Kane Area School District

The Kane Area School District is a small, rural, public school district in southwestern McKean County and in parts of Elk County in northwestern Pennsylvania, United States, in the middle of the Allegheny National Forest.

Kane Area School District
Address
400 West Hemlock Avenue Kane , McKean County and Elk County , Pennsylvania 16735-1696 United States
Information
Type	Public
Closed	Mt Jewett Elementary School (2008), Chestnut Street School (2010)
School board	9 locally elected members
Superintendent	Mr. Jeff Kepler
Administrator	Mrs Jessica Gabriel, Business Manager Mr John Rook, Facilities Manager Mr Mark Candalor, Technology Director
Principal	Mr Jim Fryzlewicz, HS
Principal	Mr Todd Stanko, MS
Principal	Mrs Linda Lorenzo, ES
Principal	Mrs Natalie Miller-Martini, Special Education
Staff	101 non teaching staff members (2011)[1]
Faculty	94 teachers (2011)[2]
Grades	K-12
Number of pupils	1,202 pupils (2014),[3] 1,216 pupils (2012-2013),[4] 1,204 (2010-2011)[5][6] 1,294 pupils (2006-2007)
• Kindergarten	93 (2012),[7] 87 (2010)[8]
• Grade 1	95 (2012), 110 (2010)
• Grade 2	96 (2012), 79 (2010)
• Grade 3	85 (2012), 95 (2010)
• Grade 4	108 (2012), 77 (2010)
• Grade 5	81 (2012), 102 (2010)
• Grade 6	94 (2012), 83 (2010)
• Grade 7	76 (2012), 104 (2010)
• Grade 8	103 (2012), 94 (2010)
• Grade 9	87 (2012), 99 (2010)
• Grade 10	107 (2012), 80 (2010)
• Grade 11	98 (2012), 100 (2010)
• Grade 12	93 (2012), 106 (2010)
• Other	Enrollment projected to be 876 pupils in 2020[9]
Language	English
Budget	$16.4 million (2013-14)
per-pupil spending	$9,158 (2008)
per pupils spending	$9,980 (2010)[10]
Website	http://www.kasd.net

School District region in Elk County

The district encompasses an area of approximately 250 square miles (650 km²). The district serves: Hamilton Township, Highland Township, Jones Township, Kane, Ludlow - Mount Jewett, Wetmore Township and James City. According to 2010 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 7,436. Per the US Census Bureau in 2000, it served a resident population of 8,152 people. The educational attainment levels for the School District population (25 years old and over) were 87% high school graduates and 14% college graduates.[11]

In 2009, the district residents’ per capita income was $16,573, while the median family income was $39,826.[12] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 [13] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[14] In McKean County, the median household income was $41,351.[15] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[16]

According to KASD officials, in school year 2009–2010, the district provided basic educational services to 1,197 pupils. It employed: 92 teachers, 76 full-time and part-time support personnel and 12 administrators. Kane Area School District received more than $9.8 million in state funding in school year 2009–2010. In school year 2007-08 the KASD provided basic educational services to 1,262 pupils. It employed 92 teachers, 78 full-time and part-time support personnel and 12 administrators. The KASD received more than $9.5 million in state funding in school year 2007–08.

In 2003, it employed about 98 teachers, and 88 full-time and part-time support personnel.[17]

Alma mater

“

On the heights of the Alleghenies, stands a high school fair

There, among great trees abiding- pine scent in the air.

There, all nature in its glory, in summer green, in winter hoary

Tells the season's wondrous story

Hail to old Kane High.

-Willis R. Skillman

”

Schools

The Kane Area School District operates three schools: Kane Area Elementary School (K-5), Kane Area Middle School (6-8) and Kane Area High School (9-12).

