Shikellamy School District

Shikellamy School District is a midsized, suburban/rural, public school district in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. It serves Northumberland Borough, Point Township, Rockefeller Township, Snydertown Borough, the City of Sunbury, and Upper Augusta Township. The administrative offices are located at Administration Center, 200 Island Blvd, Sunbury, Pennsylvania. Shikellamy School District encompasses approximately 71 square miles (180 km2). According to 2000 federal census data,[29] Per the US Census Bureau, by 2010, the district's population declined to 22,554 people.[30] The educational attainment levels for the Shikellamy School District population 25 and over were 83.6% high school graduates and 15.3% college graduates.[31]

Shikellamy School District
Shikellamy School District region shown in orange
Address
200 Island Blvd

Sunbury
,
Northumberland County
,
Pennsylvania
17801-1028

United States
Information
TypePublic
ClosedSunbury Middle School, C.W. Rice Middle School, Edison School, Fort Augusta School, Maclay School
School board9 locally elected members
SuperintendentJames Hartman appointed by Board July 2017 for medical leave of Misavage[1]
Brett Misavage (contract March 11, 2016 - March 11, 2017)[2]
School number(570) 286-3721
AdministratorMrs. Abbey Walshaw-Wertz, Director of Education
PrincipalMichael Egan SHS[3]

former Ernest Jackson SHS fired 2015

Brandy Wiest, SHS VP
PrincipalMrs. Mary Murphy-Kahn, SMS
PrincipalGregg Wetzel, Priestley ES
PrincipalSusan Giberson, Beck ES
PrincipalTodd VanKirk, Chief Shik ES[4]
Angela Farronato, Oaklyn ES $93,244 (August 2014)[5]
Staff130 non-teaching staff members[6]
Faculty147 teachers (2013)
144 teachers (2010)[7]
170 teachers (2006)
GradesK-12
Age5 years to 21 years old special education
Number of pupils2,851 pupils (2017)[8]

2,830 pupils (2016)[9]
2,855 pupils (2015)[10]
2,944 (2014);[11]
2,933 pupils (2012)[12]
2,850 (2010)[13]

3,104 pupils (2006)[14]
 • Kindergarten251 (2014),[15] 238 (2012),[16] 218 pupils (2010)
 • Grade 1247 (2014),[17] 264 (2012), 227 (2010)
 • Grade 2219 (2014), 241 (2012), 219
 • Grade 3255 (2014), 234 (2012), 192
 • Grade 4220 (2014), 202 (2012), 215
 • Grade 5225 (2014), 221 (2012), 226
 • Grade 6203 (2014), 212 (2012), 212
 • Grade 7221 (2014), 232 (2012), 232
 • Grade 8208 (2014), 224 (2012), 219
 • Grade 9237 (2014), 242 (2012), 249
 • Grade 10198 (2014), 221 (2012), 225
 • Grade 11181 (2014), 206 (2012), 204
 • Grade 12190 (2014), 196 (2012), 217 (2010)
 • OtherEnrollment projected to decline to 3,199 in 2020[18]
LanguageEnglish
Color(s)Blue, maroon, and white
MascotBraves
Budget$48,920,362 (2018-19)[19]

$44.4 million (2016–17)[20]
$43.5 million (2015–16)[21]
$41.6 million (2014–15)[22]
$39,850,724 (2013–14)[23][24]
$38,631,882 (2012-2013)[25]
$37.2 million (2011–12)[26]

$34.62 million (2007–08)
Per-pupil spending 2008$11,130[27]
Per pupil Spending 2010$12,598.16[28]
Websitewww.shikbraves.org

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 45% of the Shikellamy School 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.[32] In 2013 the Pennsylvania Department of Education, reported that 37 students in the Shikellamy School District were homeless.[33]

In 2009, the district residents’ per capita income was $16,811, while the median family income was $40,063.[34] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501[35] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[36] In Northumberland County, the median household income was $41,208.[37] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[38] In 2014, the median household income in the USA was $53,700.[39]

Per school district officials, in school year 2005-06, the Shikellamy School District provided basic educational services to 3,256 pupils through the employment of 229 teachers, 178 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 12 administrators. In 2006, the 3,104 student population was: 90% white, 4% black, < 1% Asian, Native American < 0.1% and 5% Hispanic.[40] By 2009-10, enrollment had declined to 2,850 pupils.[41] According to district officials, in school year 2009-10 Shikellamy School District employed: 229 teachers, 207 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 13 administrators. Shikellamy School District received more than $17.2 million in state funding in school year 2009-10. For school year 2014-2015, the district received $17,110,709 in state funding.

High school students may choose to attend the SUN Area Technical Institute for training in the construction and mechanical trades. The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit CSIU16 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.

Governance

The Shikellamy School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[42] 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.[43] 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.[44]

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. Shikellamy 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 regarding renewal of the employment contract.[45] 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.[46]

former superintendents

Mr. Dave Sinopoli, Acting Superintendent March 2015[47]
Mr. Patrick M Kelley, contract August 2012 - June 30, 2016 Salary $125,000 (2013)[48][49] Resigned March 2015
Mrs. Robin Musto - 2010 resigned 2012[50]
Mr. Al Lonoconus - 2006-09, salary $110,128[51]

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.[52]

Schools

In May 2011, the Shikellamy School Board voted to close both middle schools due to three factors: declining enrollment district-wide; the need for costly, major renovations of the two middle school buildings and significant budget challenges for the foreseeable future. Beginning with the 2011-12 school year, sixth grade will be provided at each elementary school while seventh and eighth grades will be provided at the recently renovated and underutilized high school building. The superintendent reported that closing of the middle schools would save district taxpayers about $800,000.[53] C.W. Rice Middle School enrollment was 314 (2010). Sunbury Middle School enrollment was 355 students (2010). In the fall of 2013, the former Sunbury Middle School building and the 2.7 acres or property was sold at auction for $100,000 to Mark Walberg.[54] The school board voted to build a new middle school building in 2013.[55][56]

