Fannett-Metal School District

The Fannett-Metal School District is a diminutive, rural, public school district that serves Fannett and Metal townships in Franklin County, as well as a small portion of Toboyne Township in Perry County, Pennsylvania. It encompasses approximately 128 square miles (330 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, it served a resident population of 4,091. According to 2010 local census data, it serves a resident population of 4,426. The educational attainment levels for the School District population (25 years old and over) were 72% high school graduates and 9.2% college graduates.[5] In 2009, the District residents’ per capita income was $15,304, while the median family income was $38,165.[6] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 [7] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[8] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[9] In Franklin County the median household income was $51,035.[10]

Fannett-Metal School District
Address
14823 Path Valley Rd. Willow Hill , Franklin County and Perry County , Pennsylvania 17271 United States
Information
Type	Public
Superintendent	David Butrket
Specialist	Dan Simpson, Business Manager
Principal	Stephanie Shoemaker (Elementary School)
Principal	Todd Best(Middle/High School)
Staff	40 nonteaching staff[1]
Faculty	41 teachers (2011) [2]
Grades	Preschool-12th
Age	4 years old preschool to 21 years old for special education pupils
Number of pupils	534 pupils (2013);[3] 530 (2011) [4] 590 pupils (2006-2007)
• Kindergarten	51 (2012), 39 (2010)
• Grade 1	39 (2012), 41
• Grade 2	38 (2012), 37
• Grade 3	39 (2012), 41
• Grade 4	40 (2012), 35
• Grade 5	38 (2012), 41
• Grade 6	34 (2012), 37
• Grade 7	42 (2012), 56
• Grade 8	35 (2012), 30
• Grade 9	58 (2012), 37
• Grade 10	43 (2012), 45
• Grade 11	37 (2012), 45
• Grade 12	40 (2012), 46 (2010)
Language	English
Athletics conference	PIAA District V
Budget	$6,821,807 (2013-14) $6,631,661 (2012-13) $6,435,447 (2011-12)
Per pupil spending	$11,323 (2008)
Per pupil spending	$13,088.33 (2011)
Website	Fannett-Metal School District

Fannet-Metal School District region in Perry County

According to Fannett-Metal School District officials, in school year 2007-08, the District provided basic educational services to 580 pupils through the employment of 50 teachers, 35 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 3 administrators. In school year 2009-10, the Fannett-Metal School District provided basic educational services to 530 pupils. The District employed: 23 teachers, 27 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 4 administrators. Fannett-Metal School District received more than $3.2 million in state funding in school year 2009-10. The District began offering all-day kindergarten in the 2004-05 school year.[11]

Governance

Fannett-Metal School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serving four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[12] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.

The 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.[13]

Schools

There are three schools, which are all located on the same campus.

• Fannett-Metal Elementary School (Grades K-5)
• Fannett-Metal Middle School (Grades 6-8)
• Fannett-Metal High School (Grades 9-12)

Students may choose to attend Franklin Virtual Academy which is an online education program operated by a cooperative agreement of local Franklin County public school districts.[14]

Academic achievement

Fannett-Metal School District was ranked 466th out of the 498 ranked Pennsylvania school districts in 2014, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[15] The ranking is based on the last 3 years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school.[16] Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.

• 2013 - 462nd[17]
• 2012 - 471st [18]
• 2011 - 470th
• 2010 - 463rd [19]
• 2009 - 466th
• 2008 - 458th
• 2007 - 439th out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts in 2007.[20]

Overachiever ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Fannett-Metal ranked 493rd. The paper describes the ranking as: "the 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."[21]

• 2012 - 495th
• 2010 - 494th
• 2009- 494th

In 2009, Fannett-Metal School District ranked in the bottom 9th percentile for student academic achievement among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts.[22]

