Bentworth School District

The Bentworth School District is a small, rural public school district located in southwestern Pennsylvania. Bentworth School District encompasses approximately 54 square miles (140 km2). It covers the boroughs of Bentleyville, Cokeburg and Ellsworth as well as North Bethlehem Township and Somerset Township in Washington County, Pennsylvania. According to 2000 federal census data, it served a resident population of 8,837. By 2010, Bentworth School District's population declined to 8,555 people.[5] In 2009, the residents' per capita income was $19,204, while the District's median family income was $43,148 a year.[6] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501[7] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[8] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[9]

For the village in Hampshire, see Bentworth.

Bentworth School District
Map of Washington County Pennsylvania School Districts
Address
150 Bearcat Drive
Bentleyville
, Washington County, Pennsylvania, 15314-1422
United States
District information
TypePublic
MottoWhere children come first and their futures follow
GradesK-12
SuperintendentScott Martin
Asst. Superintendent(s)George Lammay
Business administratorMrs Debra Babirad
School board9 locally elected members
Budget$15.6 million (2013–14)[1]

$15,680,839 (2009–10)

$4,186,631 (1981–82)[2]
Students and staff
Enrollment1,221 pupils (2011), 1,172 pupils (2009–10)[3]
Enrollment Projected to be 1,168 pupils in 2019[4]
Teachers87 teachers
Staff75 non-teaching staff
District mascotBearcats
ColorsBlack and gold
Other information
Websitewww.bentworth.org

Per school district officials, in school year 2007–08 the Bentworth School District provided basic educational services to 1,166 pupils. It employed 91 teachers, 53 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 10 administrators. Bentworth School District received more than $8.6 million in state education funding in school year 2007–08. According to District officials, the District provided basic educational services to 1,188 pupils. It employed: 97 teachers, 58 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 9 administrators during the 2009–10 school year. Bentworth School District received $8.4 million in state funding in the 2009–10 school year.

Schools

The school system's name is a combination of the former public schools operated in Bentleyville (Bears) and Ellsworth (Cats). The school's mascot, the Bearcat, is also a combination of those belonging to former schools.

Historic schools
  • Bentleyville Elementary School (Washington Street School, Bentleyville High School)
  • Somerset Elementary School
  • Scenery Hill School (presently North Bethlehem Twp. Community Center)
  • Nicholl School
  • Ellsworth Schools

Current schools

The system currently operates three schools:

  • Bentworth Elementary Center serves students K-4th grade with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.
  • Bentworth Middle School serves students 5th–8th grade with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.
  • Bentworth High School

The elementary and high schools are located in Bentleyville Borough while the middle school is located nearby in Somerset Township. Additionally, the District maintains an athletic field in Ellsworth.

Academic achievement

The Bentworth School District was ranked 356th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts, in 2013, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on the last three years of student academic performance on the PSSAs for: math, reading, writing and science.[10] The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the PSSAs for: reading, writing, math and science.[11] 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.

  • 2012 – 355th
  • 2011 – 359th[12]
  • 2010 – 306th
  • 2009 – 287th[13]
  • 2008 – 263rd out of 498 ranked Pennsylvania school districts.
  • 2007 – 287th out of 501 Pennsylvania School Districts.[14]
Western Pennsylvania ranking

In 2013, the District ranked 76th. In 2012, Bentworth School District ranked 72nd among Western Pennsylvania public schools. The school district was ranked 66th out of 105 western Pennsylvania school districts in 2009 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on the last three years of student academic performance on the PSSAs for: math, reading, writing and science.[15] In 2008, Bentworth School District ranked 64th out of 105 Western Pennsylvania districts (includes 105 districts in: Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Washington County and Westmoreland County excludes Duquesne City School District & Midland Borough School District due to no high schools).

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Bentworth School District ranked 387th. In 2012, the district was 385th. [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 the students in the Bentworth School District, was in the 20th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0–99; 100 is state best)[18]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Bentworth School District achieved AYP status, even though all three of its schools failed to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress.[19] In 2011, Bentworth 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] School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003 the Bentworth School District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[21]

Graduation rate

In 2012, Bentworth School District's graduation rate was 96%. In 2011, Bentworth School District's graduation rate was 96%.[22] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Bentworth Senior High School's rate was 93% for 2010.[23]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

  • 2010 – 91%[24]
  • 2009 – 92%[25]
  • 2008 – 91%
  • 2007 – 91%[26]

High school

Bentworth High School is located at 75 Bearcat Drive, Bentleyville. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 373 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 103 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 28 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.[27] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[28]

AYP status history

In 2012, Bentworth High School remained in Warning AYP status due to missing all academic metrics measured. In 2011, Bentworth Senior High School declined to Warning AYP status due to laggIng student achievement. In 2003 through 2010, Bentworth Senior High School achieved AYP status under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Western Pennsylvania region ranking

In 2012, Bentworth High School was ranked 80th out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[29] In 2011, Bentworth High School was ranked 76th. In 2009, Bentworth High School ranked 60th out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools.

PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading:
  • 2012 – 63% on grade level, (15% below basic). State – 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[30]
  • 2011 – 63% (19% below basic). State – 69.1%[31]
  • 2010 – 68%, (15% below basic). State – 66%[32]
  • 2009 – 65%, State – 65%.
  • 2008 – 68%, State – 65%
  • 2007 – 80%, State – 65%[33]
11th Grade Math
  • 2012 – 57% on grade level (27% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[34]
  • 2011 – 64% (20% below basic). State – 60.3%[35]
  • 2010 – 58% (28% below basic). State – 59%[36]
  • 2009 – 56%, State – 56%[37]
  • 2008 – 59%, State – 56%[38]
  • 2007 – 64%, State – 53%
11th Grade Science:
  • 2012 – 37% on grade level (17% below basic). State – 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[39]
  • 2011 – 37% (13% below basic). State – 40%
  • 2010 – 41% (13% below basic). State – 39%
  • 2009 – 34%, State – 40%
  • 2008 – 36%, State – 39%[40]

Science in Motion Bentworth High School did not take 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.[41]

College Remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 35% of Bentworth School District 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.[42] 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.[43] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual Enrollment The high school does not offer the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits while still enrolled in high school. The program is offered through over 400 school districts with the assistance of a state grant.

Graduation requirements

The Bentworth School Board has determined that a student must earn 24.5 credits to graduate, including: English 4 credits, Math 3 credits, Social Studies 3 credits, Science 3 credits (one course of Life Science & Physical Science), and Health 1 course, Physical Education 1 course per year, Arts/Humanities 2 credits, graduation project 1 credit, 2 technology courses, and 6 electives.[44]

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.[45] Students earn a credit towards graduation upon completion of their project. Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project to graduate.[46]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2017, public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[47] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade. Students have several opportunities to pass the exam, with those who do not able to perform a project to graduate.[48][49] 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.[50] 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.[51] 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.

SAT Scores

In 2012, 49 Bentworth School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 480. The Math average score was 482. The Writing average score was 453. 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, 42 Bentworth School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 498. The Math average score was 503. The Writing average score was 459.[52] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal – 493, Math – 501, Writing – 479.[53] 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.[54]

Middle school

Bentworth Middle School is located at 563 Lincoln Avenue, Bentleyville. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the Bentworth Middle School reported an enrollment of 379 pupils in grades 5th through 8th, with 153 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 27 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[55] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1 teacher was rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the No Child Left Behind Act.[56] The attendance rate was 94% in both 2011 and 2010 school years.[57]

AYP status history

In 2012, Bentworth Middle School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student academic achievement in reading and mathematics. In 2011, the school achieved AYP status. In 2008 through 2010, Bentworth Middle School achieved AYP status.[58][59]

Western region ranking

Bentworth Middle School was ranked 86th out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools in 2009 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on three years of student academic performance on the PSSAs for math, reading, writing and one year of science.[60]

