Littlestown Area School District

Littlestown Area School District is a small, rural, public school district located in southeastern Adams County. The district is one of the 500 public school districts of Pennsylvania. The district encompasses approximately 50 square miles (130 km²). The district serves: Littlestown, Union Township, Germany Township, a southern portion of Mount Pleasant Township and the eastern portion of Mount Joy Township, along with a portion of Bonneauville Borough.

Littlestown Area School District
Address
162 Newark Street South Central Pennsylvania Littlestown , Adams County , Pennsylvania 17340-1343 United States
Information
Type	Public
Superintendent	Christopher Bigger (2015–2018)[1]
School number	[phone]
Administrator	Michael Statler, Business Manager
Student Council presidents	Lovell, Nick, MAMS (2017); Schisler, Savannah, HS (2017)
Principal	Dr. Eric Naylor, MS
Principal	Dr. Chip Fissel, ACES
Principal	Mrs. Cortney Golden, MS Assistant Principal (2017)
Principal	Mr. Matthew Meakin, HS
Staff	156 non-teaching staff members (2001)
Faculty	150 (2010-11)[2]
Grades	K – 12th
Age	5 years old to 21 years old special education students
Enrollment	1911pupils (2016)[3] 2,037 pupils (2013), 2,054 pupils (2009-10)[4] 2,185 pupils (2008-09) 2,273 pupils (2005-06)[5]
• Kindergarten	124 (2015),[6] 156 (2010)
• Grade 1	130 (2015), 134 (2010)
• Grade 2	119 (2015), 137 (2010)
• Grade 3	154 (2015), 152 (2010)
• Grade 4	148 (2015), 151 (2010)
• Grade 5	139 (2015), 170 (2010)
• Grade 6	157 (2015), 146 (2010)
• Grade 7	159 (2015), 183 (2010)
• Grade 8	154 (2015), 141 (2010)
• Grade 9	158 (2015), 177 (2010)
• Grade 10	156 (2015), 171 (2010)
• Grade 11	168 (2015), 170 (2010)
• Grade 12	145 (2015), 167 (2010)
Color(s)	Blue and gold
Athletics conference	YAIAA Division 2/3
Mascot	Thunderbolts
Budget	$30,618,775 (2016-17)[7] $26,725,894 (2013-14)[8] $27,007,577 (2012-13) $25,961,038 (2010-11) $26,428,970 (2009-10) $25,559,126 (2008-09)
Per-pupil spending	$10,556 (2008)
Per-pupil spending	$11,904.52 (2010)
Website	http://www.lasd.k12.pa.us/

Per the US Census Bureau, by 2010, Littlestown Area School District's population declined to 14,586 people.[9] This makes it a District of the third class (population greater than 5,000 people less than 30,000). According to 2000 federal census data, Littlestown Area School District had a resident population of 18,235. In 2009, the Littlestown Area School District residents' per capita income was $16,811, while the median family income was $40,063. In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501[10] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[11] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[12]

According to district officials, in school year 2007-08 the Littlestown Area School District provided basic educational services to 2,281 pupils through the employment of 181 teachers, 149 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 16 administrators. LASD received more than $9.5 million in state funding in school year 2007-08.

Littlestown Area School District operates: a primary elementary school, a middle school and a high school. The Lincoln Intermediate Unit IU12 provides the district with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, speech and visual disability services and professional development for staff and faculty.

Governance

The Littlestown Area School District is governed by 9 individually elected school board members (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[13] 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 (renamed Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in December 2015) which mandates the district focus its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.[14] The school board is required by state law to post a financial report on the district in its website by March of each school year.[15]

The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. These contracts must be in writing and are subject to public disclosure under the state's Right to Know Act. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent and Business Manager regarding renewal of their employment contracts.[16] Pursuant to Act 141 of 2012 which amended the Pennsylvania School Code, all school districts that have hired superintendents on/after the fall of 2012 are required to develop objective performance standards and post them on the district's website.[17]

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.[18]

Schools

Name	Level	Information
Rolling Acres Elementary School	Retired	Built in 1952
Alloway Creek Elementary School	K-5	Finished in 2006, Alloway Creek Intermediate School houses Kindergarten through 5th grade. The school also houses the District Office, and Business Office. The purpose of the school was to alleviate the over crowding in Rolling Acres Elementary School. Remodeled in 2017, many classrooms and a new gymnasium were added.
Maple Avenue Middle School	6-8	The idea of a new school arose on January 7, 1932. The building was opened in time for the class of 1933. The school was formally named The Maple Avenue Junior-Senior High School.
Littlestown Senior High School	9-12	Built in 1962, recently added Gymnasium. Sports Mascot: Thunderbolts.

Academic achievement

The Littlestown Area School District ranking rose to 143rd out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts, in 2016, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[19] The ranking was based on student academic performance on the last three years of PSSA results in: reading, writing, mathematics and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school.[20] The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th.[21] 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).

2015 – 207th out of 293 districts[22] 2014 – 251st[23] 2013 – 263rd[24] 2012 – 293rd 2011 – 331st[25]

2010 – 309th[26] 2009 – 306th 2008 – 325th 2007 – 280th of 501 school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[27]

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Littlestown Area School District ranked 410th. In 2012, the district was ranked 424th.[28] The editor describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question – which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."[29]

Graduation rate

In 2016, the district's graduation rate was just 89.29%.[30]

• 2015 – 89.40%.[31] The nationwide graduation rate was 83%.[32]
• 2014 – 86.86%[33]
• 2013 – 85.8%.[34]
• 2012 – declined to 85%.[35]
• 2011 – 89.39%.[36]
• 2010 – 89%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[37]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

• 2010 – 90%[38]
• 2009 – 90%[39]
• 2008 – 89%[40]
• 2007 – 89%[41]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Littlestown Area School District achieved AYP status.[42] In 2011, Littlestown 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.[43] School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in

