Greenwood School District (Pennsylvania)

Greenwood School District
A map of the Greenwood School District showing the boundaries of the six municipalities the district encompasses in Perry and Juniata County.
Address
405 East Sunbury Street Millerstown, Pennsylvania, Perry County, Juniata County 17062, 17074, 17045, 17094, 17853 United States
Information
Type	Public
School board	9 elected members
Superintendent	Dr Nicholas J Guarente (contract July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2020)[1] former superintendent Ed Burns salary $118,152 (2012) (contract July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2015)[2][3]
Administrator	Woodring, Roger, (salary $86,723 2012) Lori Bryner, Business Manager Barbara Sheaffer, Special Ed Coord (salary $66,784 in 2012)
Principal	Elementary - Mr. Jeffrey Kuhns (salary $78,450 in 2012
Principal	Middle/High School - Mrs. Michele Dubaich Vice Principal - Adam Sheaffer (salary $73,706 in 2012)
Staff	45 non teaching staff
Faculty	62, teachers (2012); 63 teachers[4]
Grades	K-12
Age	5 years old to 21 years old for Special Education students
Pupils	749 pupils (2015)[5] 772 pupils (2014)[6] 784 pupils (2013)[7] 786 pupils (2012)[8] 814 pupils K-12 (2010) 864 pupils (2006)[9]
• Kindergarten	49 (20140, 54 (2012), 62 (2010)
• Grade 1	54 (20140, 60 (2012), 72
• Grade 2	54 (20140, 58 (2012), 53
• Grade 3	62 (20140, 62 (2012), 63
• Grade 4	59 (20140, 63 (2012), 60
• Grade 5	64 (20140, 65 (2012), 64
• Grade 6	52 (20140, 54 (2012), 78
• Grade 7	63 (20140, 56 (2012), 59
• Grade 8	54 (20140, 66 (2012), 59
• Grade 9	51 (20140, 75 (2012), 66
• Grade 10	63 (20140, 51 (2012), 58
• Grade 11	68 (20140, 62 (2012), 75
• Grade 12	46 (20140, 60 (2012), 61 (2010)
• Other	Enrollment projected to decline to 790 in 2019.[10]
Language	English
Color(s)	Blue and Gold
Team name	Wildcats
Budget	$12,874,635 (2014-15)[11] $11,529,307 (2012-13)[12] $11,806,641 (2010-11)[13]
Per pupil spending	$11,607 (2008)
Per pupil spending	$12,823.19 (2012)
Website	http://www.greenwoodsd.org/greenwoodsd/site/default.asp

The Greenwood School District is a diminutive, rural, public school district located in Millerstown, Pennsylvania. The district is the northernmost school district in Perry County, Pennsylvania. Encompassing approximately 99 square miles (260 km²), Greenwood School District serves residents of the following municipalities: Millerstown Borough, Liverpool Borough, Greenwood Township, Liverpool Township, Tuscarora Township, Greenwood Township. The total population of the Greenwood School District in 2007 was 5,235 per the US Census Bureau. According to the 2010 US Census Bureau, the District served a resident population of 5,492. The educational attainment levels for the Greenwood School District population (25 years old and over) were 86.7% high school graduates and 14.8% college graduates.^[14]

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 25.6% 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.^[15] In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $18,424 a year, while the median family income was $46,932.^[16] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 ^[17] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.^[18] In Perry County, the median household income was $57,375.^[19] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.^[20] In 2014, the median household income in the USA was $53,700.^[21]

Greenwood School District officials, in school year 2007-08, the Greenwood School District provided basic educational services to 880 pupils. The District employed: 71 teachers, 38 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 7 administrators. In school year 2009-2010, Greenwood School District provided basic educational services to 813 pupils. It employed: 68 teachers, 33 full-time and part-time support personnel and 7 administrators. Greenwood School District enrollment declined to 796 pupils. The District employed: 67 teachers, 34 full-time and part-time support personnel and seven (7) administrators. The District received $5,170,734 in state funding in the 2011-12 school year.

