Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District

Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District (ACVSD) is a small, rural, public school district in western Pennsylvania. It spans portions of four counties and is the only Pennsylvania public school district to do so. The district is one of the 500 public school districts of Pennsylvania. The Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District encompasses approximately 121 square miles (310 km²). In Armstrong County it covers the City of Parker and Hovey Township. In Butler County it serves Allegheny Township. In Clarion County it serves the Boroughs of Emlenton, Foxburg and St. Petersburg and Perry Township and Richland Township. In Venango County it serves the Borough of Emlenton and Richland Township and Scrubgrass Township. According to 2000 federal census data, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District serves a resident population of 5,944. By 2010, the district's population declined to 5,749 people.[4] In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $15,525, while the median family income was $36,867.[5] In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the median family income was $49,501[6] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[7] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[8]

Not to be confused with Allegheny Valley School or Allegheny Valley School District.

Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District
Address
76 State Route 58, PO Box 100 Foxburg , Clarion County, Bulter County, Armstrong County, Venango County , Pennsylvania 16036 United States
Information
Type	Public
School board	9 locally elected members
Superintendent	Mr. David McDeavitt (July 2012–2015)[1]
School number	724-659-5820
Administrator	Business Manager – Ms. Emily Foust
Principal	Mr. William Jordan (Jr./Sr. High School)
Principal	Mrs. Sherman (Elementary School)
Staff	69
Faculty	42
Grades	K-12
Enrollment	708 pupils (2013),[2] 774 pupils (2011), 870 pupils (2009–10)
• Kindergarten	44 pupils (2012), 58 (2009)
• Grade 1	59(2012), 47 (2009)
• Grade 2	37(2012), 53 (2009)
• Grade 3	51 (2012), 60 (2009)
• Grade 4	47 (2012), 55 (2009)
• Grade 5	46 (2012), 64 (2009)
• Grade 6	55 (2012), 59 (2009)
• Grade 7	59 (2012), 66 (2009)
• Grade 8	54 (2012), 74 (2009)
• Grade 9	57 (2012), 90 (2009)
• Grade 10	62 (2012), 72 (2009)
• Grade 11	71 (2012), 83 (2009)
• Grade 12	65 (2012), 89 (2009)
• Other	Enrollment Projected to decline to 700 in 2020[3]
Color(s)	Blue and white
Mascot	Falcons
Per pupil spending	$13,806 (2008) spend ranked 116th in PA
Per pupil spending	$15,660.66 (2010) ranked 98th in PA
Website	www.acvsd.org

Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District region in Armstrong County

Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District region in Butler County

Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District region in Venango County

Per school district officials, in school year 2007–08 the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District provided basic educational services to 934 pupils through the employment of 72 teachers, 43 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 6 administrators. In school year 2009–10, ACVSD provided basic educational services to 859 pupils. It employed: 69 teachers, 39 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 4 administrators. Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District received more than $7.8 million in state funding in school year 2009–10.

The district operates:

• Allegheny-Clarion Valley Elementary School – Grades K-6
• Allegheny-Clarion Valley Jr./Sr. High School – Grades 7–12

Governance

Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[9] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus 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 regarding renewal of the employment contract.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the Allegheny-Clarion School Board and school 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.[10]

The district is part of the Riverview Intermediate Unit 6 region. The intermediate unit provides support services and therapy to special education students. It also provides training to school personnel. High school students may attend Clarion County Career Center for training in vocational skills.

Academic achievement

Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District was ranked 351st out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2013.[11] The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the PSSAs for: reading, writing, math and science.[12] The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th and the 11th grade in high school. Adapted examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th, 8th and 11th grades.

• 2012 - 415th
• 2011 - 448th[13]
• 2010 - 448th[14]
• 2009 - 443rd
• 2008 - 440th
• 2007 - 396th of 500 school districts in Pennsylvania.[15]

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District ranked 331st. In 2012, the district was 433rd. [16] The editor describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."[17]

In 2009, the academic achievement of students of the Allegheny-Clarion Area School District fell in the 7th percentile of 500 school districts. (Scale 0-99; 100 is state best)[18]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District achieved AYP status.[19] In 2011, School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of Pennsylvania public school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.[20] Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District achieved AYP status each year from 2005 to 2010, while in 2004. the district was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[21] In 2003, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District achieved AYP status.