• 2005 – Making Progress School Improvement Level I
• 2004 – declined to School Improvement Level I due to low academic achievement
• 2003 – District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[44]

High school

Littlestown Senior High School is located at 200 East Myrtle Street, Littlestown. In 2016, enrollment was reported as 627 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 31% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 10.2% of pupils received special education services, while 5.4% of pupils were identified as gifted.[45] The school employed 50 teachers.[46] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 94% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[47]

In 2013, Littlestown Senior High School enrollment was reported at 643 pupils, with 28% from low income families.[48] According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 725 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 189 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. The school employed 50 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[49] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[50]

2016 school performance profile

SPP – 87.3 out of 100 points Littlestown Senior High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 91.2% of students were on grade level in reading.literature and 87.5% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I 78% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[51] The requirement that pupils pass the Keystone Exams in reading, algebra I and bIology I in order to graduate was postponed until 2019 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly because less than 60% of 12 grade pupils statewide would have been eligible for graduation from high school due to failing one or more Keystone Exams.[52] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.[53]

2015 school performance profile

Littlestown Senior High School achieved 93.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 93.5% of Littlestown Senior High School's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 91.5% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 86.9% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[54][55] Statewide, 53 percent of schools with an eleventh grade achieved an academic score of 70 or better. Five percent of the 2,033 schools with 11th grade were scored at 90 and above; 20 percent were scored between 80 and 89; 28 percent between 70 and 79; 25 percent between 60 and 69 and 22 percent below 60. The Keystone Exam results showed: 73 percent of students statewide scored at grade-level in English, 64 percent in Algebra I and 59 percent in biology.[56][57]

2014 school performance profile

Littlestown Senior High School achieved 87.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 82.6% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 84% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 66.6% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[58][59] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.[60]

2013 school performance profile

Littlestown Senior High School achieved 83.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 76.5% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, just 75% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 42.9% showed on grade level science understanding.[61] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, they now take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.

AYP history

Littlestown Senior High School achieved AYP status every year from 2003 through 2012.[62] Effective with Spring 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSA's to 11th graders.

PSSA Results PSSAs are NCLB related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012. T PSSA 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.[63] 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.[64] In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The Keystone Exams are given at the end of the applicable course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.[65] The state announced the change in 2010 and made it in order to comply with Governor Edward G. Rendell's agreement to change to the national Common Core standards.[66]

11th grade reading:

• 2012 – 70% on grade level, (11% below basic). State – 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[67]
• 2011 – 70.2% (12% below basic). State – 69.1%[68]
• 2010 – 62%, State – 66%[69]
• 2009 – 67%, State – 65%[70]
• 2008 – 65%, State – 65%[71]
• 2007 – 72%, State – 65%[72]

11th grade math:

• 2012 – 68% on grade level (13% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[73]
• 2011 – 65%, (11% below basic). State – 60.3%
• 2010 – 59%, State – 59%[74]
• 2009 – 58%, State – 56%[75]
• 2008 – 62%, State – 56%[76]
• 2007 – 48%, State – 53%

11th grade science:

• 2012 – 44% on grade level (9% below basic). State – 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[77]
• 2011 – 37% (12% below basic). State – 40%
• 2010 – 39%, State – 39%
• 2009 – 49%, State – 40%
• 2008 – 35%, State – 39%[78]

Science in Motion Littlestown Senior 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.[79] Gettysburg College provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

College Remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 36% of Littlestown Area High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[80] 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.[81] 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

Littlestown Senior High School offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. Participating 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.[82] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[83] 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.[84] For the 2009-10 funding year, the Littlestown Area School District received a state grant of $3,405 for the program.

Graduation requirements

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The Littlestown Area School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 26 credits to graduate, including: math 3 credits, English 4 credits, social studies 4 credits, science 3 credits, Arts humanities – 2 credits, Phys. Ed. and Health/Driver Education 3 credits and 7 credits in electives.[85]

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.[86] 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.[87] At LASD, the Class of 2017 and beyond are exempt from the graduation project requirement.

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2019,[88] public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[89] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[90]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exams. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.[91][92] 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.[93] 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.[94] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

SAT scores

In 2015, 67 Littlestown Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 518. The Math average score was 518. The Writing average score was 486.[95] The College Board also reported that statewide 96,826 pupils took the exams with average scores declining in all three measurers to: 495 in reading, 511 in math and 484 in writing.[96]

In 2014, 63 Littlestown Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 511. The Math average score was 497. The Writing average score was 472.[97][98] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[99] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, 86 Littlestown Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 491. The Math average score was 506. The Writing average score was 475. 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.[100]

In 2012, 92 Littlestown Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 506. The Math average score was 505. The Writing average score was 465. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the USA, 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, 89 Littlestown Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 500. The Math average score was 493. The Writing average score was 470.[101] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal – 493, Math – 501, Writing – 479.[102] 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.[103]

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a research arm of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, compared the SAT data of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania to students in urban areas. From 2003 to 2005, the average total SAT score for students in rural Pennsylvania was 992, while urban students averaged 1,006. During the same period, 28 percent of 11th and 12th graders in rural school districts took the exam, compared to 32 percent of urban students in the same grades. The average math and verbal scores were 495 and 497, respectively, for rural students, while urban test-takers averaged 499 and 507, respectively. Pennsylvania's SAT composite score ranked low on the national scale in 2004. The composite SAT score of 1,003 left Pennsylvania ranking 44 out of the 50 states and Washington, DC.[104]

AP Courses

In 2013, Littlestown Senior High School offered 7 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. The school offers: AP Computers, AP U. S. History, AP English, AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Chemistry, and AP English. 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 Littlestown Area School District the AP courses are weighted at 1.2 credits.[105] In 2013 Littlestown Senior High School, just 17% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[106] In 2015, 15% of the pupils who took an AP exam achieved a 3 or better.[107]