The Greenwood School District operates two schools: the Greenwood Middle/High School and Greenwood Elementary School, which are both located in the borough of Millerstown, Pennsylvania on Pennsylvania Route 17. The elementary school has a population of approximately 450 students in grades K-6. The middle school/high school has a population of approximately 400 students in 2007.^[22]

High school students may choose to attend Cumberland Perry Area Vocational Technical School (CPAVTS) , located in Mechanicsburg, for training in the construction and mechanical trades; the culinary arts, technology related careers and allied health services. The Greenwood School District is served by the Capital Area Intermediate Unit 15 which offers a variety of services, including a completely developed K-12 curriculum that is mapped and aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards (available online), shared services, a group purchasing program and a wide variety of special education and special needs services. Students may also choose to take classes offered through the online Capital Area Online Learning Association (CAOLA) which is operated by the CAIU15.

Greenwood School District is bordered to the north by the Juniata County School District and to the west by the West Perry School District. It is bordered to the south by the Newport School District and to the east by the Susquehanna River.

Governance

Greenwood School District is governed by 9 locally elected, school board members (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.^[23] 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 its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.^[24] 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.^[25]

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 regarding renewal of the employment contract.^[26] 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.^[27]

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "F" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.^[28]

Academic achievement

In 2015, Greenwood School District ranked 115th out of 493 Pennsylvania public school districts, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.^[29] The ranking is based on the last 3 years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school.^[30] 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. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.^[31]

Overachievers ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 500 Pennsylvania school districts. Greenwood School District ranked 235th. The paper describes the ranking as: "the 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."^[38]

• 2012 - 422nd
• 2011 - 448th
• 2010 - 469th
• 2009 - 409th

A 2010 study by The 21st Century Partnership for STEM Education found that students in the Greenwood School District were among the most improved from 2004-2010. The district's Advanced reading score rose 33.7 points on the PSSAs. Over the same time period, the percentage of the district's students achieving advanced level in math rose 31.1 points.^[39]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Greenwood School District achieved AYP status In 2011, Greenwood School District also achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of 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.^[40] Greenwood School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2009, while in 2003 the District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics.^[41]

Graduation rate

In 2014, Greenwood School District's graduation rate was 98%.^[42]

• 2013 - 94.6%.^[43]
• 2012 - 91%.^[44]
• 2011 - 96%.^[45] *2010 - 98%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.^[46]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 - 95% ^[47]
• 2009 - 93%
• 2008 - 95%
• 2007 - 95% ^[48]
• 2006 - 91% ^[49]

High school

Greenwood High School is located at 405 E Sunbury Street, Millerstown. In 2014, enrollment was reported as 245 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 26% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 10% of pupils received special education services, while 1% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 22 teachers.^[50] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

In 2013, enrollment was reported as 248 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 22% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 11.9% of pupils received special education services, while 2% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 22 teachers.^[51] 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, Greenwood High School had 258 pupils enrolled in grades 9th through 12th, with 49 receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 21 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.^[52] In 2011 and 2010, Greenwood High School achieved AYP status.^[47]

2014 School Performance Profile

Greenwood High School achieved a score of 83.4 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 88% of tested pupils were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 80% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, just 55% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[53] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased from 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%.^[54]

2013 School Performance Profile

Greenwood High School achieved 82 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 93% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 88% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Biology, just 31% showed on grade level science understanding.^[55] 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.^[56]

AYP history

In 2012 Greenwood High School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in mathematics.^[57] In 2011, Greenwood High School achieved AYP status.

