Tyrone Area School District

The Tyrone Area School District is a public school district with coverage areas in Blair County, Pennsylvania, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania and Taylor Township in Centre County, Pennsylvania. It serves the borough of Tyrone and the townships of Tyrone and Snyder in Blair County, as well as the borough of Birmingham and the townships of Warriors Mark and Franklin in Huntingdon County. The district encompasses approximately 167 square miles. Based on 2010 local census data, it serves a resident population of 12,581. According to District officials, in school year 2007–08, Tyrone Area School District provided basic educational services to 1,878 pupils through the employment of 152 teachers, 148 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 10 administrators.

Tyrone Area School District
Address
701 Clay Avenue Central Pennsylvania Tyrone , Blair County, Centre County and Huntingdon Counties , Pennsylvania 16686-1807 United States
Information
Type	Public
School board	9 locally elected members
Superintendent	Leslie Estep
School number	[phone]
Principal	Thomas Yoder (High School)
Principal	Kristen Pinter (Middle School)
Principal	Kristen Musselman (Elementary School)
Faculty	134 (2010) [1]
Grades	PreK-12
Age	4 years old to 21 years old special education
Number of pupils	1802 (2010) [2]
• Kindergarten	126
• Grade 1	142
• Grade 2	136
• Grade 3	139
• Grade 4	139
• Grade 5	120
• Grade 6	125
• Grade 7	139
• Grade 8	126
• Grade 9	167
• Grade 10	165
• Grade 11	145
• Grade 12	150
• Other	Enrollment projected to be 1,917 in 2019[3]
Color(s)	Orange and Black
Mascot	Golden Eagle
Budget	$25.36 million 2012-13 $22.9 million 2011-12 [4]
Tuition	for nonresident and charter school students ES - $6,958.43, HS - $8,219 [5]
Per pupil spending	$9,120 (2008) [6]
Per Pupil Spending	$11,652.49 (2010)
Website	http://tyrone.k12.pa.us/

Map of Centre County, Pennsylvania School Districts showing a part of Tyrone Area School District

Map of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania School Districts showing a part of Tyrone Area School District

Schools

• Tyrone Area Elementary School – (Grades Pre-K-4)
  601 Clay Ave.
  Tyrone, Pennsylvania 16686
• Tyrone Area Middle School – (Grades 5–8)
  1001 Clay Ave.
  Tyrone, Pennsylvania 16686
• Tyrone Area High School – (Grades 9–12)
  1001 Clay Ave.
  Tyrone, Pennsylvania 16686

Academic achievement

Tyrone Area School District was ranked 125th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2012.[7] The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the PSSAs for: reading, writing math and science.[8] The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th and the 11th grade in high school. Adapted examinations are given to children in the special education programs.

• 2011 - 170th
• 2010 - 167th out of 500 Pennsylvania school districts [9]
• 2009 – 174th
• 2008 – 137th
• 2007 – 95th of 501 school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[10]

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Tyrone Area School District ranked 67th. In 2011, the district was 129th. [11] The editor describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."[12]

In 2009, US News and World Report ranked 21,000 public high schools, in the United States, based on three factors. First, the schools were analyzed for the number of students who achieved above the state average on the reading and math tests in 2008. Then they considered how the economically disadvantaged students performed against the state average. Finally, they considered the participation rate and the performance of students in college readiness by examining Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate test data. Seventy Pennsylvania high schools achieved ranking bronze, silver or gold rating. Fifty three Pennsylvania high schools achieved bronze.[13] Tyrone Area High School achieved Bronze ranking. Three high schools in Blair County achieved inclusion in the ranking.