Shikellamy Middle School grades 6th-8th

Opened on September 6, 2016, the Shikellamy Middle School replaced the closed Sunbury Middle School and CW Rice Middle school, built on the site of the latter. Cost of new building over $20 million to $22 million.[57]

Elementary Schools grades kindergarten through 5th

  • Grace Beck Elementary School 273 pupils (2010), 351 pupils (2016)[58]
  • Chief Shikellamy Elementary School 298 pupils (2010), 370 pupils (2016)[59]
  • Oaklyn Elementary School 342 pupils (2010), 451 pupils (2016)[60]
  • Priestley Elementary School 373 pupils (2010), 471 pupils (2016)[61]

Shikellamy High School students may choose to attend, the award-winning SUN Area Technical Institute, in New Berlin, Union County for training in the building trades, culinary arts, mechanical trades, cosmetology, and allied health services. Costs for attending are paid by Shikellamy School District. The district provides transportation to and from the technical school each school day. The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit IU16 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.

In 2015, 100 Shikellamy School District pupils attend full-time cyber school.[62] The district does not offer its own cyber school program. The pupils may attend any of the 13 cyber schools operating in Pennsylvania in 2015, including locally operated SusQ Cyber Charter School.[63]

Academic achievement

In 2017, Shikellamy School District ranked 263rd out of 494 Pennsylvania public school districts, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[64][65] 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.[66] 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.

Overachievers ranking

The Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Shikellamy ranked 352nd in 2010. In 2009, the district was 397th. The paper 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."[76]

Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program

In July 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Education released a report identifying two Shikellamy School District schools as among the lowest-achieving schools for reading and mathematics in 2011.[77] Grace S. Beck School and Chief Shikellamy School were on the 15% lowest-achieving schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 2013, Chief Shikellamy School was once again listed. Parents 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. The scholarships are limited to those students whose family's income is less than $60,000 annually, with another $12,000 allowed per dependent. Maximum scholarship award is $8,500, with special education students receiving up to $15,000 for a year's tuition. Parents pay any difference between the scholarship amount and the receiving school's tuition rate. Students may seek admission to neighboring public school districts. Each year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education publishes the tuition rate for each individual public school district.[78] The two Shikellamy schools were the only ones in Northumberland County on the list. According to the state report, parents in 414 public schools (74 school districts) were offered access to these scholarships. For the 2012-13 school year, seven public school districts in Pennsylvania had all of their schools placed on the list, including: Sto-Rox School District, Chester Upland School District, Clairton City School District, Duquesne City School District, Farrell Area School District, Wilkinsburg Borough School District and Steelton-Highspire School District.[79] Funding for the scholarships comes from donations by businesses which receive a state tax credit for donating.[80]

In 2015 and 2016, Chief Shikellamy School remained on the statewide lowest academic achievement list.[81][82]

District AYP status

In 2012, Shikellamy School District declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to missing all but 1 academic metric measured in: reading, math and graduation rate.[83] In school years 2011 and 2010, Shikellamy School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[84] 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.[85] In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance. School districts can achieve AYP even though their individual schools do not. For example: Shikellamy High School is in Corrective Action II in 2011.[86]

Shikellamy student proficiency in reading, math and science has trailed other students both in the region and in the state. The Shikellamy School District was in the bottom 17th percentile in the state, for academic achievement in 2009.[87]

Graduation rate

In 2017, Shikellamy School District's graduation rate declined to 84.1%.[88]

  • 2016 - 86.14%[89]
  • 2015 - 84.31%.[90]
  • 2014 - improved to 82%.[91]
  • 2013 - 78%.[92]
  • 2012 - declined to 77%.[93]
  • 2011 - 79%.[94]
  • 2010 - 79.25%, in 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[95]
  • 2009 - 78% [96]
  • 2008 - 84% [97]
  • 2007 - 78% [98]
  • 2006 - 83% [99]
  • 2005 - 81% [100]

Dr. Alan Lonoconus, then Superintendent of the Shikellamy School District, in a December 2007 interview on WKOK's Leaders and Lawmakers radio show said, "Where I envision us going is a lot of new curriculum revisions. With the State standards and everything we have to do with the state and Federal No Child Left Behind regulations, we have to really ramp up what we are doing."[101] In October 2009, Dr Lonoconus announced his resignation effective in November 2009.[102]

The district's policy is that if a student does not achieve proficiency on the PSSAs, a retest will be administered during the senior year for deficient subject areas. Failure to achieve proficiency in the retest requires a passing grade on a final examination and a passing course grade for any and all deficient subject areas reported by the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment. The student must pass both the course and the final examination in order to graduate. If a student fails to show evidence of this proficiency, the student can achieve a Shikellamy diploma by passing a summer school course or by returning for an additional school year to achieve a passing grade.[103]

The curriculum is currently under revision to align it with the 1999 Pennsylvania State Academic Standards.[104] These standards are assessed in the third through eighth and eleventh grades under the guise of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment. These tests last several days and cover Reading, Writing, Speaking, Mathematics and Science. Revision of the Shikellamy School District's mathematics curriculum, to bring it into compliance with Chapter 4 regulations of 2000, was to begin in fall 2007.[105]

The poor academic performance of students in the district is evident beginning in 3rd grade with three of the four elementary schools far below the state average for reading.[106] Oaklyn Elementary School achieved 81% of 3rd graders on grade level in reading in 2009. Mathematics scores, for 3rd graders, were similarly low with Grace S. Beck School having 55% on grade level in math, in 2009. It was the lowest-performing school in the IU16 region. On the whole, 81% of Pennsylvania's third graders were on grade level in mathematics in 2009. In the local region's school 87% were on grade level.[107]

High school

Shikellamy High School is located at 600 Walnut Street, Sunbury. In 2016, enrollment was reported a decline in enrollment to 768 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 48% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 17.5% of pupils received special education services, while 1.6% of pupils were identified as gifted.[108] The school employed 36 teachers.[109] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[110]