Graduation rate

In 2013, Allegheny-Clarion Valley Junior Senior High School graduation rate was 89%.[22] In 2012, the high school's graduation rate was 91.78%.[23] In 2011, Allegheny-Clarion Valley Junior Senior High School graduation rate was 94%.[24] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School's rate was 94% for 2010.[25]

Former AYP graduation rate:

• 2010 - 95% [26]
• 2009 - 95%[27]
• 2008 - 91%
• 2007 - 91%[28]

Junior - Senior High School

Allegheny-Clarion Valley Junior/Senior High School is located at 762 Route 58, Foxburg. In 2013, Allegheny-Clarion Valley Junior/Senior High School reported an enrollment of just 368 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 35% of the pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 12.77% of pupils received special education services and 7.6% were identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[29]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 394 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 150 pupils. The school employed 21 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 18:1.[30]

2013 School Performance Profile

Allegheny-Clarion Valley Junior/Senior High School achieved 73.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 67% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/math, 78.7% showed on grade level skills. In Biology/science, 60% showed on grade level science understanding.[31] 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, they now take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.

AYP History

In 2012, Allegheny-Clarion Valley Junior/Senior High School declined Warning AYP status.[32] In 2010 through 2011, Allegheny-Clarion Valley Junior/Senior High School achieved AYP status.[33]

PSSA History

PSSAs are NCLB related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012. Effective with Spring 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSA's to 11th graders. The eighth grade and seventh grade will continue to be tested in the spring of each year. In 2010 and 2011, the school achieved AYP status.[34]

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 62% on grade level, (20% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[35]
• 2011 - 56%, (31% below basic). State - 69.1%[36]
• 2010 - 62% (21% below basic). State - 68% (78 pupils enrolled)[37]
• 2009 - 66%, State - 65%
• 2008 - 48%, State - 65%[38]
• 2007 - 49%, State - 65%[39]

11th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 65% on grade level (22% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[40]
• 2011 - 41% (28% below basic). State - 60.3%[41]
• 2010 - 50% (28% below basic). State - 59%
• 2009 - 58%, State - 56%[42]
• 2008 - 41%, State - 56%
• 2007 - 38%, State - 54%

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 51% on grade level (11% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[43]
• 2011 - 25% (21% below basic). State - 40%[44]
• 2010 - 28% (7% below basic). State - 39%[45]
• 2009 - 25%, State - 40%
• 2008 - 26%, State - 39%[46]

Science in Motion Allegheny-Clarion Valley Junior Senior High School and Allegheny-Clarion Valley Elementary 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.[47] Clarion University provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 24% of Allegheny-Clarion Valley 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.[48] 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.[49] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

SAT scores

In 2013, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 528. The Math average score was 495. The Writing average score was 488. 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.[50]

In 2012, 34 Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 451. The Math average score was 460. The Writing average score was 448. 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, 36 students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 465. The Math average score was 485. The Writing average score was 449.[51] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among state with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[52] 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.[53]

Graduation requirements

The Allegheny-Clarion Valley School Board requires students to earn 24 credits to graduate that include: English 4 credits, Math 3 credits, Science 3 credits, Social Studies 3 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Health .5 credit, Arts and Humanities 2 credits, and Electives 6.5 credits. Students must also demonstrate performance at a proficient level or above on the state assessment (PSSA) or local assessments (4Sight, Study Island, etc.) aligned with academic standards in order to graduate and participate in senior activities.[54]

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.[55] At Allegheny- Clarion Valley high school the project includes: 20 hours of community service or 20 hours of job shadowing or a combination of job shadowing and community service. The project work begins in tenth grade and must be completed during the first semester of the senior year.

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2015 and 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.[56][57][58]

Dual enrollment

The high school offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[59] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[60]

For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $5,799 for the program.[61]

AP Courses

In 2013, Allegheny -Clarion Valley Junior Senior High School offered 2 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Allegheny-Clarion Valley Senior High School less than 10 students took an AP course in 2012-13.[62]

Junior high school

8th Grade Reading: 2012 - 69% on grade level (10% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[40] 2011 - 83% (6% below basic). State - 81.8% 2010 - 70% (9% below basic). State - 81% (71 pupils enrolled) 2009 - 77%, State - 80%[63] 2008 - 78%, State - 78%

8th Grade Math: 2012 - 79% on grade level (12% below basic). State - 76% 2011 - 75% (14% below basic). State - 76.9% 2010 - 57% (19% below basic). State - 75% 2009 - 67%, State - 71% [64] 2008 - 56%, State - 70%[65]

