Palmerton Area School District

Palmerton Area School District is a public school district located in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. It serves the boroughs of Palmerton and Bowmanstown, and Lower Towamensing Township and Towamensing Township. The district encompasses approximately 56 square miles (150 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, it served a resident population of 12,791. By 2010, the district's population increased to 14,056 people.[21] The educational attainment levels for the Palmerton Area School District population (25 years old and over) were 85% high school graduates and 14% college graduates.[22] The District is one of the 500 public school districts of Pennsylvania.

Palmerton Area School District
Address
680 Fourth Street Palmerton , Carbon County , Pennsylvania 18071 United States
Information
Type	Public
School board	9 locally elected members
Superintendent	Mr Scot Engler (2014)[1](2014–2017)[2][3]
Administrator	Diane Serfass, Business Manager
Staff	106 non teaching staff members
Faculty	115 teachers (2015)[4]
Grades	K-12
Age	5 years old to 21 years old special education
Number of pupils	1,756 pupils (2016-17),[5] 1,845 pupils (2014-15)[6] 1,857 pupils (2012-13)[7] 1,920 pupils (2009-10) [8][9] 1,997 pupils (2005-06)[10]
• Kindergarten	122 (2014),[11] 128 (2010)[12]
• Grade 1	159 (2014), 120 (2010)
• Grade 2	148 (2014), 157 (2010)
• Grade 3	140 (2014), 156 (2010)
• Grade 4	143 (2014), 156 (2010)
• Grade 5	144 (2014), 145 (2010)
• Grade 6	140 (2014), 154 (2010)
• Grade 7	165 (2014), 180 (2010)
• Grade 8	149 (2014), 167 (2010)
• Grade 9	153 (2014), 152 (2010)
• Grade 10	96 (2014), 149 (2010)
• Grade 11	114 (2014), 121 (2010)
• Grade 12	151 (2014), 135 (2010)
• Other	Enrollment projected to be 1,614 pupils in 2020[13]
Language	English
Budget	$31,365,773 (2016-17)[14] $30,387,081 (2015-16)[15] $28,174,999 (2013-14)[16] $27,388,661 (2011-12)[17] $26,589,136 (2009-10)[18]
per-pupil spending	$10,481 (2008) $12,240.23 (2010)[19] $12,771.32 (2013)[20]
Website	http://www.palmerton.org

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 38.9% of the district's pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty Level as shown by their eligibility for the federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012.[23] In 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, reported that less than 10 students in the Palmerton Area School District were homeless.[24] In 2009, the District residents’ per capita income was $17,361, while the median family income was $42,072.[25] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501[26] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[27]

According to Palmerton Area School District officials, the district provided basic educational services to 1,969 pupils through the employment of 123 teachers, 78 full-time and part-time support personnel, and eleven (11) administrators during the 2011-12 school year. The district received $10,138,418 in state funding in the 2011-12 school year. In 2007-08, PASD enrollment was 2,090 pupils through the employment of 136 teachers, 35 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 9 administrators. Palmerton Area School District received more than $8.6 million in state funding in school year 2007-08. In Carbon County, the median household income was $48,900.[28] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[29] In 2014, the median household income in the USA was $53,700.[30]

The district operates five schools: Stephen S. Palmer Elementary School (2-6); Parkside Elementary School (K-1); Towamensing Elementary School (K-6); Palmerton Area Junior High School (7-8) and Palmerton Area High School (9-12). The junior high and senior high are in a single building. High school students may choose to attend the Carbon Career & Technical Institute for training in the construction and mechanical trades. For the 2015-16 school year, 48 resident students chose to enroll in public charter schools, rather than attend the district's schools.[31] The Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit IU21 provides the district with a wide variety of services like: specialized education for disabled students; state mandated training on recognizing and reporting child abuse; speech and visual disability services; criminal background check processing for prospective employees and professional development for staff and faculty.

The Towamensing school provided kindergarten to 4th grade until 1986. In 1986-87 school year, they were expanded to 6th grade. Before the school expanded, it only had one 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade classes. After the expansion, those grades were doubled as well as the expansion of the two 5th and 6th grade classes.

Governance

Palmerton Area School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve without compensation for a term of four years), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[32] 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.[33] 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.[34]

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.[35] 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.[36] The District is noncompliant with this state mandate in January 2017.[37]

From 2008 to 2013, Carol Boyce served as Superintendent of the district. Her contract was not renewed by the school board in 2013.[38]

In 2011, Palmerton Area School District agreed to participate in a pilot program to develop a new way to evaluate public school teachers and principals that, in part, takes into account student achievement. Several York County school districts are participating.[39] The pilot program had 104 K-12 entities, including: nine career and technical centers, nine charter schools and nine intermediate units. Beginning in January 2012, participating school districts will use the new evaluation method and provide feedback to the Department of Education. This new evaluation was not used to determine an educator's official 2011-12 assessment. Under the new evaluation system, 50% of the evaluation of a teacher will be based on an observation divided into four categories: planning and preparation, classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilities. The other half will be based on student achievement (15 percent will be building-level data, 15 percent will be teacher-specific data, and 20 percent will be elective). The new evaluation system has both announced and unannounced observations. There are meetings between the teacher and evaluator before and after the direct observation of a lesson.[40]