In 2013, enrollment was reported as 858 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 41% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 10% of pupils received special education services, while 1% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 41 teachers.[111] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 897 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 342 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. In 2011, the school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 22:1.[112] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[113]

2017 School Performance Profile

The PDE reported the school's SPP declined to 60.2 out of 100 points. Shikellamy High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 64% of students were on grade level in reading/literature and 68.4% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 57.3% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[114][115]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 65.3 out of 100 points Shikellamy High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 70.9% of students were on grade level in reading/literature and just 66% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, only 65% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[116] 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.[117] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.[118]

2015 School Performance Profile

Shikellamy High School achieved 80 out of 100. The PDE reported that 76% of the High School's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 67% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 68% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[119] 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.[120][121]

2014 School Performance Profile

Shikellamy High School achieved 76.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 76,6% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 70.9% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology, just 57% showed on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[122][123] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.[124] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[125][126]

2013 School Performance Profile

In 2013, Shikellamy High School achieved 67.6 out of 100 in the State's School Performance Profile. The score reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 76% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 65.5% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 46% showed on grade level science understanding.[127]

In 2011, Shikellamy High School was part of a research study of the effectiveness of the state's Project 720 School Reform funding grants. From 2007 through 2009, the school received a total of $209,941 in state supplemental funding to improve instruction at the school.[128]

AYP Status

In 2012, Shikellamy High School declined to Corrective Action II 2nd Year AYP status due to poor academic achievement in reading and math coupled with a declining graduation rate.[129]

  • 2011 - declined to Corrective Action II 1st Year AYP status due to 11th grade Reading (63.5% on grade level), nor in Mathematics (53% on grade level). In science, 32% of students were on grade level.[130] These PSSA scores were below: the state level, AYP level and regional high school achievement. The high school remains in Corrective Action status. Under No Child Left Behind, students could transfer to an achieving school within the district, however the district operates just one high school.[131]
  • 2010 - Making Progress: in Corrective Action I AYP status due to chronically low student academic achievement.
  • 2009 - declined to Corrective Action I.[132] In 2009, Shikellamy High School ranked 464th out of 666 Pennsylvania high schools for the reading and mathematics achievement of its students and had its 80th bicentennial.[133] In 2009, 45% of Shikellamy High School 11th graders were on-grade level in mathematics.[134] With the 2009 graduation rate decline to 78%, Shikellamy High School was placed on Corrective Action I with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
  • 2008 - Making Progress - School Improvement Level II AYP status. in 2008, Shikellamy High School ranked 384th out of 606 public high schools in Pennsylvania. The 2008 11th grade math, reading and science scores remained low and were lower than other school districts in the Central Susquehanna Valley IU16 region.[135]
  • 2007 - declined to School Improvement Level II[136]
  • 2006 - declined to School Improvement Level I[137]
  • 2005 - declined to Warning AYP Level[138]

In 2005, Shikellamy High School was ranked 384th out of 606 public high schools in Pennsylvania.[139] In 2006, SHS was ranked 384th out 607 Pennsylvania high schools.[140]

PSSA results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[141] In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.[142]

11th Grade Reading:

  • 2012 - 53% on grade level, (25% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[143]
  • 2011 - 52% (21% below basic). State - 69.1%[144]

11th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 59% on grade level (22% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[145]
  • 2011 - 62% (18% below basic). State - 60.3%[146]

11th Grade Science:

  • 2012 - 38% on grade level (14% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[147]
  • 2011 - 32% (15% below basic). State - 40%[148]

ACE

Shikellamy School District students have access to Bloomsburg University's Summer College and Advanced College Experience (ACE) during the summer of their sophomore, junior and senior years (after high school graduation). Tuition is deeply discounted to 75% of the regular student rate.[149] Successful students earn college credits that can be readily transferred to other Pennsylvania public colleges and universities through the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center (PA TRAC) system.[150]

Middle school

Shikellamy Middle School is located at 520 Walnut Street in Sunbury. In 2016, enrollment was pupils, in grades 7th through 8th, with 58% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 19.5% of pupils received special education services, while 4.3% of pupils were identified as gifted.[151] According to a 2016 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[152]

From 2012 through 2014, Shikellamy Middle School was housed in the same building as the high school. It provided grades 7th and 8th. In 2014, enrollment was 442 pupils, with 47% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 17.8% of pupils received special education services, while 2.5% of pupils were identified as gifted.[153]

2017 School Performance Profile

SPP declined to 59.6 out of 100. At Shikellamy Middle School, 58.6% of 8th grade students were reading on grade level. In math/Algebra 1, just 41% of 8th grade students showed on grade level mathematics skills. In science, 57.6% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. In 7th grade, 58.2% were on grade level in reading, while just 40.9% showed on grade level math skills. In sixth grade, 64.5% were reading on grade level, while just 30.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[154]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 72.1 out of 100 points. Shikellamy Middle School PSSA mandated testing results were: 63% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 37% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 71% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.[155] In 7th grade, 69% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 40% 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.[156]

2015 School Performance Profile

SPP withheld by PDE. The PDE reported that 62% of 8th grade students at Shikellamy Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, 34.5% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 74% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 61% were on grade level in reading, while 37.6% showed on grade level math skills.[157] Statewide 58% of eighth (8th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 29% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 7th graders were58% on grade level in reading and 33% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[158]

2014 School Performance Profile

Shikellamy Middle School achieved a SPP of 87.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 72% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 75.8% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 66.5% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 85% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[159]

2013 School Performance Profile

Shikellamy Middle School achieved a SPP of 84 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 65% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 72% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 57.5% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 83% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[160] 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

In 2012, Shikellamy Middle School was in Warning AYP status due to low student achievement in both reading and mathematics.[161]

PSSA Results

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.[162] 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.[163] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[141] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[164]

Eighth grade Reading 2012 - 79% on grade level, (5% below basic). State - 79%[165]

Eighth grade Mathematics 2012 - 80%, (10% below basic). State - 76%

Eighth grade Science 2012 - 75%, (13% below basic). State - 59% [166]

Seventh grade

Reading - 58% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 76% Math - 70%, (8% below basic). State - 80%