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.^[58]

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.^[59]

11th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 82% on grade level, (5% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[60]
• 2011 - 77% (5% below basic). State - 69.1%.^[61]
• 2010 - 73%, State - 67% ^[62]
• 2009 - 59%, State - 65% ^[63]
• 2008 - 54%, State - 65% ^[64]
• 2007 - 66%, State - 65% ^[65]
• 2006 - 71%, State - 65%
• 2004 - 54%

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 65% on grade level (13% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[66]
• 2011 - 79% (5% below basic). State - 60.3%^[67]
• 2010 - 78% (6% below basic). State - 59% ^[68]
• 2009 - 42%, State - 56%^[69]
• 2008 - 44%, State - 56%^[70]
• 2007 - 31%, State - 56%^[71]
• 2006 - 49%, State - 53%
• 2004 - 25% (45% below basic) ^[72]

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 45% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 44% of 11th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 52%, (1% below basic). State - 40%
• 2010 - 52%, State - 39%
• 2009 - 41%, State - 40%
• 2008 - 28%, State - 39%

Science in Motion Greenwood 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.^[73] Susquehanna University provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

Dual enrollment

Greenwood High School does not offer the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits with the assistance of a state grant. Over 400 school districts in Pennsylvania offer their high school juniors and seniors the dual enrollment program.

SAT scores

In 2014, Greenwood School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 507. The Math average score was 491. The Writing average score was 485.^[74] 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.^[75]

In 2013, 39 Greenwood School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 518. The Math average score was 508. The Writing average score was 494. 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.^[76]

In 2012, 38 Greenwood School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 491. The Math average score was 512. The Writing average score was 507. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the USA, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

In 2011, 44 Greenwood School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 515. The Math average score was 535. The Writing average score was 505.^[77] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among state with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[78] 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.^[79]

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.^[80]

The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that 71 percent of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania chose to continue their education after high school in 2003, whereas 79 percent of urban high school graduates opted to continue their education.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 20% of Greenwood 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.^[81] 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.^[82] 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.

Graduation requirements

The Greenwood School Board has determined that 26 credits must be earned for graduation, including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Math 3 credits, Science 3 credits, Humanities 2 credits, Health 0.5 credits, Physical Education class each year, Project credit 1, electives 7.17 credits.^[83][84]

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.^[85] Greenwood School District’s graduation project provides students with the opportunity to explore career choices, to consider these choices in terms of their abilities and interests, and to make changes as they learn more about their skills and the importance of career planning.^[86] 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.^[87]

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.^[88] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.^[89]

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.^[90][91] 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.^[92] 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.^[93] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

AP Courses

In 2013, Greenwood High School offered 3 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. The student pays the fee for the exam which was $89 per test per pupil in 2012. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Greenwood High School less than 10 of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.^[94] In 2014, Greenwood High School offered 2 AP courses, with less than 10% of the pupils who took the courses achieving a 3 or better on the AP exam.

Middle school

Greenwood Middle School is located at 405 East Sunbury Street, Millerstown. In 2013, enrollment at the school was 176 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 26.7% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 11.9% of pupils received special education services, while none of pupils were identified as gifted.^[95] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[96]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school had 192 pupils enrolled in grades 6th through 8th, with 48 receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 15 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.^[97]

2014 School Performance Profile

Greenwood Middle School achieved 81.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 85% of pupils were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 83% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 69% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 89% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[98]

2013 School Performance Profile

Greenwood Middle School achieved 87.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, 85% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 89% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, 81% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 88.8% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[99]

AYP status history

In 2011 and 2012, Greenwood Middle School achieved AYP status. The attendance rate was 95% in 2010 and 2011.^[100] In 2010 and 2009, Greenwood Middle School achieved AYP under No Child Left Behind.^[101] The middle school's combined 7th and 8th grades ranked 304th out of 829 Pennsylvania middle schools for student academic achievement in 2008-2009.^[102]

PSSA results

In the Spring of each school year, 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.^[103] 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.^[104] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.^[58] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.^[105]

