Connellsville Area Career and Technology Center

Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center is a comprehensive Vocational-Technical School, in the Connellsville Area School District. The school is located above the Connellsville Area Senior High School. CACTC serves grades 11-12 Full-Time with core curriculum classes held at the school. Sophomore students attend part-time, while attending the Connellsville Area Senior High School for the core curriculum. The school is run by the Connellsville Area School District. In 2015, enrollment was reported as 279 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 70.6% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 30% of pupils received special education services, while none of the pupils were identified as gifted.[14] The school employed 25 teachers.[15] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[16]

Connellsville Area Career and Technology Center
Address
720 Locust Street Extension

Connellsville
,
Fayette County
,
Pennsylvania
15425

United States
Information
TypePublic
Established1972
Opened1972
School board9 locally elected board members
School districtConnellsville Area School District
SuperintendentMr Philip Martell, Superintendent (contract January 28, 2016 to January 28, 2021)[1] Salary $122,000 in 2016[2]

Daniel Lujetic, Superintendent (May 2012 to June 2015) $117,100 salary, $45,165 health and retirement benefits and $1,099 professional memberships[3][4]
interIm super - Dr. Tammy Stern 2011[5]

David Goodin, Superintendent (2008-2010) $109,850 salary, plus $36,697 health and retirement benefits, $3,557 for professional group memberships[6]
AdministratorMr. Bruce I. Jaynes, Acting Director (2016)

Mr Kevin J O'Donnell, Former Director Vocational Education

Linda J Murphy, Former Director Vocational Education salary $95,589 (2013) [7][8]
PrincipalBruce I. Jaynes $71,736 (2013)[9]
Staff5
Faculty25 (2016)
Grades9-12
Age16 years old to 21 years old
Number of students279 pupils (2015)[10]

250 pupils (2014)[11]
240 pupils (2013)[12]

428 pupils (2010)[13]
 • Grade 991 (2010)
 • Grade 109 (2015), 6 (2012), 97 (2010)
 • Grade 11114 (2015), 101 (2012), 96 (2010)
 • Grade 12155 (2015), 130 (2012), 144 (2010)
LanguageEnglish
Campus typeVocational-Technical School
Color(s)Royal Blue and White
Team nameFalcons
NewspaperFalconeer
YearbookAerie
Feeder schoolsConnellsville Area Junior High School, Connellsville Area Senior High School
Websitehttp://www.casdfalcons.org/Domain/725

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2013, the school reported an enrollment of 250 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 158 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. In 2013, the school employed 27 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 9:1.[17] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[18]

In February 2016, Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale raised significant concerns that the costs of operating its own career and technical school is bankrupting the school district.[19] Between 2008 and 2014, Connellsville Area School Board transferred $20.5 million from the fund balance to the Career Technical Center, and amassed another $28.8 million for debt service, some of it for the center.[20]

In May 2014, the district hired a director for the career and technology center (CTC) from outside of the district. In July 2015, after eight months with the district, as director of the CTC, he was made acting superintendent. In November 2015, this acting superintendent resigned with an effective date of December 31, 2015.

Campus history

The school opened in 1972 as North Fayette Area Vocational-Technical School, Connellsville along with Frazier School District, managed the school as students from both schools attended either morning or afternoon sessions until 2001, when Frazier severed ties from the school, citing a lengthy distance between NFAVTS and their school campus, however, the students were able to complete their studies at North Fayette until they graduated. Students still attended half day sessions until 2007, when it was created into a single secondary school of the Connellsville Area School District and named its current name. In 2008, a $15 Million Renovation and Addition of the structure took place, adding a Gymnasium, Cafeteria, and a few more program areas.

Programs

CACTC offers programs to choose from including:

  • Automotive Collision Technology Repair
  • Automotive Mechanics Technology
  • Carpentry
  • Computer Networking
  • Cosmetology
  • Culinary Arts/Bakery
  • Electrical Occupations
  • Electronic Technology
  • Health Occupations
  • HVAC
  • Marketing/Management
  • Masonry
  • Protective Services
  • Welding/Metal Fabrication

Graduation rate

In 2015, Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center graduation rate 67.20%.[21]

Academics
2015 School Performance Profile

Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center achieved 55.7 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 33% of the school’s students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 35.7% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 24% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course. In Industry Standards-Based Competency Assessments - 81% were rated Competent or Advanced.[26] 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.[27][28]

2014 School Performance Profile

Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center achieved 58.1 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 43.8% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 20.5% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 205% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course. In Industry Standards-Based Competency Assessments - 82% were rated Competent or Advanced.[29] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.[30]

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.[31] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[32][33]

Compared with 2013, the percentage of schools that earned below 60 declined by nearly 1 percent per Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq. She reported that this is an indication that student achievement is improving as school resources are being used better.[34]

2013 School Performance Profile

Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center achieved 52.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 32.95% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 21.84% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 12.9% showed on grade level science understanding. In Industry Standards Based Competency Assessments - 80.9% were rated Competent or Advanced.[35] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, beginning in 2012, they take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.[36]

AYP History

In 2012, Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center declined further to Corrective Action II 1st Year Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, due to chronic low student achievement.[37]

  • 2011 - declined to Corrective Action I AYP status due to low student achievement.[38]
  • 2010 - declined to School Improvement 1 AYP status due to lagging student achievement.[39] The school administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school district must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.[40] The school was eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants, which the school must apply for each year.[41]
  • 2009 - Warning AYP status.[42]