In 2016, Littlestown Senior High School offered 9 AP courses. Just 32% of the pupils who took the courses achieved a 3 or better on the AP exam.[108]

Maple Avenue Middle School

Maple Avenue Middle School is located at 75 Maple Avenue, Littlestown. By 2016, enrollment had declined to 467 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 32% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 12.8% of pupils received special education services, while % of pupils were identified as gifted.[109] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 99% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[110]

By 2013, Maple Avenue Middle School's enrollment was 485 pupils, with 35% coming from low income homes. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 522 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 167 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 38 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.[111] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[112]

2016 school performance profile

SPP 53.8 out of 100 points. Maple Avenue Middle School PSSA mandated testing results were: just 58% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while 31% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 60% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.[113] In 7th grade, 58% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 23% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 67% were on grade level in reading and only 41% were on grade level in math. In 2016, 70% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, just 46% of 5th grade students showed on grade level math skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. Statewide just 31% of eighth graders demonstrated on grade level in math and 58% of eighth graders were on grade level in reading. In science, 57.7% of eighth graders showed on grade level proficiency. Among 7th graders, just 37% of students demonstrated on grade evel skills in mathematics. In seventh grade reading, 58% were on grade level. Sixth graders had 61.5% showing on grade level math skills. In reading, 61.5% of sixth graders were on grade level.[114]

2015 school performance profile

The PDE withheld SPP scores. It was reported that 66% of 8th grade students at Maple Avenue Middle School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, 49% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 61% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 68% were on grade level in reading, while only 37% showed on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 63% were on grade level in reading and 35% were on grade level in mathematics. Among fifth graders, 71% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 51% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported.[115] Statewide 58% of eighth (8th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 29% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 7th graders were 58% on grade level in reading and 33% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among sixth (6th) graders, 60.7% were reading on grade level, while 39.7% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[116]

2014 school performance profile

Maple Avenue Middle School achieved a SPP of 83.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 75% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 81% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 69.7% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 80% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[117][118]

2013 school performance profile

Maple Avenue Middle School achieved 89.7 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, 78.6% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics, 84% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, just 65% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 81% of the 8th grade students were on grade level.[119]

AYP history

From 2004 through 2012 Maple Avenue Middle School achieved AYP status.[120] The attendance rate was 94% in both 2010 and 2011.[121] In 2003, Maple Avenue Middle School was in Warning AYP Status due to lagging student achievement.

PSSA history

8th grade reading: 2012 – % on grade level (% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[122] 2011 – 88% (4% below basic). State – 81.8%[123] 2010 – 79%, State: 81%[124] 2009 – 84%, State – 80.9%[125] 2008 – 82%, State – 78%[126]

8th grade math: 2012 – 82% (4% below basic). State – 76%[127] 2011 – 83% (5.6% below basic). State – 76.9% 2010 – 74%, State: 75% 2009 – 75%, State – 71%[128] 2008 – 78%, State -70%

8th grade science:

• 2012 – 89% on grade level (1% below basic). State – 59%
• 2011 – 71% (10% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 – 64%, State – 57%
• 2009 – 64%, State – 55%
• 2008 – 58%, State – 50%

7th grade reading: 2012 – 83% (6% below basic). State – 76% 2011 – 70% (10% below basic). State – 76% 2010 – 73%, State – 73%[129] 2009 – 67%, State -71%[130] 2008 – 72%, State – 70%[131]

7th grade math: 2012 – 88% (6% below basic). State – 80% 2011 – 81% (7% below basic). State – 78.6% 2010 – 82%, State – 77% 2009 – 79%, State – 75% 2008 – 79%, State -70%

6th grade reading: 2012 – 76% (6% below basic). State – 68% 2011 – 70% (10% below basic). State – 69.9% 2010 – 74%, State – 68% 2009 – 62%, State – 67%[132] 2008 – 63%, State – 67%[133]

6th grade math: 2012 – 82% (2% below basic). State – 77% 2011 – 83% on grade level (4% below basic). State – 78.8% 2010 – 71%, State – 83% 2009 – 71%, State – 75%[134] 2008 – 72%, State – 72%

Alloway Creek Intermediate School

Alloway Creek Intermediate School is located at 162 Newark Street, Littlestown. The school is limited to 4th and 5th grades. In 2016, the school's enrollment was 287 pupils in grades 4th and 5th, with 32.7% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 7% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2.8% are identified as gifted.[135] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.[136] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, the school's enrollment was 299 pupils, with 33% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.[137] Alloway Creek Intermediate School was not a federally designated Title I school. In 2011, the school had 291 pupils. The school employed 20.8 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[138] 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.[139]

2016 school performance profile

SPP score of 66 out of 100.[140] Alloway Creek Intermediate School PSSA mandated testing results were: 71% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while only 46% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, just 58% were on grade level in reading, while 44% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 83% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards.[141][142]

2015 school performance profile

SPP withheld by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 71% of 5th grade students at Alloway Creek Intermediate School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, just 50% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 67% were on grade level in reading, while 50% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 91% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding.[143] Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 4th graders were 58.6% on grade level in reading and 44.4% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 77.3% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding.[144]

2014 school performance profile

Alloway Creek Intermediate School achieved a score of 73.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 68% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 4th through 5th. In math, 81% were on grade level (4th-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 85% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 53% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[145]

2013 school performance profile

Alloway Creek Intermediate School achieved a score of 85 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 68% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 4th and 5th. In math, 82.8% were on grade level (4th and 5th grades). In 4th grade science, 87.7% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 63% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[146]

AYP history

From 2004 through 2012, Alloway Creek Intermediate School achieved AYP Adequately Yearly Progress status.[147] All the students take the PSSAs each year.