8th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 87% on grade level 61% advanced 3(% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.^[106]
• 2011 - 83%, 40% advanced (5% below basic). State - 81.8%^[107]
• 2010 - 90%, 40% advanced (3% below basic). State - 81%^[108]
• 2009 - 84%, State - 80%^[109]
• 2008 - 80%, State - 78%^[110]

8th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 87% on grade level (1% below basic). State - 76% ^[111]
• 2011 - 73%, (9% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 - 83.8%, 43% advanced (9% below basic). State - 75%
• 2009 - 76%, State - 71%
• 2008 - 80%, State - 70%^[112]

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 71% (8% below basic). State - 59% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 67% (12% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 51%, State - 57%
• 2009 - 61%, State - 54%
• 2008 - 55%, State - 52%

Elementary School

Greenwood Elementary School is located at 405 East Sunbury Street, Millerstown. In 2014, the School's enrollment was 350 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 32% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 18% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.^[113] 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 since 2008-09 school year.^[114] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, the Greenwood Elementary School's enrollment was 362 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 29% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 16.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.^[115] 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.^[116] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school had 363 pupils enrolled in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 106 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 27 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.^[117] In 2011, the elementary school achieved AYP status. The attendance rate was 95% in 2010 and 2011.^[118]

2014 School Performance Profile

Greenwood Elementary School achieved a score of 87.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 76% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 83% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 84% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 74% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[119]

2013 School Performance Profile

Greenwood Elementary School achieved a score of 85.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 83% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 81% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 83% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 89% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 73% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[120]

AYP History

Each year from 2009 through 2012, Greenwood Elementary School achieved AYP under No Child Left Behind.^[121][122]

PSSA results

Each year, in the Spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. 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.^[123] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.^{[124][125][126]} 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.^[127]

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 95%, 61% advanced (2% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 98%, 59% advanced (0% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 94.8%, State - 81%
• 2009 - 93%, State - 83%
• 2008 - 94%, State - 81%

Special education

In December 2012, Greenwood School District administration reported that 124 pupils or 15.7% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 51.6% of identified students having a specific learning disability.^[133]

In December 2010, Greenwood School District administration reported that 118 pupils or 14% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 56% of identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 134 pupils or 16% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.^[134]

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.^[135] Greenwood School District has seen an increase in the percentage of special education students it serves, yielding no 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 believe their child is eligible for services may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the district's Special Education Coordinator.^[136] 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.

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.^[137] 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.^[138] 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.^[139]

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.^[140] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.^[141]

Greenwood School District received a $423,236 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[142] In 2011-12 and 2012–13, the state provided the same allocation. In 2011-12, 2012–13 and 2013–14 all Pennsylvania School Districts received the same level of funding they received in 2010-11, for special education each year. For the 2014-2015 school year, Greenwood School District will receive an increase to $432,780 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.^[143]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that less than 10 of its students were gifted in 2009.^[144] 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. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to 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.^[145]

Wellness policy

Greenwood School Board established a district-wide Student Wellness policy in 2006.^[146] 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." Most districts identified the superintendent and school foodservice director as responsible for ensuring local wellness policy implementation.^[147]

The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education, physical activity, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.^[148] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

Greenwood School District offers a free school breakfast to low-income children. The program is funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.^[149]

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant

In 2011, Greenwood School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Greenwood High School received $9,460 which was used to purchase cardio equipment for integration into the Physical Education curriculum for all students in grades 7-12.^[150] In 2009, Greenwood Elementary School received a grant of $8,784 to purchase Cay Eye Gamepad Pro Plus dance system. 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.

Bullying policy

In 2009, Greenwood School District administrative reported there was 1 incident of bullying in the district.^[151][152]

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.^[153] 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.^[154]

Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.^[155]

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.^[156] Each year the school board has the option to exceed the Act 1 index limit and go to the voters for approval of the higher tax increase. Should the referendum fail, the District is required to budget within its Act 1 limit.