Kane Area Elementary School 561 Students: 287 boys and 274 girls

• Kindergarten: 83 students—33 boys and 50 girls
• First grade: 91 students—45 boys and 46 girls
• Second grade: 100 students—50 boys and 50 girls
• Third grade: 95 students—51 boys and 44 girls
• Fourth grade: 83 students—47 boys and 36 girls
• Fifth grade: 109 students—61 boys and 48 girls

Kane Area Middle School 263 Students: 142 boys and 121 girls

• Sixth grade: 83 students—44 boys and 39 girls
• Seventh grade: 94 students—52 boys and 42 girls
• Eighth grade: 86 students—46 boys and 40 girls

Kane Area High School 396 Students: 208 boys and 188 girls

• Freshman Class: 103 students—53 boys and 50 girls
• Sophomore Class: 87 students—40 boys and 47 girls
• Junior Class: 108 students—65 boys and 43 girls
• Senior Class: 98 students—50 boys and 48 girls

Governance

The school district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve without compensation for a term of four years), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[18] 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 school board appoints the Superintendent and Business Manager. 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 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.[19]

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration an "F" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.[20]

Academic achievement

In 2014, Kane Area School District ranked 398th out of 496 Pennsylvania public school districts, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[21] 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.[22] 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 - 402nd[23]
• 2011 - 366th[24]
• 2010 - 335th[25]
• 2009 - 308th
• 2008 - 339th
• 2007 - 342nd[26]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Kane Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[27] In 2011, Kane 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.[28][29] School District achieved AYP status each year from 2005 to 2010, while in 2004 the district declined to Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[30] In 2003, Kane Area School District achieved AYP status.

Graduation rate

In 2014, the district's graduation rate was 85%.[31] In 2013, the district's graduation rate was 84.5%. In 2012, the district's graduation rate was 91%.[32] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Kane Area School District's rate was 89% for 2010.[33]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

• 2010 - 92%[34]
• 2009 - 90%[35]
• 2008 - 88%[36]
• 2007 - 88%[37]

Kane Area Elementary School

Kane Area Elementary School is located at 400 West Hemlock Avenue, Kane. In 2014, the school's enrollment was 551 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 49% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 14% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2% are identified as gifted.[38] 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.[39] The school is a federally designated Title I school. Mrs. Linda Lorenzo is the Elementary School Principal. Mr. Jay Israel is the Elementary Co-Principal. The school was formerly known as Chestnut Street Elementary School. When the Board closed Mount Jewett Elementary School consolidating into one elementary school, they renamed the school. The sixth grade was moved to the middle school in 2011.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, enrollment was 562 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 258 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 37 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.[40] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[41] The school provides full-day kindergarten to all its pupils.[42]

2014 School Performance Profile

Kane Area Elementary School achieved a score of 76 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013–14, only 71% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 77% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 75.6% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 89% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 39% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[43]

2013 School Performance Profile

Kane Area Elementary School achieved a score of 62.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 62.08% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 83.53% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, just 70.26% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 77.14% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 41.77% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[44] 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.

AYP History

In 2012, Kane Area Elementary School decline to Warning status Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to missing all student academic metrics measured in the PSSAs.[45]

• 2011 - achieved AYP status.[46]
• 2010 - Warning AYP status due to low student achievement.[47]
• 2007-2009 - achieved AYP status.[48] The attendance rate was 95% in both 2010 and 2009.[49]
• 2006 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging academics
• 2003-2005 - achieved AYP status

PSSA history

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are NCLB related examination given in the Spring of each school year. Each year the 3rd graders and sixth 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.[50] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[51][52][53] 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.[54]

6th Grade Reading: 2010 - 69%, State - 68% 2009 - 64%, State - 67% 2008 - 71%, State - 67% 2007 - 67%, State - 63%

6th Grade Math: 2010 - 79%, State - 78% 2009 - 71%, State - 75% 2008 - 79%, State - 72% 2007 - 80%, State - 69%

5th Grade Reading: 2012 - 47% on grade level (24% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 65% of 5th graders are on grade level.[55] 2011 - 63% (8% below basic). State - 67.3% 2010 - 58% on grade level (28% below basic). State - 64%[56] 2009 - 60%, State - 64%[57] 2008 - 50%, State - 61% 2007 - 65%, State - 60%

5th Grade Math: 2012 - 59% (14% below basic). State - 73% 2011 - 76% (1% below basic). State - 74% 2010 - 63% (12% below basic).. State - 74% 2009 - 62%, State - 73% 2008 - 69%, State - 73% 2007 - 72%, State - 71%

