Ambridge Area School District

The Ambridge Area School District is a midsized, urban public school district in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. It serves the boroughs of Ambridge, Baden, Economy and South Heights and Harmony Township. The district encompasses approximately 27 square miles (70 km²). According to 2000 United States Census Bureau data, it serves a resident population of 25,022. By 2010, the District's population declined to 23,831 people.[10] The educational attainment levels for the Ambridge Area School District population (25 years old and over) were 89.8% high school graduates and 21.8% college graduates.[11] The District is one of the 500 public school districts of Pennsylvania.

Ambridge Area School District
Address
901 Duss Avenue Ambridge , Pennsylvania 15003 United States
Coordinates	40.592295°N 80.225945°W / 40.592295; -80.225945 (District office)
Information
Type	Public
Established	1971 (1971)
NCES District ID	4202440[1][2]
Superintendent	Dr Cynthia R Zurchin, (2013–2017)[3][4]
Administrator	Mary R Baker, Business Manager Lori Heim, IMS Director Dr. Joseph Dimperio
Staff	316[2]
Faculty	179[2]
Grades	K-12
Number of students	2,542 pupils (2016)[5] 2,624 pupils (2014)[2] 2,639 pupils (2012)[6] 2925 pupils (2005)[7]
• Kindergarten	172 (2014),[8] 235 (2010)[9]
• Grade 1	180 (2014), 208 (2010)
• Grade 2	183 (2014), 233 (2010)
• Grade 3	195 (2014), 240 (2010)
• Grade 4	204 (2014), 240 (2010)
• Grade 5	205 (2014), 200 (2010)
• Grade 6	219 (2014), 219 (2010)
• Grade 7	236 (2014), 202 (2010)
• Grade 8	220 (2014), 208 (2010)
• Grade 9	179 (2014), 221 (2010)
• Grade 10	201 (2014), 216 (2010)
• Grade 11	209 (2014), 171 (2010)
• Grade 12	190 (2014), 192 (2010)
Student to teacher ratio	14.66:1[2]
Mascot	Bridgers
Website	www.ambridge.k12.pa.us

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 40.6% 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.[12][13] In 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, reported that 16 students in the Ambridge Area School District were homeless.[14] In 2009, Ambridge Area School District residents’ per capita income was $18,652, while the median family income was $46,294.[15] In Beaver County, the median household income was $49,217.[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] By 2014, the median household income in the USA was $53,700.[19]

According to Ambridge Area School District officials, in school year 2007-08 the Ambridge Area School District provided basic educational services to 2,822 pupils through the employment of 214 teachers, 197 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 16 administrators. Ambridge Area School District received more than $15.4 million in state funding in school year 2007-08. Ambridge Area School District enrollment declined to 2,749 pupils in 2011. The District employed: 193 teachers, 134 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 15 administrators during the 2011-12 school year. The District received more than $16 million in state funding in the 2011-12 school year.

Ambridge Area School District operates five schools: Ambridge Area High School, Ambridge Area Junior High School, Economy Elementary, Highland Elementary and State Street Elementary. High school students may choose to attend the Beaver County Career and Technology Center for training in the construction and mechanical trades. For the 2014-15 school year, 381 resident students chose to enroll in public charter schools and cyber charter schools, rather than attend the District's schools.[20][21]

The Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit IU27 provides the District with a wide variety of services like: specialized education for disabled students; state mandated training on recognizing and reporting child abuse; speech and visual disability services; criminal background check processing for prospective employees and professional development for staff and faculty.

Governance

Ambridge Area School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serving four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[22] 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.[23] 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.[24]

The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the Ambridge Area School Board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. These contracts must be in writing and are subject to public disclosure under the state's Right to Know Act. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent and Business Manager regarding renewal of their employment contracts.[25] 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.[26]

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.[27] Ambridge Area School Board meeting minutes are available in the school district's website.

District AYP status history

In 2012, Ambridge Area School District declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[28] In 2011, Ambridge Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of Pennsylvania public school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.[29]

• 2006 to 2010 - achieved AYP status each school year[30]
• 2005 - Making Progress School Improvement 1
• 2004 - declined to School Improvement 1 AYP status due to low student achievement
• 2003 the District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[31]

Academic achievement

Opportunity Scholarship - lowest achieving schools

In 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) released a report identifying one Ambridge Area School District school as among the lowest achieving schools for reading and mathematics in the state.[32] Included on the list was Highland Elementary School. Five hundred fifty-two (552) public schools were on the list for 2016. The program empowers eligible students residing within the boundaries of a low-achieving school to apply for a scholarship to attend another public school including outside of their home district or a nonpublic school.