PSSA Results
8th Grade Reading
  • 2012 – 83% on grade level Boys – 80% | Girls – 85% (2% below basic). State – 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[61]
  • 2011 – 88%, Boys – 81% | Girls – 94% (3% below basic). State – 81.8%[62]
  • 2010 – 80%, Boys – 72% | Girls −89%. State – 82%[63]
  • 2009 – 74% Boys – 69% | Girls − 79%, State – 80.9%
  • 2008 – 76%, State – 78%
  • 2007 – 57%, State – 75%[64]
8th Grade Math
  • 2012 – 79% on grade level, Boys – 77% | Girls − 81% (% below basic). State – 76%[65]
  • 2011 – 86%, Boys – 86% | Girls − 86% (3% below basic). State – 76.9%
  • 2010 – 64%, Boys – 62% | Girls − 67%. State – 75%[66]
  • 2009 – 78%, Boys – 78% | Girls – 77%. State – 71%[67]
  • 2008 – 78%, State – 70%[68]
  • 2007 – 67%, State – 67%[69]
8th Grade Science
  • 2012 – 52%, Boys – 57% | Girls – 48% (24% below basic). State – 59%
  • 2011 – 62%, Boys – 63% | Girls – 60% (17% below basic). State – 58.3%
  • 2010 – 48%, Boys – 43% | Girls – 52% (30% below basic). State – 57%
  • 2009 – 56%, State – 55%
  • 2008 – 50%, State – 50%
7th Grade Reading
  • 2012 – 71% (8% below basic). State – 76%
  • 2011 – 76% (4% below basic). State – 76%
  • 2010 – 85%, Boys – 70% | Girls – 80%, (9% below basic). State – 73%
  • 2009 – 65%, Boys – 57% | Girls – 77%, (14% below basic). State – 71%
7th Grade Math
  • 2012 – 75% (9% below basic). State – 80%
  • 2011 – 85% (11% below basic). State – 78.6%
  • 2010 – 85%, Boys – 84% | Girls – 85% (7% below basic). State – 77%
  • 2009 – 67%, Boys – 61% | Girls – 73% (12% below basic). State – 75%
6th Grade Reading
  • 2012 – 61% Boys – 59% | Girls – 63% (13% below basic). State – 68%
  • 2011 – 61%, Boys – 58% | Girls – 64% (16% below basic). State – 69.9%
  • 2010 – 59% on grade level Boys – 47% | Girls – 70% (21% below basic). State – 68%.
  • 2009 – 63% (15% below basic), State – 67%
6th Grade Math
  • 2012 – 67% (16% below basic). State – 77%
  • 2011 – 77% (5% below basic). State – 78.8%
  • 2010 – 66% (15% below basic). State – 78%
  • 2009 – 72% (10% below basic). State – 75%
5th Grade Reading
  • 2012 – 48% on grade level Boys – 48% | Girls – 59% (20% below basic). State – 65%
  • 2011 – 65%, Boys – 59% | Girls – 77% (13% below basic). State – 67.3%
  • 2010 – 63%, Boys – 62% | Girls – 64% (13% below basic). State – 64%
  • 2009 – 64%, Boys – 57% | Girls – 70% (17% below basic), State – 64%
5th Grade Math
  • 2012 – 62%, Boys – 61% | Girls – 65% (12% below basic). State – 73%
  • 2011 – 69%, Boys – 67% | Girls – 71% (11% below basic). State – 74%
  • 2010 – 76%, Boys – 88% | Girls – 67% (7% below basic). State – 74%
  • 2009 – 61%, Boys – 60% | Girls – 62% (14% below basic). State – 73%

Bentworth Elementary School

Bentworth Elementary School is located at 100 Bearcat Drive, Bentleyville. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the School reported an enrollment of 466 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 207 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. Bentworth Elementary School employed 32 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[70] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[71]

AYP Status history

In 2012, Bentworth Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement especially in reading. In 2011, Bentworth Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2009 and 2010, Bentworth Elementary School also achieved AYP status under No Child Left Behind.

Western Pennsylvania ranking

In 2012, Bentworth Elementary School ranked 250th among 314 Western Pennsylvania public schools. In 2011, Bentworth Elementary School ranked 231st.[72]

PSSA Results
4th Grade Science
  • 2012 – 91%, (1% below basic). State – 82%
  • 2011 – 81%, (6% below basic). State – 82.9%
  • 2010 – 79%, (9% below basic). State – 81%
  • 2009 – 87%, (2% below basic). State – 83%
  • 2008 – 85%, (4% below basic). State – 81%

Special education

In December 2011, the Bentworth School District administration reported that 186 pupils or 15% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 36% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[78] In December 2009, Bentworth School District administration reported that 196 pupils or 16% of the district's pupils received Special education services.[79] 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.[80] 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 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 Commonwealth 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.[81] 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.[82] 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.[83] 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.[84] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[85]

Bentworth School District received a $730,901 supplement for special education services in 2010–11.[86] 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.[87][88] 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 21 or 1.76% of its students were gifted in 2009.[89] 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.[90]

Bullying

The Bentworth School District administration reported there were 2 incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.[91][92]

The Bentworth School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online.[93] 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.[94] 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.[95]

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.[96]

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.[97]

In 2012, the average teacher salary in Bentworth School District was $53,037 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $18,892 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $71,929.59.[98] In 2011, the District employed 99 teachers with an average salary of $55,825 and a top salary of $109,200.[99] In 2012, twenty five Bentworth School District teachers earned over $75,000 a year.