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 65% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 72% (13% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 64% (18% below basic). State - 57%
• 2009 - 61%, State - 54%
• 2008 - 46%, State - 52% [66]

7th Grade Reading: 2012 - 73% (16% below basic). State – 76% 2011 - 70% (8% below basic). State – 76% 2010 - 73% (7% below basic). State - 73% (60 pupils enrolled) 2009 - 60%, State - 71%[63] 2008 - 64%, State - 70%

7th Grade Math: 2012 - 82% (13% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 83% (13% below basic). State - 78.6% 2010 - 76% (8% below basic). State - 77% 2009 - 71%, State - 75% 2008 - 65%, State - 70%

Allegheny-Clarion Valley Elementary School

Allegheny-Clarion Valley Elementary School is located at 776 Route 6, Foxburg. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 340 pupils with 42% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. 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.[67]

Allegheny-Clarion Valley Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school. In 2011, The school had an enrollment of 377 pupils, with 168 pupils eligible for a free or reduced price lunch. The School employed 21.7 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 17:1.[68] 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 in 2011.[69][70]

2013 School Performance Profile

Allegheny-Clarion Valley Elementary School achieved a score of 71.3 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 66% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 71% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 79% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 80% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 64% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[71]

AYP History

In 2012, Allegheny-Clarion Valley Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP') status even though it missed all reading metrics measured.[72] In 2011, Allegheny-Clarion Valley Elementary School improved to achieving AYP status.

• 2010 - Warning AYP status due to low achievement of its students. The attendance rate was 95%.[73]
• 2004-2009 - achieved AYP status
• 2003 - Warning AYP status

PSSA History

Each year, in the Spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. The sixth grade is tested in reading and math.

6th Grade Reading: 2012 - 64% (14% below basic). State - 68%[74] 2011 - 59% (24% below basic). State - 69.9% 2010 - 48% (28% below basic). State - 68% (58 pupils enrolled)[75] 2009 - 56%, State - 67%[76] 2008 - 60%, State - 67%[77]

6th Grade Math: 2012 - 79% (12% below basic). State - 77% 2011 - 75% on grade level (13% below basic). State - 78.8% 2010 - 72% (10% below basic). State - 74% 2009 - 70%, State - 75% 2008 - 66%, State - 72%

5th Grade Reading: 2012 - 76% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 65% 2011 - 66% (19% below basic). State - 67.3% 2010 - 52% (22% below basic). State - 64% (57 pupils enrolled) 2009 - 59%, State - 64% 2008 - 50%, State - 61%

5th Grade Math: 2012 - 83% (7% below basic). State - 73% 2011 - 74% (12% below basic). State - 74% 2010 - 65% (7% below basic). State - 74% 2009 - 51%, State - 73% 2008 - 74%, State - 73%

4th Grade Reading: 2012 - 66% (13% below basic). State - 72% 2011 - 72% (5% below basic), State – 73.3% 2010 - 75% (16% below basic), State - 73% (53 pupils enrolled) 2009 - 58%, State - 72% 2008 - 75%, State - 70%

4th Grade Math: 2012 - 79% (2% below basic). State - 82% 2011 - 98% (2% below basic), State – 85.3% 2010 - 74% (9% below basic). State - 84% 2009 - 68%, State - 81% 2008 - 83%, State - 79%

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 81%, (2% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 98%, (0% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 92% (0% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 - 86%, State - 83%
• 2008 - 89%, State - 81%

3rd Grade Reading: 2012 - 78%, (16% below basic). State - 74% [40] 2011 - 80% (9% below basic), State – 77% 2010 - 85% (5% below basic). State - 75% (60 pupils enrolled) 2009 - 86%, State - 77% 2008 - 76%, State - 77%

3rd Grade Math: 2012 - 84%, (6% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 89% (0% below basic). State – 83% 2010 - 100% (0% below basic). State – 83% State - 84% 2009 - 81%, State - 81% 2008 - 78%, State - 80%

Enrollment

In 2013, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District enrollment declined to just 708 pupils. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, there are fewer than 860 students enrolled in K-12 in 2010. The senior class of 2010 had 88 students. The class of 2011 had just 76 members. Enrollment in Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District is projected to continue to decline by over 100 students through 2020.[78] Allegheny-Clarion Valley administrative infrastructure cost in 2008 was $823.65 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[79] With limited local taxation resources, opportunities for students are limited. Issues are compounded by the district being divided across county borders. This results in different taxation levels for residents in the different counties of the school district.