4th Grade Reading: 2012 - 61% (11% below basic). State - 72% 2011 - 63% (17% below basic). State - 73% 2010 - 72% (9% below basic), State - 73% 2009 - 60%, State - 71% 2008 - 63%, State - 70% 2007 - 63%, State - 60%

4th Grade Math: 2012 - 69% (11% below basic). State - 82% 2011 - 79% (6% below basic). State - 85% 2010 - 82% (7% below basic), State - 84% 2009 - 72%, State - 81% 2008 - 77%, State - 79%[58] 2007 - 66%, State - 71%

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 83%, (4% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 83%, (2% below basic). State - 82.9%
• 2010 - 81%, (5% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 - 80%, State - 83%
• 2008 - 83%, State - 81%

3rd Grade Reading: 2012 - 77%, (13% below basic). State - 74% [59] 2011 - 81%, (%9 below basic). State - 77% 2010 - 74%, (10% below basic), State - 75% 2009 - 85%, State - 77% 2008 - 76%, State - 77% 2007 - 80%, State - 60%

3rd Grade Math: 2012 - 80%, (7% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 90%, (3% below basic). State - 83% 2010 - 88%, (0% below basic), State - 84% 2009 - 89%, State - 81% 2008 - 84%, State - 80% 2007 - 86%, State - 71%

Middle school

Kane Area Middle School is located at 400 W Hemlock Avenue, Kane. In 2014, enrollment was 263 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 50% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 12.5% of pupils received special education services, while 3% of pupils were identified as gifted.[60] Mr. James Fryzlewicz is the Principal of the Middle School.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 268 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th. The school employs 24 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 11:1.[61] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 3 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[62]

2014 School Performance Profile

Kane Area Middle School achieved 82.4 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 72% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 78% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 60.7% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 71% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[63]

2013 School Performance Profile

Kane Area Middle School achieved 81.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 65.15% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 75.76% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 54% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 65.26% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[64] 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.

AYP History

In 2009 through 2012, Kane Area Middle School achieved AYP status each school year.[65] The attendance rate was 95% for both 2009 and 2010.[66]

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.[67] 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.[68] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[69] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[70]

8th Grade Reading: 2012 - 81% on grade level (4% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[71] 2011 - 72% (10% below basic) State - 81.8%[72] 2010 - 82% (8% below basic). State - 81% [73] 2009 - 88%, State - 80.9%[74] 2008 - 81%, State - 78% 2007 - 78%, State - 75% 8th Grade Math: 2012 - 80% on grade level (8% below basic). State - 76% [75] 2011 - 71% (11% below basic). State - 76.9% 2010 - 76% (7% below basic). State - 75%[76] 2009 - 68%, State - 71%[77] 2008 - 65%, State - 70% 2007 - 58%, State - 68%[78]

8th Grade Science: 2012 - 60% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 59%[79] 2011 - 53% (22% below basic). State – 58.3% 2010 - 58%, State - 57% 2009 - 50%, State - 55% 2008 - 49%, State - 50% %[80]

7th Grade Reading: 2012 - 68% (13% below basic). State – 76% 2011 - 74% (7% below basic). State – 76% 2010 - 72%, State - 73% 2009 - 74%, State - 71% 2008 - 68%, State - 70% 2007 - 72%, State - 66%

7th Grade Math: 2012 - 82% (8% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 88% (2% below basic). State - 78.6% 2010 - 88%, State - 78% 2009 - 82%, State - 75% 2008 - 80%, State - 70% 2007 - 72%, State - 67%

6th Grade Reading: 2012 - 71% (12% below basic). State - 68% 2011 - 57% (24% below basic). State - 69.9% 2010 - 69%, State - 68% 2009 - 64%, State - 67% 2008 - 71%, State - 67% 2007 - 67%, State - 63%

6th Grade Math: 2012 - 88% (1% below basic). State - 77% 2011 - 61% (24% below basic). State - 78.8% 2010 - 79%, State - 78% 2009 - 71%, State - 75% 2008 - 79%, State - 72% 2007 - 80%, State - 69%