In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Tyrone Area School District, was in the 38th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0–99; 100 is state best)[14]

District AYP status history

In 2011, Tyrone Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).[15] In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.[16] Tyrone Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2006 to 2010. In 2005, the District was in Making Progress - School Improvement I status. In 2004 the District declined to School Improvement I status due to lagging student achievement. In 2003, the District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[17]

Graduation rate

In 2011, the graduation rate at Tyrone Area School District was 85.96%.[18] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Tyrone Area High School's rate was 89.57% for 2010.[19]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 – 85%[20]
• 2009 – 85%
• 2008 – 86%[21]
• 2007 – 86%[22]

High school

Tyrone Area High School is located at 1001 Clay Avenue, Tyrone. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 627 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 192 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 44 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of :141.[23] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 7 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[24]

In 2011, Tyrone Area High School achieved AYP status. In 2010, the high school was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[25]

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

• 2011 - 81% on grade level, (4% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.[26]
• 2010 – 79% (12% below basic). State - 66% [27]
• 2009 – 78%, State – 65 %[28]
• 2008 – 87%, State – 65% [29]
• 2007 – 78%, State – 65% [30]

11th Grade Math

• 2011 - 64% on grade level (19% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.[31]
• 2010 – 48% (32% below basic). State - 59%
• 2009 – 64%, State – 56% [32]
• 2008 – 59%, State – 56% [33]
• 2007 – 62%, State – 53% [34]

11th Grade Science

• 2011 - 53% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.[35]
• 2010 – 33% (10% below basic). State – 39%
• 2009 – 45%, State – 40%
• 2008 – 37%, State – 39%

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 31% of Tyrone Area High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[36] Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.[37] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Challenge Program

The Challenge Program, Inc. offers $200.00 cash incentives to Tyrone Area High School juniors, and seniors who excel in the categories of: Academic Improvement, Attendance, Community Service, Academic Excellence and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). The program partners with businesses to motivate students both in and out of the classroom by encouraging good habits in students that will last throughout their education and into their future careers. For the 2010–2011 school year, the top 10% of students in each of the categories will be eligible to win $200.00.[38]

Dual enrollment

Tyrone Area High School offers the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. The students have access to credits through agreements with Pennsylvania State University, St. Francis University and Mount Aloysius College. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[39] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[40] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.[41] In 2010, the district received $15,566 in a state grant to be used assist students with tuition, fees and books. The grant part of the program was discontinued due to a massive state funding crisis.

Graduation requirements

The Tyrone Area School Board has determined that students must earn 24 credits to graduate, including: 4 credits of English, 3 credits of Social Studies, Mathematics 4 credits, Science 3 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Health 0.5 credits, Career Pathways Exploratory 1 credit, Family & Consumer Science 0.5 credits, Drivers Ed 0.5 credit and Electives 5 credits.[42]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.[43] At Tyrone High School students are required to develop a Career Planning and Academic Graduation Portfolio.

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2015 and 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.[44]

SAT scores

From January to June 2011, 70 Tyrone Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 448. The Math average score was 466. The Writing average score was 466.[45] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[46] In the United States, 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing.[47]

Middle school

Tyrone Area Middle School is located at 1001 Clay Avenue, Tyrone. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 510 pupils in grades 5th through 8th, with 211 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty The school was a Title I school. The school employed 37 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.[48] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[49]

In 2010 and 2011, Tyrone Area Middle School achieved AYP status.[50]

PSSA Results

8th Grade Reading 2011 - 86% on grade level (8% below basic). State - 81.8% [51] 2010 – 79% (10% below basic). State – 81% [52] 2009 – 89%, State – 80% [53] 2008 – 83%, State – 78% [54] 2007 – 76%, State – 75%[55]

8th Grade Math 2011 - 82% (10% below basic). State - 76.9% 2010 – 71% (11% below basic). State – 75% 2009 – 74%, State – 71% 2008 – 59%, State – 70% 2007 – 60%, State – 67%[56] 2008 – 83%, State – 78%

8th Grade Science

• 2011 - 71% on grade level (10% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2010 – 58% (20% below basic). State – 57%.
• 2009 – 71%, State: – 54%
• 2008 – 54%, State – 52%

7th Grade Reading 2011 - 70% (7% below basic). State – 76% 2010 – 77% (11% below basic). State – 73% 2009 – 70%, State – 71.7% 2008 – 77%, State – 70% 2007 – 74%, State – 66%