In October 2015, Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale reported that three schools in the District were among the 561 academically challenged schools that have been overlooked by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[33][34] He also reported the Pennsylvania Department of Education failed to take any action to remediate these poorly performing schools to raise student academic achievement or to provide them with targeted professional assistance.[35] The schools were: Ambridge Area High School, Ambridge Area Junior High School and Highland Elementary School.

Statewide academic ranking

Ambridge Area School District declined further to ranked 334th out of 494 Pennsylvania school districts in 2016 by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[36] 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.[37] 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.[38]

2015 - 319 2014 - 314 2013 - 315 2012 - 264th out of 498 districts[39] 2011 - 272nd[40]

2010 - 276th[41] 2009 - 310th 2008 - 275th 2007 - 238th[42]

Western Pennsylvania School District Ranking - out of 105 western PA school districts

• 2012 - 61st[43]
• 2011 - 65th
• 2010 - 64th[44]
• 2009 - 71st[45]
• 2008 - 65th

Overachievers ranking

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Ambridge Area School District ranked 217th. In 2011, the district was 165th.[46] 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."[47]

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of the Ambridge Area School District was in the 57th percentile of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)[48]

Graduation rate

In 2016, Ambridge Area School District reported a graduation rate of 83.50%[49]

• 2015 - 84.34%[50]
• 2014 - 85%[51]
• 2013 - 85.45%[52]
• 2012 - 88.78%.[53]
• 2011 - 89%.[54]
• 2010 - 85%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[55]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 - 89%[56]
• 2009 - 85%[57]
• 2008 - 89%[58]
• 2007 - 89%[59]

College Remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 32% of Ambridge Area School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[60][61] 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.[62][63] 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.

High school

Ambridge Area High School is located at 909 Duss Avenue, Ambridge. By 2016, the school enrollment had declined to 787 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 32.91% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 12.33% of pupils received special education services, while 3.8% of pupils were identified as gifted.[64] The school employed 54 teachers.[65] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 5% of the teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[66]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 852 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 299 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 47 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 18:1.[67] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1 teacher was rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[68]

Local region academic ranking

In 2012, Ambridge Area High School's 11th grade ranked 69th out of 123 western Pennsylvania 11th grades for academic achievement on the last three years of PSSAs in reading, writing, math and science.[69]

• 2011 - 80th
• 2010 - 74th
• 2009 - 95th

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 74.5 out of 100 points. Ambridge Area High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 73% of students were on grade level in reading.literature and just 60% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, only 63% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[70] The requirement that pupils pass the Keystone Exams in reading, algebra I and bIology I in order to graduate was postponed until 2019 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly because less than 60% of 12 grade pupils statewide would have been eligible for graduation from high school due to failing one or more Keystone Exams.[71] Fifty-four percent (54%) of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.[72] The School was placed on the state's lowest achievement list due to poor academic outcomes.

2015 School Performance Profile

Ambridge Area High School achieved 62.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 73% of the High School's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, just 56% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, only 55% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[73][74] Statewide, 53 percent of schools with an eleventh grade achieved an academic score of 70 or better. Five percent of the 2,033 schools with 11th grade were scored at 90 and above; 20 percent were scored between 80 and 89; 28 percent between 70 and 79; 25 percent between 60 and 69 and 22 percent below 60. The Keystone Exam results showed: 73 percent of students statewide scored at grade-level in English, 64 percent in Algebra I and 59 percent in biology.[75][76]

2014 School Performance Profile

Ambridge Area High School achieved 68.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature 81% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, just 62.9% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, only 48% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[77] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.[78]

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.[79] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[80][81]

2013 School Performance Profile

Ambridge Area High School achieved 74.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 76% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, just 66% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, only 41% showed on grade level science understanding.[82] 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.[83]

AYP status

In 2012, Ambridge Area High declined further School Improvement I Adequate YEarly Progress (AYP) status due to missing 4 out of six academic metrics measured.[84]

• 2011 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging students reading skills and particularly low math achievement.
• 2009 & 2010 - achieved AYP status.[85]
• 2008 - again declined to Warning AYP level due to lagging academic achievement in reading and math[86]
• 2006 & 2007 - achieved AYP status[87]
• 2005 - declined to Warning AYP level due to lagging academic achievement in reading and math[88]
• 2003 & 2004 - 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.[89]