Graduation rate

In 2016, Palmerton Area School District's graduation rate was 97.35%.[41]

• 2015 - 87.3%.[42] The nationwide graduation rate was 83%.[43]
• 2014 - 95.3%[44]
• 2013 - 95.1%[45]
• 2012 - 90.63%.[46]
• 2011 - 96.97%[47]
• 2010 - 88.97%, the PDE issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[48]

Academics

In October 2015, Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale reported that one school in the district was among the 561 academically challenged schools that have been overlooked by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. S. S. Palmerton Elementary School was so identified.[49][50] He also reported the Pennsylvania Department of Education had failed to take any action to remediate the poorly performing schools to raise student academic achievement or to provide them with targeted professional assistance.[51] In 2012 Palmerton Area High School was among the 15% lowest-achieving schools in the Commonwealth. Parents and students may be eligible for scholarships to transfer to another public or nonpublic school through the state's Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program passed in June 2012.[29] The scholarships are limited to those students whose family's income is less than $60,000 annually, with another $12,000 allowed per dependent. Maximum scholarship award is $8,500, with special education students receiving up to $15,000 for a year's tuition. Parents pay any difference between the scholarship amount and the receiving school's tuition rate. Students may seek admission to neighboring public school districts.[52]

Statewide academic ranking

In 2016, Palmerton Area School District ranked 376th out of 494 Pennsylvania public school districts, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[53] The ranking is based on the last 3 years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school.[54] Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.[55]

• 2015 - 385th out of 293 districts [56]
• 2013 - 379th[57]
• 2012 - 345th[58]
• 2008 - 250th[59]
• 2007 - 250th out of 501 school districts.[60]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Palmerton Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status as a whole even though three of the schools did not achieve AYP status.[61] In 2011, Palmerton 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 based on student performance.[62][63]

• 2006 to 2010 - achieved AYP status each year
• 2005 - Making Progress in School Improvement Level I AYP status[64]
• 2004 - declined to School Improvement Level I AYP status due to chronic low student achievement
• 2003 - Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement

High school

Palmerton Area High School is located at 3525 Fireline Rd, Palmerton. By 2016, Palmerton Area High School enrollment had declined to 451 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 29% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 11.9% of pupils received special education services, while 3% of pupils were identified as gifted.[65] The school employed 33 teachers.[66] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[67] The junior high and senior high share a single building.

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 84.2 out of 100 points Palmerton Area High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 86.5% of students were on grade level in reading.literature and 73% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 81% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[68] The requirement that pupils pass the Keystone Exams in reading, algebra I and bIology I in order to graduate was postponed until 2019 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly because less than 60% of 12 grade pupils statewide would have been eligible for graduation from high school due to failing one or more Keystone Exams.[69] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.[70]

2015 School Performance Profile

Palmerton Area High School achieved out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 74.5% of the high school's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 62% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, just 56% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[71][72]

2014 School Performance Profile

Palmerton Area High School achieved a SPP of 58.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, just 68.87% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 47% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, just 46% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[73][74]

2013 School Performance Profile

Palmerton Area High School achieved a SPP of 74.7 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 78% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 58.8% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 32.6% showed on grade level science understanding.[75][76]

AYP History

In 2012, Palmerton Area High School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, due to missing all academic metrics measured.[77] Effective with Spring 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSA's to 11th graders.

• 2011 - achieved AYP status.[78]
• 2003 - 2010 - achieved AYP status each school year.[79]

For PSSA result history, as well as, SAT and AP course info at Palmerton Area High School see the high school's wiki article.

Junior high school

Palmerton Area Junior High School is located at 3529 Fireline Rd, Palmerton. It shares a building with the high school. In 2016, enrollment was just 300 pupils, in grades 7th and 8th, with 35% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 13% of pupils received special education services, while 3.6% of pupils were identified as gifted.[80] According to a 2016 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[81] The school is a Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2014, Palmerton Area Junior High School reported an enrollment of 312 pupils, in grades 7th and 8th, with 109 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 20 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.[82] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of Palmerton JHS teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[83] The school was a Title I school.

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 54.3 out of 100 points. Palmerton Area Junior High School PSSA mandated testing results were: just 40% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while only 25% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 50% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.[84] In 7th grade, 54% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 25% demonstrated on grade level math skills. 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.[85]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE withheld the school's SPP scores. It was reported that just 50% of 8th grade students at Palmerton Area Junior High School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, just 31% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills.[86] In science, 63% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, just 47% were on grade level in reading, while 18% showed on grade level math skills. No eighth grade writing scores were reported.[87] 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. Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[88]

2014 School Performance Profile

Palmerton Area Junior High School achieved 72.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 75% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 67% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 70% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 58% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[89][90]

2013 School Performance Profile

Palmerton Area Junior High School achieved 74.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, 72% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 68% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 56% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 69% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[91] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.