In 2009, Bentworth School District reported employing 104 teachers with a starting salary of $38,000 for 180 days for pupil instruction and 8 in service days.[100] The average teacher salary was $53,113, while the maximum salary is $105,000.[101] The teachers work 7 hours and 30 minutes, including a paid lunch period. 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.[102] Additionally, Bentworth School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, 3 paid personal days, 10 sick days and other benefits. Teachers are paid extra if they are required to work outside of the regular school day[103] According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.[104]

In 2007, the Bentworth School District employed 83 teachers and the average teacher salary in the district was $50,518 for 180 days worked.[105]

Per pupil spending" The district administrative costs in 2008 were $833.39 per pupil. This ranked 155th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[106] In August 2006, the school board awarded a three-year superintendent contract to Charles Baker. The initial salary was set at $95,000 and it would increase to $100,786 in 2009. Additionally, an extensive benefits package was provided.[107] 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.[108] Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.

In 2008, Bentworth School District reported spending $12,865 per pupil. This ranked 189th in the commonwealth.[109] By 2010, Bentworth School District reported its per pupil spendign was $12,551.74.[110] In 2011, Pennsylvania's per pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.[111] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[112]

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000–01.[113] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[114] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008–09.[115] Pennsylvania's total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.[116]

Reserves

In 2009, Bentworth School District reported $291,464 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.[117] In 2012, Bentworth School District reported $1, 281,396 in reserves. 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.[118] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.[119]

Audit

In November 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.[120] In June 2013, the Pennsylvania Auditor General again conducted a performance audit of the District. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.[121]

Tuition Students who live in the Bentworth 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 Bentworth School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School – $7,904.04, High School – $8,810.97.[122]

The Bentworth School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 0.5%,[123] a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, and grants coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Interest earnings on accounts also provide nontax income to the District. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the level of the individual's personal wealth.[124] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 a year plus they receive federal Social Security benefits: both are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.[125]

State Basic Education funding

For the 2013–14 school year, the Bentworth School District will receive a 1.5% increase or $6,096,404 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $91,081 more than its 2012–13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Bentworth School District will receive $80,926 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Washington County, Peters Township School District received the highest percentage increase at 3.6%. 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.[126] The state funded the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[127]

For the 2012–13 school year, the Bentworth School District received $6,005,323.[128] 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. Bentworth School District will receive $80,926 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[129] 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 Bentworth School District received $6,005,323 in state Basic Education Funding.[130] Additionally, the district received $80,926 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.[131]

For the 2010–11 school year, the Bentworth School District received a 5.44% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $6,458,560 payment.[132] Charleroi School District received a 9.90% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF in Washington County. Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010–11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010–11. Fifteen (15) Pennsylvania public school districts received a BEF increase of greater than 10%. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was determined by the Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[133] This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009–2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,125,430 to Bentworth School District. Seventy (70) school districts in Pennsylvania received the minimum base increase of 2 percent. The highest increase in Washington County went to Burgettstown Area School District which received a 6.45% increase. Muhlenberg School District of Berks County received the highest Basic Education Funding increase in Pennsylvania – an increase of 22.31 percent. Sixteen Pennsylvania school districts received an increase in funding of over 10 percent in 2009.[134] The amount of increase each school district received was determined by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the budget proposal made in February each year.[135]

The state Basic Education funding to the Bentworth School District in 2008–09 was $6,005,323.32. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 310 Bentworth School District students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[136]

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 Bentworth School District applied for and received $219,653 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide small class size K-3rd, to provide professional development to teachers, and to change to effective, research based instruction techniques.[137][138]

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006 to 2009. Bentworth School District was denied funding in 2006–07. In 2007–08 the district received $135,270. For the 2008–09, school year the district received $45,413 for a total of $180,683. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania in 2008, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[139] Among the public school districts in Washington County the highest award was given to Canon-McMillan School District which received $493,791. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County – $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009–10 state budget.