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 applicable course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.[90] The state announced the change in 2010 and made it in order to comply with Governor Edward G. Rendell's agreement to change to the national Common Core standards.[91]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 65% on grade level, (14% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[92]
• 2011 - 68% (18% below basic). State - 69.1%[93]
• 2010 - 71% (14% below basic). State - 65%[94]
• 2009 - 65%, State - 65%[95]
• 2008 - 58%, State - 65%
• 2007 - 64%, State - 65%[96]

11th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 58% on grade level (19% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[97]
• 2011 - 52% (26% below basic). State - 60.3%[98]
• 2010 - 56% (30% below basic). State - 59%[99]
• 2009 - 60%, State - 55%[100]
• 2008 - 58%, State - 56%
• 2007 - 57%, State - 53%[101]

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 33% on grade level (20% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[102]
• 2011 - 36% (22% below basic). State - 40%[103]
• 2010 - 37% (19% below basic). State - 39%
• 2009 - 38%. State - 40% [104]
• 2008 - 26%, State - 39%[105]

Dual enrollment

Ambridge Area High School offers a Dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. 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.[106] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[107] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.[108]

For the 2009-10 funding year, Ambridge Area School District received a state grant of $42,580 for the program.[109] In 2010, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students.

Graduation requirements

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. Ambridge Area School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 22.5 credits to graduate, including: a required class every year in math, English, social studies, science, Physical Education and electives. The high school is not one of 37 Pennsylvania public high schools that require students take a personal finance course in order to graduate in 2012.[110]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students were required to complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.[111] 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.[112]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class of 2019,[113] students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams are given at the end of the course.[114][115][116] 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.[117] 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. School district superintendents have the discretion to graduate up to 10% of pupils who do not pass the exams or the project.

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.[118][116] 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.[119] 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.[120]

SAT scores

In 2015, 117 Ambridge Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 498. The Math average score was 508. The Writing average score was 462.[121] The College Board also reported that statewide 96,826 pupils took the exams with average scores declining in all three measurers to: 495 in reading, 511 in math and 484 in writing.[122]

In 2014, 109 Ambridge Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 471. The Math average score was 483. The Writing average score was 446.[123][124] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[125] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, 107 Ambridge Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 483. The Math average score was 501. The Writing average score was 460. 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.[126]

In 2011, 105 Ambridge Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 481. The Math average score was 485. The Writing average score was 477.[127] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[128] 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.[129]

Junior high school

Ambridge Area Junior High School is located at 401 First Street, Freedom. In 2016, enrollment was 439 pupils, in grades 7th through 8th, with 34% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 18% of pupils received special education services, while 4% of pupils were identified as gifted.[130] According to a 2015 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 3% of its teachers were rated "Non-Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[131]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 430 pupils in grades 7th and 8th, with 185 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 28 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.[132] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 4 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[133]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 49.9 out of 100 points. Ambridge Area Junior High School PSSA mandated testing results were: just 52% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while only 18% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 51% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.[134] In 7th grade, 55% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 29% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Statewide just 31% of eighth graders demonstrated on grade level in math and 58% of eighth graders were on grade level in reading. In science, 57.7% of eighth graders showed on grade level proficiency. Among 7th graders, just 37% of students demonstrated on grade evel skills in mathematics. In seventh grade reading, 58% were on grade level. Sixth graders had 61.5% showing on grade level math skills. In reading, 61.5% of sixth graders were on grade level.[135]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE withheld SPP scores. It was reported that just 55% of 8th grade students at Ambridge Area Junior High School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, 16% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 60% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 56% were on grade level in reading, while 25% showed on grade level math skills.[136]

2014 School Performance Profile

Ambridge Area Junior High School achieved 65.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 75.5% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 81% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In science, 54.97% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 74% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[137][138]

2013 School Performance Profile

Ambridge Area Junior High School achieved 72 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 76.7% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 81% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 62% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, % of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[139] 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.

Local region academic ranking 8th graders

• 2012 - 48th out of 140 schools in Western Pennsylvania region
• 2011 - 77th
• 2010 - 100th
• 2009 - 100th out of 141 western Pennsylvania schools based on three years of results in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and one year of science.[140] Includes schools in: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Westmoreland County, and Washington County.

