Fairfield Area School District

Fairfield Area School District is a small, rural, public school district. It is located in the south western portion of Adams County, Pennsylvania. It serves: the boroughs of Fairfield and Carroll Valley, as well as Hamiltonban Township and Liberty Township. Fairfield Area School District encompasses approximately 61 square miles (160 km²). Per 2000 federal census data, it served a resident population of 7,056. In 2010, Fairfield Area School District's population rose to 7,998 people.[20] The educational attainment levels for the Fairfield Area School District population (25 years old and over) were 87.4% high school graduates and 22.3% college graduates.[21] The District is one of the 500 public school districts of Pennsylvania.

Fairfield Area School District
Address
4840 Fairfield Road South Central Pennsylvania Fairfield , Adams County , Pennsylvania 17320-9200 United States
Information
Superintendent	Ms Karen C Kugler (2015 to 2019)[1] William B. Chain (to June 2015)[2]
Administrator	Ms. Caroline Dean, Business Manager
Director	Nathaniel Makar, Technology Ms. Valerie Plewa, Transportation Mrs. Lynda Comeau, Food Service Mr. Howie Kessel, Building and Grounds
Principal	Mr. Brian W. McDowell, HS
Principal	Mrs. Patti Weber, MS
Principal	Mrs. Barbara Richwine, ES
Coordinator of Curriculum & Special Programs	Margaret E. Crider
Staff	79 non teaching staff members (2011)
Teaching staff	74.60 teachers 2015[3] 84.5 teachers[4]
Grades	K – 12th
Age	5 years old to 21 years old for special education students
Number of pupils	1,019 students (2016)[5] 1,053 students (2015)[6] 1,105 students (2013-14)[7] 1,294 students (2009-10)[8][9] 1,310 students (2005-06)[10]
• Kindergarten	68 (2015)[11] 65 (2013),[12] 100 (2010)[13]
• Grade 1	61 (2015) 72 (2013), 77
• Grade 2	64 (2013), 97
• Grade 3	68 (2015) 69 (2013), 73
• Grade 4	76 (2015) 83 (2013), 64
• Grade 5	77 (2015) 79 (2013), 91
• Grade 6	80 (2015)84 (2013), 101
• Grade 7	79 (2015) 100 (2013), 95
• Grade 8	80 (2015) 95 (2013), 80
• Grade 9	98 (2015) 87 (2013), 100
• Grade 10	91 (2015) 97 (2013), 111
• Grade 11	79 (2015) 97 (2013), 110
• Grade 12	98 (2015) 113 (2013), 96 (2010)
• Other	Enrollment projected to decline to 908 pupils by 2020.[14]
Budget	$16,817,469 (2015-16)[15] $15,702,070 (2013-14)[16] $15,261,858 (2012-13)[17][18] $15.49 million (2011-12)[19]
Per pupil spending	$11,936 in 2008
Classification	3rd class district due to population of less than 30,000
Phone	[phone]
Website	http://www.fairfieldpaschools.org/

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 19.5% of the District's pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty Level as shown by their eligibility for the federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012.[22] In 2009, the Fairfield Area School District residents' per capita income was $20,625 a year, while the median family income was $52,087. In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501[23] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[24] In Adams County, the median household income was $59,492.[25] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[26] In 2014, the median household income in the USA was $53,700.[27]

According to Fairfield Area School District officials, in school year 2007–2008, the District provided basic educational services to 1,290 pupils. It employed: 94 teachers, 57 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 7 administrators. Fairfield Area School District received more than $4.9 million in state funding in school year 2007–2008. Fairfield Area School District received more than $4.9 million in state funding in school year 2007–2008. By 2013, the District's enrollment had declined to 1,117 students.[28]

Fairfield Area School District operates three schools: Fairfield Area High School (grades 9-12) and Fairfield Area Middle School (grades 5-8) together in the main building and Fairfield Area Elementary School (grades k-4) in a separate building.

Governance

Fairfield Area School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four-year terms without compensation), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[29] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and No Child Left Behind Act, (renamed Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in December 2015) which mandates the district focus its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.[30] The school board is required by state law to post a financial report on the district in its website by March of each school year.[31] Each school has a principal.

The superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent regarding renewal of the employment contract. The School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. These contracts must be in writing and are subject to public disclosure under the state's Right to Know Act. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent and Business Manager regarding renewal of their employment contracts.[32] 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.[33]

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.[34]

In 2001, the Farifield Area School District filed suit in the Adams County Court of Common Pleas seeking an injunction barring the Einstein Academy (a subsidiary of the National Organization for Children) from operating as a charter school.[35] The suit was later joined by a number of other public school districts. The suit alleged, among other things, that charter schools generally violate various state laws and/or constitutional provisions and could not be legally formed and specifically sought to prevent the Einstein Academy from enrolling students. The suit and requested preliminary injunctions were dismissed on 21 May 2003 by the trial court which found that the district lacked standing to bring the suit. The Appeals Court upheld that decision in December 2003.[36]

In November 2014, then Board President Brad Rigler abruptly resigned in a special board meeting, after his postings on YouTube became an issue. He had recently lead a contentious process to replace another Board member earlier in the year.[37]

Academic achievement

In 2016, Fairfield Area School District was ranked 232nd out of 493 Pennsylvania public school districts, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[38] The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the PSSAs for: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school.[39] The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th and the 11th grade in high school. Adapted examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.[40]

2015 – 221st[41] 2014 – 269th[42] 2013 – 303rd[43] 2012 – 332nd[44] 2011 – 373rd[45]

2010 – 349th[46] 2009 – 382nd 2008 – 400th 2007 – 410th of 501 school districts.[47]

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Fairfield Area School District ranked 491st. In 2012, the District was 493rd.[48] 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."[49]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Fairfield Area School District achieved AYP status, even though the high school declined into Warning AYP status.[50] In 2011, Fairfield Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of Pennsylvania public school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.[51] Fairfield Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003 the District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[52]

Graduation rate

In 2016, Fairfield Area School District's graduation rate rose to 93.6%.[53]

• 2015 – 89.81%[54]
• 2014 – 94.9%[55]
• 2013 – 93.8%.[56]
• 2012 – 89.89%.[57]
• 2011 – 84%.[58]
• 2010 – 87%. Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate in 2010.[59]

Under former calculations:

• 2010 – 89%.[60]
• 2009 – 88%.[61]
• 2008 – 86%[62]
• 2007 – 86%[63]

High school

Fairfield Area High School is located at 4840 Fairfield Road, Fairfield. In 2014, enrollment was reported as 394 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 17.5% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 10% of pupils received special education services, while 1.7% of pupils were identified as gifted.[64] The school employed 28 teachers.[65] 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 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 420 pupils in grades 9th through 11th, with 12.9% of its pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. The school employed 35 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.[66] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[67]

2016 school performance profile

SPP is 75.5 out of 100 points. Fairfield Area High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 74% of students were on grade level in reading.literature and 62% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 59.7% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[68] The requirement that pupils pass the Keystone Exams in reading, algebra I and bIology I in order to graduate was postponed until 2019 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly because less than 60% of 12 grade pupils statewide would have been eligible for graduation from high school due to failing one or more Keystone Exams.[69] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.[70]

2015 school performance profile

SPP 75.9 points out of 100. The PDE reported that 78.49% of High School students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 74% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 64% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[71]

2014 school performance profile

Fairfield Area High School achieved a SPP of 83.1 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 77% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 70.5% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 60.9% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[72] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.[73]

2013 school performance profile

Fairfield Area High School achieved 81 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement.[74] In reading/literature, 82% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 63.56% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology, only 47.6% demonstrated on grade level science understanding.[75] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, they now take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.