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Shikellamy School District did not implement the state's free dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog.[167] The process identifies students at risk for droping 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.[168]

Grace S. Beck School

Grace S. Beck School is located at 600 Arch Street, Sunbury. In 2016, the school's enrollment was 351 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 75.8% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 21% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.1% are identified as gifted.[169] 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.[170] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2014, Grace S Beck School's enrollment was 359 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 75% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 18% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[171] 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 provided full-day kindergarten.[172] The school was a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 343 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 74% of its pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school had a student-teacher ratio of 18:1.[173] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[174] The school provides full-day kindergarten since 2007.[175]

2017 School Performance Profile

SPP 54.7 out of 100 points[176] Fifth graders - just 38.8% were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, only 30% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. In 4th grade, just 48.8% were on grade level in reading, while just 21.9% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 61% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third graders, only 44.7% were on grade level in reading and just 23.4% were on grade level in mathematics.

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 72.6 out of 100 points[177] Grace S Beck School PSSA mandated testing results were: just 57% of students in 6th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 47% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. Just 60% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while only 27% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 47% were on grade level in reading, while 24% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 59% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, only 51% were on grade level in reading and 18% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[178][179]

2015 School Performance Profile

Among Grace S. Beck School 6th graders, 65% were on grade level in reading and 53% were on grade level in mathematics on the PSSAs given in April 2015.. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 65.3% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 37% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 41% were on grade level in reading, while 14.7% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 61.8% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, only 34% were on grade level in reading and 26% were on grade level in mathematics.[180] 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.[181]

2014 School Performance Profile

Grace S. Beck School achieved a score of 69.4 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 54% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 48% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 68.7% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 68% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 57% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[182]

2013 School Performance Profile

Grace S. Beck School achieved 72 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 54% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 68% were on grade level. In 4th grade science, just 73% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 66% of pupils were on grade level.[183]

AYP History

In 2012, Grace S Beck School achieved AYP status under No Child Left Behind Act.[184]

  • 2011 - achieved AYP status due to improving scores over 2010 results.[185]
  • 2010 - declined to Warning status due to the lagging student achievement.[186]
  • 2009 - achieved AYP status.[187]

The attendance rate was 94% in 2011 and 96% in 2010.[188]

PSSA Results
4th Grade Science:
  • 2012 - 81%, (2% below basic). State - 82%
  • 2011 - 65%, (11% below basic). State - 82.9%
  • 2010 - 69%, State - 81.4%
  • 2009 - 61%, State - 83% Ranks last in 4th grades in CSIU16 Region.[198]
  • 2008 - 79%, State - 81%

Low income 3rd graders achievement 2010: [202]

  • Reading - 50% on grade level, Advanced - 16.7%, Proficient - 33%. State - 61%
  • Math - 73.4% on grade level, Advanced - 16.7%, Proficient - 56.7%. State - 74%

Chief Shikellamy School

Chief Shikellamy School is located at 338 Memorial Drive, Sunbury. In 2016, Chief Shikellamy School's enrollment was 370 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 83% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 22% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% was identified as gifted.[203] 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.[204] The school remains a federally designated Title I school.

In 2014, Chief Shikellamy School's enrollment was 375 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 82% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 23.7% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[205] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.[206] The school was a federally designated Title I school. The school provided full-day kindergarten since 2007.[175]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, Chief Shikellamy School reported an enrollment of 372 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 81% of its pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school had a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[207] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[208]

2017 School Performance Profile

SPP declined to 69.8 points out of 100.[209] At Chief Shikellamy School, Fifth graders - 55.1% were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 31% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. In 4th grade, 64.6% were on grade level in reading, while 45.9% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 76.6% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third graders, only 60% were on grade level in reading and 47% were on grade level in mathematics. Remains on the state's lowest performance list.

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 72.1 points out of 100.[210] Chief Shikellamy School PSSA mandated testing results were: 60% of students in 6th grade were on grade level in reading, while 30% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. Just 59% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 34% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 46% were on grade level in reading, while 34% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 84% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 60% were on grade level in reading and 51% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[178][179]

2015 School Performance Profile

Among 6th graders at Chief Shikellamy School, 50% were reading on grade level and 35.5% were on grade level in mathematics. In 5th grade, 46% of students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 50% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 50% were on grade level in reading, while 30% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 80% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 66% were on grade level in reading and 39% were on grade level in mathematics.[211]

2014 School Performance Profile

Chief Shikellamy School achieved a score of 75.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 53% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 63.8% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 65.5% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 82% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 71% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[212]

2013 School Performance Profile

Chief Shikellamy School achieved 69 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 53% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 68% were on grade level. In 4th grade science, just 77% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 54% of pupils were on grade level.[213]

AYP History

In 2012, Chief Shikellamy declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.[214]

  • 2006 through 2010 - achieved AYP status.[215]
  • 2005 - Making Progress in School Improvement I
  • 2004 - declined to School Improvement I AYP level due to lagging reading achievement[216]
  • 2003 - Warning AYP status due to lagging achievement

In 2011, Chief Shikellamy School's the attendance rate was 94%, while in 2010 the rate was 93%.[217]

4th Grade Science:
  • 2012 - 73%, (6% below basic). State – 82%
  • 2011 - 78%, (2% below basic). State – 82.9%
  • 2010 - 76.7%, State - 81.4%
  • 2009 - 81%, State - 83%
  • 2008 - 82.5%, State - 81%

Low income 3rd graders achievement 2010:

  • Reading - 63.3% on grade level, Advanced - 20%, Proficient - 43.3%, State - 61%
  • Math - 76.7% on grade level, Advanced - 30%, Proficient - 46.7%, State - 74%