PSSA Results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are NCLB related examination given in the Spring of each school year. 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.[141] 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.[142] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[143] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[144]

AYP history

In 2012, Ambridge Area Junior High School declined further to School Improvement I AYP status due to low math and reading achievement.[145]

• 2011 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and math.[146]
• 2010 - achieved AYP status.[147]
• 2009 - remained in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and math.[148]
• 2008 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and math.[149]
• 2006 & 2007 - achieved AYP status.[150]
• 2005 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging academic achievement[151]
• 2004 - achieved AYP status.[152]

8th Grade Reading 2012 - 79% on grade level (11% below basic). State - 79%[97] 2011 - 89% (7% below basic). State - 81.8%[153] 2010 - 88% (6% below basic). State - 81%[154] 2009 - 81% (12% below basic), State - 80%[155] 2008 - 72% (19% below basic), State - 78%[156] 2007 - 76% (10% below basic), State - 75%

8th Grade Math 2012 - 81% on grade level (9% below basic). State - 76% [157] 2011 - 83% (6% below basic). State - 76.9% 2010 - 81% (7% below basic). State - 75%[158] 2009 - 71% (15% below basic). State - 71%[159] 2008 - 71% (15% below basic). State - 70% 2007 - 59% (18% below basic). State - 68%

8th Grade Science

• 2012 - 55% on grade level (22% below basic). State - 59%[160]
• 2011 - 64% (15% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 56% (26% below basic). State – 57%[161]
• 2009 - 53% (23% below basic). State - 55%[162]
• 2008 - 53%, State - 52%[163]
• 2007 - tested, but results not made public.

Local region ranking 7th graders

• 2012 - 64th
• 2011 - 56th
• 2010 -73rd[164]

PSSA Results

7th Grade Reading 2012 - 73% (12% below basic). State - 76% 2011 - 74% (9% below basic). State – 76% 2010 - 80% (8% below basic). State - 73% 2009 - 78% (7% below basic). State - 71% 2008 - 62% (16% below basic). State - 70% 2007 - 64% (12% below basic). State - 67%

7th Grade Math: 2012 - 80% (7% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 78% (10% below basic). State - 78.6% 2010 - 86% (8% below basic). State - 77% 2009 - 79% (9% below basic), State - 75% 2008 - 71% (15% below basic), State - 71% 2007 - 70% (14% below basic), State - 67%

The school was awarded a PA CARES mini-grant from the Center for Safe Schools (CSS), with funding from the Highmark Foundation Healthy High Five, to support implementation of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.[165]

A Student Assistance Program is provided to support students in dealing with the pressures and problems they encounter during their academic careers.

Economy Elementary School

Economy Elementary School is located at 1000 First Street, Freedom. By 2016, the School's enrollment had declined to 534 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 25% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 11% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.5% are identified as gifted.[166] 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 beginning in 2011.[167][168] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 670 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 165 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 37.5 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 18:1.[169] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[170]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 75.9 out of 100 points. Economy Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 68% of students in 6th grade were on grade level in reading, while 49% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 5th grade, 80% of 5th graders were on grade level in reading, while 65% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 81% were on grade level in reading, while 62% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 90% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 79% were on grade level in reading and 67% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[171][172]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 79% of 6th graders were reading on grade level and 58% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In 5th grade, 75% of students at Economy Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 46% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 81% were on grade level in reading, while 60% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 91% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 82% were on grade level in reading and 72% were on grade level in mathematics.[173]

2014 School Performance Profile

Economy Elementary School achieved a score of 87.2 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 78% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 77.5% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 85% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only % of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[174]

AYP history

In 2010 and 2011, Economy Elementary School achieved AYP status.[175] In 2011, 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 89% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 58% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 89% of the pupils were on grade level with 61% achieving advanced.[176]

Each year, in the Spring, in order to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Law, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.[177] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[178][179][180] 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.[181]

Highland Elementary School

Highland Elementary School is located at 1101 Highland Avenue, Ambridge. By 2016, the School's enrollment had declined to 481 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 44% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 20% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[182] 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 2011.[183] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 544 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 300 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 37 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.[184] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[185] In 2011, Highland Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2010, the school was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[186] In 2011, only 73% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. The third graders are 73% on grade level in reading. The 4th graders have 78% on grade level in reading. Only 66% of 5th graders could read on grade level in 2011. In math, 80% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 51% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils were on grade level with 76% achieving advanced skills.[187]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP was 65.1 out of 100 points. Highland Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: only 57% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 13% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 38% were on grade level in reading, while 21% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 80% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 28% were on grade level in reading and only 12% showed on grade level mathematics skills. Among the school's sixth graders, 41% were on grade level in reading and just 8% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[171][172]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 33% of 5th grade students at Highland Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, only 9% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 31% were on grade level in reading, while just 29% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 65% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 36% were on grade level in reading and 14% were on grade level in mathematics. Among 6th graders, 61% were on grade level in reading and 22% were on grade level in mathematics.[188]