AYP history

In 2012, Fairfield Area High School declined to Warning AYP status in reading and mathematics when it missed all measured metrics. The High School achieved AYP status in 2011, 2010 and 2009.[76]

PSSA Results Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[77]

11th grade reading

• 2012 – 71% on grade level, (8% below basic). State – 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[78]
• 2011 – 77.5% (6% below basic). State – 69.1%[79]
• 2010 – 61%, State – 67%[80]
• 2009 – 68%, State – 65%[81]
• 2008 – 62%, State – 65%[82]
• 2007 – 54%, State – 65%[83]

11th grade math:

• 2012 – 68% on grade level (12% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[84]
• 2011 – 65.4% (15% below basic). State – 60.3%
• 2010 – 62%, State – 59%[85]
• 2009 – 58%, State – 56%[86]
• 2008 – 48%, State – 56%[87]
• 2007 – 39%, State – 53%

11th grade science:

• 2012 – 49% on grade level (3% below basic). State – 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[88]
• 2011 – 44.9% (13% below basic). State – 40%
• 2010 – 33%, State – 39%.
• 2009 – 30%, State – 40%
• 2008 – 35%, State – 39%[89]

Science in Motion Fairfield Area 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.[90] Gettysburg College provides the science enrichment experiences.

College Remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 40% of Fairfield Area 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.[91] 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.[92] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Graduation requirements

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. Fairfield Area School District School Board has determined that a student must earn the following credits in order to graduate: English 4 credits, Speech 0.5 credits, Math 3-4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Science 3-4 credits, Health/Physical Education 1 credit, Arts and Humanities 2 credits, Driver Education 0.5 credits and Elective Courses 5.5credits.[93]

By law, all Pennsylvania high 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.[94] 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.[95]

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.[96] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[97]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exams, with those who do not able to perform a project in order to graduate.[98][99] 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.[100] 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.[101] 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 2015, 57 Fairfield Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 513. The Math average score was 523. The Writing average score was 482.[102] The College Board also reported that statewide 96,826 pupils took the exams with average scores declining in all three measurers to: 495 in reading, 511 in math and 484 in writing.[103]

In 2014, 65 Fairfield Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 506. The Math average score was 515. The Writing average score was 470.[104][105] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[106] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, 67 Fairfield Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 490. The Math average score was 506. The Writing average score was 479. 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.[107]

In 2012, 53 Fairfield Area High School students took the SAT exams. The school's Verbal Average Score was 483. The Math average score was 500. The Writing average score was 470.[108] 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, 35 Fairfield Area High School students took the SAT exams. The School's Verbal Average Score was 490. The Math average score was 501. The Writing average score was 476.[109] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal – 493, Math – 501, Writing – 479.[110] 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.[111]

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.[112]

AP Courses

In 2013, Fairfield Area High School did not offer any Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Near the end of the 2013–2014 school year, the school announced it would offer AP courses in Statistics, 12th Grade English, and 12th Grade Social Studies. The courses were available in the 2014–2015 school year. No students took AP exams in 2014–2015.

Middle school

Fairfield Area Middle School is located at 4840 Fairfield Road, Fairfield. In 2016, enrollment was 316 pupils, in grades 5th through 8th, with 27% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 13% of pupils received special education services, while 2.5% of pupils were identified as gifted.[113]

In 2013, Fairfield Area Middle School reported 355 pupils, with 21% coming from low income homes.[114] According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 380 pupils in grades 5th through 8th, with 21% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.[115] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 4 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[116] In 2013, the School continues to employ Non-Highly qualified teachers. The attendance rate was 95% in 2012.

2016 school performance profile

SPP 81.6 out of 100 points. Fairfield Area Middle School PSSA mandated testing results were: 61% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while 49% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, just 69% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.[117] In 7th grade, 73% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 44% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 73% were on grade level in reading and only 57% were on grade level in math. In 2016, 66% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, just 50% of 5th grade students showed on grade level math skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. Statewide just 31% of eighth graders demonstrated on grade level in math and 58% of eighth graders were on grade level in reading. In science, 57.7% of eighth graders showed on grade level proficiency. Among 7th graders, just 37% of students demonstrated on grade evel skills in mathematics. In seventh grade reading, 58% were on grade level. Sixth graders had 61.5% showing on grade level math skills. In reading, 61.5% of sixth graders were on grade level.[118]

2015 school performance profile

The PDE withheld SPP scores. It was reported that just 67% of 8th grade students at Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, only 40% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 70% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 53% were on grade level in reading, while just 33% showed on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 75% were on grade level in reading and 51% were on grade level in mathematics. Among fifth graders, 67% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 46% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported.[119] Statewide 58% of eighth (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 sixth (6th) graders, 60.7% were reading on grade level, while 39.7% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[120]

2014 school performance profile

Fairfield Area Middle School achieved 86.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 74% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 80% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 87.6% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 66% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[121][122]

2013 school performance profile

Fairfield Area Middle School achieved 84.7 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement.[123] In reading, just 74% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics, 78% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, 75% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 62% of the 5th and 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level skills.[123]

AYP history

In 2012, Fairfield Area Middle School achieved AYP status even though it missed all the academic metrics measured on the PSSAs.[124] In 2011, 2010 and 2009, Fairfield Area Middle School was in AYP status.[125] The attendance rate was 95% in 2010.[126] The attendance rate was 94% in 2011.

PSSA results

8th grade reading: 2012 – 75% on grade level (12% below basic). State – 79%[84] 2011 – 82.5% (10% below basic). State – 81.8%[127] 2010 – 79%, State – 81%[128] 2009 – 81%, State: 80.9%[129] 2008 – 81%, State – 78%[130]

8th grade math: 2012 – 79 on grade level (7% below basic). State – 76%[131] 2011 – 81.9% (5% below basic). State – 76.9%[132] 2010 – 73%, State – 75%[133] 2009 – 76%, State – 71%[130] 2008 – 69%, State – 70%[134]

8th grade science:

• 2012 – 67% on grade level (18% below basic). State – 59%
• 2011 – 61.8% (% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 – 66%, State – 57.2%
• 2009 – 59%, State – 55%
• 2008 – 65%, State – 50%[135]

Science in Motion Fairfield Area Junior Middle School took advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.[90] Gettysburg College provided the service to Fairfield Area Middle School.

7th grade reading: 2012 – 71% (10% below basic). State – 76% 2011 – 79% (10% below basic). State – 76% 2010 – 77%, State – 73% 2009 – 69%, State – 71% 2008 – 68%, State – 70%

7th grade math: 2012 – 71% (16% below basic). State – 80% 2011 – 68.7% (10% below basic). State – 78.6% 2010 – 75%, State – 77% 2009 – 69%, State: 75% [130] 2008 – 72%, State -70%

6th grade reading: 2012 – 72% (11% below basic). State – 68% 2011 – 65.8% (19% below basic). State – 69.9% 2010 – 62%, State – 68% 2009 – 66%, State – 67%[136] 2008 – 59%, State – 67%

6th grade math: 2012 – 78 (9% below basic). State – 77% 2011 – 69.3% on grade level (17% below basic). State – 78.8% 2010 – 68%, State – 78% 2009 – 72%, State: 75% 2008 – 76%, State -72%

5th grade reading: 2012 – 57% (20% below basic). State – 65% 2011 – 67.8% (14% below basic). State – 67.3% 2010 – 57% (28% below basic). State – 64% 2009 – 52% (23% below basic). State – 64% 2008 – 52% (22% below basic). State – 62%

5th grade math: 2012 – 78% (9% below basic). State – 77% 2011 – 78.1% (3% below basic). State – 74% 2010 – 61%, (16% below basic). State – 74% 2009 – 67%, (16% below basic). State – 73% 2008 – 79%, State – 73%

Elementary School

Fairfield Area Elementary School is located at 4840 Fairfield Road, Fairfield. In 2016, the School's enrollment was 337 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 25.8% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 9% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted.[137] 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.[138] The school was a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, the school reported that there were 358 pupils, with 20% coming from low income homes.[139] According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2013, the school reported an enrollment of 340 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 18% of its pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty. The school is not a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 23 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 51:1.[140] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[141]

2016 school performance profile

SPP was 63.4 out of 100 points Fairfield Area Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 44% of students in 4th grade were on grade level in reading, while 31% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In science, 68% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 64% were on grade level in reading and just 55% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[142][143]

2015 school performance profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 64% of 4th grade students at Fairfield Area Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 42% of 4th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 79% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 51% were on grade level in reading and 32% were on grade level in mathematics.[144] Statewide 61.9% of fifth (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 third (3rd) graders, 62% were reading on grade level, while 48.5% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[145]