Oaklyn School

Oaklyn School is located at 115 Oak Street, Sunbury. In 2016, the school's enrollment rose to 451 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 42.5% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 17.5% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2.6% are identified as gifted.[226] 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.[227] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, Oaklyn's enrollment was 436 pupils in grades kindergarten through sixth, with 34.8% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 18% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2.98% are identified as gifted.[228] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[229] The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school provides full-day kindergarten since 2007.[175] In June 2014, then Principal Holly Judge resigned after being charged with drunk driving.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012, enrollment was 426 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 138 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 21 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 20:1.[230] The school was a federally designated Title I school. In 2010, Oaklyn Elementary School's enrollment was reported as 372 pupils in kindergarten through 5th grade.[231]

2017 School Performance Profile

SPP declined to 73 out of 100 points. At Oaklyn School, fifth graders - 76.2% were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, just 52.5% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. In 4th grade, 52.5% were on grade level in reading, while just 55.6% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 80.7% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third graders, 76.3% were on grade level in reading and only 69.1% were on grade level in mathematics.[232]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP declined to 79.4 out of 100 points. Oaklyn School PSSA mandated testing results were: 76% of students in 6th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 51% of sixth grade students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. Sixty-eight percent of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while only 40% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 77% were on grade level in reading, while 61% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 81% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 74% were on grade level in reading and 63% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[178][179]

2015 School Performance Profile

Among Oaklyn School, 6th graders, 75% were on grade level in reading and 55% were on grade level in mathematics. Seventy-four percent of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 41% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 71% were on grade level in reading, while 46% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 92% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 75% were on grade level in reading and 64% were on grade level in mathematics.[233]

2014 School Performance Profile

Oaklyn School achieved a score of 82.4 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 77% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 79% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 79.8% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 84% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 60% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[234]

2013 School Performance Profile

Oaklyn Elementary School achieved a score of 81.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 77% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 86% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 79% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, 87% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 65% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[235]

AYP status

In 2003 through 2012, Oaklyn Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) each school year.[236]

PSSA History

In the Spring of each school year, 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. Sixth grade is assessed in reading and mathematics.

4th Grade Science
  • 2012 - 93%, (2% below basic). State - 82%
  • 2011 - 82%, (2% below basic). State - 82.9%

Priestley Elementary School

Priestley Elementary School is located at 423 Cannery Road, Northumberland. In 2016, the school's enrollment was 471 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 56% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 9.5% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[239] 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.[240] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, the school reported an enrollment 461 pupils in kindergarten through sixth grade, with 46.8% of the pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 10.6% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2.17% are identified as gifted.[241] 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 since 2007. The school was a Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Priestley School enrollment was 383 pupils in kindergarten through 5th grade, with 38% of pupils eligible for a free or reduced-price lunch.[242] The school employed 19 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 19:1.

2017 School Performance Profile

SPP 75.1 out of 100 points.[243] At Priestley Elementary School, fifth graders - 75.3% were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 55.9% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. In 4th grade, 70.3% were on grade level in reading, while 55.5% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 80.6% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third graders, 78.8% were on grade level in reading and 75.6% were on grade level in mathematics.[244]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 83.4 out of 100 points Priestley Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 65% of students in 6th grade were on grade level in reading, while 53% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. Seventy-four percent of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while 58% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 66% were on grade level in reading, while 49% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 88% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 84% were on grade level in reading and 76% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[178][179]

2015 School Performance Profile

SPP withheld by the PDE. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Priestley School's 6th graders, 66% were on grade level in reading and 61.7% were on grade level in mathematics. Seventy percent of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 61% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 68.7% were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 82% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among Priestley School third (3rd) graders, 74% were reading on grade level and 53% demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills.[245]

2014 School Performance Profile

Priestley 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 71% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, only 67% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 83% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 85% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 65% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[246]

2013 School Performance Profile

Priestley Elementary School achieved a score of 75.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 70% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 74% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 78.6% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, just 71% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 80% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[247]

AYP history

In 2003 through 2012 school years, Priestley Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.[248]

PSSA History

Each year, in the Spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. Sixth graders are tested in reading and math.

4th Grade Science
  • 2012 - 91%, (2% below basic). State - 82%
  • 2011 - 89%, (0% below basic). State - 82.9%

Special education

In December 2015, the district administration reported that 542 pupils, or 19% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with 42% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[252] In 2013, Shikellamy School District administration reported that 514 pupils, or 17.2% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with 42.4% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[253] In 2011, the Shikellamy School District administration reported that 469 pupils, or 15.7% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with 41% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[254] In 2009, Shikellamy School District administration reported that 423 pupils, or 14.6% of the district's pupils, received special education services, with 40.7% 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 2010-11 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.[255] 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.[256] Shikellamy School District has offered full-day kindergarten since 2003. Shikellamy School District has seen an increase in the percentage of special education students it serves and has repeatedly sought an exception to raise taxes due to escalating special education costs. Full-day kindergarten has yielded no savings.[257]

In order to comply with state and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules and regulations, the school district engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress.[258] 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.[259] By Pennsylvania law, the district has 60 calendar days, after receiving parental consent, to complete the evaluation.[260][261] 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.

Students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may take the PSSA-M an alternative math exam rather than the PSSA.[262] Some special education students may take the PASA (Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment), rather than the PSSA.[263] Schools are permitted to provide accommodations to some students.[264] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[265]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[266] 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.[267] 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.[268] 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.[269] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[270]

The Shikellamy School District (SSD) received a $1,769,952 supplement for special education services in 2010.[271] 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.[272][273] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The district must apply for this added funding. For the 2014-2015 school year, SSD received an increase to $1,812,375 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.[274]

  • 2015-16 - $1,873,958
  • 2016-17 - $1,916,284[275]
  • 2017-18 - $1,955,255[276]

In 2013, the state's Special Education Funding Reform Commission provided a report on the state of funding for special education in the Commonwealth.[277] The cost of 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 31 or 1.09% 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.[278] 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.[279][280]

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.[281]

In June 2011, the school board approved a $36.2 million budget for 2011-12 that closed the two middle schools effective July 2011. The budget also froze administration pay and that reduced staffing by 24 positions.[282] Beginning in 2011-12, the sixth grades will remain at the elementary schools, while seventh and eighth grades will be provided at the high school.[283] The high school has been overstaffed, according to Superintendent Robin Musto, with 24 teachers not working a full teaching schedule and having 2 or more planning periods each day. Additionally, class size at the high school has been as low as 9 pupils for 15% of the classes, while many classes have 10-15 students.[284] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, enrollment in the Shikellamy School District has declined 12.5% over the past five years, to a low of 2800 pupils. In 2006, the enrollment was reported by the administration as 3200 pupils.

