[302] 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.^[303]

Act 1 adjusted index[]

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not authorized to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011–2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.^[313]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Williamsport Area School District 2006–2007 through 2010–2011.^[314]

Williamsport Area School Board applied for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2010–11, including pension obligations.^[321] 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.^[322]

Property tax relief[]

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Williamsport Area School District was $310 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 7,860 property owners applied for the tax relief.^[323] The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The Pennsylvania Auditor General found that 69% of property owners applied for tax relief in Lycoming County.^[324] In Lycoming County, the highest property tax relief in 2009 was $310 awarded to the approved property owners in Williamsport Area School District. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.^[325] This was the second year Chester Upland School District was the top recipient.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.^[326]

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%).^[327]

Extracurriculars[]

The Williamsport Area School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive sports program.^[328] Eligibility for participation is determined by Williamsport Area School Board policy. The District is noncompliant with state law, due to failing to post its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website. Article XVI-C of the Public School Code requires the disclosure of interscholastic athletic opportunities for all public secondary school entities in Pennsylvania. All school entities with grades 7-12 are required to annually collect data concerning team and financial information for all male and female athletes beginning with the 2012-13 school year and submit the information to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, all non-school (booster club and alumni) contributions and purchases must also be reported to PDE.^[329]

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 home schooled, 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.^[330]

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.^{[331][332][333]}

Sports[]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is not paid.^[334] The sports programs are through the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.^[335] The Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference is a voluntary association of 25 PIAA High Schools within the central Pennsylvania region.

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.^[336][337]

References[]