2014 School Performance Profile: Fairfield Area Elementary School achieved a score of 73.3 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 4th. In 3rd grade, 81.8% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 79% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 86.7% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[146]

2013 school performance profile

Fairfield Area Elementary School achieved 78.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading and mathematics achievement.[147] In 2012-13, only 78.5% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 87% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 80.5% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, just 83% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[148]

AYP history

From 2004 through 2012, Fairfield Area Elementary School achieved AYP status each year.[149] The attendance rate was 94% in 2009 and 2010.[150] The school provides full day kindergarten to all its pupils.[151]

4th grade reading; 2012 – 77% (4% below basic). State – 72%[152] 2011 – 67.8% (12% below basic), State – 73.3%[153] 2010 – 79% (9% below basic), State – 73%[154] 2009 – 72% (18% below basic), State – 72%[155] 2008 – 66% (11% below basic), State – 70%[156]

4th grade math: 2012 – 88% (4% below basic). State – 82% 2011 – 88.7% (8% below basic), State – 85.3% 2010 – 93% (1% below basic), State – 84% 2009 – 67% (16% below basic), State – 81% 2008 – 81% (10% below basic), State – 80%

4th grade science:

• 2012 – 90% (5% below basic). State – 82%
• 2011 – 87.5% (6% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 – 90% (4% below basic). State – 81%
• 2009 – 82% (6% below basic). State – 83%
• 2008 – 82% (1% below basic). State – 81%

3rd grade reading: 2012 – 81%, (12% below basic). State – 74% [84] 2011 – 73.5%, (21.5% below basic), State – 77.2% 2010 – 79%, (10% below basic), State – 75% 2009 – 81%, (13% below basic), State – 77% 2008 – 78%, (17% below basic), State – 70%

3rd grade math: 2012 – 84%, (7% below basic). State – 80% 2011 – 88.8%, (2% below basic). State – 83.5% 2010 – 84%, (4% below basic). State – 84% 2009 – 80%, (8% below basic). State – 81% 2008 – 79%, (10% below basic). State – 80%

Grades online

For grades 3rd to 12th parents and students have password controlled, online access to the students grades and other school district information.

Summer School

Middle and High School summer school credit recovery program is online. Students recommended for summer coursework receive their curriculum content online. Students will have the option to work from home or school as they complete their customized learning activities on the web.

Special education

In December 2011, Fairfield Area School District administration reported that 121 pupils or 10.4% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 60% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[157] In December 2009, the district administration reported that 121 pupils or 9.9% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[158] Special education services in the Commonwealth are provided to students from ages three years to 21 years old. In the 2010–2011 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.[159] 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).

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[160] 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.[161] 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.[162] 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.[163] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[164]

Fairfield Area School District received a $611,435 supplement for special education services in 2010.[165] For the 2011–12, 2012–13 and 2013–2014 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010–2011. 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.[166][167] 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 20 or 1.64% of its students were gifted in 2009.[168] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student should 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 may be considered for eligibility.[169] Through the strategic planning process, the Superintendent must ensure that Fairfield Area School District provides a continuum of program and service options to meet the needs of all mentally gifted students for enrichment, acceleration, or both.

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.[170]

In 2016, the average teacher salary in Fairfield Area School District was $61,846 a year. The District employed 90 teachers with a top salary of $129,700.[171][172] Fairfield Area School District teacher and administrator retirement benefits are equal to at least 2.00% x Final Average Salary x Total Credited Service. (Some teachers benefits utilize a 2.50% benefit factor.)[173] After 40 years of service, Pennsylvania public school teachers and administrators can retire with 100% of the average salary of their final 3 years of employment. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers' total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.[174][175] In 2014-15, the state mandated District contribution to the teacher pension fund rose to 21.40% of employee salaries and in 2015-16 it rose again to 25.84% of total District salaries.[176] In 2017-18, the mandated contribution rate for state and local taxpayers is 32.57% of each teachers salary.[177]

In 2012, the median teacher salary in Fairfield Area School District was $53,189 a year, while the cost of the benefits the teachers received was $22,065 per employee (which was among the highest for Pennsylvania public educators), for a total annual average teacher compensation of $75,254.85.[178] In 2011, the District employed 96 teachers with an average salary of $55,628 and a top salary of $115,350.[179]

In 2011, Fairfield Area School Board balanced the District's annual budget by raising taxes and cutting $756,727 in spending. This included eliminating a seventh grade language arts teaching position. The teacher has been reassigned to the library. Additionally, a third grade teaching position was dropped, leaving the district with three third-grade teachers, but due to low enrollment, third grade class size remained small.

In 2009, Fairfield Area School District reported employing 110 teachers with a starting salary of $41,685 for 180 days for pupil instruction and 188 days total.[180] The average teacher salary was $53,934 while the maximum salary is $109,200.[181] Longevity payments of $400 are added to the base salary of the teacher each year. 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.[182] Teachers work a 7-hour 30 minute day which includes a 30-minute paid lunch break. Teachers are provided a planning period each day. In addition to salary, Fairfield Area School District teachers receive: life insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement 100% of costs, 2 paid personal days and emergency day, 10 sick days which accumulate (employee pays up to $50 per month) and other benefits. Teachers are paid extra if they are required to work outside of the regular school day and when they accept extra duties like mentoring in the district's Teacher Induction Plan. Upon retirement or death, teachers are paid for unused sick days. Employees may be granted one (1) day leave per year for the purpose of visiting other schools. The teachers' union is granted a total of six (6) days leave with pay to conduct union business.[183] 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.[184]

In 2007, the Fairfield Area School District employed 80 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $48,956 for 180 days worked.[185]

Administration spending Fairfield Area School District's administrative costs per pupil was $890.04 in 2008. The District ranked 110th in administrative sending, out of 500 Pennsylvania school districts. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[186] Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.[187] In July 2007, the Fairfield Area School Board awarded a five-year contract to William B. Chain III to serve as superintendent, with an initial salary of $105,000. The contract includes an extensive benefits package.[188][189]

Per pupil spending In 2008, Fairfield Area School District reported spending $11,936 per pupil. This ranked 280th in the Commonwealth.[190] In 2010, the District's per pupil spending had increased to $13,158.18.[191] In 2011, Pennsylvania's per pupil spending had risen to $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.[192] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[193]

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000–2001.[194] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[193] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008–2009.[195] Pennsylvania's total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.[196]

Reserves In 2008, Fairfield Area School District reported an unreserved designated fund balance of zero and an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $596,053.[197] In 2010, the District has $1,181,631 in an unreserved-undesignated fund. In 2012, the District's reserves had decreased to $635,314.[198] 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.[199] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.[200] In 2015, Fairfield Area School District reported having $1.595936 in reserves which was 9.5% of expenditures. This exceeded the 8% of expenditures state limit, thereby prohibiting the Board from raising real estate taxes. The budget was $16,817,469 in 2015–2016.[201][202]

Audit In April 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Multiple serious findings were reported to the administration and school board. The audit found that a professional employee was not properly certified for her assignment which violated PA School Code and No Child Left Behind which required highly qualified teachers.[203] In a 2016 audit, it was found that the Board engaged in misconduct – The Board's Approval of the Former Superintendent's Resignation and a Settlement Agreement Resulted in $128,000 of Additional Costs and in Noncompliance with the Public School Code and Sunshine Act. Additionally, the District's administration inaccurately Reported Retirement Wages to the Public School Employees' Retirement System inappropriately increasing employees pensions.[204]

Tuition Students who live in the Fairfield Area School District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools or one of 13 public cyber charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Fairfield Area School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School – $9,208.47, High School – $9,232.05.[205] For 2015-16, the tuition rates were Elementary School – $9,414.31, High School – $10,509.21.[206]