AYP History

In 2012, Palmerton Area Junior High School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, due to missing 50% of academic metrics measured.[92]

• 2011 - achieved AYP status[93]
• 2010 - Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement[94]
• 2009 - achieved AYP status[95]
• 2008 - achieved AYP status[96]
• 2007 - Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement[97]
• 2003 - 2006 - achieved AYP status

PSSA Results:

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are NCLB related examination given in the Spring of each school year. Sixth and seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999, as a state initiative.[98] Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science.[99] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[100] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[101]

8th Grade Reading: 2012 - 71% on grade level (13% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[102] 2011 - 79% (5% below basic) State - 81.8%[103] 2010 - 71% (13.9% below basic). State - 81%

8th Grade Math: 2012 - 63% on grade level (17% below basic). State - 76% [104] 2011 - 58% (21% below basic). State - 76.9% 2010 - 62% (18% below basic). State - 75% [105]

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 50% on grade level (26% below basic). State - 59%[106]
• 2011 - 54% (24% below basic). State - 58.3%
• 2010 - 51% (28% below basic). State - 57% [107]

7th Grade Reading: 2012 - 65% (20% below basic). State - 76% 2011 - 76% (7% below basic). State - 76% 2010 - 68% (8% below basic). State - 73%

7th Grade Math: 2012 - 70% (15% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 72% (9% below basic). State - 78.6% 2010 - 66% (11% below basic). State - 77%

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Palmerton Area School District did not implement a no-cost dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school.[108] The process identifies students at risk for dropping out by examining the pupil's: attendance, behavior and course grades. Interventions are implemented to assist at-risk pupils to remain in school. The program is funded by federal and private dollars.[109]

Towamensing Elementary School

Towamensing Elementary School is located at 7920 Interchange Road, Lehighton, Pennsylvania. In 2016, Towamensing Elementary School's enrollment was 362 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 30% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 24% of the pupils receive special education services, while 3% are identified as gifted.[110] 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.[111] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2014, enrollment was 370 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 88 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 25 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[112] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[113] The school provided full-day kindergarten to identified pupils since 2008.[114][115]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 81.5 points out of 100 points Towamensing Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were among 6th graders, just 57% were on grade level in reading and only 35% were on grade level in math. Among 5th graders, 81% of students were on grade level in reading, while 64% of fifth grade students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 71% were on grade level in reading, while 60% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 95% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, only 68% were on grade level in reading and 65% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[116][117]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 62% of 6th graders at Towamensing Elementary School (TES) were on grade level in reading and 53% were on grade level in math. Among fifth graders, just 59% of students at TES were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, only 39% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 75% were on grade level in reading, while 57% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 97% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 70% were on grade level in reading and 62% were on grade level in mathematics.[118] Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 4th graders were 58.6% on grade level in reading and 44.4% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 77.3% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among Pennsylvania third (3rd) graders, 62% were reading on grade level, while 48.5% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[119]

2014 School Performance Profile

Towamensing Elementary School achieved a score of 86.6 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 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 80.8% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 75.5% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, 81% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 88% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[120]

2013 School Performance Profile

Towamensing Elementary School achieved a score of 84 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 66% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 70% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 72% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 70% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[121] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.

AYP status history

In 2012, Towamensing Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status, due to missing all academic metrics measured.[122] From 2003 to 2011, Towamensing Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.

PSSA History

Each year, in the Spring, in order to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Law, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.[123] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[124][125][126] The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.[127] The first cohort of children who attended Accountability Block Grant funded full-day kindergarten in the state reached third grade and took the PSSAs in the spring of 2008. At Palmerton ASD the first full-day kindergarten group reached third grade testing in 2011.

6th Grade Reading: 2012 - 86% (4% below basic). State - 68%[128] 2011 - 68% (17% below basic). State - 69.9%[129] 2010 - 74% (5% below basic). State - 68%[130]

6th Grade Math: 2012 - 86% (6% below basic). State - 77% 2011 - 83% (0% below basic). State - 78.8% 2010 - 90% (8% below basic). State - 78%

5th Grade Reading: 2012 - 67% (15% below basic). State- 65% 2011 - 88% (4% below basic). State - 67.3% 2010 - 60% (17% below basic). State - 64% 5th Grade Math 2012 - 58% (13% below basic). State - 73% 2011 - 80% (4% below basic). State - 74% 2010 - 63% (14% below basic). State - 76.3%

4th Grade Reading 2012 - 67% (10% below basic). State - 72% 2011 - 73% (13% below basic). State - 73% 2010 - 88% (2% below basic). State - 73%

4th Grade Math 2012 - 74% (8% below basic). State - 82% 2011 - 86% (6% below basic). State - 85% 2010 - 89% (4% below basic). State - 84%