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.[43]

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 applicable course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.[44]

11th Grade Reading:

  • 2012 - 21% on grade level, (51% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[45]
  • 2011 - 20% (52% below basic). State - 69.1%[46]
  • 2010 - 23% (59% below basic). State - 66%[47]

11th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 13% on grade level (66% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[48]
  • 2011 - 20% (60% below basic). State - 60.3%[49]
  • 2010 - 13% (72% below basic). State - 59%[50]

11th Grade Science:

  • 2012 - 10% on grade level (44% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[51]
  • 2011 - 15% (40% below basic). State - 40%[52]
  • 2010 - 5% (53.7% below basic). State - 39%

Adult Education

The CACTC offers daytime education to adults and evening programs. The school also offers free GED assistance.[53]

Extracurricular activities

CACTC has many clubs pertaining to the curriculum; students, however, have the opportunity to participate in athletics at Connellsville Area Senior High School.

References
  1. PDE, ED Names and Addresses, 2016
  2. Tony Sonita (January 28, 2016). "Acting leader will take on post". Daily Courier. Archived from the original on March 8, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  3. MARK HOFMANN (January 15, 2015). "Connellsville Area School District Superintendent Lujetic resigns post". TribLive.com.
  4. Tory N Parish (March 31, 2013). "Superintendent turnover rapid, costly". TribLive.com.
  5. Tammy Stern (2011). "Testimony House Appropriations committee" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-11. Retrieved 2016-03-09.
  6. TORY N. PARRISH (March 31, 2013). "Superintendent turnover rapid, costly". TribLive.com.
  7. "School District Payroll report 2013". OpenPA Gov.org. 2014. Archived from the original on 2010-11-19.
  8. Times Tribune (June 16, 2013). "PA Teacher Profile Database 2011-12".
  9. Triblive News (2015). "Pennsylvania teacher salary search".
  10. Pennsylvania Department of Education (December 4, 2016). "Connellsville Area Career & Technical Center Fast Facts 2015".
  11. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Connellsville Area Career & Technical Center Fast Facts 2014, November 4, 2014
  12. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Connellsville Area Career & Technical Center Fast Facts 2013, November 6, 2013
  13. PDE, Enrollment by LEA and School 2010-11, 2011
  14. Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 4, 2015). "Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center Fast Facts 2015".
  15. US News and World Report, Best High Schools, 2015
  16. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2015). "Highly Qualified Teacher Guidelines". Archived from the original on 2016-06-24.
  17. National Center for Education Statistics (2014). "Common Core Data - Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center".
  18. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers High School 2012, September 21, 2012
  19. Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale (February 2016). "Connellsville Area School District Pennsylvania Performance Audit 2016" (PDF).
  20. Bill Schackner (March 3, 2016). "State audit of Connellsville Area School District 'threw up red flags all over the place'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  21. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2015). "Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center Performance Report 2015".
  22. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center Performance Report 2014, 2014
  23. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center Performance Report 2013, 2013
  24. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center AYP Data Table 2012". Archived from the original on 2016-03-09. Retrieved 2016-03-09.
  25. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center AYP Data Table 2011, 2011
  26. Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 4, 2015). "Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center - School Performance Profile 2015".
  27. Jan Murphy (November 4, 2015). "Report card for state's high schools show overall decline". Pennlive.com.
  28. Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 4, 2015). "2015 Keystone Exam School Level Data".
  29. Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 6, 2014). "Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center Academic Performance Data 2014".
  30. Eleanor Chute (November 21, 2014). "Pennsylvania student scores declined with reduced funding, test results show". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  31. Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq, Acting Secretary of Education Announces Results of 2013-14 School Performance Profile; Strong Performance in 72 Percent of Schools, November 6, 2014
  32. Kathy Boccella; Dylan Purcell; Kristen A. Graham (November 6, 2014). "Pa. school rankings: Downingtown STEM No. 1; Phila. falters". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
  33. Jan Murphy (November 6, 2014). "More Pa. school scores decline than improve, state report card shows". Pennlive.com.
  34. Evamarie Socha (November 6, 2014). "Half of Valley districts see state test scores decline".
  35. Pennsylvania Department of Education, High School Academic Performance Data 2013, October 4, 2013
  36. Eleanor Chute; Mary Niederberger (December 11, 2013). "New assessment shows fuller picture of Pa. schools". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  37. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center AYP status 2012". Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  38. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center AYP status 2011, September 29, 2011
  39. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center AYP status 2010, October 20, 2010
  40. US Department of Education (2003). "NCLB Parental Notices".
  41. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "School Improvement Grant".
  42. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center AYP status 2009, September 14, 2009
  43. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "State Academic Standards".
  44. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "State Assessment System".
  45. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2012). "2011-2012 PSSA and AYP Results".
  46. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results".
  47. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009-2010 PSSA and AYP Results".
  48. "How is your school doing?". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. October 15, 2012.
  49. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center Academic Achievement Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011
  50. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010
  51. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center Academic Achievement Report Card 2012" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 9, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  52. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA results in Science". Archived from the original on May 25, 2017.
  53. Intermediate Unit 1 (2015). "GED program announcement" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-09. Retrieved 2016-03-09.

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