The Shikellamy School Board set the budget at $34.62 million for 2007-2008. The board levied a variety of taxes to support its programs. Taxes include 62.5 mills real estate tax in 2007.[285] Per capita taxes are $5 per resident. An occupational tax, which charges a set amount based on job title, earns approximately $1.7 million. Many see this tax as particularly unfair, as people classified in the same job title often earn vastly different amounts, but pay the same amount of tax. An earned income tax of one-half of 1 percent of income yields a revenue of approximately $1.8 million. Additionally, the real estate transfer tax of one-half percent (Northumberland Borough, Point Township, Rockefeller Township) and one percent (Snydertown borough) is levied on real estate transfers.[286]

In October 2015, Shikellamy School board and the Shikellamy teachers union entered into a contract that assures teachers a 3% raise each year June 2014 to June 2019.[287] Some adjustments were made to the benefits package offered teachers. During the negotiations, the board issued a last best offer to the union.[288]

In 2014-15, the district's mandated teacher pension contribution rose to 21.40% of employee salaries and in 2015-16 it rose again to 25.84% of total salaries. Shikellamy 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.)[289] After 40 years of service, a teacher can retire with 100% of the average salary of their final 3 years of employment. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.[290]

In the 2013-14 school year, the average salary of Shikellamy School District educators was $61,935, while the costs of the benefits package had risen to $30,076 per teacher for a total compensation of $92,012 a year.[291] According to a state report, Shikellamy SD has provided raises to its teachers, which exceeded the rate of inflation since 2001 by $12 million.[292] The district was also required to contribute an amount equal to 16.93% of each employee's salary to the state pension system.[293]

In 2012-2013, the average teacher salary in Shikellamy School District was reported as $60,635 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $23,066.55 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $83,701.59.[294] The district's top salary of $125,000.[295]

In 2010-11, the average teacher salary was $58,920 and the top salary was $115,000. The district employed 252 teachers.[296] In 2010, the teacher's union and board signed a new 5-year contract. Among the terms the teachers will work 186 days, one more than their previous contract required.[297]

In 2007, the Shikellamy School District employed 204 teachers. The average teacher salary in the Shikellamy School District was $48,795 for 184 days worked.[298][299] The teacher's work day is 7.5 hours, including a 30-minute duty-free lunch and a daily preparation period. Teacher who write courses or attend IEP meetings outside of the school day are paid at $20.50 per hour. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance (teachers contribute $1,650 per year towards the premium), Vision insurance, dental insurance, professional development courses reimbursement, 3 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, and other benefits.[300] 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.[301]

Administration spending The Shikellamy School District administrative costs per pupil were $587.43 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[302] In 2010 the school board hired Robin Musto as superintendent.[303] Ms Musto retired unexpectedly after a brief leave due to illness.[304]

Per-pupil spending In 2008, the Shikellamy School District reported spending $11,130 per pupil. This ranked 387th in the commonwealth.[305] In 2010, the district's per-pupil spending had increased to $12,865.21.[306] In 2011, Pennsylvania's per-pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.[307] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[308]

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.[309] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[308] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.[310] Pennsylvania's total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.[311]

Reserves In 2008, the district reported a $3,322,311 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.[312] In 2010, Shikellamy School District Administration reported an increase to $3,589,270 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The district also reported zero in its unreserved-designated fund in 2010. Pennsylvania public school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.[313] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.[314] By 2014, Shikellamy School Board had $8,546,867 in reserve accounts.[315]

Debt In 2009, Shikellamy School District reported having over $27 million in outstanding debt in General Obligation bonds.[316]

Tax shift referendum Shikellamy School District voters rejected a tax referendum in May 2007 which would have increased local earned income tax by another 0.5 percent to reduce property taxes for homeowners and farmers by $176.[317]

Audit In December 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the board and administration.[318] In 2014, Shikellamy School District was audited again. It was found that the district had taken appropriate corrective action in implementing recommendations pertaining to a certification deficiency.[319]

Tuition Students who live in the Shikellamy 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 Shikellamy School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the district's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $8,489.68, High School - $9,786.03.[320]

Assessment appeal In June 2014, Viking Energy won an appeal of its closed power plant's property assessment. The assessment fell from $1.2 million to $600,000. Consequently, the property taxes on the plant also fell significantly from $28,593 in 2012 to $13,504 for 2013.[321]

The Shikellamy School District is funded by a combination of: a local Occupation Tax, an earned income tax 0.5%, 2 per capita taxes $10, a property 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. 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.[322] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 a year plus they receive federal Social Security benefits: both are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.[323]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Shikellamy School District receives 46.2% of its annual district revenue from the state.[324] In December 2014, the Pennsylvania Education Funding Reform Commission conducted a hearing. 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).[325][326][327]

For the 2017-18 school year, Shikellamy School District received an increase to $12,664,245 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.[328] Pennsylvania again increased its public education spending to a record high of $5.995 billion. It was a $100 million increase, 1.7% increase over the 2016-17 state education appropriation.[329] Additionally, the state continued to fund its Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $25 million increase to $1.121 billion.[330] The state also paid $529,5 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.304 billion to the teacher's pension fund, an increase of 7.6% over the state's 2016-17 payment. The state maintained its $100 million reimbursement to school districts for transportation costs. Governor Wolf had proposed cutting the funding by 50% shifting the costs to local taxpayers.[331][332]

For the 2016-17 school year, Shikellamy School District received $12,509,580 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a 3.3% increase over 2015-16 funding to the district. The highest percentage of BEF increase in Northumberland County was 3.3% awarded to Shikellamy School District under the state's Basic Education Funding formula. Additionally, Shikellamy was awarded an increase in special education state funding and Ready to Learn grants. 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.[333] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.[334] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher's pension fund.[335]

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $5,867,727 to Shikellamy School District, in January 2016.[336] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.[337] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.[338] Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in Basic Education funding under Governor Wolf.[339][340] In April 2016, Governor Wolf announced his finalized dispersement of 2015-16 state Basic Education Funding. Shikellamy School District received a 2.79% increase for a total funding of $12,563,232.[341] This was the highest BEF increase awarded to a Northumberland County public school district. The highest increase in funding statewide was awarded by Governor Wolf to Wilkinsburg Borough School District which got a 48.07% increase in state Basic Education Funding. The average BEF increase among the Commonwealth's 500 public school districts for 2015-16 was 2.21%.