PSSA history

5th grade reading: 2012 – 71% on grade level (12% below basic). State – 65%[148] 2011 – 74% (9% below basic). State – 67.3% 2010 – 54%, State – 64%[149] 2009 – 54%, State – 64%[150]

5th grade math: 2012 – 83% (4% below basic). State – 73% 2011 – 81%, (4.3% below basic). State – 74% 2010 – 81%, State – 74% 2009 – 73%, State – 73%

4th grade reading: 2012 – 81% (7% below basic). State – 72% 2011 – 80% (5% below basic), State – 73.3% 2010 – 79%, State – 72% 2009 – 64%, State – 72%

4th grade math: 2012 – 82% (6% below basic). State – 82% 2011 – 93% (1% below basic), State – 85.3% 2010 – 92%, State – 84% 2009 – 81%, State – 81.8%

4th grade science:

• 2012 – 85%, (6% below basic). State – 82%
• 2011 – 85%, (2% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 – 89%, State – 81%
• 2009 – 86%, State – 86%

Rolling Acres Elementary School

Rolling Acres Elementary School is located at 150 East Myrtle Street, Littlestown. In 2016, the school's enrollment was 530 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 41% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 10.6% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[151] 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.[152] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, the school's enrollment was 600 pupils with 36.5% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. In 2011, Rolling Acres Elementary School had an enrollment of 596 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd grade. The school is a federally designated Title I school with 186 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[153] 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.[154] The school provides full-day kindergarten to all its pupils.[155]

2016 school performance profile

SPP score of 58.4 out of 100 points. Rolling Acres Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 60% of students in 3rd grade were on grade level in reading, while 57% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills.[156][157]

2015 school performance profile

SPP withheld by PDE. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, among third (3rd) graders, 64% were on grade level in reading and 61% were on grade level in mathematics.[158] Statewide among Pennsylvania third (3rd) graders, 62% were reading on grade level, while 48.5% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[159]

2014 school performance profile

Rolling Acres Elementary School achieved a score of 83 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, 75% of the third grade students were reading on grade level. In math, 82.98% were on grade level (3rd grades).[160]

2013 school performance profile

Rolling Acres Elementary School achieved a score of 84.2 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, the 3rd grade, had 79% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In third grade math, 85.6% demonstrated on grade level achievement.[161] Kindergarten through second grade are not tested and reported under No Child Left Behind.

AYP history

In 2012, Rolling Acres Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading achievement in reading. Attendance was 94%. From 2004 through 2011, Rolling Acres Elementary School achieved AYP status each year.[162] The attendance rate in 2011 declined to 94% while in 2010 the rate was 95%.[163]

3rd grade reading: 2012 – 70%, (21% below basic). State – 74%[164] 2011 – 75%, (16% below basic), State – 77.2%[165] 2010 – 75%, State – 75%[166] 2009 – 74%, State – 77%[167]

3rd grade math: 2012 – 77%, (5% below basic). State – 80%[168] 2011 – 85%, (4% below basic), State – 83.5% 2010 – 85%, State – 84% 2009 – 83%, State – 81.7%

Special education

In December 2015, the district administration reported that 223 pupils, or 11.5% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with 55.6% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[169] In December 2013, the district administration reported that 254 pupils, or 12.5% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with 54.7% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[170]

In December 2011, the Littlestown Area School District administration reported that 251 pupils, or 12% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with 60% of identified pupils having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 285 pupils, or 13% of the district's pupils, received special education services.[171] Special education services in the Commonwealth are provided to students from ages three years to 21 years old. In the 2010-11 school year, the total student enrollment was more than 1.78 million students with approximately 275,000 students eligible for special education services. Among these students 18,959 were identified with mental retardation and 21,245 students with autism.[172] 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 2007, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak testified before the Pennsylvania House Education Committee regarding full-day kindergarten. He claimed that districts which offered the program would see a significant decrease in special education students due to early identification and early intervention. He asserted the high cost of full-day kindergarten would be recouped by districts in lower special education costs.[173] Littlestown Area School District has provided full-day kindergarten since 2010. The district has seen a slight decrease in the percentage of special education students it serves, which has yielded no savings.

The 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. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, 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 Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. 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 Supervisor of Special Education.[174] 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. 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.[175] 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.[176] 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.[177] 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.[178] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[179]

Littlestown Area School District received a $1,252,459 supplement for special education services in 2010.[180] 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.[181][182]

• 2014-15 school year, LASD received an increase to $1,271,915 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.[183]
• 2016-17 school year, Littlestown Area School District received a 1.4% increase in state special education funding to $1,295,584.[184]

Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students each school year. The district must apply for this added funding.

In 2013, the state's Special Education Funding Reform Commission provided a report on the state of funding for special education in the Commonwealth.[185] Funding for special education programs is borne largely on a local basis at 60%, with the state contributing $1 billion or 30% and the federal government providing 10% of the funding.

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 74 or 3.39% of its students were gifted in 2009.[186] 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.[187]

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.[188]

In 2016, the average teacher salary in Littlestown Area School District was $65,474 a year. The district employed 165 teachers with a top salary of $134,500.[189][190] The 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.)[191] After 40 years of service, Pennsylvania public school teachers and administrators can retire with 100% of the average salary of their final 3 years of employment. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers' total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.[192][193] In 2014-15, the state mandated district contribution to the teacher pension fund rose to 21.40% of employee salaries and in 2015-16 it rose again to 25.84% of total district salaries.[194] In 2017-18, the mandated contribution rate for state and local taxpayers is 32.57% of each teachers salary.[195]

In 2014, the average teacher salary in LASD was $62,615 a year. The district employed 166 teachers with a top salary of $107,760.[196][197] In 2013, a Memorandum of Understanding (joint district and Littlestown Education Association Agreement), resulted in a reduction in credit reimbursement of $40,000 to association members to help balance the budget.[198] The school board established a $25.26 million budget for fiscal year 2011-12. It included programming changes to eliminate teaching and staff positions coupled with cuts in spending, including extracurriculars and outdoor camp. It also preserved 2.7% raise for teachers. The district has a contract with the teachers' union that includes annual raises through 2016-16.[199][200]