7th Grade Math 2011 - 60% (20% below basic). State - 78.6% 2010 – 76% (11% below basic). State – 77% 2009 – 67%, State – 75% 2008 – 66%, State – 72% 2007 – 70%, State – 67%

6th Grade Reading: 2011 - 65% (16% below basic). State - 69.9% 2010 – 67% (12% below basic). State – 68% 2009 – 70%, State – 67% 2008 – 63%, State – 67% 2007 – 70%, State – 63%

6th Grade Math 2011 - 75% (11% below basic). State - 78.8% 2010 – 72% (13% below basic). State – 78% 2009 – 76%, State – 75.9% 2008 – 62%, State – 72% 2007 – 71%, State – 69%

5th Grade Reading 2011 - 72% (11% below basic). State - 67.3% 2010 – 63%, (14% below basic). State – 64% 2009 – 63%, State – 64% 2008 – 61%, State – 62% 2007 – 62%, State – 60%

5th Grade Math 2011 - 76% (6% below basic). State - 74% 2010 – 74%, (8% below basic). State – 74% 2009 – 66%, State – 73% 2008 – 69%, State – 73% 2007 – 71%, State – 71%

Elementary school

'Tyrone Area Elementary School’ is located at 601 Clay Avenue, Tyrone. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 828 pupils in grades preschool through 4th, with 344 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federal Title I school. The school employed 53 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15.64:1.[57] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[58] In 2011 Tyrone Area Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2010, the school had declined to Warning status.[59] In 2011, 84% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 4th. In Mathematics, 91% of the students in 3rd and 4th grades were on grade level and 64% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 88% of the pupils were on grade level.[60]

Special education

In December 2010, the Tyrone Area School District administration reported that 323 pupils or 16.6% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 36% of the identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 312 pupils or 16.2% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[61]

The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Supervisor of Special Education.[62]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for special education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[63]

Tyrone Area School District received a $1,446,333 supplement for special education services in 2010.[64] For the 2011–12 and 2012-13 school year, 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.[65][66]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 63 or 3.20% of its students were gifted in 2009.[67] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. 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.[68]

Bullying policy

The Tyrone Area School District administration reported there were 4 incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.[69][70]

The Tyrone Area School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online.[71] 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.[72] 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.[73]

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.[74]

Budget

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Tyrone Area School District was $46,679.57 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $12,211.13 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $58,890.71.[75] 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.[76]

In 2009, the district reports employing over 151 teachers with a starting salary of $34,118 for 185 days work.[77] The average teacher salary was $47,139 while the maximum salary is $126,535.[78] In Pennsylvania, the average teacher salary for Pennsylvania's 124,100 public school teachers was $54,977 in 2008.[79] 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.[80] Additionally, Tyrone Area School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, a retirement bonus, professional development reimbursement, several paid personal days, 5 paid bereavement days and 10 sick days, life insurance and other benefits.[81] According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.[82]

In 2007, the district employed 127 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $43,892 for 180 school days worked.[83]

Tyrone Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $757 per pupil. The district is ranked 241st out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[84]

In 2008, Tyrone Area School District reported spending $16,856 per pupil. This ranked 32nd in the commonwealth.[85]

Reserves

In 2010, the Tyrone Area School District reported a zero in it unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The unreserved designated fund balance was reported as $4,181,931. In 2009, the District reported a zero in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $3,648,005.[86] In 2008, the Tyrone Area School District reported $2,657,251 in its unreserved-undesignated fund balance and zero in its unreserved-designated fund. 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.[87]

In September 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.[88]

The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 0.65%, 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. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.[89]

State basic education funding

For the 2012-13 school year, Tyrone Area School District will receive $8,950,112.[90] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 includes $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which is an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. The state also provides $100 million for the Accountability Block grant. The state will also provide $544.4 million for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[91] This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett's first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In 2011-12, Tyrone Area School District received a $8,836,993 allocation of state Basic Education Funding.[92][93] Additionally, the School District received $113,119 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount was a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.[94] 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.[95] In 2010, Huntingdon Area School District reported that 815 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[96]