Lowest achieving school

In July 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) released a report identifying 1 Fannett-Metal School District school as among the lowest-achieving schools in the Commonwealth, for reading and mathematics in 2011. Fannett-Metal Middle School was found to be among the 15% lowest-achieving schools in the Commonwealth. The School was also listed in the 2012 low achievement report. Fannett-Metal Middle School remained on the lowest achievement in the Commonwealth list in 2013. Parents and students may be eligible for scholarships to transfer to another public or nonpublic school through the state's Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program passed in June 2012.[23] The scholarships are limited to those students whose family's income is less than $60,000 annually, with another $12,000 allowed per dependent. Maximum scholarship award is $8,500, with special education students receiving up to $15,000 for a year's tuition. Parents pay any difference between the scholarship amount and the receiving school's tuition rate. Students may seek admission to neighboring public school districts. Each year the PDE publishes the tuition rate for each individual public school district.[24] Fifty-three public schools in Allegheny County are among the lowest-achieving schools in 2011. According to the report, parents in 414 public schools (74 school districts) were offered access to these scholarships. For the 2012-13 school year, eight public school districts in Pennsylvania had all of their schools placed on the list, including: Sto-Rox School District, Chester Upland School District, Clairton City School District, Duquesne City School District, Farrell Area School District, Wilkinsburg Borough School District, William Penn School District and Steelton-Highspire School District.[25] Funding for the scholarships comes from donations by businesses which receive a state tax credit for donating.

District AYP status history

In 2012, Fannett-Metal School District achieved Adequate Yearly progress (AYP) status. In 2011, Fannett-Metal School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress. 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 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.[26] Fannett-Metal School District has achieved AYP status each year from 2003 to 2010.[27]

Graduation rate

In 2013, Fannett-Metal School District's graduation rate declined to 90.9%.[28] In 2012, Fannett-Metal School District's graduation rate declined to 92%. In 2011, the District's graduation rate was 97%.[29] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. School District's rate was 84% for 2010.[30]

Former calculation graduation rate

• 2010 - 95% [31]
• 2009 - 90% [32]
• 2008 - 97%
• 2007 - 97% [33]

Senior high school

Fannett-Metal High School is located at 14823 Path Valley Road. In 2013, enrollment was reported as 178 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 34% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 20.7% of pupils received special education services, while 1.6% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 15 teachers.[34] Per the PA Department of Education 17% of the teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 172 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 42 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 16 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 11:1.[35] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2 teachers were rated as "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[36]

2013 School Performance Profile

Fannett-Metal Senior High School achieved 62.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - just 58% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 41% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Biology, just 14% showed on grade level science understanding.[37] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, beginning in 2012, they take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.[38]

AYP status history

In 2012, Fannett-Metal Senior High School achieved AYP status. In 2011, Fannett-Metal Senior High School had declined into Warning status due to lagging student achievement in math. In 2010, the Fannett-Metal Senior High School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[39]

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.[40]

In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.[41]

11th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 65% on grade level, (20% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[42]
• 2011 - 62% (12% below basic). State - 69.1% (51 pupils)[43]
• 2010 - 59%, State - 67%. (54 pupils) [44]
• 2009 - 57%, State - 65% (43 pupils) [45]
• 2008 - 49%, State - 65%
• 2007 - 56%, State - 65%

11th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 65% on grade level (21% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[46]
• 2011 - 63%, (22% below basic). State - 60.3%
• 2010 - 57%, State - 59%
• 2009 - 51%, State - 56%
• 2008 - 44%, State - 56%
• 2007 - 35%, State - 53% [47]

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 33% on grade level (21% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[48]
• 2011 - 32% (15% below basic). State - 40% [49]
• 2010 - 32%, State - 40%[50]
• 2009 - 23%, State - 40% [51]
• 2008 - 19%, State - 39% [52]

Science in Motion Fannett-Metal 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.[53] Gettysburg College to provide the experiences.

College Remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 30% of Fannett-Metal School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[54] 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.[55] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

Fannett-Metal High School offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school, including the graduation ceremony. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[56] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[57] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.[58]

For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $9,395 for the program.[59]

Graduation requirements

The Fannett-Metal School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 23.5 credits to graduate, including: a required class every year in math, English, science, 3 credits in social studies, 2 arts and Humanities credits, Physical Education 2 credits, 1 Computer applications credit and 3 electives.[60]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.[61] By the conclusion of the senior year, students must have served 24 hours of community service outside of the school day. Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[62]

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.[63] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[64]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Schools are mandated to provide targeted assistance to help the student be successful. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.[65][66] 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.[67] 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.[68] 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 2013, School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 459. The Math average score was 486. The Writing average score was 452. 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.[69]

In 2012, 26 Fannett-Metal School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 431. The Math average score was 443. The Writing average score was 417. 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, 30 Fannett-Metal School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 477. The Math average score was 470. The Writing average score was 433.[70] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[71] 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.[72]

Middle school

Fannett-Metal Middle School is located at 14823 Path Valley Road. In 2013, enrollment was 111 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 36% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 15% of pupils received special education services, while 1% of pupils were identified as gifted.[73] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[74]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 124 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 44 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 10 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[75] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[76]

2013 School Performance Profile

Fannett-Metal Middle School achieved 75.1 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 59% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 71.8% of the students showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, only 44% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 69% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[77]

AYP History

In 2012, Fannett-Metal Middle School declined to Warning level AYP status due to low student academic achievement. The school achieved 8 out of 13 metrics measured, including both mathematics and reading scores.[78] In 2011, Fannett-Metal Middle School achieved AYP status. The PDE reported that FMMS achieved AYP status each school year 2003 through 2010.

PSSA results

Sixth and seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999, as a state initiative.[79] Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science.[80] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[81] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[82]

8th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 64% on grade level (22% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[83]
• 2011 - 77% (19% below basic). 26 pupils. State - 81.8%[84]
• 2010 - 57%, State - 81% (36 pupils) [85]
• 2009 - 71%, State - 80% (48 pupils) [86]
• 2008 - 73%, State - 78% [87]

8th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 46% on grade level (36% below basic). State - 76% [88]
• 2011 - 66%, (26% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 - 61%, State - 75%[89]
• 2009 - 90%, State - 71%[90]
• 2008 - 76%, State - 70% [91]

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 45% on grade level (30% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 36% (26% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 33%, State - 57% [92]
• 2009 - 41%, State - 54%
• 2008 - 38%, State - 52%[93]

7th Grade Reading: 2012 - 52% on grade level (21% below basic). State – 76% 2011 - 67% (13% below basic). 54 pupils. State – 76% 2010 - 46%, State - 73% (28 pupils) 2009 - 63%, State - 71% (37 pupils) 2008 - 66%, State - 70%

7th Grade Math: 2012 - 70% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 61% (24% below basic). State - 78.6% 2010 - 60%, State - 77% 2009 - 68%, State - 75% 2008 - 68%, State - 70%

6th Grade Reading: 2012 - 55% (24% below basic). State - 68% 2011 - 41% (30% below basic). State - 69.9% 2010 - 38%, State - 68% (49 pupils) 2009 - 57%, State - 67% (28 pupils)

6th Grade Math: 2012 - 78% (11% below basic). State - 77% 2011 - 80% (2% below basic). State - 78.8% 2010 - 61%, State - 78% 2009 - 57%, State - 75%

Elementary school

Fannett-Metal Elementary School is located at 14823 Path Valley Rd, Willow Hill. In 2013, the School's enrollment was 245 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 40% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 13.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while none are identified as gifted.[94] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 6% of the teachers were rated non-highly qualified under the No Child Left Behind Act. The School provides full day kindergarten.[95] The school is a federally designated Title I school. In 2014, a preschool classroom was established in the elementary school building. The class is at no cost to parents and is funded by taxpayers.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 234 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 83 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 16 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.[96] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[97] In 2012, Fannett-Metal Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status. In 2011, Fannett-Metal Elementary School had achieved AYP status.[98][99]