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 87% (2% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 92% (2% below basic). State - 82.9%
• 2010 - results not publicly reported

3rd Grade Reading 2012 - 86% (14% below basic). State - 74% [131] 2011 - 70% (17% below basic). State - 77% 2010 - 81%, (7% below basic). State - 75%

3rd Grade Math 2012 - 88% (0% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 83% (5% below basic). State - 83% 2010 - 92%, (0% below basic). State - 84%

Palmer Elementary School

S S Palmer Elementary School is located at 298 Lafayette Avenue, Palmerton. In 2016, the school's enrollment was 467 pupils in grades 2nd through 6th, with 50.5% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 15.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.7% are identified as gifted.[132] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.[133] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2014, enrollment was 457 pupils in grades 2nd through 6th, with 203 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 27 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.[134] 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.[135][136]

2016 School Performance Profile

SS Palmer Elementary School School Performance Profile was 69 out of 100 points. In sixth grade, 60% of the students were reading on grade level, while 52% of pupils demonstrated on grade level math skills.[137] In 5th grade, 57% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while 35% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 45% were on grade level in reading, while 27% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 65% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 59% were on grade level in reading and 56% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[138][139]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE withheld the school's SPP. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, In sixth grade, 52% of the students were reading on grade level, while just 35% of pupils demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among 5th graders, 53% of students at Palmer Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 40% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 51% were on grade level in reading, while only 24% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 76% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 50% were on grade level in reading and 39% were on grade level in mathematics.[140][141]

2014 School Performance Profile

SS Palmer Elementary School achieved a score of 69.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 63% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 72% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, % were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, 87.5% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 48.7% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[142]

2013 School Performance Profile

SS Palmer Elementary School achieved a score of 80 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 68.9% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 78.6% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 75% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 59% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[143]

AYP History

In 2012, S S Palmer Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading achievement.[144] From 2003 to 2011, Palmer Elementary School achieved AYP level status each school year.[145] According to results of the annual PSSA testing, just 70% of the pupils were reading on grade level in 3rd through 6th grades. Second grade was not tested in reading or math. In mathematics, 78% of the pupils (3rd through 6th grade) demonstrated on grade level skills.

Special education

In December 2015, Palmerton Area School District administration reported that 320 pupils, or 17% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with 45.6% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[146] In December 2009, the District administration reported that 205 pupils, or 19% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with % of the identified students having a specific learning disability. Special education services in the Commonwealth are provided to students from ages three years to 21 years old. In the 2010-2011 school year, the total student enrollment was more than 1.78 million students with approximately 275,000 students eligible for special education services. Among these students 18,959 were identified with mental retardation and 21,245 students with autism.[147] 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).[148] In 2012, Palmerton ASD reported that 329 pupils or 16.6% of pupils received special education services, with 48.6% were identified as having specific learning disabilities.[149] In 2009, Palmerton ASD reported that 326 pupils or 16.4% of pupils received special education services, with 52.1% were identified as having specific learning disabilities.[150]

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.[151] Palmerton Area School District has provided full-day kindergarten since 2011. The district has seen an increase in the percentage of special education students it serves, yielding no savings.

In order to comply with state and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules and regulations, Palmerton Area School district engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress.[152] To identify students who may be eligible for special education services, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Special Education administration. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the district seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the district or contact the district's Special Education Department. By Pennsylvania law, the district has 60 calendar days, after receiving parental consent, to complete the evaluation.[153][154][155] The IDEA 2004 requires each school entity to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, including the student handbook and school website regarding the availability of screening and intervention services and how to access them.[156]

Students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may take the PSSA-M an alternative math exam rather than the PSSA.[157] Some special education students may take the PASA (Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment), rather than the PSSA.[158] Schools are permitted to provide accommodations to some students.[159] Students with an IEP can graduate upon achieving the goals there outline regardless of their Keystone Exam results.

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for special education services. This funding was in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[160] The Special Education funding structure is through the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds and state appropriations. IDEA funds are appropriated to the state on an annual basis and distributed through intermediate units (IUs) to school districts, while state funds are distributed directly to the districts. Total funds that are received by school districts are calculated through a formula. The Pennsylvania Department of Education oversees four appropriations used to fund students with special needs: Special Education; Approved Private Schools; Pennsylvania Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind; and Early Intervention. The Pennsylvania Special Education funding system assumes that 16% of the district's students receive special education services. It also assumes that each student's needs accrue the same level of costs.[161] Over identification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.[162] The state requires each public school district and charter school to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[163] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[164]

Palmerton Area School District received a $1,037,719 supplement for special education services in 2010.[165] 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 was provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.[166][167] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The district must apply for this added funding.