2014 School Performance Profile

Highland Elementary School achieved a score of 63.8 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 54% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 58% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, just 57.9% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 57.9% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 42.6% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[189]

AYP history

In 2012, Highland Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging achievement in reading and mathematics.[190] In 2011, the School improved to AYP status. In 2010, the School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging academic achievement.[191]

State Street Elementary School

State Street Elementary School is located at 600 Harmony Road, Baden. In 2016, the School's enrollment was 301 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 42% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 18% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2% are identified as gifted.[192] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 98% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full day kindergarten since 2011.[193] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 306 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 132 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 20 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.[194] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[195] In 2010 and 2011, State Street Elementary School achieved AYP status.[196] In 2011, only 79% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. Just 68% of 4th graders were on grade level in reading. In math, 84% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 58% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils were on grade level with 72% scoring advanced.[197]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 62.9 out of 100 points.[198] State Street Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 74% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while 34% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 41% were on grade level in reading, while just 43% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 72% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 53% were on grade level in reading and 46% showed on grade level mathematics skills. Among 6th graders, 71% were on grade level in reading and just 51% were on grade level in mathematics.[171]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 65% of 5th grade students at State Street Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, just 28% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 56% were on grade level in reading, while only 41% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 80% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 59% were on grade level in reading and 47% were on grade level in mathematics. Among 6th graders, 70% were on grade level in reading and only 30% were on grade level in mathematics.[199]

2014 School Performance Profile

State Street Elementary School achieved a score of 71.6 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 66% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 75% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, just 65% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 81.5% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 51.9% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[200]

AYP history

In 2012, State Street Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading.[201] In 2003 through 2011, State Street Elementary School achieved AYP status.[202]

Special education

In December 2015, the District administration reported that 421 pupils or 16.3% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 41.8% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[203] In 2012, the District administration reported that 427 pupils or 16.1% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 48.5% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[204]

In December 2010, Ambridge Area School District administration reported that 480 pupils or 17% of the district's pupils received Special Education services. In December 2009, the administration reported that 477 pupils or 16.8% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 51% identified as having a specific learning disability.[205]

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.[206] Ambridge Area School District has provided full day kindergarten since 2011. The District has seen a slight decrease in the percentage of special education students it serves, but this has yielding no savings.

In order to comply with state and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules and regulations, the Ambridge Area School District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are expected to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress.[207] To identify students who may be eligible for special education services, 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 Special Education administration. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, Ambridge Area School 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 district's Special Education Department.[208][209]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[210] 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.[211] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[212] Overidentification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.[213]

Ambridge Area School District received a $1,920,862 supplement for special education services in 2010.[214] For the 2011-12 school year, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010-11. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.[215]

In 2009, Ambridge Area School District was identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Least Restrictive Environment monitoring. One hundred ninety six schools districts were selected in 2008-09. The district received an alert letter from the PDE - Bureau of Special Education.[216] School districts were placed in one of three categories: Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3. The district was placed in Tier 3 due to students spending more than 60% of the school day, outside of regular education. The monitoring is a product of the PDE addressing its voluntary settlement in Gaskin V. Pennsylvania which ordered that special education students spend most of their school day (80%) in regular education classrooms with supplementary aids and services to assist.[217][218][219] In 2010, Ambridge Area School District was assigned to the Tier 3 monitoring list, due to students spending less than 40% of their day in a regular education classroom. The district received an "Alert” letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The letter identifies the data that indicated a need for LRE improvement and described resources available to the district to assist in improvement.[220]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 112 or 3.80% of its students were gifted in 2009.[221] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.[222][223][224]

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 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.[225]

Teacher union strikes

In December 2016, Ambridge Area Teachers Union went on strike.[226] The current contract with Ambridge Area Education Association expired June 30, 2015.[227] One issue of contention is health insurance benefits. Teachers pay only $25 per month for family platinum health insurance policies.[228] There have been multiple teacher union strikes in Pennsylvania in 2016, including: Shamokin Area School District, Highlands School District[229] Montrose Area School District[230] Dallas School District and Athens Area School District.

