Blackhawk School District

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Blackhawk School District
300 px
Address
500 Blackhawk Road
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania 15010
United States of America
Coordinates Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Information
Type Public
NCES District ID 4203688[1][2]
Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kerber, (contract July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017)[3] Salary $122,000 (2013)[4]
Administrator Mr Jerry W Wessel, Business Manager salary $94,000 (2013)

Nancy A Bowman, Supervisor, salary $113,568 (2013)
Scott R Nelson, salary $111,092
KORIN H MCMILLEN, salary $85,696

ANDREW R HEDRICK, salary $84,240
Staff 144 nonteaching staff members (2013)
302[2]
Faculty 157 teachers (2013)
157[2]
Grades PreK – 12th
Age 4th to 21 years old special education
Number of students 2,431 pupils (2015–16)[5]

2,431 pupils (2014–15)[6]
2,528 pupils (2013–14)[2]

2,707 pupils (2006)[7]
 • Pre-kindergarten 11
 • Kindergarten 179 (2014)
 • Grade 1 187 (2014)
 • Grade 2 193 (2014)
 • Grade 3 160 (2014)
 • Grade 4 182 (2014)
 • Grade 5 176 (2014)
 • Grade 6 202 (2014)
 • Grade 7 192 (2014)
 • Grade 8 164 (2014)
 • Grade 9 233 (2014)
 • Grade 10 187 (2014)
 • Grade 11 198 (2014)
 • Grade 12 167 (2014)
Student to teacher ratio 16:1[2]
Color(s)      Green
     Gold
Mascot Cougar
Budget $34,514,917[8]

$31,930,422 (2013–14)[9]

$30,137,403 (2010-11)[10]
Website www.bsd.k12.pa.us

The Blackhawk School District is a small, rural public school district that spans portions of two counties in Pennsylvania. Blackhawk School District encompasses approximately 64 square miles (170 km2). In Beaver County it covers the Boroughs of Darlington, Patterson Heights and West Mayfield and Chippewa Township, Darlington Township, Patterson Township and South Beaver Township. In Lawrence County it covers the Borough of Enon Valley. According to 2000 federal census, it serves a resident population of 17,322 people. By 2010, the District's population increased to 17,765 people.[11] The educational attainment levels for the Blackhawk School District population (25 years old and over) were 93.6% high school graduates and 24.1% college graduates.[12] The District is one of the 500 public school districts of Pennsylvania.

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 27.9% of the District’s pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty Level [1] as shown by their eligibility for the federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012.[13] In 2013 the Pennsylvania Department of Education, reported that students in the Blackhawk School District were homeless.[14] In 2009, the district residents’ per capita income was $21,310, while the median family income was $52,242[15] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501[16] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[17] In Blackhawk County, the median household income was $49,217.[18] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[19] In 2014, the median household income in the USA was $53,700.[20]

According to District officials, in school year 2007-08, Blackhawk School District provided basic educational services to 2,688 pupils through the employment of 187 teachers, 76 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 9 administrators. Blackhawk School District received more than $13.1 million in state funding in school year 2007-08. Blackhawk School District enrollment declined to 2,579 pupils in 2009-10. The District employed: 186 teachers, 76 full-time and part-time support personnel and 9 administrators during the 2009-10 school year. Blackhawk School District received an increase to $13.3 million in state funding in the 2009-10 school year, even though its enrollment had declined by over 100 pupils in two years.

Blackhawk School District operates: Blackhawk High School (9th-12th), Highland Middle School (6th-8th), Blackhawk Intermediate School (3rd-5th), Northwestern Primary School (K-2nd) and Patterson Primary School (K-2nd). The District also offers a taxpayer funded, free preschool for 4 year olds, at the Intermediate School. High school students may choose to attend Beaver County Career and Technology Career for training in the construction and mechanical trades. The Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit IU27 provides the District with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, speech and visual disability services and professional development for staff and faculty.