Fairfield Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local income tax 1%, a property tax, an Amusement tax 4%, a statewide real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.[207] Grants 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.[208] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 a year, plus they receive federal Social Security benefits. Both retirement incomes are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.[209] Effective 2016, active duty military are also exempted from paying the local earned income tax in Pennsylvania.[210][211]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Fairfield Area School District receives 26.9% of its annual revenue from the state.[212] In December 2014, the Pennsylvania Education Funding Reform Commission conducted a hearing. Testimony was given regarding state funding at the fastest growing districts and those with the greatest decline in enrollment since 1996.[213][214] The commission developed a new basic education funding formula which sets a new way to distribute state basic education dollars. It abolished the practice of "hold harmless" funding, which gave districts at least the same as they got the previous school year regardless of declining enrollment. The plan became law in June 2016 (House Bill 1552).[215][216][217]

For the 2016–2017 school year, Fairfield Area School District received $3,468,296 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a 2.1% increase over 2015-16 funding to the District. The highest percentage of BEF increase in Adams County was 3.7% awarded to Gettysburg Area School District under the state's Basic Education Funding formula. For the 2016–2017 school year, Pennsylvania increased its public education spending to a record high of $5,895 billion. It was a $200 million increase, 3.51% increase over the 2015-16 appropriation.[218] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.[219] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher's pension fund.[220] Statewide Conestoga Valley School District received a 13.3% increase in state BEF funding. Five PA public school districts received an increase of 10% or greater in Basic Education funding over their 2015-16 funding.

For the 2015–2016 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $1,668,316 to Fairfield Area School District, in January 2016.[221] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.[222] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.[223]

In compliance with a legislative mandate that was passed with veto proof majorities in the PA House and Senate,[224] the final BEF funding was determined for 2015-16, in April 2016. Fairfield Area School District received $3,397,014 in Basic Education Funds for the 2015–2016 school year. The District also received $147,924 in Ready to Learn funding from the state.[225]

For the 2014–2015 school year, Fairfield Area School District received $3,342,747 in State Basic Education funding. The District received $147,924 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget included $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[226] The Education budget also included Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State paid $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania's Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[227]

For the 2013–2014 school year, the Fairfield Area School District received a 1.9% increase or $3,343,420 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $61,059 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Fairfield Area School District received $64,733 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Adams County, Conewago Valley School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 3.2%. 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.[228] 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.[229]

For the 2012–2013 school year, the Fairfield Area School District received $3,282,361.[230] 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 2011–2012 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) program. Fairfield Area School District received $64,733 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees' Social Security and $856 million for School Employees' Retirement fund called PSERS.[231] 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 2010–2011 school year.

In 2011-12, Fairfield Area School District received $3,282,361 in state Basic Education Funding.[232] Additionally, the District received $64,734 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding (BEF) appropriation. This BEF amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011–2012.[233] In 2010, Fairfield Area School District reported that 211 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to their family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010–2011 school year, the highest increase in state Basic Education Funding awarded to public school districts in Adams County was awarded to Fairfield Area School District at 2% for $3,473,266. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. In Adams County, the highest increase was awarded to Conewago Valley School District. Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, the highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[234] 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.[235]

In the 2009–2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.74% increase in Basic Education funding for Fairfield Area School District a total of $3,405,162. The highest increase in Adams County went to Conewago Valley School District which received a 9.48% increase in 2009–2010. Muhlenberg School District of Berks County received the highest increase in the Commonwealth – an increase of 22.31 percent. Sixteen school districts received an increase in basic education funding of over 10 percent in 2009. Ninety school districts received the base 2% increase in state basic education funding.[236] 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 G Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the budget proposal made in February each year. This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.[237]

The state Basic Education funding to Fairfield Area School District in 2008-09 was $3,282,361.28. In 2009, Fairfield Area School District reported having 204 students participating in the federal free and reduced-price lunch program due to low family income.[238]

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000–2001.[239] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[240] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008–2009.[241] Pennsylvania's total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.[242]

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, Fairfield Area School District applied for and received $175,703 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide full-day kindergarten, increased instructional time through tutoring both during the school day and after school and teacher training.[243][244]

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.[245]

Fairfield Area School District received $147,924 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, transportation reimbursement, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

Education Assistance grant

The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010-11 the Fairfield Area School District received $30,471.[246]

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math), along with other specialized equipment and provided funding for teacher training to optimize the use of the computers. The program was funded from 2006–2009. Fairfield Area School District did not apply to participate and consequently, did not receive any funding over the three-year period of the program.[247] Among Adams County school districts, Gettysburg Area School District received the highest funding – $341,842. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of his 2009-10 state budget.

Other grants

Fairfield Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants, PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009–2010 budget by Governor Rendell), 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, nor the 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants,[248] Project 720 High School Reform grants[249] (discontinued effective with 2011–2012 budget); nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal grants

Fairfield Area School District received an extra $631,489 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used only in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[250] This funding is for the 2009–2011 school years.[251] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010–2011 school years.[252] 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

Fairfield Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[253] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success.[254] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[255] Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[256] A second round of state Race To The Top application judging occurred in June 2010.[257]

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.[258] 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 home. This data is collected and submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which in turn notifies the federal government.[259] In 2012-13, Fairfield Area School District received $543 in Title III funding for English language learners.[260]

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 "High Quality" teachers and principals as defined by the state.[261] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[262] 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 the Title II funds. In 2012-13, Fairfield Area School District received $33,777 in federal Title II funding.[263] In 2014-15, Fairfield Area School District applied for and received $31,987.[264]

Real estate taxes

Fairfield Area School Board raised property taxes to 9.9708 mills for 2016–2017.[265] 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. In 2010, Adams County conducted a property reassessment.[266] Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate – land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and all government property (local, state and federal). Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Unlike other states, under Pennsylvania state tax policy, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes.[267] Several major pipelines pass through the District. Pipeline companies prohibit development within the 100-foot-wide (30 m) right-of-way, there by limiting future development options for the landowner. This limits future potential property tax revenues for the school district, by constraining future land development. Located in the marcellus shale region, Fairfield Area School District is adversely impacted this way.[268][269][270]

Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[271] When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.[272] In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.[273]

Tax history

2015-16 – 9.6898 mills[274] 2014-15 – 9.6898 mills[275] 2013-14 – 9.6898 mills[276] 2012-13 – 9.4905 mills 2011-12 – 9.2953 mills.[277] 2010-11 – 43.9800 mills.[278]

2009-10 – 42.5000 mills.[279] 2008-09 – 40.50 mills.[280] 2007-08 – 38.3600 mills.[281] 2006-07 – 35.8400 mills.[282] 2005-06 – 34.1400 mills.[283]

Fairfield Area School District provides a senior citizen tax relief program. Senior citizens may volunteer in the schools, receiving a tax rebate for their time. The individual must be at least 62 years old and living on Social Security. They can receive up to $253 maximum by volunteering 40 hours at $5.50 per hour in credit.[284]

The average yearly property tax paid by Adams County residents amounts to about 3.33% of their yearly income. Adams County ranked 444th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[285] 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.[286] 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%).[287]

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 it can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, rising health care costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling local 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.[288]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Fairfield Area School District 2006-2007 through 2012–2013.[289]

2006-07 – 5.0%, Base 3.9% 2007-08 – 4.4%, Base 3.4% 2008-09 – 5.6%, Base 4.4% 2009-10 – 5.0%, Base 4.1% 2010-11 – 3.5%, Base 2.9% 2011-12 – 1.7%, Base 1.4%[290][291] 2012-13 – 2.1%, Base 17%

2013-14 – 2.1%, Base 1.7%[292] 2014-15 – 2.6%, Base 2.1%[293] 2015-16 – 2.3%, Base 1.9%[294] 2016-17 – 2.9%, Base 2.4%[295][296] 2017-18 – 3.1%, Base – 2.5%[297][298]

For the 2016–2017 budget year, Fairfield Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the District's Act 1 Index limit.[299] Statewide 299 school districts adopted a resolution to not exceed their Act I index in 2016–2017. In 2016-17, all Pennsylvania public school districts were required to make a 30.03% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[300] This was in addition to the 6.02% social security employer match payment.[301]

For the 2015–2016 budget year, Fairfield Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget 2015–2016, 310 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 187 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit.