State law gives the Pennsylvania Department of Education the power to order the teachers to return so that students will complete 180 days of instruction, by June 15.[231]

In 2015, the average teacher salary in Ambridge Area School District was $59,759 a year. The District employed 178 teachers with an average salary of $59,911 and a top salary of $74,715.[232][233] Teachers receive 12–14 days paid sick leave each year. They are paid up to $500 per year to limit their use of sick days to 2. Plus upon retirement the teachers receive a cash bonus based on the number of sick days they have accumulated. Teachers receive 5 paid bereavement days and 3 personal days each year, plus other time off for various purposes.[234] Ambridge Area School District teacher and administrator retirement benefits are equal to at least 2.00% x Final Average Salary x Total Credited Service. (Some teachers benefits utilize a 2.50% benefit factor.)[235] After 40 years of service, Pennsylvania public school teachers and administrators can retire with 100% of the average salary of their final 3 years of employment. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.[236] In 2014-15, the state mandated District contribution to the teacher pension fund rose to 21.40% of employee salaries and in 2015-16 it rose again to 25.84% of total District salaries.[237]

In 2009, Ambridge Area School District reported employing 380 teachers and administrators with an average salary of $59,801. A top salary of $118,000.[238] The teachers work a 7-hour, 35-minute day with a 30-minute duty-free lunch and a daily preparation period. The teachers' contract specifies a 186-day work year with 180 pupil instruction days. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, the taxpayer pays 100% of the cost of health insurance for the employee and their dependents as well as for vision insurance and dental insurance. Teachers receive professional development reimbursement, 5 paid personal days, 12-14 paid sick days, and other benefits. The Board offers a retirement incentive that is $7,500 a year for 6 years after retirement.[239][240] In 2011, the average teacher salary in AASD was $61,761 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $16,331 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $77,062.[241] 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.[81] 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.

In 2007 the district employed 197 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $52,435 for 180 days worked.[242] 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.[243]

Administration spending

Ambridge Area School District administrative costs, in 2008, were $597 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[244] On July 16, 2008, the Ambridge Area School Board awarded, Erwin Weischedel, a five-year contract as superintendent with an initial salary of $118,000. He will also have an extensive benefits package that includes: a defined benefit pension, health insurance, life insurance, paid travel expenses and dues and more.[245] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association, the average salary for a superintendent for the 2007-08 school year was $122,165.[246] Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.

Per pupils spending

In 2008, the district administration reported that per pupil spending was $12,287 which ranked 241st among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts. In 2010, the District's per pupil spending had increased to $12,628.28.[247] IN 2013, the district reported spending $14,041.53 per pupil.[248] Among the states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.[249] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.[250]

State audit

In April 2011, then Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner conducted a performance audit of the district. The District reported a deficit fund balance for the school year ended June 30, 2009. In 2006, the District had a surplus of $2,649,573. According to the auditors, the most significant factor causing the general fund deficit was the failure to control expenditures in accordance with the general fund budgets. The findings were reported to the school board and administration.[251] In 2013, the District was audited again. it was found that the School Board had address previous issues.[252]

Reserves

In 2008, Ambridge Area School District reported an unreserved designated fund balance of $550,000.00 and an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $343,283.00.[253] In 2010, Ambridge Area Administration reported an increase to $482,166 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance and a designated fund of zero. 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.[254]

Tuition Students who live in the District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Ambridge Area School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the District's schools. The 2014 tuition rates were Elementary School - $8,260.77, High School - $8,800.85.[255]

Ambridge Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1%,[256] a property tax set by the school board each year, a real estate transfer tax .50%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.[257] Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the income level.[258][259] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeded $60,000 a year, plus they receive federal Social Security benefits. Both retirement benefits are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.[260] Effective 2016, active duty military are also exempted from paying the local earned income tax in Pennsylvania.[261][262]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Ambridge Area School District receives 42.2% of its annual revenue from the state.[263]

In December 2014, the Pennsylvania Education Funding Reform Commission conducted a hearing. Testimony was given regarding state funding at the fastest growing districts and those with the greatest decline in enrollment since 1996.[264][265] The commission developed a new basic education funding formula which sets a new way to distribute state basic education dollars. It abolished the practice of "hold harmless" funding, which gave districts at least the same as they got the previous school year regardless of declining enrollment. The plan became law in June 2016 (House Bill 1552).[266][267][268]

For the 2016-17 school year, Ambridge Area School District received $10,734,465 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a 2.6% increase over 2015-16 funding to the District. The highest percentage of BEF increase in Beaver County was 3.9% awarded to Big Beaver Falls Area School District and to Midland Borough School District under the state's Basic Education Funding formula. For the 2016-17 school year, Pennsylvania increased its public education spending to a record high of $5,895 billion. It was a $200 million increase, 3.51% increase over the 2015-16 appropriation.[269] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.[270] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher's pension fund.[271] Statewide Conestoga Valley School District received a 13.3% increase in state BEF funding. Five PA public school districts received an increase of 10% or greater in Basic Education funding over their 2015-16 funding.

