Blackhawk School District

. The Blackhawk School District is a small, rural public school district that spans portions of two counties in Pennsylvania, United States. Blackhawk was formed in 1973. Blackhawk School District encompasses approximately 64 square miles (170 km2). In Beaver County it covers the boroughs of Darlington, Patterson Heights and West Mayfield and Chippewa Township, Darlington Township, Patterson Township and South Beaver Township. In Lawrence County it covers the borough of Enon Valley. According to the 2000 federal census, it serves a resident population of 17,322. By 2010, the district's population increased to 17,765.[10] 93.6% of Blackhawk School District's residents (25 years old and over) were high school graduates and 24.1% were college graduates.[11] It is one of the 500 public school districts of Pennsylvania.

Blackhawk School District
Address
500 Blackhawk Road

Beaver Falls
,
Pennsylvania
15010

United States
Coordinates40.765012°N 80.401799°W / 40.765012; -80.401799 (District office)
Information
TypePublic
NCES District ID4203688[1][2]
SuperintendentDr. Robert Postupac[3]
Staff144 nonteaching staff members (2013)
302[2]
Faculty157 teachers (2013)
157[2]
GradesPreK – 12th
AgePreK to 21, special education
Number of students2,431 pupils (2015-16)[4]

2,431 pupils (2014-15)[5]
2,528 pupils (2013-14)[2]

2,707 pupils (2006)[6]
 • Pre-kindergarten11
 • Kindergarten179 (2014)
 • Grade 1187 (2014)
 • Grade 2193 (2014)
 • Grade 3160 (2014)
 • Grade 4182 (2014)
 • Grade 5176 (2014)
 • Grade 6202 (2014)
 • Grade 7192 (2014)
 • Grade 8164 (2014)
 • Grade 9233 (2014)
 • Grade 10187 (2014)
 • Grade 11198 (2014)
 • Grade 12167 (2014)
Student to teacher ratio16:1[2]
Color(s)     Green
     Gold
MascotCougar
Budget$34,514,917[7]

$31,930,422 (2013-14)[8]

$30,137,403 (2010-11)[9]
Websitewww.bsd.k12.pa.us

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 27.9% of the district’s pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty Level [12] as shown by their eligibility for federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012.[13] In 2013 the Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that 15 students in the Blackhawk School District were homeless.[14] In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $21,310, while the median family income was $52,242.[15] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501[16] The United States median family income was $49,445 in 2010.[17] In Blackhawk County, the median household income was $49,217.[18] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[19] In 2014, the median household income in the US was $53,700.[20]

According to district officials, in the 2007-08 school year, Blackhawk School District provided basic educational services to 2,688 pupils through the employment of 187 teachers, 76 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 9 administrators. The district received more than $13.1 million in state funding in the school year 2007-08. Blackhawk School District enrollment declined to 2,579 pupils in 2009-10. The district employed 186 teachers, 76 full-time and part-time support personnel and 9 administrators during the 2009-10 school year. The district received an increase to $13.3 million in state funding in the 2009-10 school year, even though its enrollment had declined by over 100 pupils in two years.

Blackhawk School District operates Blackhawk High School (grades 9-12), Highland Middle School (6-8), Blackhawk Intermediate School (3-5), Northwestern Primary School (K-2) and Patterson Primary School (K-2). The district also offers a free, taxpayer-funded preschool for four-year-olds at the Intermediate School. High school students may choose to attend Beaver County Career and Technology Career for training in the construction and mechanical trades. The Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit IU27 provides the district with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, speech and visual disability services and professional development for staff and faculty.

Governance

Blackhawk School District is governed by nine individually elected board members, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[21] The federal government controls the 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 the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in December 2015), which mandates that the district focus its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.[22] The school board is required by state law to post a financial report on the district on its website by March of each school year.[23]

The district is divided into three regions for school board electoral purposes. There are three school board seats in each region. School board members serve four-year terms with no compensation. There are no term limits. Some public meetings are posted online in videos. Board minutes were available online in 2016.[24]

The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials is voting members of the board. The Blackhawk 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. 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.[25] In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent regarding the renewal of the employment contract.[26]

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "D" 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]

Academic achievement

Blackhawk School District was ranked 169th out of 493 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2015.[28] The ranking is based on the previous three years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSA results in reading, writing, math and science, and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school.[29] Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, and Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in the 3rd through 8th grades. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in special education programs. Writing exams are given to children in the 5th and 8th grades.