For the 2013–2014 budget year, Fairfield Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget year 2013–2014, 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.[302]

For the 2012–2013 budget year, Fairfield Area 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.[303]

For the 2011–2012 school year, Fairfield Area School Board applied for several exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index, including: special education expenses, Maintenance of Local Tax Revenue, Health Care-Related Benefits and pension obligations. Each year the Fairfield Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[304]

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.[305]

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.[306]

Property tax relief

In 2016, Fairfield Area School District approved 2,418 homestead properties to receive $190 each in property tax relief.[307] 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 2013, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Fairfield Area School District was $187 per approved permanent primary residence. In the Fairfield Area School District, 2,461 property owners applied for the tax relief.[308] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Fairfield Area School District was $189 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 2429 property owners applied for the tax relief. Among Adams County school districts, in 2009, Upper Adams School District received the highest relief allocation at $279. In Pennsylvania, the highest tax relief was allotted to Chester Upland School District in Delaware County which received $632.[309] In Adams County, 74% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[310]

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income residents of Fairfield Area School District 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, so people who make 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 and the local tax relief program for senior citizens.

Wellness policy

Fairfield Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 – Policy 246.[311] 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 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.[312] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

The District offers 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.[313] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[314]

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.[315] In order 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.[316]

Fairfield Area School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses are available in each building to conduct annual health screenings (data reported to the PDE and state Department of Health) and to dispense prescribed medications to students during the school day. Students can be excluded from school unless they comply with all the State Department of Health's extensive immunization mandates. School nurses monitor each pupil for this compliance.[317] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.

In 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Health made available to each Pennsylvania high school the overdose antidote drug naloxone in a nasal spray. School nurses were also provided with educational materials and training developed by the National Association of School Nurses.[318] The cost was covered by a grant from a private foundation.[319][320]

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant

In 2009, the Fairfield Area School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Fairfield Area High School received $9,900 to purchase bikes and helmets to implement the Trek the Trails bicycle program.[321] 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.

Extracurriculars

Fairfield Area School Board offers a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive and costly sports program. Eligibility for participation is set by school board policies and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.[322] Fairfield Area School District require students submit to a drug screening prior to all seasons for athletic participation.[323] The District is noncompliant with state law, due to failing to post its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website.

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[324]

The schools' sports teams are known as the Fairfield Green Knights.

The school district has internal programs, including drama and foreign language. It also participates in other programs such as the Adams County Chorus, Adams County Band, and Adjudications. It also has a chapter of the National Honor Society

According to PA Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act 126 of 2014, all volunteer coaches and all those who assist in student activities, must have criminal background checks. Like all school district employees, they must also attend an anti child abuse training once every three years.[325][326][327]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[328] The District is noncompliant with state law, due to failing to post its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website.[329]

According to Pennsylvania's Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.[330][331]

The District funds:

Varsity:

Boys: Baseball – AA Basketball- AA Cross Country – A Football – A Golf – AA Soccer – A Track and Field – AA Wrestling - AA

Girls: Basketball – AA Cross Country – A Field Hockey – A Soccer (Fall) – A Softball – AA Track and Field – AA Volleyball – AA

Middle School sports:

Boys: Basketball Soccer Track and Field Wrestling

Girls: Basketball Field Hockey Soccer (Fall) Track and Field Volleyball

According to PIAA directory July 2016[332]

Intermediate Unit

Lincoln Intermediate Unit (IU#12) region includes: Adams County, Franklin County and York County. The agency provides Fairfield Area Schools, district home schooled students and area private schools many services, including: Special education services, combined purchasing, and instructional technology services. It runs Summer Academy which offers both art and academic strands designed to meet the individual needs of gifted, talented and high achieving students. Additional services include: Curriculum Mapping, Professional Development for school employees, Adult Education, Nonpublic School Services, Business Services, Migrant & ESL (English as a Second Language), Instructional Services, Special Education, Management Services, and Technology Services. It also provides a GED program to adults who want to earn a high school diploma and literacy programs. The Lincoln Intermediate Unit is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors, each a member of a local school board from the 25 school districts. Board members are elected by school directors of all 25 school districts for three-year terms that begin July 1.[333] There are 29 intermediate units in Pennsylvania. They are funded by school districts, state and federal program specific funding and grants. IUs do not have the power to tax.