2013 School Performance Profile

Fannett-Metal Elementary School achieved a score of 70.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 62% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 75% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 71.6% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 82% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 47% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[100]

PSSA results

Each year, in the Spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.[101] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[102][103][104] The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.[105]

5th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 57% on grade level (13% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 65% of 5th graders are on grade level.[106]
• 2011 - 64% (15% below basic). State - 67.3% [107]
• 2010 - 45% (24% below basic). State - 64% [108]
• 2009 - 33% (40% below basic). State - 64%[109]

5th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 61% on grade level (12% below basic). State - 73%
• 2011 - 76% (5% below basic). State - 74%
• 2010 - 60% (11% below basic). State - 76.3%
• 2009 - 44% (26% below basic). State - 73%

4th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 81% (14% below basic). State - 72%
• 2011 - 67% (17% below basic). State - 73%
• 2010 - 65% (22% below basic). State - 73%
• 2009 - 65% (13% below basic). State - 72%

4th Grade Math

• 2012 - 87%, 55% advanced (0% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 78% (3% below basic). State - 85%
• 2010 - 82% (7% below basic). State - 84%
• 2009 - 78% (8% below basic). State - 81%

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 97%, 54% advanced (0% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 83%, 51% advanced (6% below basic). State - 82.9%
• 2010 - 85%, 52% advanced (5% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 - 94%, 54% advanced (0% below basic). State - 83%

3rd Grade Reading

• 2012 - 70%, (18% below basic). State - 74%
• 2011 - 82%, (10% below basic). State - 77%
• 2010 - 63%, (18% below basic). State - 75%
• 2009 - 81%, (9% below basic). State - 77%

3rd Grade Math

• 2012 - 83%, 43% advanced (10% below basic). State - 80%
• 2011 - 90%, 46% advanced (0% below basic). State - 83%
• 2010 - 84%, 39% advanced (3% below basic). State - 84%
• 2009 - 81%, (9% below basic). State - 81%

Special education

In December 2010, Fannett-Metal School District reported that 88 pupils were receiving special education services, with 56% of identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2008, the District reported that 96 pupils were receiving special education services.[110] Fannett-Metal School District provides a wide spectrum of special education services. Parents request an evaluation for services in writing. The district is required to conduct child find activities for children who may be eligible for services via Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.[111]

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.[112] 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.[113] 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.[114] 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.[115] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[116]

Fannett-Metal School District received a $325,433 supplement for special education services in 2010.[117] For the 2011–12, 2012–13 and 2013-14 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010-11. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.[118]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that less than 10 of its students were gifted in 2009. The highest percentage of gifted students reported among all 500 school districts and 100 public charter schools in Pennsylvania was North Allegheny School District which reported that 15.5% of its students were identified as gifted.[119] By law, the District must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.[120][121]

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 first.

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.[122]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Fannett-Metal School District was $47,245 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $21,922 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $69,168.[123] 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.[124]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Fannett-Metal School District was $48,606 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $18,423 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $67,029.[125] In 2012, the District reported employing 50 teachers and administrators with a median salary of $49,855 and a top salary of $93,000.[126]

In 2007, the District employed 42 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $43,006 for 181 days worked.[127] 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.[128] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, personal days, sick days, retirement bonus and other benefits.[129] 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.[130] In 2009, the district employs over 50 teachers with a salary range of $37,000 to $93,000.[131]

Fannett-Metal School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $871.34 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[132] In 2009, Superintendent, Dixie Paruch's salary was $93,000. Additionally, she received a benefits package that includes: health insurance, life insurance, dues, travel and more.[133] In June 2010, Ms Paruch unexpectedly resigned.[134] The Pennsylvania School Board Association tracks salaries for Pennsylvania public school employees. It reports that in 2008 the average superintendent salary in Pennsylvania was $122,165.[135]

Reserves - In 2008, Fannett-Metal School District reported an unreserved designated fund balance of $138,357 and an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $722,644.[136] In 2010, Fannett-Metal School District Administration reported an increase to $1,074,365.00 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance, while the unreserved fund had $263,357.00. 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.[137]