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Greenwood School District was $52,592 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $19,174 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $71,767.^{[157][158][159]} Greenwood 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.)^[160] 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.^[161]

In November 2012, the Greenwood School Board approved a new 3-year contract with the teacher's union which gives them a 3-percent salary increase for the 2013-14 school year and 2-percent increases in the next two years. Teachers pay 12 percent of their health insurance costs.^[162]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Greenwood School District was $50,287.25 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $13,424 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $63,711.44.^[163] 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.^[161] In 2011, Greenwood District reported employing 74 teachers with a top salary of $118,152.^[164]

In 2009, Greenwood School District reports employing over 70 teachers with a starting salary of $38,000 ranging to $84,000.^[165]

In 2007, Greenwood School District employed 62 teachers who earned an average teacher salary of $44,676 for 180 days worked.^[166] In December 2007, the school board and teachers' union agreed on a five-year contract which included teachers receiving an average salary increase of 5 percent in the first year and 4 percent in each of the four subsequent years. The teachers will pay 12 percent of their health insurance premiums.^[167] 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.^[168] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, paid sick days, a retirement bonus and other benefits.^[169] According to 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.^[170]

Administration costs Greenwood School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $778.87 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[171] In 2005 the school board awarded a five-year contract to Edward Burns as superintendent. The contract includes an extensive benefits package.^[172] In 2007, his salary was reported as $98,324.^[173] The Pennsylvania School Board Association tracks salaries for Pennsylvania public school employees. It reports that in 2008 the average superintendent salary in Pennsylvania was $122,165.^[174]

Per pupil spending In 2008, Greenwood School District reported spending $11,608 per pupil which ranked 325th in the commonwealth.^[175] In 2010 the per pupil spending had increased to $12,978.85 ^[176] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[177] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.^[178] The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.^[179]

Reserves In 2010, Greenwood School District officials reported an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $834,249. In 2008, district officials reported an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $841,153.^[180] 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.^[181] In 2013, the District's reserves were $959,704.^[182]

Audit Greenwood School District was audited by the Pennsylvania Auditor General in January 2013. The audit found that the Greenwood School District complied with applicable state laws, contracts, grant requirements, and administrative procedures. Greenwood School District was also audited by the Pennsylvania Auditor General in 2008. Two findings were reported to the school board and the administration.^[183] In 2010, Greenwood School District was audited again. The auditors found that Greenwood School District had taken appropriate corrective action to items cited in the previous audit.^[184]

Tuition Students who live in Greenwood 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 Greenwood School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $7,289.18, High School - $9,614.91 ^[185]

Greenwood School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1.25%, a local real property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, and 2 per capita taxes $5, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.^[186] Grants provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the income level.^[187]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Greenwood School District receives 48.7% of its annual revenue from the state.^[188]

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $1,619,522 to Greenwood School District, in January 2016.^[189] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.^[190] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assemby in June 2015.^[191] Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in Basic Eductaion funding under Governor Wolf.^[192][193] In April 2016, Governor Wolf announced his finalized dispersement of 2015-16 state Basic Education Funding. Greenwood School District received a 2.09% increase for a total funding of $3,494,476.^[194] This is $12,695 less than the District was to receive by law under the state’s Fair Funding Formula approved in 2015.^[195][196] The highest increase in funding statewide was awarded by Governor Wolf to Wilkinsburg Borough School District which got a 44.1% increase in state Basic Education Funding. The average BEF increase among the Commonwealth’s 500 public school districts for 2015-16 was 2.21%. In Perry County, the highest percentage increase in state funding was awarded to West Perry School District - 3.60%. The Pennsylvania education budget is $5.93 billion for basic education, a $200 million or 3.5 percent increase over 2014-15 allocation. Another $1.08 billion was allotted for special education funding, a $30 million or 2.9 percent increase over 2014-15. Additionally, the state paid over $500 million towards school employee social security payments and over $1 billion to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).^[197]

For the 2014-15 school year, Greenwood School District will receive $3,332,727 in State Basic Education funding. The District will also receive $90,136 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.^[198] 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.^[199]

For the 2012-13 school year, Greenwood School District received $3,321,652 in Basic Education Funding.^[200] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 includes $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which is an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. The state also provides $100 million for the Accountability Block grant. Greenwood School District also received $41,819 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The state will also provide $544.4 million for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[201] This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. 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.