• 2014-2015 school year, PASD received an increase to $1,071,476 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.[168]
• 2016-17 school year, Palmerton Area School District received a 2.7% increase in state special education funding to $1,140,922.[169]

In 2013, the state's Special Education Funding Reform Commission provided a report on the state of funding for special education in the Commonwealth.[170] 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

Palmerton Area School District Administration reported that 39 or 2.02% of its students were gifted in 2009. The highest percentage of gifted students reported among all 500 school districts and 100 public charter schools in Pennsylvania was North Allegheny School District with 15.5% of its students identified as gifted.[171] 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 are also considered for eligibility.[172][173]

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 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.[174]

In 2015, the average teacher salary in PASD was $61,443 a year.[175] The District employed 143 teachers with a top salary of $114,918.[176][177] Palmerton Area School District teacher and administrator retirement benefits are equal to at least 2.00% x Final Average Salary x Total Credited Service. (Some teachers benefits utilize a 2.50% benefit factor.)[178] 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.[179][180] 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.[181] For the 2016-17 school year, the district was required to contribute an amount equal to 30% of each teacher salary to the PSERS pension system.

2017 Teacher Strike

In January 2017, Palmerton Area Teahcers Union declared a strike on January 9.[182] At issue is salary and benefits especially health insurance costs. Under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act commonly dubbed Obamacare, the school district will be fined a 40% excise tax by the federal government if they continue to offer high value health insurance to their employees, unless the employees make a substantial contribution towards the premiums.[183] Palmerton Area School Board has offered 3.25 percent for four years, which the union rejected.[184] State law gives the Pennsylvania Department of Education the power to order the teachers to return so that students will complete 180 days of instruction, by June 15.[185] The teacher's union ended the strike effective January 23, 2017.[186]

Pennsylvania is one of 13 states in which teacher strikes are legal. Pennsylvania has the highest rate of teacher strikes in the United States.[187] In 2016, there were many teacher union strikes including in: Line Mountain School District, Warren County School District, Shamokin Area School District, Highlands School District, Montrose Area School District, Ambridge Area School District, Athens Area School District, Dallas School District and Sayre Area School District.[188]

In 2009, Palmerton Area School District reported employing 148 teachers and administrators with a median salary of $57,869 and a top salary of $110,210.[189] The teacher's work day is 7 hours, with 186 days in the contract year. In addition to salary, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance ($30 per pay period teacher contribution for family plan), dental insurance, eye insurance, 100% reimbursement for courses for professional development, 3 paid personal days which accumulate, 5 paid bereavement days, 10 paid sick days, and other benefits.[190]

Administration costs

Palmerton Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $582.16 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[191] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association collects and maintains statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania.[192][193]

Per-pupil spending

In 2008, the Palmerton Area School District administration reported that per-pupil spending was $10,481 which ranked th among Pennsylvania's then 501 public school districts. In 2010, the district's per-pupil spending had increased to $12,240.23[194] In 2013, the per-pupil spending was reported as $12,771.32.[195] In 2011, Pennsylvania's per-pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.[196] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[197]

Reserves In 2008, the Palmerton Area School District reported a balance of $1,175,620, in its unreserved-undesignated fund.[198] In 2010, Palmerton Area School District Administration reported an increase to $2,202,892 in the unreserved-designated fund balance. The district also reported $272,486 in its unreserved-designated fund in 2010. In 2014-15, Palmerton Area School District reported having $2,326,266 unassigned reserves, $3,113,757 in assigned reserves and $3,276,779 in committed reserves.[199]

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.[200] In 2005, the total reserve funds held by Pennsylvania public school districts was $1.9 billion.[201] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.[202][203][204]

Audit In May 2014, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the school board and the district's administration.[205]

Tuition Students who live in Palmerton Area School District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Area School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the district's schools. The 2011 tuition rates were elementary school - $8,540.54, high school - $8,596.39[206] In 2015, the tuition rates were elementary school - $8,637.25, high school - $8,951.82.[207]

Palmerton Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 0.05%,[208] per capita tax $5, Local Services tax $5, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a small amount, generally 10% of its budget from the federal government.[209] 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.[210] 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.[211] Effective 2016, active duty military are also exempted from paying the local earned income tax in Pennsylvania.[212][213]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Palmerton Area School District receives 37.8% of its annual revenue from the state.[214][215]

In December 2014, the Pennsylvania Education Funding Reform Commission conducted a hearing.[216][217] 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).[218][219][220]

For the 2016-17 school year, Palmerton Area School District received $6,499,358 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This was a 2.8% increase over 2015-16 funding to the district. The highest percentage of BEF increase in Carbon County was 10.6% awarded to Jim Thorpe Area 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.[221] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.[222] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher's pension fund.[223] 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 $3,095,494 to Palmerton Area School District, in January 2016.[224] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.[225] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.[226] Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in Basic Education funding under Governor Wolf.[227][228]