In 2012, the average teacher salary in Littlestown Area School District was $56,724.78 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $14,910 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $71,635.[201] In 2011, the district employed 170 teachers with an average salary of $58,983 and a top salary of $141,5000.[202] In 2013, the district administration reported that the district must pay $2.1 million to the teacher pension system (PSERS), which is an increase of $630,000 over the 2012-13 cost.[203] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 a year plus they receive federal Social Security benefits: both income streams are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local school earned income tax, both of which fund local public schools.[204]

In 2009, the Littlestown Area School District reported employing 175 teachers. The average salary was $54,954 for 186 days with 181 pupil instruction days. The highest salary was $131,500 and the beginning salary was over $41,000. The teacher union president is given one paid day per week to conduct union business and the union is also provided with 5 paid days per year, for other members to engage in union business. The work day is 7 hours 30 minutes, including a 30-minute period for duty-free lunch. Teachers receive planning periods each week. Benefits for teachers include 3 paid bereavement days, 10 paid sick days, 3 personal days and reimbursement for professional development. After ten years of service, teachers are eligible for a sabbatical leave (up to one year) at 50% to 70% of their salary plus continued health insurance benefits. In 2007-08 through 2010-11 the teachers received a 4.% raise in salary plus step increases.[205] 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.[206]

In 2007, Littlestown Area School District employed 144 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $44,732 for 180 days worked.[207] 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.[208]

Administrative spending The Littlestown Area School District's administrative costs per pupil was $716.36 in 2008. The district was ranked 298th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[209] 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.[210] According to PSBA, the median Superintendent salary rose to over $130,000 in 2011.[211]

Per-pupil spending In 2008, Littlestown Area School District reported spending $10,556 per pupil. This ranked 434th in the commonwealth.[212] In 2010, the district's per-pupil spending had increased significantly to $11,904.52.[213] In 2011, Pennsylvania's per-pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.[214] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[215]

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.[216] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[217] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.[218] Pennsylvania's total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.[219]

Reserves In 2009, Littlestown Area School District reported a $2,366,881 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.[220] By 2012, Littlestown Area School District reported $3,134,708 in its reserves.[221] 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.[222] In 2005, the total reserve funds held by Pennsylvania public school districts was $1.9 billion.[223] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.[224][225][226] In 2014-15, Littlestown Area School District reported having $4,514,384.00 in reserves.[227]

Audit In August 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the Littlestown Area School District. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.[228] In 2014, the district was audited again.[229]

Tuition Students who live in the Littlestown 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 Littlestown 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 were Elementary School – $8,680.32, High School – $9,654.27.[230]

The 2015 LASD tuition rates were Elementary School – $9,320.68, High School – $10,966.70.[231]

Littlestown Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 0.5%, a property tax, an Occupation tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Interest earnings on accounts also provide nontax income to the district. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the level of the individual's personal wealth.[232] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeded $60,000 a year, plus they receive federal Social Security benefits. Both retirement benefits are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.[233] Effective 2016, active duty military are also exempted from paying the local earned income tax in Pennsylvania.[234][235]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Littlestown Area School District receives 39.6% of its annual revenue from the state.[236]

In December 2014, the Pennsylvania Education Funding Reform Commission conducted a hearing. Testimony was given regarding state funding at the fastest growing districts and those with the greatest decline in enrollment since 1996. Area School District was identified as a district with a large decline in enrollment. State funding per pupil to the district grew by % from $ per pupil in 1996 to $ in 2013.[237][238] The commission developed a new basic education funding formula which sets a new way to distribute state basic education dollars. It abolished the practice of "hold harmless" funding, which gave districts at least the same as they got the previous school year regardless of declining enrollment. The plan became law in June 2016 (House Bill 1552).[239][240][241]

For the 2016-17 school year, Littlestown Area School District received $6,310,762 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a 2.1% increase over 2015-16 funding to the district. The highest percentage of BEF increase in Adams County was 3.8% awarded to Conewago Valley School District under the state's Basic Education Funding formula. For the 2016-17 school year, Pennsylvania increased its public education spending to a record high of $5,895 billion. It was a $200 million increase, 3.51% increase over the 2015-16 appropriation.[242] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.[243] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher's pension fund.[244] Statewide Conestoga Valley School District received a 13.3% increase in state BEF funding. Five PA public school districts received an increase of 10% or greater in Basic Education funding over their 2015-16 funding.

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $3,045,783 to Littlestown Area School District, in January 2016.[245] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.[246] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.[247] Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in Basic Education funding under Governor Wolf.[248][249]

In compliance with a legislative mandate that was passed with veto proof majorities in the PA House and Senate,[250] the final BEF funding was determined for 2015-16, in April 2016. Littlestown Area School District received $6,463,932 in Basic Education Funds for the 2015-16 school year. This was a 2.06% increase yielding a $130,489 increase over the previous school year funding. The district also received $285,937 in Ready to Learn funding from the state.[251]

For the 2014-15 school year, Littlestown Area School District received $6,083,870 in State Basic Education funding. The district also received $134,604 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget included $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[252] The Education budget also included Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State paid $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania's Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[253]

For the 2013-14 school year Littlestown Area School District received a 2.1% increase or $6,084,120 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $124,958 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district.[254] Additionally, Littlestown Area School District received $134,604 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and also level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Adams County, Conewago Valley School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 3.2%. The district has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth's budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[255] 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.[256] 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.[257]

For the 2012-13 school year, the Littlestown Area School District received $5,959,162.[258] 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. Littlestown Area School District received $134,604 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees' Social Security and $856 million for School Employees' Retirement fund called PSERS.[259] 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 budget year, Littlestown Area School District received $5,959,162 in state Basic Education Funding.[260] Additionally, the Littlestown Area School District will receive $134,604 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 to districts in Adams County, was awarded to Gettysburg Area School District which received an over 8.40% increase. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District which received an over 49% increase.[261]