Overachievers Ranking

In 2014, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 105 local western Pennsylvania school districts. Blackhawk School District ranked 91st out of 105. The editor stated: "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."[35]

  • 2013 – 96th out of 105
  • 2012 – 287th
  • 2011 – 249th[36]
Western Pennsylvania region ranking by Pittsburgh Business Times (includes 104 districts in
Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Washington County and Westmoreland County excludes Duquesne City SD and Midland Borough SD due to no high schools):
  • 2012 – 32nd
  • 2011 – 29th
  • 2010 – 36th
  • 2009 – 37th

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Blackhawk School District was in the 86th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania school districts (0-99; 100 is state best).[37]

District AYP history

In 2010, 2011 and 2012, Blackhawk School District achieved "Adequate Yearly Progress" (AYP) status each school year.[38] 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 skills. In 2011, just 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called "safe harbor", 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance. From 2004 to 2009, the district achieved AYP status each school year. In 2003, the school was in "Warning" AYP status due to lagging student achievement.[39]

Graduation rate

In 2015, the district's graduation rate was 93.89%.[40]

  • 2014 - 95.5%[41]
  • 2013 - 99%[42]
  • 2012 - 97%[43]
  • 2011 - 99%[44]
  • 2010 - 98%. The Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new four-year cohort graduation rate.[45]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

High school

Blackhawk High School is located at 500 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. In 2015, enrollment was reported as 785 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 24.8% of pupils eligible for free lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 8% of pupils received special education services, while 6.3% of pupils were identified as gifted.[50] The school employed 53 teachers.[51] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[52]

In 2013, Blackhawk High School enrollment was 1,023 pupils in 8th through 12th grades, with 28% of pupils eligible for free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 7.5% of pupils received special education services, while 6.7% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 66 teachers.[53] Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Blackhawk High School reported an enrollment of 1,073 pupils in grades 8th through 12th, with 231 pupils eligible for federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 81 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[54] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 11 classes were taught by teachers who were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the No Child Left Behind Act.[55]

2015 School Performance Profile

Blackhawk High School achieved a score of 88.4 out of 100. This reflects on-grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 78% of the school's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 73% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 75% demonstrated on-grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[56] 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.[57][58]

2014 School Performance Profile

Blackhawk High School achieved 82.6 out of 100. This reflects on-grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 83% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 72.5% showed on-grade level skills. In Biology, 66% demonstrated on-grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[59][60] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased from 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.[61]

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.[62] 53 percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with the previous year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful was unchanged.[63][64]

2013 School Performance Profile

Blackhawk High School achieved 82 out of 100. This reflects on-grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 84% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 77% showed on-grade level skills. In Biology, 65% showed on-grade level science understanding.[65] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent), 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.[66]

US News ranking

In 2012, Blackhawk High School was ranked 18th in Pennsylvania, and 955th nationally (22,000 high schools were ranked nationwide), by US News and World Report for academic programs.[67] Blackhawk High School fell below the top 50 rankings in 2014, 2015 and 2016.[68]

Local region academic ranking 11th graders
  • 2014 – 42nd out of 105[69]
  • 2013 – 45th
  • 2012 – 47th out of 104 high schools
  • 2011 – 49th
  • 2010 – 55th out of 106
  • 2009 – 70th among western Pennsylvania high schools based on three years of results in PSSAs in reading, math writing and one year of science.[70]

AYP history

In 2012, Blackhawk High School declined to "Warning" AYP status, due to lagging academic achievement in mathematics. In 2011, the school achieved AYP status.[71] Effective as of the spring of 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSAs to 11th graders. No more AYP reports will be issued.