High school

Kane Area High School is located at 6965 Route 321, Kane. In 2014, enrollment was reported as 388 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 39.7% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 17% of pupils received special education services, while 4.9% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 32 teachers.[81] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Mr. Todd Stanko and Mrs. Natalie Miller-Martini are the High School Co-Principals.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, Kane Area School District reported an enrollment of 372 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 124 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. In 2011, the school employed 32 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 11:1.[82] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[83]

2014 School Performance Profile

Kane Area High School achieved 70.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 79% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, only 64% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, just 60% showed on grade level science understanding.[84][85] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.[86] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[87][88]

2013 School Performance Profile

Kane Area High School achieved 71.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 81.25% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, only 63.54% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 47.37% showed on grade level science understanding.[89] 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.[90]

AYP History

In 2012, Kane Area High School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status. In 2011, Kane Area High School achieved AYP status.[91] Effective with Spring 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSA's to 11th graders. In 2009 and 2010, Kane Area High School achieved AYP status.[92]

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.[93] 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.[94]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 69% on grade level, (18% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[95]
• 2011 - 68% (9% below basic). State - 69.1%[96]
• 2010 - 70%, State - 66%[97]
• 2009 - 67%, State - 65%[98]
• 2008 - 72%, State - 65%[99]
• 2007 - 68%, State - 65%[100]

11th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 52% on grade level (21% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[101]
• 2011 - 61% (23% below basic). State - 60.3%[102]
• 2010 - 48%, State - 59%
• 2009 - 61%, State - 56%
• 2008 - 59%, State - 56%
• 2007 - 56%, State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 36% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[103]
• 2011 - 36% (15% below basic). State - 40%[104]
• 2010 - 35%, State - 39%
• 2009 - 44%, State - 40%[105]
• 2008 - 49%, State - 39%

Science in Motion Kane Area High 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.[106] University of Pittsburgh at Bradford provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 24% of the Kane Area 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.[107] 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.[108] 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

In 2010, the school board approved a dual enrollment agreement with Clarion University. This agreement permits high school students to take courses to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[109] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[110] 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.[111]

For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $1,320 for the program.[112]

Graduation requirements

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 27 credits to graduate, including: a required class every year in math (including algebra and geometry), English, social studies, science (including Earth Science and Biology), Physical Education - 2 credits, Health 0.5 credit, arts and humanities - 2 credits and electives 6.5 credits.[113] Additionally, each student must also complete eight hours of volunteer service each year, for a total of thirty-two hours.

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students were required to complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.[114] 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.[115]

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.[116] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[117]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Schools are mandated to provide targeted assistance to help the student be successful. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.[118][119] 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.[120] 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.[121] 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 2014, Kane Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 484. The Math average score was 495. The Writing average score was 456.[122] 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.[123]

In 2013, 50 Kane Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 471. The Math average score was 478. The Writing average score was 445. 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.[124]

In 2012, 49 Kane Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 468. The Math average score was 478. The Writing average score was 437. 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, 60 Kane Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 478. The Math average score was 469. The Writing average score was 458.[125] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[126] 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.[127]

The Pennsylvania Department of Education 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.[128]

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

AP Courses

In 2014, Kane Area High School offered 4 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. The fee for each AP Exam is $91 (2014).[129] The school normally retains $9 of that fee as a rebate to help with administrative costs. In 2012, the fee was $89 per test per pupil. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Kane Area High School 23.94% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[130]

Special education

In December 2012, Kane Area School District administration reported that 181 pupils or 14.9% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 40.9% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[131] In December 2009, the district administration reported that 167 pupils or 13.7% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 49% of the identified students having a specific learning disability. 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.[132] 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 order to comply with state and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules and regulations, the school district engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress.[133] To identify students who may be eligible for special education services, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Special Education administration. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the district seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the district or contact the district's Special Education Department.[134][135][136] The IDEA 2004 requires each school entity to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, including the student handbook and website regarding the availability of screening and intervention services and how to access them.