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 577 students in the Littlestown Area School District received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2009-2010 school year.[262]

For the 2010-11 school year, Littlestown Area School District was provided a 2.84% increase in basic education funding to the district for a total of $6,490,101.[263] Among Allegheny County public school districts, the highest increase was allotted to South Fayette Township School District which received an 11.32% increase in 2010. In Pennsylvania, 150 school districts received a 2% base increase. The highest increase in state basic education funding to districts in Adams County, was awarded to Conewago Valley School District which received an over 9.66% increase. The highest increase in Pennsylvania was given to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which was given a 23.65% increase. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation made in the budget proposal made in February each year.[264]

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.9% increase in Basic Education funding for Littlestown Area School District a total of $6,310,953. The highest increase in Adams County went to Conewago Valley School District which received 9.48% increase in 2009-10. Muhlenberg School District of Berks County received an increase of 22.31 percent. Sixteen school districts received an increase in funding of over 10 percent in 2009.[265] The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the budget proposal made in February each year.[266]

The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $5,959,162.38. In 2009, Littlestown Area School District reported that 473 students received a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to low family income.[267]

Accountability Block Grant

The state provides supplemental funding in the form of accountability block grants. The use of these funds is strictly focused on specific, state approved, student academic achievement focused programs and processes. Littlestown Area School District uses its $365,350 to fund various interventions to improve student achievement, including teacher training to improve instruction, to pay teachers to develop new courses, and to provide extensive intervention for struggling students through tutoring. These annual grant funds are in addition to the state's basic education funding.[268] School districts must apply each year for Accountability Block Grants.[269] The 2009-10 school year, the state provided $271.4 million in Accountability Block grants $199.5 million went to providing all-day kindergartens.[270]

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.[271]

In 2014-15, Littlestown Area School District received $249,573 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, PreK Counts funding, transportation reimbursement, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

Classrooms for the Future Grant

Littlestown Area School Board received a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to purchase equipment to help reform the high school's core subjects instruction. The district used the funds to purchase laptops for students, laptops for teachers, laptop carts and other digital equipment. The grant provided additional funding for a technology coach to instruct teachers in using the equipment to improve instruction. In 2006-07 and 2007-08 the district did not apply for funding. In 2008-09, the district received $138,210 in funding.[272] Beginning in 2006, Pennsylvania's Classrooms for the Future program distributed more than $150 million for laptops, interactive boards and other high-tech tools to 543 Pennsylvania high schools. In 2009, the Classrooms For the Future funding program was terminated due to a deep state revenue shortfall.[273]

Other grants

Littlestown Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants, PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell), Education Assistance Grants, 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, 2012 and 2013 nor Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants,[274] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal grants

Littlestown Area School District received an extra $1,294,337 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used only in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[275] The funding was for the 2009–10 and 2010-11 school years.

Race to the Top grant

Littlestown Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[276] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success.[277] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[278] 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.[279]

Title II grants

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to be used to improve the quality of teacher instructions to pupils. The goal is to provide each child in public schools with "High Quality" teachers and principals as defined by the state.[280] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[281] Beginning in 2002, the federal funding committed to Title II was $3,175,000,000.

Public school district administrations must apply to the state annually for the Title II funds. In 2012-13, Littlestown Area School District received $79,709 in federal Title II funding.[282] In 2014-15, Littlestown Area School District applied for and received $73,060.[283]

English language learners grant

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.[284] Upon registering for school a language survey is done for all new enrollment pupils, typically in kindergarten or preschool. They identify the primary language spoken at home. This data is collected and submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which in turn notifies the federal government.[285][286]

In 2012-13, Littlestown Area School District received $1,901 in Title III funding for English language learners.[287] For 2014-15, Littlestown Area School District received $11,406 in Title III funding.[288]

Real estate taxes

In 2016-17, the Littlestown Area School Board set the property tax rate at 11.3507 mills.[289] 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.[290] Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. In 2010 Adams County engaged in a property value reassessment that resulted in a reduced millage rate that yielded the same amount to the government in tax revenues.[291]

Unlike other states, under Pennsylvania state tax policy, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes.[292] There are a plethora of gas pipelines in the district due to marcellus shale gas development.[293][294] Pipeline companies prohibit development within the 100-foot-wide right-of-way, there by limiting future development options for the landowner. This limits future potential property tax revenues for the school district, by constraining future land development. Located in the marcellus shale region, Sayre Area School District is adversely impacted this way.[295][296][297] The Atlantic Sunrise Gas Pipeline passes through Mount Pleasant Township.[298]

2015-16 – 10.7980 mills.[299] 2014-15 – 10.5347 mills.[300] 2013-14 – 10.2578 mills. 2012-13 – 10.0370 mills.[301] 2011-12 – 9.8210 mills.[302] 2010-11 – 41.1150 mills.[303]

2009-10 – 39.6100 mills.[304] 2008-09 – 38.8600 mills.[305] 2007-08 – 36.8700 mills.[306] 2006-07 – 35.2500 mills.[307] 2005-06 – 34.0000 mills.[308]

The average yearly property tax paid by Adams County residents amounts to about 3.33% of their yearly income. Adams County ranked 444th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[309] According to a report prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the total real estate taxes collected by all school districts in Pennsylvania rose from $6,474,133,936 in 1999-00 to $10,438,463,356 in 2008-09 and to $11,153,412,490 in 2011.[310] 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%).[311]

Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2010-2011 school year is 2.9 percent, but it can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increases in pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increased 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.[312]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Littlestown Area School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.[313]