For the 2014-15 school year, Shikellamy School District received $11,804,913 in State Basic Education funding. The district also received $208,219 in Accountability Block Grant funding and $208,520 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[342] The Education budget also includes Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State is paying $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania's Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[343]

For the 2013-14 school year, Shikellamy School District received a 1.9% increase or $11,806,795 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $216,931 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Shikellamy School District received $208,219 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Allegheny County, South Fayette Township School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 5.5%. The district has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth's budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[344] The state funded the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[345]

For the 2012-13 school year, Shikellamy School District received $11,589,864.[346] 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. Shikellamy School District received $208,219 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.[347] 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 budget year, Shikellamy School District received $11,589,864 in state Basic Education Funding.[348] Additionally, the district received $208,219 in Accountability Block Grant funding.[349] The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.[350] Districts experienced a reduction in funding due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in June 2011.

For the 2010-11 budget cycle, the state provided the Shikellamy School District with a 3.17% increase in state basic education funding for a total of $12,601,663. In Northumberland County, Milton Area School District received the highest basic education funding increase at 6.46%. In the Commonwealth, the largest increase went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred and fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in funding.[351] 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 receives was determined by then Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[352] This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.[353] In 2010, Shikellamy School District reported that 1,264 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.38% increase in Basic Education Funding, to the Shikellamy School District, for a total of $12,213,894. The Pennsylvania Department of Education gave 15 public school districts an increase of Basic Education Funding of over 10% in the 2009-10 budget.[354] Ninety (90) Pennsylvania public school districts received the base 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District of Berks County received the highest percentage increase in Pennsylvania for 2009 at 22.31%.[355] The amount of increase each public 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.

The state Basic Education Funding to the Shikellamy School District in 2008-09 was $11,589,863.77. The Department of Education reported that 1,194 students in the Shikellamy School District received a free or reduced-price lunch in 2007 due to low family income.[356]

High school reform grant

In 2007, Shikellamy School District was awarded two state grants to improve the education of their high school students. The administration announced the receipt of a three-year Project 720 grant of $270,000.[357] Some of these dollars will be used to revise the graduation project to include a career component. In 2007-08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. Shikellamy School District was one of 161 PA public school districts to apply, receiving $89,527 funding over three years.[358][359] 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.[360]

Accountability Block Grants

Beginning in 2004-2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania's school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students, For 2010-11, Shikellamy School District applied for and received $565,158, in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten and to increase instructional time for struggling pupils.[361]

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.[362]

Shikellamy School District received $208,520 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, Accountability Block Grant funding, PreK Counts funding, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

  • 2016-17 - $530,067.
  • 2017-18 - $530,067[363]

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 2010-2011, the Shikellamy School District received $113,404.[364]

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 state grant requires the district hire a part-time technology coach, whose role is to assist the teachers in using the equipment and software effectively to improve their instruction. The salary is covered by the grant.[365] The program was funded from 2006-2009. Shikellamy School District was denied funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08, Shikellamy School District received $316,667. Shikellamy School District received another $57,023 in 2008-09 for a total of $373,690.[366][367] The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

21st Century Community Learning Center Grant

Shikellamy School District was designated as a before and after school program provider. They receive state funding through grant of $496,000. CCLCs provide academic, artistic and cultural enhancement activities to students and their families when school is not in session.[368] In 2010, the program served 160 students.[369] In July 2012, Shikellamy was awarded a second grant funding of $400,000.[370]

Other grants

The Shikellamy School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants;[371] PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-2010 budget by Governor Rendell);[372] the 2012 and 2013 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;[373] 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants, 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants.[374]

Federal Stimulus funding

Shikellamny School District received over $2.3 million in ARRA (Federal Stimulus) funding. This is in addition to all regular state and federal funding.[375] Federal Stimulus money was to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[376] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010-2011 school years.[377] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised to use the funds for one time expenditures like: acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Race to the Top Grant

The Shikellamy School Board, Administration and teachers' union chose to not participate in the federal government grant program called Race to the Top. The grant would have meant hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars that would have been focused on improving student academic achievement.[378] Participation required the written consent of the school board, the school administration and the teachers' union. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[379] 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.[380]

Common Cents state initiative

The Shikellamy School Board decided to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.[381] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

Shikellamy School District property tax rate in 2018-19 was increased again to 91.0000 mills.[382] In 2013, one mill of real estate taxes was set aside for future construction while 2 mills went to increase funding in the school year budget. 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. Unlike other states, under Pennsylvania state tax policy, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes.[383] Shikellamy School District is adversely impacted by the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline.[384] 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.[385][386][387]

On the local level, Pennsylvania 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.[388] 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.[389] 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 like Shikellamy School District The error was not corrected by the PDE.[390]

The average yearly property tax paid by Northumberland County residents amounts to about 2.23% of their yearly income. Northumberland County ranked 1219th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[403] According to a report prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the total real estate taxes collected by all public 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.[404] 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%).[405]

Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but it can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increasing rising health care 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.[406]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Shikellamy School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.[407]

For the 2017-18 budget year, Shikellamy School Board once again applied for exceptions to exceed the district's Act 1 Index limit due to: escalating teacher pensions costs and rising special education costs.[418] Statewide 356 school districts adopted a resolution to not exceed their Act I index in 2017-18. In 2017-18, all Pennsylvania public school districts were required to make a 32.85% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[419] This was in addition to the 6.2% social security employer match payment and the Medicare match of 1.45%.[420][421]

For the 2016-17 budget year, Shikellamy School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the district's Act 1 Index limit: accelerating pension costs and increasing special education costs.[422] Statewide 299 school districts adopted a resolution to not exceed their Act I index in 2016-17.