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[137] 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.[138] 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.[139] 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.[140] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[141]

The Kane Area School District received a $755,439 supplement for special education services in 2010.[142] 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.[143][144] For the 2014–2015 school year, Kane Area School District will receive an increase to $773,447 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.[145] 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 36 or 2.96% 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 with 15.5% of its students identified as gifted.[146] 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.[147][148]

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.[149]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Kane Area School District was $54,383 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $17,089 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $71,472.[150] In 2012, the district employed 178 teachers and administrators, with an average salary of $56,289 and a top salary of $112,897.[151][152]

Kane 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.) [153] After 40 years of service, a teacher 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.[154]

In 2009, Kane Area School District employed 100 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $52,633 for 188 days worked. There were 182 student days. The beginning salary was $31,860, while the highest salary was $117,617.[155] Teachers work a 7-hour 40 minutes day, with one 35 minute planning period and a paid 30 minute lunch included. Additionally, the teachers receive: a defined benefit pension, health insurance teacher pays $60/month, life insurance, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days which accumulate, paid leave in the event of death in the family and many other benefits. The board offered a $20,000 cash retirement incentive in 2011. The board gives the teachers' union four paid days for conducting union business. When teachers are requested to perform professional services in excess of their regularly assigned schedule, they receive compensation at $25 per hour.[156]

In 2007, the average teacher salary in the Kane Area School District was $53,414 for 180 days worked. The district ranked first in McKean County for average teacher salary in 2007.[157] 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.[158]

Administration costs

Kane Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $1,062.77 per pupil. This ranked 51st out of 500 public school district from spending on administration. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[159] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association collects and maintains statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association's report, the average salary for a superintendent, for the 2007–08 school year, was $122,165. Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.[160] According to PSBA, the median Superintendent salary rose to over $130,000 in 2011.[161]

Per-pupil spending

In 2008, per-pupil spending at Kane Area School District was $11,242 for each child. This ranked 373rd among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts.[162] In 2010, the district's per-pupil spending had increased to $12,868.32 per child.[163] By 2012, the districts per-pupil spending had risen to $23,256.30 per pupil.[164] In 2011, Pennsylvania's per-pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.[165] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[166]

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000–01.[167] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[168] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008–09.[169] Pennsylvania's total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.[170]

Reserves

In 2008, Kane Area School District reported an unreserved designated fund balance of $1,735,233 and an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $1,375,195.[171] In 2010, Kane Area School District Administration reported an increase to $1,455,114 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The district also reported an increase to $3,682,650 in its unreserved-designated fund in 2010. 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.[172] In 2005, the total reserve funds held by Pennsylvania public school districts was $1.9 billion.[173] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.[174][175] In 2014, the Board reported reserves of $5,764,234.[176]

State Audit

In November 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit on the district. The findings were reported to the school board and administration.[177] In March 2013, the Auditor General audited the district again.[178]

Tuition Students who live in the Kane Area 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 district's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $8,211.15, High School - $9,650.74.[179]

Kane Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local tax on earned income, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants have provided an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Interest earnings on accounts also provide nontax income to the district. In Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the level of wealth.[180][181] 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.[182]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, School District receives 67.9% of its annual revenue from the state.[183]

For the 2014–15 school year, Kane Area School District will receive $7,892,832 in State Basic Education funding. The district will also receive $191,603 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.[184] 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.[185]

In the 2013–2014 school year, Kane Area School District received a 1.3% increase or $7,892,832 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $101,477 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Kane Area School District received $91,320 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in McKean County, Bradford Area School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 1.5%. 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.[186] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland district, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.[187] As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[188]

For the 2012–13 school year, Kane Area School District received $7,789,397.[189] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 included $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which was an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) program. Kane Area School District received $101,477 in ABG funds. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[190] 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, Kane Area School District received $7,789,397 in state Basic Education Funding.[191][192] Additionally, the district received $91,320 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011–12.[193]

In 2010, the district reported that 502 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to their family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010-2011 budget year, Kane Area School District received a 4.28% increase in state Basic Education Funding for a total of $8,554,973 which was the highest increase in state funding among McKean County school districts. One hundred fifty school districts in Pennsylvania received the 2% base increase for budget year 2010–11. In McKean County, both Bradford Area School District and Smethport Area School District received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in the state was awarded to Kennett Consolidated School District of Chester County which was given a 23.65% increase in state basic education funding.[194] Fifteen (15) Pennsylvania public school districts received a BEF increase of greater than 10%. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was 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 public school districts at a far greater rate than others.[195]