Per pupil spending $11,323 in 2008[138] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania spent $7,824 Per Pupil in the year 2000. This amount increased up to $12,085 by the year 2008.[139][140]

Audit In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the Fannett-Metal School District administration. The findings were reported to the school board and the administration.[141]

Tuition Students who live in the Fannett-Metal School District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to 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 Fannett-Metal School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $8,054.41, High School - $9,382.77.[142]

The Fannett-Metal School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax of 1%, a local real property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, and a per capita taxes $5 each, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.[143] Grants provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.[144] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 a year plus they receive federal Social Security benefits: both are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.[145]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Fannett-Metal School District receives 49% of its annual revenue from the state.[146]

For the 2014-15 school year, Fannett-Metal School District will receive $2,207,177 in State Basic Education funding. The District will also receive $60,850 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[147] The Education budget also includes 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 is paying $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.[148]

For the 2013-14 school year, the Fannett-Metal School District will receive a 1.4% increase or $2,206,952 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $31,534 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Fannett-Metal School District received $31,372 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Franklin County, Chambersburg Area School District received the highest percentage increase at 2.6%. The District has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth's budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[149] 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.[150]

For the 2012-13 school year, Fannett-Metal School District received $2,206,790 in state Basic Education Funding.[151] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 includes $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which is an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) program. Fannett-Metal School District received $31,372 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[152] This amount was a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett's first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In 2011-12 school year, Fannett-Metal School District received $2,175,418 in state Basic Education Funding.[153] Additionally, the District received $31,371 in Accountability Block Grant funding.[154] The Pennsylvania Department of Education reports that 171 pupils received a federal free and reduced-price lunch, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010-11 school year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education provided the District with a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $2,263,305. The highest increase in Franklin County went to Chambersburg Area School District which received a 7.09% increase in state funding. One hundred and fifty school districts received the base 25 increase. In Pa the highest increase went to Kennett Consolidated School District which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[155] 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 where enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some districts at a far greater rate than others. [156]

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding, to the Fannett-Metal School District, for a total of $2,218,926.[157] The District also received supplemental funding for: Title I (federal funding for low-income students), for district size, a poverty supplement from the Commonwealth and more. In Franklin County, the highest state funding increase was 5.50% to Tuscarora School District. The highest increase in the state went to Muhlenberg School District of Berks County which received a 22.31% increase.[158] The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.[159]

The state Basic Education Funding to the District in 2008-09 was $2,175,418.12. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 163 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.[160]

Accountability Block Grants

Beginning in 2004-2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania's school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students, For 2010-11 the Fannett-Metal School District applied for and received $85,150 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide all-day kindergarten for the sixth year.[161][162]

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Fannett-Metal School District received extra state funding for technology upgrades at the high school, including computers, networking and mandatory teacher training. In 2008-2009 the District received $45,413.[163] The state's goal was to provide laptop computers for each student in high school English, math, science and social studies classroom.[164] In Franklin County the highest award was given to Greencastle-Antrim School District - $165,458. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide due to a massive state financial crisis.

Science It’s Elementary grant

Fannett-Metal Elementary School successfully applied to participate and received a Science It's Elementary grant in 2008-2009. For the 2008-2009 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 2,847 teachers and 66,973 students across Pennsylvania.[165] In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Education initiated an effort to improve science instruction in the Commonwealth's public elementary schools. Called Science: It's Elementary, the program is a hands on instruction approach for elementary science classes that develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills.[166] To encourage schools to adopt the program's standards aligned curriculum, the state provided a grant to cover the costs of materials and extensive mandatory teacher training.[167] The District was required to develop a three-year implementation plan for the participating school. They had to appoint a district liaison who was paid $3000 by PDE to serve as the conduit of all information between the district and the Department and its agents along with submitting orders and distributing supplies to implementing teachers. For the 2006-07 state education budget, $10 million was allocated. The 2006-07 State Education Budget provided $635 million in new spending for pre-K through 12th grades for the 2006-07 school year. This was an 8-percent increase over 2005-06 public school funding.[168] The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget. The grant was discontinued in 2010, by Governor Rendell, due to a massive state budget.