A study of Pennsylvania public school spending, conducted by Standard and Poor's, examined the consolidation of Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District Administration with three neighboring public school districts: Keystone School District, Karns City Area School District, or Cranberry Area School District. The study found that consolidation of the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District administration with an adjacent school district would achieve substantial administrative cost savings which varied by district.[80] It found that $1,080,989 would be saved by joining with Karns City Area. Consolidation with Cranberry Area School District would yield $1,458,593 in savings in 2004.

Governor Edward Rendell proposed that consolidation with adjacent school districts, in each county, would achieve substantial cost savings. The savings could be redirected to improving lagging reading and science achievement, to enriching the academic programs or to reducing residents' property taxes.[81] Consolidation of two central administrations into one would not require the closing of any schools. The Governor's proposal called for the savings to be redirected to improving lagging reading and science achievement, to enriching the academic programs or to reducing residents' property taxes.[82] In March 2011, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Fiscal Responsibility Task Force released a report which found that consolidating school district administrations with one neighboring district would save the Commonwealth $1.2 billion without forcing the consolidation of any schools.[83]

From 2000-2010, rural Pennsylvania school enrollment decreased by 8 percent. The most significant enrollment decline was in western Pennsylvania, where rural school districts had up to 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).[84] As the enrollment declines, per pupil administrative costs of the schools will continue to rise. In March 2011, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Fiscal Responsibility Task Force released a report which found that consolidating school district administrations with one neighboring district would save the Commonwealth $1.2 billion without forcing the consolidation of any schools.[83] The study noted that while the best school districts spent 4% of the annual budget on administration, others spend over 15% on administration.[85]

Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In 2013, Pennsylvania had 500 public school districts. Clarion County had 7 whole or partial districts. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. Less than 95 of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts have enrollment below 1250 students, in 2007.[86] This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity.[87] In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the 49 respondents stated that consolidation would save money without closing any schools.[88]

Special education

In December 2012, the district administration reported that 148 pupils or 19% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 45.9% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[89] In December 2009, the district administration reported that 180 pupils or 18% of the district's pupils received Special education services.[90] Special education services in the Commonwealth are provided to students from ages three years to 21 years old. In the 2010-11 school year, the total student enrollment was more than 1.78 million students with approximately 275,000 students eligible for special education services. Among these students 18,959 were identified with mental retardation and 21,245 students with autism.[91] The largest group of students are identified as Specific Learning Disabilities 126,026 students (46.9 percent) and Speech or Language Impairments with 43,542 students (16.2 percent).

The district engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the district seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the district or contact the Special Education Department.[92] 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.[93] 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.[94] 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.[95] 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.[96] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[97]

Allegheny-Carion Valley School District received a $639,298 supplement for special education services in 2010-11.[98] 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.[99] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The district must apply for this added funding.

Gifted education

The district Administration reported that 42 or 4.82% of its students were gifted in 2009.[100] 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.[101]

Bullying policy School safety

The Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District administration reported there were three incidents of bullying in the district in 2012. Additionally, there was one incident of indecent exposure and one terroristic threat.[102] In 2009, the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District reported one incident of bullying in the previous school year.[103][104]

The Allegheny-Clarion Valley School Board prohibits bullying by district students and employees. A policy approved in October 2008 defines bullying and cyberbullying - Policy 249.[105] The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.[106] Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District participates in the PA Cares bullying prevention program.[107] 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.[108] District administration are required to annually provide the following information with the district's Safe School Report: the board's bullying policy, a report of bullying incidents in the school district, and information on the development and implementation of any bullying prevention, intervention or education programs. 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.[109]

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.[110]

Wellness policy

Allegheny-Clarion Valley School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.[111] The policy establishes two school-level advisory committees that have the responsibility of effectively and comprehensively addressing wellness, nutrition and physical activity issues at their respective levels. The Elementary School Health Advisory Committee (Grades K-6) and Secondary School Health Advisory Committee (Grades 7-12) are responsible for development, implementation and evaluation of guidelines and programs that promote healthy eating and physical activity. The policy also deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 - 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."