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $5,079,336 to Ambridge Area School District, in January 2016.[272] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.[273] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.[274]

In compliance with a legislative mandate that was passed with veto proof majorities in the PA House and Senate,[275] the final BEF funding was determined for 2015-16, in April 2016. Ambridge Area School District received $10,461,449 in Basic Education Funds for the 2015-16 school year. This was a 2.81% increase yielding a $227,043 increase over the previous school year funding. The District also received $314,428 in Ready to Learn funding from the state.[276]

For the 2014-15 school year, Ambridge Area School District received $10,253,129 in State Basic Education funding. The District received $329,510 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget included $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[277] The Education budget also included 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 paid $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.[278]

In the 2013-14 school year, Ambridge Area School District received a 1.9% increase or $10,255,669 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $189,759 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Ambridge Area School District received $71,204 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Beaver County, Midland Borough School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 10.2%. The District had the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth's budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[279] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland School District, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it was nearly 49 percent.[280] 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.[281]

For the 2012-13 school year, Ambridge Area School District received $10,065,910.[282] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 included $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which was an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) program. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[283] 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.

For the 2011-12 school year, Ambridge Area School District received $10,065,910 in state Basic Education Funding.[284][285] Additionally, the district received $157,573 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.[286] In 2010, the district reported that 1,108 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to their family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010-11 budget year, Ambridge Area School District received a 4.36% increase in state basic education funding for a total of $10,828,160. The highest increase in state funding among Beaver County school districts was Midland Borough School District at a 7.57%. One hundred fifty school districts in Pennsylvania received the 2% base increase for budget year 2010-11. The highest increase in the state was awarded to Kennett Consolidated School District of Chester County which was given a 23.65% increase in state basic education funding.[287] The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where a district received at least the same amount as the year before, even where enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some districts at a far greater rate than others.[288]

In the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.08% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $10,375,907. Four county school districts received increases of over 4% in Basic Education Funding in 2008-10. Big Beaver Falls Area School District received a 5.26% increase. The majority of Beaver County districts received a 2% increase in BEF. In Pennsylvania, over 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. In contrast, Ninety (90) public school districts received a base 2% increase.

In 2008-09, the state's Basic Education Funding to the Ambridge Area School District was $10,065,910.42[289] The amount of increase each school district received was determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[290]

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 $427,691 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The District used the funding to provide a longer school day/year, student tutoring after school and for implementing research-based instruction improvement strategies.[291][292]

Classrooms for the Future Grant

Ambridge participated in Pennsylvania's Classrooms for the Future Grant initiative during the 2008/2009 school year receiving $107,792. The board did not apply for the first two years. The program was discontinued by the commonwealth in 2009, due to a severe tax receipts shortfall in state government that was precipitated by the national financial crisis of 2008. In Beaver County the largest grant went to Freedom Area School District which got $476,723. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide due to a massive state financial crisis.

Environmental Education Grant

The Environmental Education Grant Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that 5 percent of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Department of Environmental Protection be set aside for environmental education. In 2010, Ambridge Area School District did not apply to participate in the funding.[293]

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 Ambridge Area School District did not apply for funding.[294]

Federal Stimulus grant

The district received an extra $2,277,051 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[295] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010-2011 school years.[296] 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.

In 2009, the District reported that 1,020 students received a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to low family income.[297]

Race to the Top

Ambridge Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district over $1 million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[298] 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.[299] Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state RTTT application judging will occur in June 2010.[300]

Real estate taxes

For the 2016-17 school year, Ambridge Area School Board set property tax rates at 79.2941 mills.[301] 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.[302] 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.[303] When a school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.[304] In 2010, miscalculations by the Tax Board were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts.[305]

2015-16 - 75.8610 mills[306] 2014-15 - 73.9390 mills[307] 2013-14 - 73.9390 mills[308] 2012-13 - 72.9390 mills [309] 2011-12 - 69.8390 mills.[310] 2010-11 - 63.3387 mills[311]

2009-10 - 61.0200 mills.[312] 2008-09 - 61.0200 mills.[313] 2007-08 - 58.5200 mills.[314] 2006-07 - 56.0000 mills.[315] 2005-06 - 56.0000 mills.[316]