2006-07 – 5.3%, Base 3.9%[314] 2007-08 – 4.6%, Base 3.4% 2008-09 – 5.8%, Base 4.4% 2009-10 – 5.4%, Base 4.1% 2010-11 – 3.8%, Base 2.9% 2011-12 – 1.8%, Base 1.4%[315][316] 2012-13 – 2.2%, Base 1.7%

2013-14 – 2.2%, Base 1.7%[317] 2014-15 – 2.7%, Base 2.1%[318] 2015-16 – 2.5%, Base 1.9%[319] 2016-17 – 3.1%, Base 2.4%[320][321] 2017-18 – 3.2%, Base – 2.5%[322][323]

For the 2016-17 budget year, Littlestown Area School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the district's Act 1 Index limit: escalating teacher pension costs and rising special education costs.[324] Statewide 299 school districts adopted a resolution to not exceed their Act I index in 2016-17. In 2016-17, all Pennsylvania public school districts were required to make a 30.03% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[325] This was in addition to the 6.02% social security employer match payment.[326]

For the 2015-16 budget year, Littlestown Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget 2015-16, 310 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 187 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Regarding the pension costs exception, 172 school districts received approval to exceed the Index limit in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 119 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. No Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[327]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Littlestown Area 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).[328] 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.[329]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Littlestown Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[330]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Littlestown Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[331]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Littlestown Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Littlestown Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[332]

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.[333]

For 2009 and 2010 budget years, the Littlestown Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Index limit.[334][335] 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.[336]

Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Littlestown Area School District was $227 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 3941 property owners applied for the tax relief. Among Adams County school districts, in 2009, Upper Adams School District received the highest relief allocation at $279.[337] Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.[338] This was the second year Chester Upland School District was the top recipient. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Adams County, 74% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[339]

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, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.

Wellness policy

Littlestown Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 – Policy 246.[340] The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 – 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006." The Superintendent is required to report to the school board annually regarding the effectiveness of the policy.

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

The district offers 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 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 lunch. 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.[342] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[343]

In 2013, the USDA issued new restrictions to foods in public schools. The rules apply to foods and beverages sold on all public school district campuses during the day. They limit vending machine snacks to a maximum of 200 calories per item. Additionally, all snack foods sold at school must meet competitive nutrient standards, meaning they must have fruits, vegetables, dairy or protein in them or contain at least 10 percent of the daily value of fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D.[344] 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.[345]

Littlestown Area School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses are available in each building to conduct annual health screenings (data reported to the PDE and state Department of Health) and to dispense prescribed medications to students during the school day. Students can be excluded from school unless they comply with all the State Department of Health's extensive immunization mandates. School nurses monitor each pupil for this compliance.[346] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.

Littlestown Area School District participated in Highmark Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools which enabled mobile data collection of pertinent health and physical fitness screening data on students K-12 in a database held by InnerLink, Inc. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Health eTools for Schools also provided interdisciplinary research-based curriculum in nutrition, physical education and physical activity to participating districts. The program was discontinued in 2013.[347]

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant

In 2011, the Littlestown Area School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Maple Avenue Middle School received $10,000 which was used to purchase equipment to enhance the Thunderbolt Fitness program, which provides cardiovascular and strength training activities to increase cardio and strength and flexibility.[348] Beginning in 2006, Highmark Foundation engaged in a 5-year, $100 million program to promote lifelong healthy behaviors in children and adolescents through local nonprofits and schools.

Extracurriculars

The Littlestown Area School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, costly sports program.[349] The Littlestown Area School Board determines eligibility policies to participate in these programs.[350][351]

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.[352][353][354]

According to PA Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act 126 of 2014, all volunteer coaches and all those who assist in student activities, must have criminal background checks. Like all school district employees, they must also attend an anti child abuse training once every three years.[355][356][357]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[358] Article XVI-C of the Public School Code requires the disclosure of interscholastic athletic opportunities for all public secondary school entities in Pennsylvania. All school entities with grades 7-12 are required to annually collect data concerning team and financial information for all male and female athletes beginning with the 2012-13 school year and submit the information to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, all non-school (booster club and alumni) contributions and purchases must also be reported to PDE.[359]

According to Pennsylvania's Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.[360][361]

The district funds: Varsity:

Boys: Baseball – AAAA Basketball – AAAA Cross Country – AA Football – AAA Soccer – AA Tennis – AA Track and Field – AAA Wrestling – AA

Girls: Basketball – AAAA Cheer – AAAAA Cross Country – AA Field Hockey – A Soccer (Fall) – AA Softball – AAAA Girls' Tennis – AA Track and Field – AA Volleyball – AA

Middle School sports:

Boys: Basketball Football Wrestling

Girls: Basketball Field Hockey Volleyball

According to PIAA directory July 2016[362]

Student Council

There are individually run student councils in the middle school and high school. The following is a list of student council officers for LHS and MAMS:

Class of 2018

President: Hanna Riley

Vice President: Madi Kohls

Secretary: Savannah Hurst

Treasurer: Alex DeHaas

Historian: Julie Singleton

Representatives: Brigid Costello, Savannah Schisler

Class of 2019

President: Jessie Naill

Vice President: Elena Yingling

Secretary: Gweneth Lloyd

Treasurer: Regan Schroeder

Historian: Madison Becker

Class of 2020

President; Andre' Denault

Vice President: Colin Costello

Secretary: Lynsey Brinkley

Treasurer: Amaya Bowman

Historian: Jake McCallister

LHS STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICERS 2017- 2018

President: Savannah Schisler

Vice President: Hanna Riley

Secretary: Colin Costello

Treasurer: Madi Kohls

Historian: Julie Singleton

MAMS STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICERS 2017-2018

President: Nick Lovell

Vice President: Lindsey Childs

Secretary: Kylah Green

Treasurer: Colin Denault

Historian: Madison McCrea

History of Education

The history of education in Littlestown dates back to 1747 when a Reformed minister, Rev. Michael Schlatter, sent here by the Synod of Amsterdam, established the first known school in Adams County. Two days after his arrival, on May 4, he baptized the child of the schoolmaster, John Henry Kreutz. The main subject taught was German. During the pastorate of Rev. Jacob Wiestling, which began in 1813, the school was housed in a building on church property and the school remained in existence for approximately one hundred years.