  • 2006 through 2010 – achieved AYP status each school year
  • 2005 – "Warning" AYP status
  • 2003 and 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 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.[72]

In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, reading/literature and Biology 1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.[73]

11th Grade Reading

  • 2012 - 75% on grade level (6% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders were on grade level.[74]
  • 2011 - 77% (9% below basic). State - 69.1%[75]
  • 2010 - 79% (5% below basic). State - 66%[76]
  • 2009 - 74% (12% below basic). State - 65%[77]
  • 2008 - 62% (18% below basic). State - 65%[78]
  • 2007 - 73% (11% below basic). State - 65%[79]

11th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 68% on grade level (15% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders were on grade level.[80]
  • 2011 - 74% (13% below basic). State - 60.3%[81]
  • 2010 - 73% (11% below basic). State - 59%
  • 2009 - 72% (11% below basic). State - 56%.
  • 2008 - 61% (19% below basic). State - 56%
  • 2007 - 64% (19% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

  • 2012 - 32% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[82]
  • 2011 - 32% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 40%[83]
  • 2010 - 38% (10% below basic). State - 39%
  • 2009 - 37% (19% below basic). State - 40%[84]
  • 2008 - 34% (17% below basic). State - 39%[85]

College remediation rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 25% of the Blackhawk High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[86] 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.[87] 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

Blackhawk 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 offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[88] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[89] For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $3,412 for the program.[90]

SAT scores

In 2014, 162 Blackhawk School District students took the SAT. The district's average verbal score was 511. The average math score was 523. The average writing score was 483.[91][92] Statewide, the average verbal score was 497. The average math score was 504. The average writing score was 480. The College Board reported that nationwide scores were 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[93] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, Blackhawk School District students took the SAT. The district's average verbal score was 514. The average math score was 523. The average writing score was 496. 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.[94]

In 2012, 149 Blackhawk School District students took the SAT. The district's average verbal score was 496. The average math score was 505. The average writing score was 473. The statewide SAT results were verbal 491, math 501, and writing 480. In the US, 1.65 million students took the exams, achieving scores of verbal 496, math 514, and writing 488. The maximum score on each section was 800, and according to the College Board, 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

In 2011, 147 Blackhawk School District students took the SAT. The district's average verbal score was 493. The average math score was 510. The average writing score was 475.[95] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores of verbal 493, math 501, and writing 479.[96] In the United States, 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 in verbal, 514 in math and 489 in writing.[97]

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a research arm of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, compared the SAT data of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania to students in urban areas. From 2003 to 2005, the average total SAT score for students in rural Pennsylvania was 992, while urban students averaged 1,006. During the same period, 28 percent of 11th and 12th graders in rural school districts took the exam, compared to 32 percent of urban students in the same grades. The average math and verbal scores were 495 and 497, respectively, for rural students, while urban test-takers averaged 499 and 507, respectively. Pennsylvania’s SAT composite score ranked low on the national scale in 2004. The composite SAT score of 1,003 left Pennsylvania ranking 44 out of the 50 states and Washington, DC.[98]

Graduation requirements

The Blackhawk School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 23.5 credits to graduate, including mathematics 4 credits, English 4 credits, social studies 4 credits, science 3 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Health 0.5 credit, Software Apps 0.5 credits, Arts/Humanities 2 credits and electives 3.5. A student must earn a minimum of 5.5 credits to obtain sophomore standing. Music academy students take other classes, are not required to earn the four math credits, and take fewer gym credits.[99]

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.[100] At Blackhawk High School students have one of three options: Comprehensive Career Development Plan, Community Service Project and In-depth Academic Research Project.[101] 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.[102]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2019,[103] public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[104] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[105]

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.[106][107] For the class of 2019, a composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, a civics and government exam will be added.[108]

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

AP courses

In 2013, Blackhawk High School offered 15 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, at a higher cost than regular courses. The student pays the fee for the exam, which was $89 per test per pupil in 2012. Students have the option of taking College Board-approved courses and then taking the board's examination in the spring. Students who achieve a 3 or better on the exam may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Blackhawk High School 66% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[110]

In 2015, Blackhawk reported offering 16 Advance Placement courses. 68 percent of students who took an AP course at Blackhawk achieved a 3 or better on the AP exam given by the College Board, thereby earning potential college credits.

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

Eighth grade

The eight grade was moved from the high school to the middle school in 2013. 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.[111] Testing in science began in 2007.