The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a 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 and physical education that are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, 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.[112] The policy requires that the Superintendent or designee shall report to the Board on the district's compliance with law and policies related to student wellness. The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval. The district offers both a free school breakfast and a free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.[113] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[114]

In 2013, the USDA issued new restrictions to foods in public schools. The rules apply to foods and beverages sold on all public school district campuses during the day. They limit vending machine snacks to a maximum of 200 calories per item. Additionally, all snack foods sold at school must meet competitive nutrient standards, meaning they must have fruits, vegetables, dairy or protein in them or contain at least 10 percent of the daily value of fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D.[115] To comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 all US public school districts are required to raise the price of their school lunches to $2.60 regardless of the actual cost of providing the lunch.[116] In 2014, President Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.[117]

Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses are available in each building to conduct annual health screenings (data reported to the PDE and state Department of Health) and to dispense prescribed medications to students during the school day. Students can be excluded from school unless they comply with all the State Department of Health's extensive immunization mandates. School nurses monitor each pupil for this compliance.[118] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.

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.[119]

In 2012, the district employed 181 teachers with an average salary of $57,496 and a top salary of $127,000.[120][121]

In 2007, the average teacher salary in the district was $46,011 for 180 days worked. The district ranked eighth in Clarion County for average teacher salary in 2007.[122] In 2009, the district employed over 70 teachers with a salary range of $40,000 to $70,000.[123]

Per pupil spending In 2008, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District reported spending $13,806 per pupil. This ranked 116th in the commonwealth.[124] In 2010 the per pupil spending had increased to $11,171.29[125] Among the states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.[126] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.[127]

Audit In September 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the school board and administration.[128] In January 2012, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted another performance audit of the district. It was noted that many of the recommendations of the earlier performance audit had been addressed.[129]

Poverty In 2010 the district reported that 43% of its pupils lived in poverty.[130] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District reported 338 students receiving free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.

Reserves In 2008, the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District reported holding $1,707,808 in unreserved-designated funds and $1,457,895 in unreserved-undesignated funds.[131] In 2010, the Administration reported reserves of $4,107,829 (unreserved - $1,457,894, reserved $2,649,935). 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.[132] In 2005, the total reserve funds held by Pennsylvania public school districts was $1.9 billion.[133] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.[134]

KOZs - The Board has approved several commercial properties to be exempt from all District taxation including: real property, earned income tax, net profits, mercantile and business privilege taxes. Property in Emlenton Borough, Venango County and Richland Township, Venango County have been exempted for 10 years effective May 2012.[135]

Tuition Students who live in the Allegheny-Clarion Valley 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 Allegheny-Clarion Valley 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 Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $9,884.64, High School - $8,668.89.[136]

The Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District is funded by a combination of: local earned income tax 1%, property taxes, real estate transfer tax 0.5%, and grants coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.[137] 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.[138]

Basic Education Funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, School District receives 63.3% of its annual revenue from the state.[139]

For the 2013-14 school year, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District received a 1% increase or $5,747,039 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $58,720 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District received $71,802 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Clarion County, Clarion-Limestone Area School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 5.5%. The district has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth's budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[140] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland district, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.[141] 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.[142]

For the 2012-13 school year, the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District received $5,688,319.[143] 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. Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District received $71,802 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[144] 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, the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District received a $5,688,296 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[145][146] Additionally, the School District received $71,802 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.[147] 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.[148] In 2010, the district reported that 368 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[149]

For the 2010-11, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided the district with a 2.84% increase in state basic education funding for a total of $5,596,829. In Clarion County, the highest increase went to Clarion-Limestone Area School District at a 3.92%.[150] In Pennsylvania, one hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in 2010 funding, at 23.65%, was allotted to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County. 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.[151]

In 2009-10, the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District was provided with a 2% increase in state funding. The largest increase in Clarion County was allotted to Clarion-Limestone Area School District which received a 4.86% increase. Ninety Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase in 2009-10. The highest increase in the state went to Muhlenberg School District of Berks County which received a 22.31% increase.[152]

The district also receives millions in additional state and federal funding through applying for grants.

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. Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07 and 2007-08. The district received $74,691 for the 2008-09 school year.[153]

Literacy Grant

Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District was awarded a $739,252 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 Clarion County no other school district participated.[154] 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.