For the 2010–11 school year, Tyrone Area School District received a 3.08% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $9,382,409 payment.[97] Hollidaysburg Area School District received a 4.26% increase which was the highest increase in BEF given to the public schools in Blair County. Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010–11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010–11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[98]

In the 2009–2010 budget year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $9,102,079. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008–09 was $8,836,992. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low-income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more.[99] Spring Cove School District received a 4.68% increase, the highest increase in Blair County for the 2009–10 school year. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.[100]

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 730 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[101]

Accountability Block Grants

Beginning in 2004–2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania's school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010–11 the Tyrone Area School District applied for and received $307,033 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the 7th year.[102][103]

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006–2009. Tyrone Area School District did not apply for funding in 2006–07. In 2007–08 the district received $212,465. For the 2008–09, school year the district received $45,413 for a total funding of $257,878. Among the public school districts in Blair county, Altoona Area received the highest funding $597,806. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[104]

Literacy grant

Tyrone Area School District was awarded a $142,214 competitive literacy grant. It is to be used to improve reading skills birth through 12th grade. The district was required to develop a lengthy literacy plan, which included outreach into the community. The funds come from a Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, also referred to as the Keystones to Opportunity grant It is a five-year, competitive federal grant program designed to assist local education agencies in developing and implementing local comprehensive literacy plans. Of the 329 pre-applications by school districts reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, School District was one of only 148 entities that were invited to submit a full application. In Blair County just 2 school districts were awarded funding for one year.[105] The funds must be used for teacher training, student screening and assessment, targeted interventions for students reading below grade level and research-based methods of improving classroom instruction and practice. Districts must hire literacy coaches. The coaches work with classroom teachers to enhance their literacy teaching skills. Pennsylvania was among six other states, out of the 35 that applied, to be awarded funding. Pennsylvania received $38 million through the federal program. The Department of Education reserved 5% of the grant for administration costs at the state level.

PreK Counts grant

Tyrone Area School District receives state funding to provide preschool at the elementary school. For the 2011 school year, Pre-K Counts was funded at the 2010 levels of $83.6 million statewide in Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget,. The state also supplements the federal Head Start preschool program with an additional $37.6 million. Pre-K Counts funding was initiated during the Rendell administration. In 2007-08 the state funded Pre-K Counts at $75 million. School District received funding in 2007-08.[106] In 2009-10 the district received $343,650 to provide preschool to 69 children.[107][108]

Science It’s Elementary grant

Tyrone Area Elementary School successfully applied to participate and received a Science It's Elementary grant in 2008-09. For the 2008-09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 2,847 teachers and 66,973 students across Pennsylvania.[109] In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Education initiated an effort to improve science instruction in the Commonwealth's public elementary schools. Called Science: It's Elementary, the program is a hands on instruction approach for elementary science classes that develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills.[110] To encourage schools to adopt the program's standards aligned curriculum, the state provided a grant to cover the costs of materials and extensive mandatory teacher training.[111] The district was required to develop a three-year implementation plan for the participating school. They had to appoint a district liaison who was paid $3000 by PDE to serve as the conduit of all information between the district and the Department and its agents along with submitting orders and distributing supplies to implementing teachers. For the 2006-07 state education budget, $10 million was allocated. The 2006-07 State Education Budget provided $635 million in new spending for pre-K through 12th grades for the 2006-07 school year. This marks an 8-percent increase over 2005-06 public school funding.[112] The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget. The grant was discontinued in 2010 by Governor Rendell due to a massive state budget.

America's Farmers Grow Rural Education grant

In August 2012, Tyrone Area School District received a $25,000 grant for The America's Farmers Grow Rural Education program. The grant is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, which provided $2.3 million in rural schools across the United States for the 2012-2013 school year. Tyrone was one of 8 Pennsylvania public school districts to receive an award.[113] Districts were nominated by local farmers. The District completed an application process which was reviewed by other school districts. There were 176 school districts in 35 states that received grants. The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work.