PreK Counts grant

Fannett-Metal School District receives state funding to provide preschool at the elementary school. For the 2011 school year, Pre-K Counts was funded at the 2010 levels of $83.6 million statewide in Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget. The state also supplements the federal Head Start preschool program with an additional $37.6 million. Pre-K Counts funding was initiated during the Rendell administration. In 2007-08 the state funded Pre-K Counts at $75 million. Fannett-Metal School District received funding in 2007-08.[169] In 2009-2010, the District received $140,556 to provide preschool to 21 children.[170][171]

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 Fannett-Metal School District received $38,821.[172]

Other grants

The District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education grants; 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;[173] 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; nor the 21st Century learning grants.

Common Cents state initiative

The school board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.[174] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Federal Stimulus grant

Fannett-Metal School District received an extra $600,385 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students. This was in addition to all regular state and federal funding.[175] This funding is for 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years. According to Dixie Pauch, Superintendent of Fannett-Metal School District, the funds will be used to modernize the school buildings by updating security, repairing roofs and updating facilities.[176]

Race to the Top grant

Fannett-Metal School District officials applied for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district up to one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[177] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[178] Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state Race to the Top application judging will occur in June 2010.[179]

Reading First Grant

The district received $91,200 from the Federal Leave No Child Behind Act. The Reading First Initiative is a voluntary six-year program designed to help all children read well by supporting scientifically-based, comprehensive reading instruction for children in Kindergarten through third grade. The program is designed to support proven methods in teaching, screening, diagnosis and monitoring of reading difficulties among children as well as high quality professional development for teachers.[180]

2009 Small Rural School Achievement Program (SRSA)

Fannett-Metal School District was eligible for $85,783 for Fiscal Year 2008 Title II, Part A allocation amount.[181] The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to rural districts to assist them in meeting their state's definition of adequate yearly progress (AYP). Applicants do not compete, but rather are entitled to funds if they meet basic eligibility requirements. Eligibility is restricted by statute. Awards are issued annually directly to eligible LEAs on a formula basis.[182]

Real estate taxes

The Fannett-Metal School Board set property taxes for Franklin County residents at 77.5900 mills. Properties in Perry Conty will be taxed at 8.55 mills in 2014-2015.[183] There were two nay votes. 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. 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.[184] 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. 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.[185]

In Pennsylvania, when a public school district is located in more than one county (as is Fannett-Metal School District) the District is required to apportion the tax levy based on the market value in each county as determined by the State Tax Equalization Board pursuant to section 672.1 of the School Code. As a result, the tax rate increases are not the same for each county in a multi-county school district.[186] In 2010, miscalculations by the Pennsylvania 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.[187]

• 2013-14 - 75.9700 mills for residents in Franklin County; Perry County residents pay 7.8700 mills.
• 2012-13 - 76.2500 mills for residents in Franklin County; Perry County residents pay 7.7100 mills.
• 2011-12 - 72.7800 mills for residents in Franklin County; Perry County residents pay 6.3700 mills.
• 2010-11 - 71.5000 mills for residents in Franklin County; Perry County residents pay 9.5100 mills.
• 2009-10 - 69.1700 mills for residents in Franklin County; Perry County residents pay 9.0300 mills.[188]
• 2008-09 - 66.1500 mills for residents in Franklin County; Perry County residents pay 8.9100 mills.
• 2007-08 - 61.7200 mills for residents in Franklin County; Perry County residents pay 8.4800 mills.
• 2006-07 - 57.9000 mills for residents in Franklin County; Perry County residents pay 7.5000 mills.