In compliance with a legislative mandate that was passed with veto proof majorities in the Pennsylvania House and Pennsylvania Senate,[229] the final BEF funding was determined for 2015-16, in April 2016. Palmerton Area School District received $6,321,919 in Basic Education Funds for the 2015-16 school year. This was a 2.19% increase yielding a $135,519 increase over the previous school year funding. The district also received $303,548 in Ready to Learn funding from the state.[230]

For the 2014-15 school year, Palmerton Area School District received $6,238,671 in State Basic Education funding. The district received $237,301 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.[231] 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 2013-14 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[232]

In the 2013-14 school year, the Palmerton Area School District received a 2.1% increase or $6,241,862 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $129,337 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Palmerton Area School District received $115,408 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services.[233] Among the public school districts in Carbon County, Jim Thorpe Area School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 4%. The district had 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.[234] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland School District, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.[235] 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.[236]

For the 2012-13 school year, the Palmerton Area School District received $6,112,461.[237] 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. Palmerton Area School District received $313,247 in ABG funding. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[238] 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 the 2011-12 school year, Palmerton Area School District received a $6,111,612 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[239] Among the PA school districts in Carbon COunty Jim Thorpe Area School District received the highest percentage increase a 4.24% increase.[240] Additionally, the Palmerton Area School District received $313,247 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount was a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.[241] The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District of Allegheny County, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.[242] In 2010, the District reported that 551 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[243] Some Pennsylvania public school districts experienced a reduction of total funding due to the termination of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.

In the 2010-11 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 6.28% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $6,699,719. Among the districts in Carbon County, the highest increase went to Jim Thorpe Area School District which got an 11.05% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase of BEF in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County, which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[244] Fifteen (15) Pennsylvania public school districts received a BEF increase of greater than 10%. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.[245]

In the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided Palmerton Area a 6.97% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $6,304,005. Among the districts in Carbon County, the highest increase went to Panther Valley School District which got a 14.06%. Ninety (90) Pennsylvania public school districts received the base 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.[246] The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.[247]

The state Basic Education Funding to the Palmerton Area School District in 2008-09 was $5,893,252.23. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 511 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[248] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania spent $7,824 Per Pupil in the year 2000. This amount increased up to $12,085 by the year 2008.[249][250]

All Pennsylvania school districts also receive additional funding from the state through several funding allocations, including: Reimbursement of Charter School Expenditures; Special Education Funding; Secondary Career & Technical Education Subsidy; PA Accountability Grants; and low achieving schools were eligible for Educational Assistance Program Funding. Plus all Pennsylvania school districts receive federal dollars for various programs including: Special Education funding and Title I funding for children from low income families. In 2010, Pennsylvania spent over $24 billion for public education - local, state and federal dollars combined.[251] By 2015, Pennsylvania was spending over $27 billion on public education (local, state and federal resources combined).[252]

Accountability Block Grants

Beginning in 2004-05, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania's school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher skills training; All Day Kindergarten; lower class size in Kindergarten through 3rd grade; literacy and math coaching programs (provides teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction); before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010-11, the Palmerton Area School District applied for and received $313,247. in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to reduced class size K-3rd grade and to provide Teacher Training to improve instruction.[253][254] For 2012-13, Palmerton Area received $115,408 in ABG funding.[255]

Ready to Learn grant

Beginning in the 2014-15 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.[256]

Palmerton Area School District received $303,548 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, transportation reimbursement, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006 to 2009. The Palmerton Area School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07. In 2007-08, Palmerton Area School District received $208,799. The district received $45,413 in 2008-09.[257][258] Among the public school districts in Carbon County, the highest award was given to Jim Thorpe Area School District which received $258,394. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

Environmental Education Grant

The Environmental Education Grant Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that 5 percent of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Department of Environmental Protection be set aside for environmental education. In 2011, Palmerton Area School District was awarded $3000 to have students in grades 3 - 6 take field trips to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center to study water quality, forest ecology, birds and geology and will use hands-on resources as part of classroom and field experiences.[259]

Education Assistance Grant

The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010-11, the Palmerton Area School District received $51,164.[260] In 2003-04, Governor Rendell signed into law the EAP for targeted tutoring at a funding level of $38 million. Almost 35,000 students in 82 academically challenged school districts received extra help in the first year. The program was continued at the same funding level in 2004-05. In 2005-06, the program received $66 million in funding and expanded to support tutoring in 175 school districts and Career and Technical Centers.