The average yearly property tax paid by Beaver County residents amounts to about 3.49% of their yearly income. Beaver County ranked 375th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[317] 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.[318] 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%).[319] Pennsylvania's 2011 tax burden of 10.35% ranked 10th highest out of 50 states. The tax burden was above the national average of 9.8%. Pennsylvania's taxpayers paid $4,374 per capita in state and local taxes, including school taxes.[320]

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 2010-2011 school year is 2.9 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.[321] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[322] 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.[323][324]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Ambridge Area School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.[325]

2006-07 - 5.1%, Base 3.9% [326] 2007-08 - 4.5%, Base 3.4% 2008-09 - 5.8%, Base 4.4% 2009-10 - 5.5%, Base 4.1% 2010-11 - 3.8%, Base 2.9% 2011-12 - 1.9%, Base 1.4%

2012-13 - 2.3%, Base 1.7%[327] 2013-14 - 2.3%, Base 1.7% [328] 2014-15 - 2.8%, Base 2.1% [329] 2015-16 - 2.8%, Base 1.9%[330] 2016-17 - 3.3%, Base 2.4%[331][332] 2017-18 - 3.4%, Base - 2.5%[333][334]

For the 2016-17 budget year, Ambridge Area School Board applied for one exception to exceed the District's Act 1 Index limit, due to escalating teacher pension costs.[335] Statewide 299 school districts adopted a resolution to not exceed their Act I index in 2016-17.

For the 2015-16 budget year, Ambridge Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget 2015-16, 310 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 187 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Regarding the pension costs exception, 172 school districts received approval to exceed the Index limit in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 119 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. No Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[336]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Ambridge Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[337] 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.[338]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Ambridge Area School Board applied for an exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit, due to the rising costs of the teacher's pensions program. In 2013-14, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 16.93% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). 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 pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[339]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Ambridge Area School Board applied for all three exceptions (debt, pension costs, special education costs) 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. 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.[340]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Ambridge Area School Board applied for four exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: grandfather debt, pension costs, special education costs and Maintenance of Local Tax Revenue). Each year, the Ambridge Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[341]

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.[342]

Ambridge Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011.[343] For 2009-10 school budget, the board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Index.[344] 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.[345]

Property tax relief

In 2016, Ambridge Area School District approved 6,517 homestead properties to receive $161 each.[346] Among Beaver County school districts, Aliquippa School District received the highest tax relief - $376 each. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners must 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 Beaver County, 64% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[347]

• 2015-16 - $162[348]
• 2012-13 - $161[349]
• 2010-11 - $161 property tax relief for 6,517 approved residents[350]
• 2009-10 - $161 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 6,534 property owners applied for the tax relief. In Beaver County, the highest tax relief went to Aliquippa School District which was set at $350.[351] The highest property tax relief, among Pennsylvania school districts, went to the homesteads of Chester Upland School District of Delaware County which received $632 per approved homestead in 2010. This was the second year they received this amount.[352]

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Ambridge Area School District residents 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 who have an income of substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.

Extracurriculars

The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. The Ambridge Area School Board determines eligibility policies to participate in these programs.[353] Ambridge Area School District charges a $50 participation fee for athletics.[354] The PIAA mandates that student athletes must be passing at least four full-credit subjects to participate in sports.[355]

In 2012, the District lost a lawsuit with its former band director which it fired in 2009. The district was required to reinstate her to the position and to pay her over $21,000 ($7,000 stipend each year).[356] In April 2012, the school board placed the athletic director on administrative leave while it investigated irregularities with the athletics funds. In May, he retired and also resigned his position on the Cornell School District School Board. He had served as the athletic director at Ambridge Area High School since 1998.[357]

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.[358]

According to Pennsylvania 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.[359][360][361]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[362] 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.[363]

According to Pennsylvania's Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.[364][365]

The District funds:

Varsity

Boys Baseball - AAAA Basketball- AAAA Bowling - AAAAAA Cross Country - AA Football - AAAA Golf - AAA Soccer - AAA Tennis - AA Track and Field - AAA Volleyball - AA Wrestling - AAA

Girls Basketball - AAAA Bowling - AAAAAA Cross Country - AA Golf - AA Soccer (Fall) - AAA Softball - AAAA Girls' Tennis - AA Track and Field - AAA Volleyball - AAA

Junior High Middle School Sports

Boys Baseball Basketball Cross Country Football Soccer Track and Field Volleyball Wrestling

Girls Basketball Cross Country Soccer Softball Track and Field Volleyball

According to PIAA directory July 2016[366]

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