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.[189] The average yearly property tax paid by Franklin County residents amounts to about 2.94% of their yearly income. Franklin County is ranked 631st of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[190] The average yearly property tax paid by Perry County residents amounts to about 3.11% of their yearly income. Perry County is ranked 538th of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[191]

Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.[192]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Fannett-Metal School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[193]

2006-07 - 4.9%, Base 3.9% 2007-08 - 4.4%, Base 3.4% 2008-09 - 5.6%, Base 4.4% 2009-10 - 5.2%, Base 4.1% 2010-11 - 3.7%, Base 2.9%

2011-12 - 1.8%, Base 1.4% [194] 2012-13 - 2.2%, Base 1.7% [195] 2013-14 - 2.2%, Base 1.7% [196] 2014-15 - 2.7%, Base 2.1% [197]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Fannett-Metal School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[198] For the school budget 2014-15, 316 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 181 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Districts may apply for multiple exceptions each year. For the pension costs exception, 163 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 104 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Seven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[199]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Fannet-Metal School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: teacher pension costs and special education costs. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[200]

For the 2011-12 school year, Fannett-Metal School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Every year, the Fannett-Metal 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.[201]

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.[202]

In the 2010-11 school year, Fannett-Metal School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index.[203][204] 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.[205]

Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Fannett-Metal School District was set per approved permanent primary residence.[206] 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. The highest property tax relief was given to property owners in the Chester Upland School District in Delaware County who got $632 in 2010 and in 2009.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently, individuals with income substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.

Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value (1.34%) and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income (3.55%).[207]

Enrollment

Enrollment in Fannett-Metal School District is projected by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to decline to 530 pupils by 2015.[208] Over the next 10 years, rural Pennsylvania school enrollment is projected to decrease 8 percent. The most significant enrollment decline is projected to be in western Pennsylvania, where rural school districts may have a 16 percent decline.[209] As the enrollment declines, per pupil administrative costs of the schools will continue to rise. An analysis done at Penn State found that big rural school districts also have significantly higher standardized test scores (PSSA, SAT and ACT) than small ones. Further analyses indicated that school district size has no direct effect on student achievement.[210]

Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. Less than 95 of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts have enrollment below 1250 students, in 2007.[211] This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity.[212] In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the 49 respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools.[213]

Wellness policy

Fannett-Metal School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.[214] 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.[215] The policy requires that the Superintendent or designee shall report to the Board on the district's compliance with law and policies related to student wellness. The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

The District offers both a free school breakfast and a free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.[216] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).[217]

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. The restriction 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.[218] 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 providing the lunch.[219] The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 mandates that Districts raise their full pay lunch prices every year until the price of non-subsidized lunches equals the amount the federal government reimburses schools for free meals. That subsidy in 2013-2014 was $2.93.

In 2014, President Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.[220] The Food and Drug Administration requires that students take milk as their beverage at lunch. In accordance with this law, any student requesting water in place of milk with their lunch must present a written request, signed by a doctor, documenting the need for water instead of milk.[221][222]

Fannett-Metal School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses 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.[223][224] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.[225]

Extracurriculars

The Fannett-Metal School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and interscholastic athletics. The school board determines eligibility for participation in coordination with respective individual governing organizations.[226] Varsity and junior varsity athletic activities are under the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association. In May 2012, the Fannett-Metal School Board implemented a small fee to participate in sports - $25 for one sport, $40 for two and $50 for three.[227]

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.[228]

Athletics

Boys

• Baseball - Class A
• Basketball - Class A
• Boys Soccer - Class A
• Track and Field - AA

Girls

• Basketball - A
• Softball - Class A
• Track and Field - AA
• Volleyball - Class A

According to PIAA directory July 2012 [229]

Intermediate Unit

Lincoln Intermediate Unit (IU#12) region includes: Adams County, Franklin County and York County. The agency provides Fannett-Metal Schools, charter schools located in Franklin County, the district's 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. The IU offers preemployment screening, including fingerprinting, for prospective public school employees.[230] 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.[231] 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.

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External links

• Fannett-Metal School District
• Penna. Inter-scholastic Athletic Assn