For the 2011-12 school year, the Greenwood School District received $3,279,833 in state Basic Education Funding.^[202][203] Additionally, Greenwood School District received $41,819 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011. 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.^[204] Districts experienced a reduction in funding due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011. In 2010, the district reported that 206 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010-11 school year, the state provided Greenwood School District with a 2.59% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $3,423,000.18. Among Perry County school districts the highest funding increase went to West Perry School District at 5.14%. One hundred fifty school districts in Pennsylvania received a base 2% increase in state basic education funding. The highest increase of state funding in 2010-11 was 23.65% which went to Kennett Consolidated School District of Chester County.^[205] The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was determined by then Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year. This was the second year of Governor Rendell's plan to fund some school districts at a much higher rate than others.^[206][207]

In the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 4.73% increase in Basic Education Funding, to the Greenwood School District, for a total of $3,423,000. The district also received supplemental funding for: Title I (federal funding for low-income students), for district size, a poverty supplement from the Commonwealth and more. In Perry County, the highest state funding increase was 6.39% to Susquenita School District. The highest increase in the state went to Muhlenberg School District of Berks County which received a 22.31% increase.^[208] 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

The state Basic Education Funding allocation to the District in 2008-09 was $3,279,833.34. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 165 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.^[209]

All Pennsylvania school districts also receive additional funding from the state through several other funding allocations, including Reimbursement of Charter School Expenditures; Special Education Funding; Secondary Career & Technical Education Subsidy; PA Accountability Grants; and low achieving schools were eligible for Educational Assistance Program Funding. Plus all Pennsylvania school districts receive federal dollars for various programs including: Special Education funding and Title I funding for children from low income families. In 2010, Pennsylvania spent over $24 billion for public education - local, state and federal dollars combined.^[210]

Accountability Block Grants

Beginning in 2004-2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania’s school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010-11, the District applied for and received $113,506 in addition to all other state and federal funding. Greenwood School District uses the funding to provide full-day kindergarten.^{[211][212][213]}

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.^[214]

Greenwood School District will receive $90,136 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, Accountability Block Grant funding, PreK Counts funding, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

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. Greenwood School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07 nor in 2007-08. The Greenwood School District received $74,691 in 2008-09.^[215] In Perry County the highest award was given to West Perry School District which received $361,599. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide by Governor Edward Rendell due to a massive state financial crisis.

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 Greenwood School District received $22,628.^[216]

Other grants

Greenwood School District did not participate in the following state and federal grants: DEP Environmental Education and Stewardship grants;^[217][218] Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell);^[219] Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;^[220] 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;^[221] Project 720 High School Reform grants (discontinued effective with 2011-12 budget) nor the federal 21st Century Learning grant.

Federal Stimulus grant

Greenwood School District received an extra $631,129 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.^[222] This funding is for the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years. 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

Greenwood School District officials chose to not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.^[223] 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.^[224] 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.^[225]

Common Cents state initiative

The Greenwood 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.^[226] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2014-2015 were set at 13.2900 mills for Perry County. For district residents living in Juniata County it was set at 97.4900 mills.^[227] School districts located in more than one county are required to apportion the tax levy based on the market value in each county as determined by the State Tax Equalization Board pursuant to section 672.1 of the School Code. As a result, the tax rate increases are not the same for each county in a multi-county school district.^[228] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts. 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.^[229]