Local region academic ranking 8th graders
  • 2014 – 47th out of 105 districts
  • 2012 – 30th
  • 2011 – 42nd
  • 2010 – 52nd out of 106 local
  • 2009 – 35th out of 141 western Pennsylvania schools based on three years of results in PSSAs in reading, math writing and one year of science.[112]
PSSA results

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.[111] 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.[113] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[72] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards – Mathematics.[114]

8th Grade Science:

  • 2012 – 74% on grade level (10% below basic). State – 59%[118]
  • 2011 – 76% (6% below basic). State – 58.3%
  • 2010 – 76% (7% below basic). State – 57%[119]
  • 2009 – 61% (16% below basic). State – 55%[120]
  • 2008 – 62% (12% below basic). State – 52%[121]
  • 2007 – tested, but results not made public.

Highland Middle School

Highland Middle School is located at 402 Shenango Road, Beaver Falls. In 2015, enrollment was 558 pupils, in 6th through 8th grades, with 30% of pupils eligible for free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 9% of pupils received special education services, while 3% of pupils were identified as gifted.[122] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[123]

In 2013, enrollment was 382 pupils, in 6th and 7th grades, with 31% of pupils eligible for free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 9% of pupils received special education services, while 3.4% of pupils were identified as gifted.[124] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[125]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Highland Middle School reported an enrollment of 388 pupils in 6th and 7th grades, with 89 pupils receiving federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 36 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 11:1.[126] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 27 classes are taught by teachers who were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[127]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE withheld SPP scores. It was reported that 61% of 8th grade students at Highland Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, just 23% of 8th grade students showed on-grade level skills. In science, 61% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on-grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 60% were on grade level in reading, while just 44% showed on-grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 64% were on grade level in reading and just 43% were on grade level in mathematics.[128] Statewide, 58% of 8th graders were on grade level in reading, while 29% demonstrated on-grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 7th graders were 58% on grade level in reading, and 33% demonstrated on-grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 60.7% were reading on grade level, while 39.7% demonstrated on-grade level math skills. Statewide 61.9% of 5th graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on-grade level math skills.[128]

2014 School Performance Profile

Highland Middle School achieved 84.2 out of 100. This reflects on-grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 82% were on grade level. In algebra 1/math, 82% showed on-grade level skills. In science, 73% of 8th graders showed on-grade level science understanding. In writing, 89% of the 8th-grade students demonstrated on-grade level writing skills.[129]

2013 School Performance Profile

Highland Middle School achieved 86.3 out of 100. This reflects on-grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 77% of the students were on grade level. In mathematics/algebra 1, 86.7% of the students showed on-grade level skills.[130]

Local region academic ranking 7th graders
  • 2014 – 34th
  • 2012 – 14th out of 105 districts
  • 2011 – 15th
  • 2010 – 12th among 106 western Pennsylvania schools based on three years of student results in PSSAs in reading, math, writing and one year of science.[131]
AYP history

In 2011 and 2012, Highland Middle School achieved AYP status.[132] Earlier years' AYPs are not available, due to school grade reconfiguration shifting eighth grade.

PSSA results

Seventh grade students have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. 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.[113] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[72] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards – Mathematics.[114]

Local region academic ranking 6th graders
  • 2014 – 36th out of 105 districts
  • 2012 – 9th
  • 2011 – 16th
  • 2010 – 7th among 106 western Pennsylvania schools based on three years of student results in PSSAs in reading, math, writing and one year of science.[139]
PSSA results

Sixth grade students have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006.