Project 720

Project 720 was a high school reform program implemented for three years under the Rendell administration. The intent was to increase academic rigor and improve the instruction of teachers in the Commonwealth's high schools. Teachers were expected to use data driven instructional practices and to meet the needs of diverse learners.[261] The 720 in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades.[262] High schools applied for funding and were required to agree to report to the PDE their plans, their actions and the outcomes. In 2007-08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. Palmerton Area School District was one of 161 PA public school districts to apply, receiving $174,000 funding over three years.[263][264] For 2010-11, Project 720 funding was decreased to $1.7 million by Governor Rendell. The grant program was discontinued effective with the 2011-12 state budget.[265]

Other grants

The district did not participate in: PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell);[266] 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;[267] 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;[268] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal grants

Palmerton Area School District received an extra $1,506,322 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[269][270] The funding was limited to the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.[271] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, Governor Edward Rendell and the Pennsylvania School Board Association, to use the funds for one-time expenditures like acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Race to the Top grant

Palmerton Area School District officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided over one million dollars, in additional federal funding, to improve student academic achievement.[272] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[273] 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.[274][275][276]

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.[277] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[278] 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 2009 and 2010, Palmerton Area received $181,714 in Title I funds through the ARRA grant program. In 2012-13, Palmerton Area School District received $84,939 in federal Title II funding.[279] In 2014-15, Palmerton Area School District applied for and received $81,951.[280]

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.[281] 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.[282][283]

In 2012-13, Palmerton Area School District received $2,173 in Title III funding for English language learners.[284] For 2014-15, Palmerton Area School District received $1,711 in Title III funding.[285]

Common Cents state initiative

The Palmerton Area School Board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program.[286] The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.[287][288] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Local Services Tax

Palmerton Area School Board levies a $5 per person per year Local Services tax. All local taxing authorities are required by the Local Tax Enabling Act to exempt disabled veterans and members of the armed forces reserve who are called to active duty at any time during the tax year from any local services tax and to exempt from any local services tax levied at a rate in excess of $10 those persons whose total income and net profits from all sources within the political subdivision is less than $12,000 for the tax year. The Local Tax Enabling Act also authorizes, but does not require, taxing authorities to exempt from per capita, occupation, and earned income taxes and any local services tax levied at a rate of $10 or less per year, any person whose total income from all sources is less than $12,000 per year.

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2016-17 were set by the Palmerton Area School Board at 55.5293 mills.[289] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region.[290] Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and all government property (local, state and federal). Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Unlike other states, under Pennsylvania state tax policy, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes.[291][292][293]

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.[294] When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two or more counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.[295] In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.[296]

2015-16 - 53.8075 mills. 2014-15 - 52.4440 mills.[297] 2013-14 - 51.4440 mills.[298] 2012-13 - 51.4440 mills.[299] 2011-12 - 49.1440 mills.[300] 2010-11 - 43.6380 mills.[301]

2009-10 - 42.0000 mills.[302] 2008-09 - 41.0000 mills.[303] 2007-08 - 41.0000 mills.[304] 2006-07 - 40.0000 mills.[305] 2005-06 - 37.7500 mills.[306]

The average yearly property tax paid by Carbon County residents amounts to about 5.02% of their yearly income. Carbon County ranked 228th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[307] 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.[308] For 2014-15, the total real estate taxes collected by all school districts in Pennsylvania rose to $12,280,755,102, which was a $333,324,778 over the previous year's collection.[309] 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%).[310] real Pennsylvania's 2011 tax burden of 10.35% ranked 10th highest out of 50 states. The tax burden was above the national average of 9.8%. Pennsylvania's taxpayers paid $4,374 per capita in state and local taxes, including school taxes.[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 permitted to raise property taxes above their annual Act 1 Index unless they either: allow the district's voters to approve the increase through a vote by referendum or they receive an exception from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The base index for the school year is published by the PDE in the fall of each year. Each individual school district's Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as local property values and the personal income of district residents. Originally, Act 1 of 2006 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the Pennsylvania 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]

In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation eliminating six of the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[313] Several exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school's share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.[314][315] The legislature also froze the payroll amount public school districts use to calculate the pension-plan exception at the 2012 payroll levels. Further increases in payroll cannot be used to raise the district's exception for pension payments.

A specific timeline for Act I Index decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[316]

The School District Adjusted Index history for the Palmerton Area School District:

2006-07 - 5.2%, Base 3.9%[317] 2007-08 - 4.6%, Base 3.4% 2008-09 - 5.9%, Base 4.4% 2009-10 - 5.5%, Base 4.1% 2010-11 - 3.9%, Base 2.9% 2011-12 - 1.9%, Base 1.4%

2012-13 - 2.3%, Base 1.7% [318] 2013-14 - 2.3%, Base 1.7% [319] 2014-15 - 2.8%, Base 2.1% [320] 2015-16 - 2.6%, Base 1.9%[321] 2016-17 - 3.2%, Base 2.4%[322][323] 2017-18 - 3.4%, Base - 2.5%[324][325]

For the 2016-17 budget year, Palmerton Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the district's Act 1 Index limit.[326] 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).[327] This was in addition to the 6.20% social security employer match payment.[328]

For the 2015-16 budget year, Palmerton Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the district's 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.[329]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Palmerton Area School Board applied for one exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit, due to escalating teacher pension costs. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[330] 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.[331]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Palmerton Area School Board applied for an exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit, due to rising teacher pension costs. In 2013-14, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 16.93% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). 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 pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit.[332]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Palmerton Area School Board applied for two (2) exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index:increased teacher pension costs as well as rising special education costs. In 2012-13, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 12.36% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). For 2012-2013 budget year, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; while 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.[333]

For the 2011-12 school year, Palmerton Area School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index, due to Maintenance of Local Tax Revenue and increasing teacher pension costs. In 2011-12, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make an 8.65% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund. Each year, the 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.