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.31% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $8,203,963 to Kane Area School District. By comparison, Governor Rendell gave a 7.46% increase in funding to Bradford Area School District and Port Allegany School District received a 4.53% increase in state Basic Education Funding. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.[196] The amount of increase each school district received was determined by Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[197]

The state Basic Education funding to the Kane Area School District in 2008-09 was $7,789,396.79. In 2008, the district reported that 486 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to their family meeting the federal poverty level.[198] 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.[199][200]

All Pennsylvania school districts also receive additional funding from the state through several other funding allocations, including Reimbursement of Charter School Expenditures; Special Education Funding; Secondary Career & Technical Education Subsidy; PA Accountability Grants; and low achieving schools were eligible for Educational Assistance Program Funding. Plus all Pennsylvania school districts receive federal dollars for various programs including: Special Education funding and Title I funding for children from low income families. In 2010, Pennsylvania spent over $24 billion for public education - local, state and federal dollars combined.[201]

Accountability Block Grant

The state provides additional education funding to schools in the form of Accountability Block Grants. The use of these funds is strictly focused on specific state approved uses designed to improve student academic achievement. Kane Area School District uses its $247,864 to fund all-day kindergarten and for teacher training in teaching science. These annual funds are in addition to the state's basic education funding.[202] Schools Districts apply each year for Accountability Block Grants.[203] In 2009–10, the state provided $271.4 million in Accountability Block grants $199.5 million went to providing all-day kindergartens.[204]

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, Mathematics) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006–2009. Kane Area School District did not apply for funding in any of three years of the grant program. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[205]

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.[206]

Kane Area School District will receive $191,603 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, Accountability Block Grant funding, PreK Counts funding, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006 to 2009. The School District did not apply to participate in 2006–07, in 2007–08, or in 2008–09.[207] Among the public school districts in McKean County, the highest award was given to Bradford Area School District which received $365,176. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-2010 state budget.

Science It’s Elementary grant

Chestnut Elementary School successfully applied to participate and received a Science It's Elementary grant in 2008–09.[208] For the 2008–09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 66,973 students across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.[209] 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 was a hands on instruction approach for elementary science classes that develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills.[210] 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.[211] The district was required to develop a three-year implementation plan for the participating school. The school district administration was required to appoint a district liaison who was paid $3,000 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 for the program.[212] The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget. The grant was discontinued in the state's 2011 budget by Governor Edward G. Rendell.

Other grants

Kane Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants;[213][214] Education Assistance Grants; 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;[215] 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants[216] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal Stimulus

Kane Area School District received an extra $1,360,978 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[217] The funding was limited to the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.[218] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, the Governor and the Pennsylvania School Board Association, 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

Kane Area School District officials have applied for the Race to the Top federal grant which will bring the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[219] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success.[220] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[221] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[222]

Common Cents state initiative

The Kane Area School District School Board chose 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.[223] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes. The report found multiple opportunities for savings.

Real estate taxes

In 2010, the Kane Area School Board set the property taxes rate for Elk County residents at 32.5000 mills for the 2010–11 school year. McKean County residents were set at 14.8300mills.[224] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. 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. 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.[225]

• 2009- 10 - Elk County - 27.2800 mills. McKean County - 14.3700 mills.[226]
• 2008-09 - Elk County 25.8700 mills. McKean County - 13.8000 mills.[227]
• 2007-08 - Elk County 25.6800 mills. McKean County - 13.0600 mills.[228]

Property tax rates in 2009-10 were complicated by an error of the Pennsylvania State Tax Equalization Board. The board establishes the market aid ratio for each community which is used in the calculation. The board produced erroneous numbers for 2010, which lead to incorrect taxes being levied in school districts that cross county lines. The numbers were eventually corrected.[229] An audit of the agency, called for by local legislators, revealed that the STEB's documentation of municipalities showed 65 percent of the sample contained one or more deficiencies.[230]

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 permitted to raise taxes above that index, unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the Pennsylvania 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.[231] With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly voted to end most of the Act 1 exceptions leaving only special education costs and pension costs. The cost of construction projects will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum.[232]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Kane Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011–2012.[233]