For the 2015-16 budget year, Shikellamy School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit: for special education cost and for its rapidly rising teacher pension costs. 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.[423]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Shikellamy School Board applied for an exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit due to rapidly escalating teacher pension costs. 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.[424]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Shikellamy School Board applied for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index due to rising teacher pension costs. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[425]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Shikellamy School Board sought 2 exceptions: special education costs and pension costs.[426] 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.

For the 2011-12 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.[427]

For the 2010-11 budget year, the Shikellamy School Board sought 2 exceptions: special education costs and pension costs.[428] The Shikellamy School Board can no longer seek an exception for health care benefits because there is a new teachers' union contract effective 2010.[429] Each year, the school district 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.[430]

For the 2009-10 budget year, Shikellamy School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget, in 2009-10.[431] 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.[432]

Property tax relief

In 2010, the Shikellamy School District property tax relief was set at $174 for 5,135 approved homesteads.[433] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Shikellamy School District was $201 per approved permanent primary homestead. In the district, 4,451 property owners applied for the tax relief. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county 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 Northumberland County the highest amount of relief in 2009 went to Shikellamy School District. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District of Delaware County who received $632 per approved homestead.[434]

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.

Wellness policy

Shikellamy School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.[435] 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."

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant

In 2009, the Shikellamy School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Grace S. Beck School received $3,818 which was used to implement nutrition education and a character development program.[436] 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.[437]

Bullying Policy

In 2009, Shikellamy School District reported zero incidents of bullying in the previous school year.[438]

The school board prohibits bullying by district students and employees. A policy approved in December 2008 defines bullying and cyberbullying - Policy 249. The board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.[439] All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.[440] District administration are required to annually provide the following information with the district's Safe School Report: the board's bullying policy, a report of bullying incidents in the school district, and information on the development and implementation of any bullying prevention, intervention or education programs. The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.[441][442]

Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.[443]

Closed schools

C. W. Rice Middle School

In May 2011, the school board voted to close the school due to district wide overstaffing and a large budget shortfall coupled with the building needing costly repairs. Beginning with the 2011-12 school year, sixth graders will remain at their elementary schools, while 7th and 8th grade will be provided at the high school.[444]

In 2011, the school's attendance rate was 94%.[445] In 2009-10, the attendance rate was rose to 95%. In 2009, it was 93%.[446][447]

8th Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 90% on grade level (3% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
  • 2010 - 89%, State - 81%, Ranked 4th out of 18 eighth grades in the CSIU16 region.[448]
  • 2009 - 86%, State - 80% [449]
  • 2008 - 86%, State - 78% [450]
  • 2007 - 82%, (10% below basic), State - 75% [451]
  • 2006 - 70%, (14% below basic), State - 70% [452]
8th Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 85% on grade level (6% below basic). State - 76.9%[453]
  • 2010 - 83%, State - 75%, Ranked 8th out of 18 eighth grades in the CSIU16 region.[454]
  • 2009 - 72%, State - 71%. Ranked 12th out of 18 eighth grades in the CSIU16 region.[449]
  • 2008 - 76%, State - 70%
  • 2007 - 79%, State - 68% [451]
  • 2006 - 55%, State - 62%
8th Grade Science:
  • 2011 - 90% on grade level (4% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
  • 2010 - 84.9%, State - 57%. Ranked 1st among Central Pennsylvania CSIU16 region middle schools in Science. Ranked 18th in all of Pennsylvania School District 8th grades.[454]
  • 2009 - 78%, State - 55%
  • 2008 - 73%, State - 52%.

Sunbury Middle School

In May 2011, the school board voted to close the school due to overstaffing in the district coupled with the building needing costly repairs. Beginning with the 2011-12 school year, sixth graders will remain at their elementary schools, while 7th and 8th grade will be provided at the high school.[458]

In 2011, the attendance rate was 93%.[459] In 2009-10, the attendance rate was rose to 94%. In 2009, it was 93%.[460]

8th Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 81% on grade level (7% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
  • 2010 - 83%, State - 81%. Ranked 14th out of 18 eighth grades in the CSIU16 region.
  • 2009 - 73%, State - 80%.[461]
  • 2008 - 69%, State - 78%
  • 2007 - 72%, State - 75% [462]
  • 2006 - 61%, State - 70% [463]
8th Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 86% on grade level (4% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
  • 2010 - 75%, State - 75%. Ranked 15th out of 18 eighth grades in the CSIU16 region.
  • 2009 - 65%, State - 71%. Ranked 17th out of 18 eighth grades in the CSIU16 region.
  • 2008 - 58%, State - 70% [464]
  • 2007 - 72%, State - 68% [462]
  • 2006 - 54%, State - 62% [463]
8th Grade Science:
  • 2011 - 69% on grade level (14% below basic). State – 58.3%
  • 2010 - 49%, State - 57%. Ranked 18th in Central Pennsylvania IU16 region middle schools.
  • 2009 - 44%, State - 55%
  • 2008 - 50%, State - 52% [465]

Extracurriculars

Shikellamy School District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, costly sports program. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy and in compliance with standards set by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). The sports programs are through the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference.[466] The Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference is a voluntary association of 25 PIAA High Schools within the central Pennsylvania region.

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students residing 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.[467]

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.[468][469][470]

Sports

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.[471][472]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[473] Coaching compensation increases employees state pension benefits.

The district funds:

Junior High School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2015 [474]

gollark: Just badly photoshop "silver" on the GOOOOLD one.
gollark: They have that cool blue/pink thingy.
gollark: I prefer silver, to be honest.
gollark: A gold egg contains >100% of your recommended daily allowance of gold!
gollark: goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooold

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