Intermediate School

Blackhawk Intermediate School is located at 603 Shenango Road, Beaver Falls. In 2015, the school's enrollment was 533 pupils in 3rd through 5th grades and a limited preschool program, with 29% of pupils receiving federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 15% of the pupils received special education services, while 2% were identified as gifted.[140] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.[141] The school changed to a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, the school's enrollment was 573 pupils in 3rd through 5th grades, with 31% of pupils receiving federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 11.8% of the pupils received special education services, while 1.7% were identified as gifted.[142] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated as highly qualified under the No Child Left Behind Act.[143] The school was not a federally designated Title I school. Blackhawk School District offered a pre-kindergarten program at the intermediate school to economically or intellectually distressed children.[144]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Blackhawk Intermediate School reported an enrollment of 565 pupils in 3rd through 5th grades, with 159 pupils receiving federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 39 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14.56:1.[145] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the No Child Left Behind Act.[146]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 80% of 5th-grade students at Blackhawk Intermediate School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 56% of 5th-grade students showed on-grade level skills. No fifth-grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 68% were on grade level in reading, while 45% showed on-grade level math skills. In science, 82% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among 3rd graders, 80% were on grade level in reading and 58% were on grade level in mathematics.[128] Statewide, 61.9% of 5th graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on-grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 4th graders were 58.6% on grade level in reading and 44.4% demonstrated on-grade level math skills. In science, 77.3% of fourth graders showed on-grade level understanding. Among Pennsylvania 3rd graders, 62% were reading on grade level, while 48.5% demonstrated on-grade level math skills.[147]

2014 School Performance Profile

Blackhawk Intermediate School achieved a score of 84.7 out of 100. The score reflects on-grade level reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, 77% of the students were reading on grade level in 3rd through 5th grades. In 3rd grade, 84% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 77% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th-grade science, 90% of the pupils demonstrated on-grade level understanding. In writing, 78% of 5th-grade pupils demonstrated on-grade level skills.[148]

2013 School Performance Profile

Blackhawk Intermediate School achieved an unknown score out of 100. The score reflects on-grade level reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 75% of the students were reading on grade level in 3rd through 5th grades. In 3rd grade, 87% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 81% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th-grade science, 86% of the pupils demonstrated on-grade level understanding. In writing, 82% of 5th-grade pupils demonstrated on-grade level skills.[149]

AYP history

In 2010, 2011 and 2012 school years, Blackhawk Intermediate School achieved AYP status.[151][152]

PSSA history

Each spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs, are No Child Left Behind Act-related examinations which were administered beginning in 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in 3rd-8th grades.[153] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics by the spring of 2014.[154][155][156] 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 environmental studies.[157]

PSSA results
4th Grade Science
  • 2012 – 94%, 55% advanced (1% below basic). State – 82%
  • 2011 – 93%, 52% advanced (1% below basic), State – 82.9%
  • 2010 – 89%, 55% advanced (4% below basic), State – 81%
  • 2009 – 95%, (2% below basic), State – 83%
  • 2008 – 90%, (2% below basic), State – 81%

Northwestern Primary School

Northwestern Primary School is located at 256 Elmwood Boulevard, Darlington. In 2015, the school's enrollment was 327 pupils in kindergarten through 2nd grade, with 33% of pupils receiving federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 10% of the pupils received special education services, while none were identified as gifted.[164] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the No Child Left Behind Act. The school provides full-day kindergarten.[165] It is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, Northwestern Primary School's enrollment was 308 pupils in full-day kindergarten through 2nd grade, with 14% of pupils receiving federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 9% of the pupils received special education services, while none were 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 provided both half-day and full-day kindergarten.[167] It was a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Northwestern Primary School reported an enrollment of 331 pupils in kindergarten through 2nd grade, with 86 pupils receiving federal free or reduced-price lunch. The School employed 25.60 teachers, yielding a low student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[168] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[169]

No state PSSAs are given to children in kindergarten through 2nd grade; therefore no testing reports are available.

Patterson Primary School

Patterson Primary School is located at 701 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls. In 2015, the school's enrollment was 228 pupils in kindergarten through 2nd grade, with 17.5% of pupils receiving federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 8% of the pupils received special education services, while less than 1% were identified as gifted.[170] 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.[171] It is not a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, Patterson Primary School's enrollment was 196 pupils in kindergarten through 2nd grade, with 11% of pupils receiving federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 8% of the pupils received special education services, while none were identified as gifted.[172] 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 provided half-day kindergarten.[173] It was a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Patterson Primary School reported an enrollment of 200 pupils in kindergarten through 2nd grade, with 50 pupils eligible for federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 15.6 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[174] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[175]

Special education

In December 2013, the district administration reported that 267 pupils, or 10% of district pupils, received special education services, with 44% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[176]

In December 2012, Blackhawk School District administration reported that 257 pupils, or 10.3% of district pupils, received special education services. Of the identified pupils, 42.4% had a specific learning disability. In December 2010, Blackhawk School District Administration reported that 264 pupils, or 10% of district pupils, received special education services. Of the identified pupils, 41% had a specific learning disability. In December 2009, Blackhawk School District Administration reported that 271 pupils, or 10.5% of district pupils, received special education services.[177]

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 that the high cost of full day kindergarten would be recouped by districts in lower special education costs.[178] The school district has provided full-day kindergarten since 2011. The district has seen a slight increase in the percentage of special education students it serves, yielding no savings.