• 2013 - 89.5500 mills for Juniata County residents and 11.9300 mills for Perry County^[230]
• 2012 - 91.0400 mills for Juniata County and 11.3400 mills for Perry County
• 2011 - 84.9400 mills for Juniata County and 14.7500 mills for Perry County^[231]
• 2010 - 82.2900 mills for Juniata County residents. Perry County 14.2000 mills.^[232]
• 2009 - 78.5200 mills for Juniata County residents and Perry County 13.5000 mills.^[233]
• 2008 - 76.9900 mills for Juniata County residents and Perry County 12.9000 mills.
• 2007 - 65.1900 mills for Juniata County residents and Perry County 11.6400 mills.
• 2006 - 56.9000 mills for Juniata County residents and Perry County 11.0500 mills.

The average yearly property tax paid by Perry County residents amounts to about 3.48% of their yearly income. Perry County ranked 382nd of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[234] According to a report prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the total real estate taxes collected by all school districts in Pennsylvania rose from $6,474,133,936 in 1999-00 to $10,438,463,356 in 2008-09 and to $11,153,412,490 in 2011.^[235] 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%).^[236]

Act 1 of 2006 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, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increasing rising health care costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.^[237] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.^[238] The following exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school’s share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.^[239][240]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Greenwood School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.^[241]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Greenwood School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit: teacher pension costs and special education costs. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher’s pension fund (PSERS).^[246] 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.^[247]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Greenwood School Board applied for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index due to teacher pension costs. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. In Area School District the approved real estate tax rate Increase due to exceptions was 3.7148 mills.^[248]

For the 2011-12 school year budget, the Greenwood School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index.^[249] Each year, the Greenwood School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[250]

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.^[251]

The Greenwood School Board did not seek any exceptions to exceed the index for the 2010-11 school budget year.^[252] 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.^[253]

Property tax relief

In 2010, the Greenwood School District property tax relief was set at $124 for 1,655 approved homesteads.^[254] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Greenwood School District was $131 per approved permanent primary residence. In Perry County, the highest tax relief was $194 for residents of Newport School District. In Greenwood School District, the tax relief was set at $131 for the 1574 property owners who applied for the tax relief in 2009.^[255] 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. In Perry County, 88% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.^[256] The highest property tax relief was given to Chester Upland School District at $632 in 2010 and in 2009.^[257]

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, people with income substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate.

Enrollment

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, there are fewer than 840 students enrolled in K-12 in the Greenwood School District. There were 59 students in the Class of 2009. The senior class of 2010 has 61 students. Enrollment in Greenwood School District is projected to continue to remain low for the foreseeable future. The administrative infrastructure costs per pupil are high. With limited local taxation resources, opportunities for students are limited. Consolidation of the administrations with adjacent school districts would achieve substantial administrative cost savings for people in each community. These excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improve lagging mathematics and science achievement, to enrich the academic programs or to substantially reduce property taxes. Consolidation of the central administrations would not require the closing of any schools.^[258] A new district composed of Greenwood School District and Newport School District would have a student population of 2000 with stable enrollment projected for the next two decades.

Through 2020, rural Pennsylvania school enrollment is projected to decrease 8 percent. The most significant enrollment decline is projected to be in western Pennsylvania, where rural school districts may have a 16 percent decline. More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania are projected to experience significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).^[259]

Extracurriculars

The district had a boys' basketball team that made it to the "State A Semi-Finals" in 2006 and 2010. Greenwood School District currently has an athletic partnership with Newport High School for football, track, soccer, and wrestling.

Greenwood School District provides a wide variety of clubs, activities and sports. The school board has policies that establish eligibility for participation.^[260]

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.^[261]

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.^[262][263]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.^[264]

Greenwood School District does provide its athletics disclosure form on its web site.^[265] 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.^[266]

The District funds:

Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2014^[267]

References

External links

• Greenwood School District website

Coordinates: 40°33′10″N 77°09′01″W / 40.55267°N 77.15037°W / 40.55267; -77.15037