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.[334]

The Palmerton Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2010-11.[335]

Property tax relief

In 2016, Palmerton Area School District approved homestead properties received $203.[336] Among public school districts in Carbon County, Lehighton Area School District receives the highest tax relief at $253 per approved homestead. The amount received by the district must be divided equally among all the approved residences and farmsteads.[337]

In 2009, Palmerton Area School District approved homestead properties to receive $192 in property tax relief.[338] The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (40,000 m²) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The amount of property tax relief each Pennsylvania public school district receives is announced by the PDE in May of each year. The amount of tax relief is dependent on the total tax revenue collected on the casino slots in the previous year. Thirty five percent of the slots tax revenues are used for property tax relief. In Carbon County, Lehighton Area School District received the most at $244.[339] The highest property tax relief provided, among Pennsylvania school districts, goes to the homesteads of Chester Upland School District in Delaware County which received $632 per approved homestead in 2010. Chester-Upland School District has consistently been the top recipient since the programs inception.[340] The tax relief was started by Governor Edward G. Rendell with passage of the state gaming law in 2004. Rendell promised taxpayers substantial property tax relief from legalized gambling.[341]

In Pennsylvania, the homestead exclusion reduces the assessed values of homestead properties, reducing the property tax on these homes. The homestead exclusion allows homeowners real property tax relief of up to one half of the median assessed value of homesteads in the taxing jurisdiction (county, school district, city, borough, or township).[342]

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for several groups of Palmerton Area School District residents, including: low income residents aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners.[343] The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently people who have an income of substantially more than $35,000 still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This tax rebate can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief. In 2012, the Pennsylvania Secretary of the Treasury reported issuing more than half a million property tax rebates totaling $238 million.[344] The Property tax/rent rebate program is funded by revenues from the Pennsylvania Lottery. In 2012, these property tax rebates were increased by an additional 50 percent for senior households in the state, so long as those households have incomes under $30,000 and pay more than 15% of their income in property taxes.[345]

Wellness policy

Palmerton Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006.[346] 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." Most districts identified the superintendent and school foodservice director as responsible for ensuring local wellness policy implementation.[347]

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, physical activity, 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.[348] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

Palmerton Area School District offers both a free school breakfast and a free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.[349] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[350]

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.[351] 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.[352] The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 mandates that districts raise their full pay lunch prices every year until the price of non-subsidized lunches equals the amount the federal government reimburses schools for free meals. That subsidy in 2013-2014 was $2.93. In 2015, federal reimbursement rates were: $3.07 per meal for students who are income-eligible for free lunches and $2.67 for those who qualify for a reduced price. School lunch participation nationally dropped from 31.6 million students in 2012 to 30.4 million in 2014, according to the federal Department of Agriculture. Pennsylvania statistics show school lunch participation dropped by 86,950 students in the same two years, from 1,127,444 in 2012 to 1,040,494 in 2014.[353]

In 2014, President Barack Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.[354][355] The US Department of Agriculture requires that students take milk as their beverage at lunch. In accordance with this law, any student requesting water in place of milk with their lunch must present a written request, signed by a doctor, documenting the need for water instead of milk.[356][357]

Palmerton 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.[358][359] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.[360]

In 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Health made available to each Pennsylvania high school the overdose antidote drug naloxone in a nasal spray. School nurses were also provided with educational materials and training developed by the National Association of School Nurses.[361] The cost was covered by a grant from a private foundation.[362][363]

Extracurriculars

Palmerton Area School District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, publicly funded sports program.[364] Palmerton Area spent over $600,000 for student activities in 2014-15.[365] Eligibility for participation is determined by Palmerton Area School Board policy and in compliance with standards set by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). The PIAA mandates that student athletes must be passing at least four full-credit subjects to participate in sports.[366]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students residing in the Palmerton Area School District, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, a Pennsylvania public cyber charter school, public charter school and those who are homeschooled, are all 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.[367]

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.[368][369][370]

Sports

Palmerton Area coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[371]

According to Pennsylvania's Safety in Youth Sports Act, all Palmerton Area sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.[372][373]

The district funds:

Varsity

Boys Baseball - AAA Basketball - AAA Cross Country - A Football - AA Golf - AA Soccer - AA Tennis - AA Track and Field - AA Wrestling - AA

Girls Basketball - AAA Cross Country - A Field Hockey - A Soccer (Fall) - AA Softball - AAA Track and Field - AA

Junior High School Sports

Boys Basketball Cross Country Football Track and Field Wrestling

Girls Basketball Cross Country Field Hockey Track and Field

According to PIAA directory July 2016[374]

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