The Free School Act of 1834 caused much debate and opposition in this area. Many people sincerely believed that free schools would engender indolence, increase crime, oppress the taxpayers and destroy individual liberty. As a result of such thinking, a joint convention was held at Gettysburg College November 4, 1834, by the County Commissioners. A. LeFevre, delegate from here, voted thumbs down, along with others, on the proposal. Finally, at the third and final convention on May 2, 1836, the townships acquiesced. A County Convention was held in Littlestown, November 21 to 23, 1866, by the office of the County Superintendent of Schools, created by State law in 1854.

In 1836, public school machinery was set up in Littlestown. There were two schools established, one a log structure on East King Street, taught by John McSherry and Francis X. Deneckere established the first Catholic parochial school with Miss Mary Wilson as first teacher. Public education so progressed in Littlestown that in 1871 a two-story brick building consisting of three classrooms and one recreation room was built. The first principal was Hanson Harner. One year later, in 1872, a famous Littlestown School teacher, Miss Lizzie Nicks, was elected as teacher of the primary grades and remained in this capacity for 31 years. It is a know fact that as soon as pupils could recite the A, B, C's Miss Nicks rewarded them with a penny. Teachers salaries were $18.00 a month and the average school term was 4 months and 5 days.

There was not much improvement in 1898, when the salary was $24.00 a month. Summer schools were also held in the public school building around this time. One such school was conducted by Amos Parr. As many as a hundred students from all over the county came to Littlestown for the summer or 'trade' schools. Principal Harner was succeeded by Ezra E. Taylor. (Pictured below – 2 pictures down)

In 1880 Dr. E. Krebs founded the Edge Hill Academy, a Preparatory school which lasted for approximately 20 years. Dr. Krebs' son, Stanley Krebs, was the husband of Marjorie Main. The Academy property is now the Benjamin and Anna Ulrich LeFevre property at 356 East King Street.

The building constructed in 1871 was razed thirty years later to give way to the grade school building on East King Street, converted into Community Center in 1963. The new building was constructed by John Eline, who was The Builder in those days, at a cost of $10,000 and boasted a hot water furnace and spacious rooms and halls. It was first occupied December 1, 1901. The first class was graduated from Littlestown High School, May 1, 1902. W.A. Burgoon was the first high school principal. Three years later L.H.S. was recognized as a second class school with a three-year course by the state. In 1915 the school had grown so that it necessitated an addition to the building and in 1916 it was recognized as a first class school.

To trace the growth – in 1901 there was a faculty of one and a student body of 17; in 1912 there was a faculty of six and a student body of 134.

On January 7, 1932, it was decided to construct a new building as a result of the congestion being experienced on East King Street, and this was to be located on a site north of the playground on Maple Avenue, at that time Long Alley.

Bids were received April 14 and contracts awarded amounting to approximately $50,000 on May 13. The architect was Bernard Starr, an alumnus of the school, class of 1911, and the building was completed in time for the class of 1933 to hold their Commence exercises. William Eline was the contractor, son of the man who built the East King Street School; Stanley B. Stover did the electrical work and B.F. Redding the Plumbing.

The Board of Education consisted of Dr. Harry S. Crouse, Samuel E. Renneer, John A. Mayers, Emory H. Snyder, and Henry S. Stover. The High School Faculty included Paul E. King, Principal; Lloyd L. Stavely, Harold R. Shriver, Golda O. Hook, Josephine Stetser and Kathryn Snyder.

In 1938, the school added two new departments to its curriculum, Industrial Arts and Home Economics. In 1944, Littlestown High School had medical service for the first time with Mrs. Brenda Badders Walker as school Nurse.

Jointure....

Mt. Pleasant township, Littlestown Borough, Mt. Joy Mount Joy Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania, Union Union Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania and Germany Germany Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania townships formed the Littlestown Joint School System on July 1, 1948. As a result, the schools were changed from the 8-4 to the 6-6 plan. This caused an influx of Junior high pupils from the rural schools which in turn brought about a new $54,000 addition to the Maple Avenue School, to include 4 classrooms, a cafeteria, and an office and storage room. Work began on Sept. 16, 1948 and was completed by the end of the school year. Also, about this time the new athletic field was put to use. All first grade pupils of the Jointure were invited to come to Littlestown where two first grades were established.

In the summer of 1950 extensive renovations were made in the Maple Avenue structure to accommodate an enlarged Industrial Arts program and to provide space for a music room and laboratory. There were 972 pupils in the entire school system,; 433 enrolled in the Junior-Senior High School. The East King Street building accommodated grades one through six with a total of 547 pupils.

On February 11, 1952, the Joint Board of Education was advised of the increase in enrollments of the elementary schools and the lack of physical facilities. On April 8 it was agreed to take an option on the proposal of Lloyd and Alma Crouse for twelve lots on East Myrtle Street and consider the gift of lands adjoining thereto as owned by I.H. Crouse & Sons. Bids were opened for a new school on December 9, 1952, and contracts awarded. Allen F. Feeser, Taneytown, Md. was general contractor. The name "Rolling Acres Elementary School" was selected by the Board; dedication of the new school, built at a cost of approximately $500,000 was held on Friday, January 29, 1954.

The present Littlestown High School was dedicated on September 3, 1961. It was built at an approximate cost of $1,500,000. The school bell that was preserved in a special niche here is the same bell used on the first private school established on East King Street and later at the public school which is now the community center. This bell now is on display in the foyer of the new gymnasium at the high school.[363]

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External links

• Littlestown Area School District