Federal Stimulus grant

The district received an extra $2,662,811 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[114] The funding is for the 2009–10 and 2010–11 school years.

Race to the Top grant

School district officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district up to one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[115] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[116] 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.[117]

Common Cents state initiative

The Tyrone Area School Board did 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.[118] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

The Tyrone Area School Board set property tax rates in 2012–13 at 73.71 mills for residents in Blair County. Residents in Centre County 22.5700 mills and Huntingdon County residents 78.66 mills.[119] 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.[120] Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[121] Since Tyrone Area School District includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the property owners in the three counties.[122] 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.[123]

• 2011-12 - 71.9900 mills for residents in Blair County. Residents in Centre County 20.6100 mills and Huntingdon County residents 76.5900 mills.
• 2010–11 at 68.8600 mills for residents in Blair County. Residents in Centre County paid 22.9800 mills and Huntingdon County residents paid 76.2700 mills.[124]
• 2009-10 - 92.7100 mills for residents in Blair County. Residents in Centre County 22.0600 mills and Huntingdon County residents 70.1600 mills.
• 2008-09 - 92.7100 mills for residents in Blair County. Residents in Centre County 21.0600 mills and Huntingdon County residents 68.3200 mills.
• 2007-08 - 92.7100 mills for residents in Blair County. Residents in Centre County 20.2200 mills and Huntingdon County residents 68.5100 mills.
• 2006-07 - 89.3700 mills for residents in Blair County. Residents in Centre County 18.8800 mills and Huntingdon County residents 64.2300 mills.
• 2005-06 - 84.7000 mills for residents in Blair County. Residents in Centre County 19.6000 mills and Huntingdon County residents 61.8700 mills.

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 authorized to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011–2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.[125] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[126] Several exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school's share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.[127][128]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Tyrone Area School District 2006–2007 through 2010–2011.[129]

• 2006–07 – 5.5%, Base 3.9%
• 2007–08 – 4.7%, Base 3.4%
• 2008–09 – 6.2%, Base 4.4%
• 2009–10 – 5.7%, Base 4.1%
• 2010–11 – 4.1%, Base 2.9%
• 2011–12 – 2.0%, Base 1.4%
• 2012-13 - 2.4%, Base 1.7% [130]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Tyrone Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. 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.[131]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Tyrone Area School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Tyrone Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[132]

According to a state report, for the 2011-2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district's index. Of the districts who sought exceptions: 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.[133]

The Tyrone Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009–10 and 2010–11.[134] 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.[135]

Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Tyrone Area School District was $152 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 3,215 property owners applied for the tax relief. Williamsburg Community School District received $216, the highest property tax relief allotted in Blair County for 2009.[136] The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's 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. The Pennsylvania Auditor General found that 53% of property owners applied for tax relief in Blair County.[137] Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.[138] This was the second year they were the top recipient.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.[139]

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%).[140]

Extracurriculars

The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies. To be eligible to participate and to continue participation in extra-curricular activities, the student must maintain at least a C- (1.67) average grade average and pass at least a 4.5 credit load based on the preceding nine-week marking period. An ineligible student will be suspended from participation for a fifteen (15) school day period.[141][142]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[143][144][145]

Athletics

2012-13 Athletic Budget over $360,225.

Boys Baseball - AA Basketball- AA Cross Country - AA Football - AA Golf -AA Soccer - AA with Bellwood-Antis School District Swimming and Diving - Class AA Tennis - AA Track and Field Wrestling - AA

Girls Basketball - AA Cross Country - AA Soccer (Fall) - A with Bellwood-Antis School District Swimming and Diving - Class AA Softball - AA Tennis - AA Track and Field - AA Volleyball - AA

Junior High School Sports

Boys Basketball Football Track and Field Wrestling

Girls Basketball Softball Track and Field

• According to PIAA directory July 2012 [146]

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External links

• Tyrone Area School District
• PIAA Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association
• Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8
• Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center