In order to comply with state and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules and regulations, the school district engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress.[179] To identify students who may be eligible for special education services, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These 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, the district seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the district or contact the district's Special Education Department.[180][181] The IDEA 2004 requires each school entity to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, including the student handbook and website, regarding the availability of screening and intervention services and how to access them.

Students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may take the PSSA-M an alternative math exam rather than the PSSA.[182] Some special education students may take the PASA (Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment), rather than the PSSA.[183] Schools are permitted to provide accommodations to some students.[184]

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.[185] 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.[186] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of these students.[187]

Overidentification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of their students receiving special education services, while others have 10%.[188] The state requires each public school district and charter school to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of these students.[189]

In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[190]

Blackhawk School District received a $1,496,931 supplement from the state for special education services in 2010.[191] For the 2011–2012, 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they had received in 2010-11. This level of 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.[192][193][194] For the 2014–2015 school year, Blackhawk School District received an increase to $1,515,207 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.[195] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The district must apply for this added funding.

In 2013, the state's Special Education Funding Reform Commission provided a report on the state of funding for special education in the Commonwealth.[196] Funding for special education programs is borne largely on a local basis at 60%, with the state contributing $1 billion, or 30%, and the federal government providing 10% of the funding.

Gifted education

Blackhawk School District Administration reported that 67, or 2.46%, of its students were gifted in 2009.[197] By law, Blackhawk School District must provide programs for mentally gifted students 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.[198][199]

Budget

In September 2013, Blackhawk School Board approved by a 7-2 vote a new employment contract with the teachers' union. Four board members left the board in December 2013. In February 2014, the new Blackhawk School Board voted 6-2 to revoke the collective bargaining agreement questioning the legality of the agreement.[200] The superintendent reported to the board that she would be forced to lay off teachers due to the high costs of the new contract. Pennsylvania state law allows districts to lay off professional staff in three circumstances: a reduction in enrollment, a program being curtailed or eliminated, or schools being consolidated or reorganized.[201] The Blackhawk Teachers' Union filed an unfair labor complaint with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board.[202] The Pennsylvania Labor Board examiner ruled that the contract was legal.[203][204]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Blackhawk School District was $58,027 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $26,237 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $84,265.[205] The district employed 195 teachers and administrators with a top salary of $119,000. Blackhawk 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.)[206] After 40 years of service, a teacher can retire with 100% of the average salary of their final three years of employment.

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Blackhawk School District was $59,354 a year. The district employed 194 teachers and administrator with a top salary of $100,296.[207]

State Basic Education Funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Blackhawk School District receives 46.3% of its annual revenue from the state.[208]

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released partial Basic Education Funding of $4,347,656 to Blackhawk School District in January 2016.[209] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools by the governor since the summer of 2015.[210] The disbursement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.[211] Ten Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in Basic Education Funding under Governor Wolf's proposal.[212][213] In compliance with a legislative mandate that was passed with veto proof majorities in the PA House and Senate,[214] the final BEF funding was set for 2015-16. Blackhawk School District received $9,073,461 in Basic Education funds for the 2015-16 school year. This was a 1.53% increase, yielding a $136,579 increase over the previous school year's funding. The district also received $359,398 in "Ready to Learn" funding from the state.[215]

The Pennsylvania education budget for 2015-16 was $5.93 billion for Basic Education, a $200 million or a 3.5 percent increase over the 2014-15 allocation. Another $1.08 billion was allotted for special education funding, a $30 million or 2.9 percent increase over 2014-15. Additionally, the state paid over $500 million towards school employee social security payments and over $1 billion to the teachers' pension fund (PSERS).[216]