Other grants

Bentworth 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, 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal stimulus grant

The Bentworth School District received $1,118,445 in ARRA – Federal stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[140] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010–2011 school years.[141] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised to use the funds for one time expenditures like: acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Race to the Top grant

Bentworth 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.[142] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success.[143] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[144] 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.[145]

Common Cents state initiative

The Bentworth School Board did not choose to 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.[146] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Enrollment and consolidation

A Standard and Poors study found that an optimal Pennsylvania school district size, to conserve administrative costs, was 3000 pupils. Consolidation of administrations with an adjacent school district would achieve substantial administrative cost savings for people in both communities.[147] According to a 2009 proposal by Governor Edward Rendell, the excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improving high school student academic achievement, enriching the curriculum programs or to reducing local property taxes.[148]

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).[149]

Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity.[150] In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools.[151]

Real estate taxes

Bentworth School Board set property tax rates in 2013–14 at 120.0000 mills.[152] 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. On the local level, Pennsylvania 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.[153]

  • 2012–13 – 120.0000 mills
  • 2011–12 – 117.0000 mills[154]
  • 2010–11 – 115.0000 mills.[155]
  • 2009–10 – 112.0000 mills.[156]
  • 2008–09 – 110.0000 mills[157]
  • 2007–08 – 108.0000 mills.[158]
  • 2006–07 – 108.0000 mills.[159]
  • 2005–06 – 106.0000 mills.[160]

The average yearly property tax paid by Washington County residents amounts to about 2.54% of their yearly income. Washington County ranked 928th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[161] 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.[162] 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%).[163]

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.[164]

In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation eliminating six of the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[165] Several 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.[166][167] The legislature also froze the payroll amount public school districts use to calculate the pension-plan exception at the 2012 payroll levels. Further increases in payroll cannot be used to raise the district's exception for pension payments.

A specific timeline for Act I Index decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[168]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Bentworth School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.[169]

For the 2013–14 budget year, Bentworth 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.[172]

For the 2012–13 budget year, Bentworth 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.[173]

For the 2011–12 school year, the Bentworth School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Bentworth School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[174]

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.[175]

Bentworth School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009–10 or in 2010–11.[176][177] 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.[178]

Property tax relief

In 2010, property tax relief for 2,428 approved residents of Bentworth School District was set at $164.[179] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Bentworth School District was $164 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 2432 property owners applied for the tax relief. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Washington County, 73% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[180]

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently people 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.

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%).[181]

Wellness policy

The Bentworth School Board established a district student wellness policy in 2006 – Policy 246.[182] The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 – 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006." The Superintendent annually reports to the Board on the district's compliance with law and policies related to student wellness.

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.[183] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

The Bentworth School District offers a free school breakfast and 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.[184] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[185]

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.[186] 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 the lunch.[187]

Bentworth School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses are available in the schools 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.[188] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant

In 2011, the Bentworth School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Bentworth Middle School received $9,695 which was used to the Middle School's fitness program.[189] Beginning in 2006, Highmark Foundation engaged in a 5-year, $100 million program to promote lifelong healthy behaviors in children and adolescents through local nonprofits and schools.

Alma Mater

Hail to the Black and Gold, our banner we unfold, our trust in thee is true, faithful and loyal too.

Alma mater, Alma Mater, may your glory ring, hail, Alma Mater, songs of praise we sing.

Notable alumni

Bentworth High School
  • Hon. Debbie O'Dell Seneca (~1970); Washington County Court of Common Pleas (1991–2015, president judge 2004–2015); Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline (2001–2005, president 2004)
  • Gina Bertocci, PhD, PE (1979); Endowed Chair, Mechanical Engineering Department, J.B. Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville (2004–present); Director, Injury Risk Assessment and Prevention Laboratory , Louisville, KY
  • Justine Ezarik,(2002) Internet Personality, known for her YouTube channel, IJustine.
  • Rich Colbaugh, PhD (1976); Professor, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, USA (2000–2011); Distinguished Member of Technical Staff, Sandia National Laboratories, USA (2007–2013); Consultant, Santa Fe, USA and Pyrgadikia, Greece (2014–present).

Bentleyville High School
  • Lillian Bassi; mid-Mon Valley philanthropist
  • Val Jansante; Pittsburgh Steeler 1946–51
  • Dr. Michael L. McNulty (1959); professor emeritus of geography, University of Iowa
  • Hon. J. Barry Stout (1960); Pennsylvania state senator

Ellsworth High School

Extracurriculars

Bentworth School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and interscholastic athletics. The school board sets policies regarding eligibility to participate in these activities and in compliance with standards set by the Pennsylvania interscholastic Athletics Association (PIAA).[190][191]

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.[192][193][194][195]

Sports

The Bentworth School District funds:

Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2013 [196]

gollark: In terms of hardware/expenditure per watt it may actually be worse for ages.
gollark: Cooler, but more expensive.
gollark: But apparently not all the random chemical waste?
gollark: It is probably not stable and people are obsessed with the very long term future of nuclear waste.
gollark: And it's highly true.

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Bentworth School District

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