References

1. EDNames and Address PDE (2015). "Fairfield Area School District information".
2. Ben Allen (December 1, 2014). "Superintendent at district in turmoil resigns". WITF Radio.
3. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data – Fairfield Area School District, 2016
4. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data – Fairfield Area School District, 2012
5. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 14, 2016). "District Fast Facts – Fairfield Area School District".
6. NCES, Common Core of Data – Fairfield Area School District, 2015
7. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "District Fast Facts – Fairfield Area School District".
8. Pennsylvania Department of Education Enrollment and Projections for Fairfield Area School District, January 2009
9. Pennsylvania Department of Education Enrollment and Projections for Fairfield Area School District, July 2012
10. PDE, Enrollment and Projections by LEA 2006-2020, 2010
11. PDE, Enrollment by LEA 2015-16, 2015
12. PDE, Enrollment by LEA 2013-14, 2013
13. PDE, Enrollment by LEA 2010-11, 2010
14. Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2011). "Enrollment and Projections by school district".
15. Fairfield Area School District Business Office, 2015-16 Budget Report, July 2015
16. Fairfield Area School District Business Office, 2013-14 Budget Report, June 2013
17. Fairfield Area School Board Secretary, Fairfield Area School Board Meeting minutes, May 14, 2012
18. HEATHER FAULHEFER (June 28, 2012). "Fairfield district passes budget with tax hike". Archived from the original on October 6, 2013.
19. SCOT ANDREW PITZER (June 20, 2011). "Fairfield cuts school programs, raises taxes".
20. US Census Bureau, 2010 Census Poverty Data by Local Education Agency, 2011
21. proximityone (2014). "School District Comparative Analysis Profiles".
22. Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, Education Facts Student Poverty Concentration by LEA, 2012
23. US Census Bureau (2010). "American Fact Finder, State and County quick facts".
24. US Census Bureau (September 2011). "Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010" (PDF).
25. US Census Bureau (2014). "Pennsylvania Median household income, 2006-2010 by County".
26. Michael Sauter and Alexander E.M. Hess (August 31, 2013). "America's most popular six-figure jobs". USA Today.
27. Jeff Guo (September 15, 2015). "Lower wages for whites, higher wages for immigrants, and inequality for all". Washington Post.
28. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013). "District Fast Facts – Fairfield Area School District".
29. Pennsylvania Public School Code Governance 2010
30. US Department of Education (2015). "Every Student Succeeds Act".
31. Pennsylvania General Assembly (2012). "Act of Jul. 12, 2012, P.L. 1142, No. 141 Section 921-A".
32. Pennsylvania General Assembly, Pennsylvania School Code, 2013
33. Pennsylvania General Assembly (2012). "Act of Jul. 12, 2012, P.L. 1142, No. 141".
34. The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives. "The Pennsylvania Project". Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
35. For, R. SCOTT RAPPOLD (September 24, 2001). "Cyber school faces lawsuit". Evening Sun, The.
36. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-09-04. Retrieved 2009-07-28.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
37. Barbara Miller (November 5, 2014). "Fairfield Area School Board to announce procedure to replacing embattled Brad Rigler, who resigned". Pennlive.com.
38. Pittsburgh Business Times (April 12, 2016). "Chester County district leads statewide Honor Roll 2016".
39. Pittsburgh Business Times (April 11, 2014). "What makes up a district's School Performance Profile score?".
40. Paul Jablow (November 18, 2015). "Understanding the PSSA exams". The Notebook.
41. Pittsburgh Business Times (April 10, 2015). "Guide to Pennsylvania Schools Statewide School District Ranking 2015".
42. Pittsburgh Business Times (April 11, 2014). "Western Pennsylvania School Guide 2014".
43. "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2013". Pittsburgh Business Times. April 5, 2013.
44. Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Honor Roll Ranking information 2012, April 6, 2012
45. Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Honor Roll Ranking information 2011, April 4, 2011
46. Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Honor Roll Ranking, May 14, 2010
47. Pittsburgh Business Times (May 23, 2007). "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County".
48. Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Overachievers Ranking Information, April 4, 2013
49. "Overachiever statewide ranking". Pittsburgh Business Times. May 6, 2010.
50. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Fairfield Area School District AYP Overview 2012". Archived from the original on October 13, 2013.
51. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Public School District AYP History, 2011
52. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania District AYP History 2003-2010, 2011
53. PDE, Graduation rate by LEA, 2016
54. PDE, Graduation rate by LEA, 2015
55. PDE, Graduation rate by LEA, 2014
56. PDE, Graduation rate by LEA, 2013
57. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "FAIRFIELD AREA School District AYP Data Table 2012". Archived from the original on March 18, 2012.
58. Pennsylvania Department of Education, FAIRFIELD AREA School District AYP Data Table 2011, September 29, 2011
59. Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented". Archived from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
60. PDE, Fairfield Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 10, 2010
61. The Times-Tribune (June 27, 2010). "PA School District Statistical Snapshot Database 2008-09".
62. The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "County School Districts Graduation Rates 2008".
63. Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (2008). "High School Graduation rate 2007" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-05-07. Retrieved 2017-03-01.
64. Pennsylvania Department of Education (December 4, 2014). "Fairfield Area High School Fast Facts 2014".
65. U.S. News & World Report, Best High Schools, 2014
66. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data – Fairfield Area High School, 2010
67. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Fairfield Area High School 2012, September 21, 2012
68. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2016). "2016 PSSA AND KEYSTONE Results". Archived from the original on October 17, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
69. Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2016). "Findings and Recommendations Pursuant to Act 1 of 2016" (PDF).
70. Jan Murphy (October 16, 2016). "How District schools fared overall".
71. Pennsylvania Departemtn of Education (October 1, 2015). "2015 PSSA School Level Data". Archived from the original on October 17, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
72. Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 6, 2014). "Fairfield Area High School Academic Performance Data 2014".
73. Eleanor Chute (November 21, 2014). "Pennsylvania student scores declined with reduced funding, test results show". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
74. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "Fairfield Area High School Academic Performance Data 2013".
75. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "Fairfield Area High School Academic Performance Data 2013".
76. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Fairfield Area High School AYP Overview 2011". Archived from the original on 2013-10-06.
77. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "State Academic Standards".
78. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2012). "2011-2012 PSSA and AYP Results".
79. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results".
80. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Fairfield Area High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010
81. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Fairfield Area High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009, September 14, 2009
82. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Fairfield Area School District Report Card 2008, August 15, 2008
83. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2007). "PSSA Math and Reading Results by School and grade".
84. Pittsburgh Post Gazette (October 15, 2012). "How is your school doing?".
85. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results 2010".
86. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results".
87. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "PSSA Math and Reading Results by School".
88. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Fairfield Area High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2013.
89. Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Report on Science PSSA 2008 by School and Grade, August 2008". Retrieved May 1, 2010.
90. The Pennsylvania Basic Education/Higher Education Science and Technology Partnership, Science in Motion annual report, 2012
91. "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report, Pennsylvania Department of Education. January 2009". Retrieved May 1, 2010.
92. National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS 2008
93. Fairfield Area School District Administration (2010–2011). "Fairfield Area School District High School Requirements for Graduation". Archived from the original on 2012-04-02.
94. State Board of Education Pennsylvania. "Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements".
95. Pennsylvania State Board of Education, Proposed changes to Chapter 4, May 10, 2012
96. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Keystone Exam Overview" (PDF).
97. Megan Harris (September 12, 2013). "Pennsylvania changing high school graduation requirements". Tribune Live.
98. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview". Archived from the original on 2012-03-17.
99. Pennsylvania State Board of Education (2010). "Rules and Regulation Title 22 PA School Code CH. 4".
100. Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Education Finalizes Adoption of Pennsylvania Common Core State Academic Standards and High School Graduation Requirements, March 14, 2013
101. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Keystone Exams".
102. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2015). "SAT and AP Scores 2015".
103. College Board, SAT 2015 Total Group report Pennsylvania, 2016
104. PDE, School Performance profile, November 6, 2014
105. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "SAT and ACT Scores".
106. College Board (2014). "2014 College-Bound Seniors State Profile Report" (PDF).
107. College Board (2013). "The 2013 SAT Report on College & Career Readiness".
108. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "SAT and ACT Scores".
109. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011". Archived from the original on 2013-10-06.
110. College Board (September 2011). "SAT Scores State By State – Pennsylvania". Archived from the original on 2011-10-08.
111. "While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady". NJ.com. September 2011.
112. The Center for Rural Pennsylvania (August 2006). "SAT Scores and Other School Data".
113. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 14, 2016). "Fairfield Area Middle School Fast Facts 2016".
114. Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile Fairfield Area Middle School Fast Facts, 2013
115. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data – Fairfield Area Middle School, 2011
116. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Fairfield Area Middle School, September 21, 2012
117. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2016). "2016 PSSA AND KEYSTONE Results". Archived from the original on October 17, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
118. PR Newswire (2016). "Department of Education Releases Statewide Results on the 2016 Pennsylvania System Of School Assessment (PSSA)".
119. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 1, 2015). "2015 PSSA School Level Data". Archived from the original on October 17, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
120. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 1, 2015). "2015 PSSA State Level Data". Archived from the original on October 17, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
121. Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 6, 2014). "Fairfield Area Middle School Academic Performance Data 2014".
122. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2016). "SPP historical data 2013-2016".
123. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "Fairfield Area Middle School Academic Performance Data 2013".
124. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2012). "Fairfield area Middle School AYP Overview 2012" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2013.
125. Pennsylvania Department of Education, FAIRFIELD AREA Middle School AYP Overview 2011, September 29, 2011
126. Pennsylvania Department of Education, FAIRFIELD AREA Middle School AYP Data Table 2010, October 20, 2010
127. The Times-Tribune (2011). "Grading Our Schools database, 2010-11 Reading PSSA results".
128. The Times-Tribune (2010). "Grading Our Schools database, 2009-10 PSSA results".
129. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Reading, Math, Science and Writing PSSA Results 2009, May 1, 2010
130. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Fairfield Area Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009, September 14, 2009
131. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Fairfield Area Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012, September 21, 2012
132. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Fairfield Area Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011
133. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Fairfield Area Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010
134. Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 15, 2008). "Reading and Math PSSA 2008 by Schools".
135. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Science PSSA Results 2008, May 1, 2010
136. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Reading, Math, Science and Writing PSSA Results, 2009
137. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 14, 2016). "Fairfield Area Elementary School Fast Facts 2016".
138. Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile, Fairfield Area Elementary School Fast Facts, 2016
139. Pennsylvania Department of Education, School Performance Profile – Fairfield Area Elementary School, 2013
140. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core Data – Fairfield Area Elementary School, 2011
141. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Fairfield Area Elementary School, September 21, 2012
142. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2016 PSSA AND KEYSTONE Results, September 29, 2016
143. Jan Murphy (September 29, 2016). "Standardized test scores show Pa. schools have more work to do". Pennlive.com.
144. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 1, 2015). "2015 PSSA School Level Data". Archived from the original on October 17, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
145. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 1, 2015). "2015 PSSA State Level Data". Archived from the original on October 17, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
146. Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 6, 2014). "Fairfield Area Elementary School Academic Performance Data 2014".
147. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "Fairfield Area Elementary School Academic Performance Data 2013".
148. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "Fairfield Area Elementary School Academic Performance Data 2013".
149. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "FAIRFIELD Area Elementary School AYP Overview 2012". Archived from the original on 2012-10-09.
150. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "FAIRFIELD Area Elementary School AYP Data Table". Archived from the original on 2012-10-09.
151. Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, Children Enrolled In Public School Kindergarten By Full Day and Half Day (Percent) – 2010-11, 2012
152. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Fairfield Area Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on June 10, 2015.
153. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Fairfield Area Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011, September 21, 2012
154. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Fairfield Area Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010".
155. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Fairfield Area Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009".
156. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Fairfield Area Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2008, August 15, 2008
157. Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education Services (2010–2011). "Fairfield Area School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets". Archived from the original on 2011-08-24.
158. Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education (January 31, 2011). "Fairfield Area School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets School Year 2008-2009" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 1, 2012.
159. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Testimony Hearing on Special Education Senate Republican Policy Committee, January 2013
160. Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Special Education Funding".
161. Browne, Patrick., Senate Education Committee Hearing on Special Education Funding & Accountability testimony, November 1, 2011
162. Kintisch, Baruch., Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Education Law Center, November 11, 2011
163. Amy Morton, Executive Deputy Secretary, Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Pennsylvania Department of Education, November 11, 2011
164. US Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education Clarifies Schools' Obligation to Provide Equal Opportunity to Students with Disabilities to Participate in Extracurricular Athletics, January 25, 2013
165. Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011".
166. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year".
167. Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2012). "Investing in PA kids". Archived from the original on 2013-10-01.
168. Pennsylvania Department of Education (December 1, 2009). "Gifted Students as Percentage of Total Enrollment by School District/Charter School" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04.
169. Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board. "CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students". Retrieved February 4, 2011.
170. Pennsylvania General Assembly, Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, June 27, 2006
171. "Fairfield Area School District Payroll report 2016". OpenPA Gov.org. 2016. Archived from the original on 2012-06-16.
172. Times Tribune (June 16, 2013). "PA Teacher Profile Database 2011-12".
173. Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System (2014). "Your PSERS Benefits & Leaving Employment".
174. American Enterprise Institute (November 1, 2011). "Assessing the Compensation of Public School Teachers".
175. Andrew G. Biggs (October 6, 2016). "Debunking the myth of the 'teacher pay gap,' again". Education Next.
176. PSERS Board of Trustees (2015). "Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Employer Contribution Rate" (PDF).
177. PSERS Board of Trustees (2017). "Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Employer Contribution Rate" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-03-21.
178. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Investing in Pennsylvania Students, 2013
179. "Fairfield Area School District Payroll report 2011". OpenPA Gov.org. 2013. Archived from the original on 2012-06-16.
180. "Pa. Public School Salaries, 2009". Asbury Park Press. February 2011.
181. "Fairfield Area School Payroll report". openpagov. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
182. Teachers need to know enough is enough, PaDelcoTimes, April 20, 2010.
183. "Fairfield Area Teacher Union Contract". OpenPA Gov.org. 2013. Archived from the original on 2012-06-16.
184. "Legislature must act on educators' pension hole". The Patriot News. February 21, 2010.
185. Fenton, Jacob (March 2009). "Average classroom teacher salary in Adams County, 2006-07". The Morning Call. Archived from the original on 2012-04-22.
186. Fenton, Jacob., Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?, The Morning Call, February 2009
187. Pennsylvania School Board Association (October 2009). "Public School Salaries 11th Annual". Archived from the original on 2008-10-05.
188. Benefits of Learning, The Altoona Mirror, August 2007. Accessed May 20, 2010
189. The Phoenix Reporter News (December 16, 2007). "Superintendent retirements cost taxpayers millions".
190. "Per Pupil Spending in Pennsylvania Public Schools in 2008 Sort by Administrative Spending". Archived from the original on 2014-10-07.
191. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009-10 Selected Data – 2009-10 Total Expenditures per ADM".
192. US Census Bureau, States Ranked According to Per Pupil Public Elementary-Secondary School System Finance Amounts: Fiscal Year 2011, May 2013
193. US Census Bureau (2009). "Total and current expenditures per pupil in fall enrollment in public elementary and secondary education, by function and state or jurisdiction: 2006-07".
194. US Census Bureau (March 2003). "Public Education Finances 2000-01 Annual Survey of Local Government Finances" (PDF).
195. United States Census Bureau (2009). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Elementary-Secondary Public School System Finance Amounts: 2008-09" (PDF).
196. US Census Bureau (May 2013). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Public Elementary-Secondary School System Finance Amounts: Fiscal Year 2011" (PDF).
197. General Reserved Fund Balance by School District 1996-2008, Pennsylvania Department of Education Report 2008.
198. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013). "Fairfield Area School District report – Investing in Pennsylvania Students". Archived from the original on 2013-10-01.
199. Murphy, Jan., Pennsylvania's public schools boost reserves, CentreDaily Times, September 22, 2010
200. Melissa Daniels (June 1, 2013). "PA school districts look to cash stash to balance budgets". PA Independent. Archived from the original on August 26, 2013.
201. Fairfield Area School Board, Report to the PDE 2015-16 Budget, July 2, 2015
202. Jan Murphy (June 15, 2016). "Search the database: How much is in your school district's fund balance?".
203. Auditor General of Pennsylvania (August 2009). "Fairfield AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT ADAMS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT".
204. Auditor General of Pennsylvania (October 31, 2016). "Fairfield Area School District ADAMS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT" (PDF).
205. Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2012). "Pennsylvania Public School District Tuition Rates". Archived from the original on 2017-08-29. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
206. Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2015). "Pennsylvania Public School District Tuition Rates 2015-16". Archived from the original on 2017-08-29. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
207. Penn State Cooperative Extension (2010). "What are the Local Taxes in Pennsylvania?, Local Tax Reform Education Project" (PDF).
208. Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (April 2010). "Personal Income Taxation Guidelines". Archived from the original on 2016-12-26.
209. John Finnerty (2013). "PA teachers pensions". CNHI Harrisburg Bureau.
210. Herald-Mail Media (February 24, 2016). "Kauffman law exempts military pay from Pa. earned-income taxes".
211. Myle Snyder (February 23, 2016). "Gov. Wolf signs bill to exempt active duty military pay from local tax". ABC27 News.
212. Pennsylvania Representative Todd Stephens (January 23, 2014). "LEEF Funding Chart 2014".
213. Nathan Benefield and James Paul Senior Policy Analyst (December 3, 2014). "School Funding Reform & Weighted Student Funding" (PDF).
214. Pennsylvania General Assembly – Education Reform Commission (December 2014). "Basic Education Funding Commission Public Hearing Funding Issues related to Enrollment and Growth". Archived from the original on 2015-03-02.
215. Basic Education Funding Commission, Commission minutes, 2016
216. York Dispatch, Governor Wolf Signs Fair Funding Formula, June 2016