For the 2014-2015 school year, Blackhawk School District received $8,936,909 in state Basic Education Funding. The district also received $280,552 in a new Ready to Learn block grant. The state's enacted Education Budget included $5,526,129,000 for the 2014–2015 Basic Education Funding.[217] The education budget also included Accountability Block 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 another $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 was $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-14 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[218]

In the 2013-2014 school year, the Blackhawk School District received a 1.7% increase, or $8,936,909 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding (BEF). This is $148,572 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Blackhawk School District received $135,477 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 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.[219] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland district, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.[220] As 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.[221]

For the 2012–2013 school year, Blackhawk School District received $8,780,604.[222] 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. Blackhawk School District received $135,477 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for school employees' Social Security and $856 million for a school employees' retirement fund called PSERS.[223] 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, and nonpublic and charter school pupil transportation. Since taking office, Corbett’s first two budgets had 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 the 2011–2012 school year, Blackhawk School District received a $8,780,604 allocation of state Basic Education Funding.[224][225] Additionally, the Blackhawk School District received $135,478 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011–2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount was a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011.[226] 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.[227] In 2010, Blackhawk School District reported that 556 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[228]

In the 2010–2011 school budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $9,149,269. Among the districts in Beaver County, the highest increase went to Midland Borough School District, which got a 7.57% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County, which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[229] 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.

In the 2009–2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.16% increase in Basic Education Funding, for a total of $8,969,872, to Blackhawk School District. Among the public school districts in Beaver County, the highest increase went to Big Beaver Falls Area School District, which got a 5.26% increase. Ninety Pennsylvania public school districts received a 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.[230] The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as part of the state budget proposal.[231]

The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $4,787,151.79.

All Pennsylvania school districts also receive additional funding from the state through several other funding allocations, including reimbursement of charter school expenditures, special education funding, secondary career and technical education subsidies, and PA Accountability Grants. Low-achieving schools were eligible for educational assistance program funding. All Pennsylvania school districts also receive federal dollars for various programs, including special education funding and Title I funding for children from low income families. In 2010, Pennsylvania spent over $24 billion for public education – local, state and federal dollars combined.[232]

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 program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These include teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size in K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, and before- or after-school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010-11, the district applied for and received $367,720 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide intensive instruction for struggling students during the school day, to extend the school year, to provide after-school tutoring, and for high school reform.[233][234]

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funds to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, science, history, and math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers' use. The program was funded from 2006 to 2009. Blackhawk School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07 or in 2007-08. The district received $113,840 in 2008-09.[235] In Beaver County, the highest award was given to Freedom Area School District, which received $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.

Ready to Learn grant

Beginning in the 2014-2015 budget, the state funded a new Ready to Learn Grant for public schools. A total of $100 million is allocated through a formula to districts based on the number of students, level of poverty of community as calculated by its market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) and the number of English language learners. Ready to Learn Block Grant funds may be used by the districts for school safety; Ready by 3 early childhood intervention programs; individualized learning programs; and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.[236]

Blackhawk School District received $180,532 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, special education funding, Accountability Block Grant funding, PreK Counts funding, transportation funding, and reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees, as well as other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

Other grants

Blackhawk School District did not participate in Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants;[237][238] PreK Counts state preschool grants in years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015;[239][240] PA Science It's Elementary grants (discontinued effective with the 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell);[241] Education Assistance Grants; 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;[242] 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;[243] Project 720 High School Reform grants[244] (discontinued effective with 2011-12 budget); or federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal grants

Blackhawk School District received an extra $2,862,640 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[245] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010–2011 school years.[246] 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

Blackhawk School District officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant, which would have provided hundreds of thousands in additional federal funding to improve student academic achievement.[247] 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.[248] 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.[249][250][251]

Title II grants

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to be used to improve the quality of teacher instructions to pupils. The goal is to provide each child in public schools with "Highly Quality" teachers and principals, as defined by the state.[252] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[253] Beginning in 2002, the federal funding committed to Title II was $3,175,000,000.