• 2006-07 - 5.8%, Base 3.9%
• 2007-08 - 5.1%, Base 3.4%
• 2008-09 - 6.6%, Base 4.4%
• 2009-10 - 6.2%, Base 4.1%
• 2010-11 - 4.4%, Base 2.9%
• 2011-12 - 2.1%, Base 1.4%

For the 2011–12 school year, the Kane Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the Kane Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their Act 1 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.[234]

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.[235]

Property tax relief

In 2011, property tax relief for the 2,105 approved residents of Kane Area School District was set at $161.[236] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Kane Area School District was $157 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 2162 property owners applied for the tax relief. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county tax assessment office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on buildings used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (40,000 m²) and must include the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In 2009, 68% of McKean County property owners applied for the property tax relief.[237] The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania was awarded to Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County which received $632.

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%).[238]

Extracurricular activities

Kane Area School District has many different Varsity and Junior Varsity Sports. All athletic contests are under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association rules and regulations for that particular sport. Eligibility to participate is determined by school board policy. Sports include Wrestling, Girls Softball, Varsity Football, Junior Varsity Football, Girls Volleyball, Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer, Cross Country, Girls Golf, Boys Golf, Track and Field, Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Boys Baseball, Middle School Football, Middle School Girls Basketball, Middle School Boys Basketball, Cheerleading.

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.[239]

There are also a variety of non-athletic activities available to students throughout the district. Concert Band, Chorus, Choraliers, Musical, SADD, Drumline, Prom Committee, Newspaper, Weightlifting Club, National Honor Society, Orchestra, Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad, German Club, Athletic Association, Yearbook, Spanish Club, Tech Club, Art Club, Student Council, Birthday Club (MS), Library Assistants (MS), National Junior Honor Society (MS),

Administration

• Mr. Jeff Kepler, Superintendent of Schools
• Mrs. Linda Lorenzo, Elementary School Principal
• Mr. Todd Stanko, Middle School Principal
• Mr. James Fryzlewicz, High School Principal
• Mr. Jay Israel, High School Assistant Principal
• Mrs. Natalie Miller-Martini, Supervisor of Special Education
• Mrs. Jessica Gabriel, Business Manager
• Mr. John Rook, Facilities Manager
• Mr. Mark Candalor - Technology Director

Interesting facts

The Kane Wolves won the AML (Allegheny Mountain League) football championship in November, 2007 and were 10-0 for the season. It was the first 10-win season in Kane history. The team's football coach—Jason Barner—was named AML Coach-of-the-Year.[240]

Kane's first undefeated football team completed the 1963 season a perfect 9–0.

Kane won the 1949 Class B State Championship in boys basketball.

The boys' soccer team won 5 consecutive UAVSL League Championships from 2002–2006 and the 2003 District IX championship. That team advanced into the PIAA Quarterfinals in the state tournament.

A famous graduate (class of 1991) is Amy Rudolph, a 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games (top 10 in the 1500 meter run) and a 2000 Sydney Olympic Games competitor. Rudolph won six gold medals at the PIAA Track & Field Championships. Amy is a former national record-holder and also competed in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Trials. She was champion in the 1600 meter and 3200 meter runs in her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. She was the runner-up in both events her freshman season. Amy ran cross country and track at Providence College.

Basketball coach Chuck Daly attended Kane Area High School.

References

1. National Center for Education Statistics (2011). "Common Core of Data - Kane Area School District".
2. NCES, Common Core of Data - Kane Area School District, 2014
3. PDE (November 6, 2014). "Kane Area School District Fast Facts 2014".
4. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Kane Area School District School Performance report fast facts 2013, December 5, 2013
5. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Enrollment and Projections by LEA, 2011
6. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "Public School Enrollment Reports".
7. PDE, Enrollment by LEA 2012-13, 2012
8. PDE, Enrollment and Projections by LEA 2006-2020, July 2011
9. Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2011). "Enrollment and Projections by school district".
10. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Finances Selected Data 2010, 2012
11. proximityone (2014). "School District Comparative Analysis Profiles".
12. US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2009
13. US Census Bureau (2010). "American Fact Finder, State and County quick facts". Archived from the original on 2014-10-06.
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External links

• Official website