217. Pennsylvania General Assembly (June 2016). "House Bill 1552, Act 35 of 2016".
218. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Education Budget 2016-17, July 2016
219. PDE, Special Education Funding fiscal year 2016-17, July 2017
220. PA Office of Budget, Commonwealth 2016-17 Enacted Budget Line-Item Appropriations, July 2016
221. Jan Murphey (January 4, 2016). "Here's the payout your school district gets from the partial 2015-16 state budget". Pennlive.com.
222. Jennifer Wakeman (January 4, 2016). "Harrisburg releases $3.3 billion in delayed funds".
223. Pennsylvania General Assembly (June 26, 2015). "Basic Education Funding Commission".
224. Jan Murphy (April 15, 2016). "House, Senate cast veto-proof majority votes on school funding bill". Pennlive.com.
225. PDE, Ed Budget 2015-16, May 2016
226. PDE (July 7, 2014). "Enacted Education Budget 2014-2015".
227. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2014-15 Enacted Education Budget Fast Facts, July 14, 2014
228. Democrat Appropriations Committee, Report on Education funding by LEA, July 2, 2013
229. Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, 2013-14 State Budget Highlights, 2013
230. Senator Jake Corman (June 28, 2012). "Pennsylvania Education funding by Local School District" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-07-30.
231. Pennsylvania General Assembly Sen Jake Corman (June 29, 2012). "SB1466 of 2012 General Fund Appropriation".
232. PA Senate Appropriations Committee, School District 2011-12 funding Report, June 28, 2011
233. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Basic Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year, June 30, 2011
234. Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee Education Budget information, PA Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010-2011, 2010
235. Office of the Budget (February 2010). "Pennsylvania Budget Proposal 2010".
236. "Pennsylvania Department of Education Basic Education Funding Report by School District". Retrieved October 30, 2009.
237. "Governor's Budget Proposal for 2009-2010". Retrieved October 11, 2009.
238. Pennsylvania Department of Education School Funding Report. October 2009
239. US Census Bureau (March 2003). "Public Education Finances 2000-01 Annual Survey of Local Government Finances" (PDF).
240. US Census Bureau (2009). "Total and current expenditures per pupil in fall enrollment in public elementary and secondary education, by function and state or jurisdiction: 2006-07".
241. United States Census Bureau (2009). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Elementary-Secondary Public School System Finance Amounts: 2008-09" (PDF).
242. US Census Bureau (May 2013). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Public Elementary-Secondary School System Finance Amounts: Fiscal Year 2011" (PDF).
243. Pennsylvania Department of Education – Accountability Block Grant report 2010, Grantee list 2010
244. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report". Archived from the original on 2013-10-15.
245. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013). "Passport for Learning Block Grant".
246. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Educational Assistance Program Funding 2010-2011 Fiscal Year".
247. Pennsylvania Auditor General (2008-12-22). "Special Performance Audit Classrooms For the Future grants" (PDF).
248. Pennsylvania Department of Education Press Office (October 17, 2013). "Acting Secretary of Education Says Hybrid Learning Benefits Students; Highlights Success of First-Year Pilot Program".
249. PSEA (2006). "Project 720 PDE Education Improvement Initiative Series" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04.
250. "Adams County ARRA FUNDING report 2009-10". Archived from the original on May 14, 2011. Retrieved May 1, 2010.
251. ProPublica (2009). "Recovery Tracker Eye on the stimulus".
252. "School stimulus money". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. March 12, 2009.
253. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Race To The Top Webinar powerpoint for districts December 2009, December 9, 2009
254. Governor's Press Office release (January 20, 2010). "Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support".
255. Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support, Governor's Press Office Release, January 20, 2010
256. Dr. Gerald Zahorchak (December 2008). "Pennsylvania Race to the Top Letter to Superintendents" (PDF).
257. U.S. Department of Education (March 29, 2010). "Race to the Top Fund".
258. US Department of Education (September 15, 2004). "Title III — Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant Students".
259. PDE, English As A Second Language (ESL), 2015
260. PDE (2015). "Title III Supplemental Program".
261. PDE (2015). "TITLE II, PART A – TEACHER AND PRINCIPAL TRAINING & RECRUITING". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
262. PDE (2015). "Federal Programs". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
263. PDE, Title IIA egrants 2012-13, 2012
264. PDE, Title IIA egrants 2014-15, 2014
265. PDE (November 2016). "Finances RE Tax Rates 2016-17".
266. AllBusiness (2010). "Adams County to offer public reassessment hearings".
267. Katie Colaneri (June 11, 2015). "New pipeline could mean tax bonanza for NJ towns, but for Pa.? Not so much". State Impact NPR.org.
268. The Nature Conservancy – Pennsylvania Chapter, Natural Gas Pipelines Pennsylvania Energy Impacts Assessment, December 16, 2011
269. The Nature Conservancy, Marcellus Shale Gas Development in Bradford County, December 16, 2011
270. TIMOTHY PUKO (December 11, 2011). "Shale gas pipelines pose challenges to state's forests, wildlife". TribLive.com.
271. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2004). "Act 511 Tax Report".
272. State Tax Equalization Board (2011). "State Tax Equalization Board About US". Archived from the original on 2012-11-14.
273. Pennsylvania Auditor General office – Bureau of Audits (February 2011). "A Special Performance Audit of the Pennsylvania State Tax Equalization Boards" (PDF).
274. Fairfield Area School Board, Final Budget Report to PDE, July 2, 2015
275. PDE (October 2014). "Finances RE Tax Rates 2014-15".
276. Fairfield Area School District Administration, Fairfield Area School District State budget report 2013, May 2013
277. Gettysburg Times (June 20, 2011). "Fairfield cuts school programs, raises taxes".
278. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District".
279. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District". Archived from the original on 2014-10-21.
280. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Pennsylvania School District Real Estate Tax Rates 2008-09". Archived from the original on 2013-10-15.
281. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District".
282. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2006
283. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2005
284. Fairfield Area School Board (2015). "Senior Tax Exchange Program".
285. Tax-rates.org., The 2013 Tax Resource County Property Taxes 2012, 2012
286. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania School Finances – Summaries of Annual Financial Report Data 2010-11, 2011
287. New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners, Tax Foundation, September 22, 2009.
288. Pennsylvania Department of Education 2010-11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines.
289. Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006-2007 through 2012-2013".
290. Pennsylvania Department of Education (Sep 18, 2010). "Index Calculation Required by the Taxpayer Relief Act".
291. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Financial Data Elements, 2011
292. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2013-2014 School District Adjusted Index, September 2012
293. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2014-2015 School District Adjusted Index, September 2013
294. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2015-2016 School District Adjusted Index, September 2014
295. Pennsylvania Department of Education. "2016-2017 School District Adjusted Index, September 5, 2015".
296. Pennsylvania Department of Education (205). "Property Tax Relief".
297. PA Department of Education (September 10, 2016). "Index Calculation Required by Special Session Act 1 of 2006".
298. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2016). "2017-18 School District Adjusted Index Listing".
299. Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2016). "Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2016-2017".
300. PSERS (December 10, 2015). "Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Employer Contribution Rate" (PDF).
301. USA IRS (December 14, 2016). "Understanding Employment Taxes".
302. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2013-2014, April 2013
303. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2012-2013, March 30, 2012
304. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information".
305. Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2011). "Report on Exceptions".
306. Scarcella, Frank and Pursell, Tricia, Local school tax assessments exceed state averages. The Daily Item, May 25, 2010
307. Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 1, 2016). "2016-17 Estimated State Property Tax Relief per Homestead".
308. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2013-12014 Estimated Tax Relief per Homestead, 2013
309. Tax Relief Per Homestead May 1, 2009, Report prepared by Pennsylvania Department of Education.
310. Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief, Auditor General Office, 2-23-2010.
311. Carlisle School Board Policy Manual
312. Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools for the School Nutrition Incentive, Pennsylvania Department of Education — Division of Food and Nutrition. July 2008
313. USDA, Child Nutrition Programs – Eligibility Manual for School Meals, 2012
314. Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center, The Pennsylvania School Breakfast Report Card, 2009
315. USDA, Child Nutrition Programs, June 27, 2013
316. United States Department of Agriculture (2011). "Food and Nutrition Service Equity in School Lunch Pricing Fact Sheet" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-09-22.
317. Pennsylvania State Department of Health (2010). "Pennsylvania Bulletin Doc. No. 10-984 School Immunizations; Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases".
318. York Dispatch (February 4, 2016). "All PA high schools to receive donated naloxone kits".
319. Ben Allen (February 2, 2016). "Pa. to put drug that reverses overdoses in schools for free". WITF. Archived from the original on October 13, 2016. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
320. Eric Scicchitano (October 14, 2016). "Four Valley schools get Narcan". Daily Item.
321. Highmark Foundation, 2009 School Challenge Grants, 2009
322. Fairfield Area School Board Policy Manual: EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (Intramural Sports and Clubs) Policy 3176 and INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS (PIAA Sanctioned) Policy 3178
323. Fairfield Area School Administration, Physical Screening Schedule 2013-2014, 2013
324. Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release, November 10, 2005
325. Eleanor Chute., New Pa. law expands clearance requirements for school volunteers, employees, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 15, 2014
326. Pennsylvania General Assembly (2014). "ACT 126 – Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act". Archived from the original on 2016-11-07. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
327. Ali Stevens., Child Protective Services Law impacts schools, WKOK.com 1070AM, January 6, 2015
328. Fairfield Area School Board, Fairfield Area School District Teacher Union Contract, 2015
329. Fairfield Area School District Administration, Fairfield Area School District website, March 21, 2017
330. PA General Assembly (July 1, 2012). "Senate Bill 200 of Session 2011 Safety in Youth Sports Act".
331. UMPC Sports Medicine (2014). "Managing Concussions in Student Athletes: The Safety in Youth Sports Act". Archived from the original on 2014-05-05. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
332. Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (2016). "PIAA School Directory".
333. Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 website accessed April 2010

External links

• Official website