Public school district administrations must apply to the state annually for Title II funds. In 2012-13, Blackhawk School District received $79,514 in federal Title II funding.[254] In 2014-15, Blackhawk School District applied for and received $74,553.[255]

English language learners grant

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.[256] Upon registering for school, a language survey is done for all new enrollment pupils, typically in kindergarten or preschool. They identify the primary language spoken at the pupils' homes. This data is collected and submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which in turn notifies the federal government.[257]

In 2012-13, Blackhawk School District received $1,358 in Title III funding for English language learners.[258] For 2014-15, Blackhawk School District received $855 in Title III funding.[259]

Common Cents state initiative

The Blackhawk School Board elected to participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program.[260] 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.[261][262] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2015-16 were set by the Blackhawk School Board at 59.1200 mills in Beaver County and 18.5000 mills in Lawrence County. 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 they create a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region.[263] Property taxes in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania apply only to real estate – land and buildings – and 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.

Unlike in other states, under Pennsylvania state tax policy, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes.[264] Landowners in Blackhawk School District are the target of a proposed major pipeline.[265] Pipeline companies prohibit development within the 100 foot wide right-of-way, thereby limiting future development options for the landowner. This limits future potential property tax revenues for the school district, by constraining future land development. Blackhawk School District is adversely impacted this way by major transmission pipeline development.[266][267][268]

Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Backhawk School District was $173 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 4,977 property owners applied for tax relief.[269] In 2010, the relief was $171. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (40,000 m2) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Beaver County, 64% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[270] Among Beaver County public school districts, the highest amount of property tax relief goes to property owners in Big Beaver Falls Area School District, who received $352 in 2010. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District of Delaware County, who received $632 per approved homestead.[271] Residents of Chester Upland School District have been the top recipients each year since the program began.

The Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Blackhawk 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 of their Social Security income; consequently, an individual with income of much 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.[272]

Bullying and school safety

The school district was featured in the landmark court case Morrow v. Balaski, 719 F. 3d 160 (3d Cir. 2013),[273] dealing with a school's responsibility to prevent bullying. In the case, the Morrows daughter was subject to bullying by another student in the form of threats, assaults, and acts of intimidation. Unable to obtain help from school officials, the Morrows were ultimately compelled to remove their children from school. According to the court opinion, "The Morrows subsequently met with school officials, but they responded by telling the Morrows that they could not guarantee Brittany and Emily's safety. Instead, rather than removing Anderson and her confederate from the school, school officials advised the Morrows to consider another school for their children. In October 2008, the Morrows enrolled their daughters in a different school." The case stands for the precedent-setting proposition that even if a school is aware of bullying and does little to prevent it or protect the victim, it cannot be held legally liable.

Blackhawk School District administration reported 23 incidents of bullying in 2012–2013. Additionally, there were two harassment incidents and no sexual harassment incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in no incidents at the schools.[274] [275] Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center, which then publishes the compiled reports online. Nationally, nearly 20% of pupils report being bullied at school.[276]

The district administration reported zero incidents of bullying in 2010. There were 40 cases of harassment and no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in no incidents at the schools.[277]

Education standards relating to student safety and anti-harassment programs are described in 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.[278]

Extracurriculars

Blackhawk School District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive sports program. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.[279][280] The PIAA mandates that student athletes must be passing at least four full-credit subjects to participate in sports.[281]

The Blackhawk High School Music Academy is a program open to students in grades 9 through 12 in Beaver County. The music program focuses on performance as well as music theory, technology and history. It provides voice and instrument instruction.

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students residing in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school, or home school, 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.[282]

According to the PA Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act 126 of 2014, all volunteer coaches and all those who assist in student activities must have criminal background checks. Like all school district employees, they must also attend an anti-child abuse training once every three years.[283][284][285]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[286] The district is noncompliant with state law, due to failing to post its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website.[287] 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.[288]

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 before coaching.[289][290]

The district funds (as of 2015):

Varsity
Middle school sports

[291]

gollark: You still haven't explained that whatsoever.
gollark: Well, it isn't that much work for an *omnipotent god*, and they could do better than dropping bizarre hints which are more explicable by humans anthropomorphizing and pattern-matching than an omnipotent god.
gollark: What? The earth has been known to be round for at least 2000 years.
gollark: https://towardsdatascience.com/the-statistics-of-the-improbable-cec9a754e0ff?gi=876869185907
gollark: Well, the god should clearly have kept doing that, since it worked better.

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