Other grants

The Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants, PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell), Education Assistance Grants, nor Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants,[155] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal Stimulus grant

The Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District received grants totaling $1,004,424 of ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[156]

Race to the Top grant

Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District officials did 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.[157] 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. 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.[158]

Technology grant

In 2002, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District was eligible for a federal Enhancing Education through Technology grant.[159] The district received $30,000.[160]

Common Cents state initiative

The Allegheny- Clarion Valley School Board did 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.[161] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

Each spring Allegheny-Clarion Valley School Boards sets the tax rates for the next school year. Property tax rates in 2013-14 vary within the district, depending on where the property is located. Properties located in Armstrong County have a millage rate of 32.2800 mills. In Butler County, the property tax millage rate is 63.8100 mills. Property owners in Venango County are taxed at a millage rate of 11.6200 mills. For district property owners located in Clarion County, the millage rate is 54.7900 mills. Pennsylvania public 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.[162] For comparison, Clarion County's Union School District property owners pay a millage rate of 48.8000 mills.[163] 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.[164]

• 2012-13 - Armstrong County 32.1100 mills. Butler County 46.7400 mills. Clarion County 54.9100 mills. Venango County 11.8100 mills.
• 2011-12 - Armstrong County 30.4100 mills. Butler County 55.3400 mills. Clarion County 51.8900 mills. Venango County 11.5100 mills.
• 2010-11 - Armstrong County 30.4900 mills. Butler County 73.8800 mills. Clarion County 50.8800 mills. Venango County 11.3100 mills.
• 2009-10 - Armstrong County 28.5800 mills, Butler County 76.5300 mills, Clarion County 51.7200 mills, Venango County 10.8000 mills.[165]
• 2008=09 - Armstrong County 27.3300 mills, Butler County 97.5400 mills, Clarion County 66.4800 mills, Venango County 10.6100 mills.[166]
• 2007-08 - Armstrong County 26.1700 mills. Butler County 91.2200 mills. Clarion County 62.9300 mills. Venango County 9.8400 mills.
• 2006-07 - Armstrong County 27.4000 mills. Butler County 91.2000 mills. Clarion County 60.0000 mills. Venango County 9.6000 mills.[167]
• 2005-06 - Armstrong County 26.9000 mills. Butler County 91.9000 mills. Clarion County 59.2000 mills. Venango County 9.6000 mills.[168]

The average yearly property tax paid by Clarion County residents amounts to about 2.2% of their yearly income. Clarion County ranked 1,252nd out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[169] 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.[170] 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%).[171]

Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state 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, 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.[172] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[173] 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.[174][175]

A specific timeline for Act I Index decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[176]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[177]

2006-07 - 5.7%, Base 3.9% 2007-08 - 4.9%, Base 3.4% 2008-09 - 6.4%, Base 4.4% 2009-10 - 5.9%, Base 4.1% 2010-11 - 4.2%, Base 2.9%

2010-12 - 2.0%, Base 1.4% 2012-13 - 2.5%, Base 1.7%[178] 2013-14 - 2.4%, Base 1.7%[179] 2014-15 - 3.0%, Base 2.1%[180]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[181]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[182]

For the 2011-12 school year, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, Allegheny-Clarion Valley School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[176]

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.[183]

For the 2010-11 budget year, the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School Board did not seek an exception to exceed the index.[184] 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.[185]

Property tax relief

In 2012, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District was $173 per approved permanent primary residence (1,628).[186] The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (4.0 ha) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Clarion County, the highest tax relief went to Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District.[187] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District was $177 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 1592 property owners applied for the tax relief.

In Pennsylvania, the homestead exclusion reduces the assessed values of homestead properties, reducing the property tax on these homes. The homestead exclusion allows homeowners real property tax relief of up to one half of the median assessed value of homesteads in the taxing jurisdiction (county, school district, city, borough, or township).[188]

Extracurriculars

The Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive sports program. The Allegheny-Clarion Valley School Board determines eligibility policies to participate in these programs[189] and in compliance with standards set by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). The district is noncompliant with state law, due to failing to post its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website.

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.[190]

Sports

The district funds:

Varsity

Boys Baseball - A Basketball- A Cross Country - A Football - A Golf - AA Track and Field - AA

Girls Basketball - A Cheer - AAAA Cross Country - A Golf - AA Softball - A Track and Field - AA Volleyball - A

Junior High School Sports

Boys Basketball Cross Country Football Golf Track and Field

Girls Basketball Cross Country Golf Track and Field Volleyball

According to PIAA directory July 2013 [191]

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External links

• Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District
• PIAA