Governance

Blackhawk School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[21] 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.[22] 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.[23]

The District is divided into 3 regions for school board electoral purposes. There are three school board seats in each region. School board members serve four-year terms with no compensation. There are no term limits. Some public meetings are posted online in videos. Board minutes are available online in 2016.[24]

The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The Blackhawk School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. These contracts must be in writing and are subject to public discloure under the state’s Right to Know Act. 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.[25] In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent regarding renewal of the employment contract.[26]

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.[27]

Academic achievement

Blackhawk School District was ranked 169th out of 493 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2015.[28] 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.[29] 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

In 2014, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 105 local western Pennsylvania school districts. Blackhawk School District ranked 91st out of 105. 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."[35]

  • 2013 – 96th out of 105.
  • 2012 – 287th.
  • 2011 – 249th.[36]
Western Pennsylvania region ranking by Pittsburgh Business Times

(includes 104 districts in: Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Washington County and Westmoreland County excludes Duquesne City SD & Midland Borough SD due to no high schools)

  • 2012 – 32nd
  • 2011 – 29th
  • 2010 – 36th
  • 2009 – 37th

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Blackhawk School District was in the 86th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania school districts. Scale – (0-99; 100 is state best)[37]

District AYP History

In 2010, 2011 and 2012, Blackhawk School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status each school year.[38] 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 skills. In 2011, just 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. From 2004 to 2009, the district achieved AYP status each school year. In 2003, the school was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.[39]

Graduation rate

In 2015, the District’s graduation rate was 93.89%.[40]

  • 2014 - 95.5%[41]
  • 2013 - 99%.[42]
  • 2012 - 97%.[43]
  • 2011 - 99%.[44]
  • 2010 - 98%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[45]
According to traditional graduation rate calculations

High school

Blackhawk High School is located at 500 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. In 2015, enrollment was reported as 785 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 24.8% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal federal poverty level. Additionally, 8% of pupils received special education services, while 6.3% of pupils were identified as gifted.[50] The school employed 53 teachers.[51] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[52]

In 2013, Blackhawk High School enrollment was 1,023 pupils in 8th through 12th grades, with 28% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 7.5% of pupils received special education services, while 6.7% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 66 teachers.[53] Per the PA 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 2010, Blackhawk High School reported an enrollment of 1,073 pupils in grades 8th through 12th, with 231 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 81 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[54] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 11 classes were taught by teachers who were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the No Child Left Behind Act.[55]

2015 School Performance Profile

Blackhawk High School achieved a score of 88.4 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 78% of the High School’s students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 73% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 75% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[56] 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.[57][58]

2014 School Performance Profile

Blackhawk High School achieved 82.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 83% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 72.5% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 66% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[59][60] 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%.[61]

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.[62] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[63][64]

2013 School Performance Profile

Blackhawk High School achieved 82 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 84% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 77% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 65% showed on grade level science understanding.[65] 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.[66]

US News ranking

In 2012, Blackhawk High School was ranked 18th in Pennsylvania, and 955th nationally (22,000 high schools ranked nationwide), by US News and World Report for academic programs.[67] Blackhawk High School fell below the top 50 ranking in 2014, 2015 and 2016.[68]

Local region academic ranking 11th graders
  • 2014 – 42nd out of 105[69]
  • 2013 – 45th
  • 2012 – 47th out of 104 high schools
  • 2011 – 49th
  • 2010 – 55th (out of 106 local)
  • 2009 – 70th among western Pennsylvania high schools based on three years of results in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and one year of science.[70]

AYP history

In 2012, Blackhawk High School declined to Warning AYP status, due to lagging academic achievement in mathematics. In 2011, the School achieved AYP status.[71] Effective with Spring 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSA's to 11th graders. No more AYP reports will be issued.

  • 2006 through 2010 – achieved AYP status each school year
  • 2005 – Warning AYP status
  • 2003 and 2004 – achieved AYP status
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.[72]

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.[73]

11th Grade Reading

  • 2012 - 75% on grade level, (6% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[74]
  • 2011 - 77% (9% below basic). State - 69.1%[75]
  • 2010 - 79% (5% below basic). State - 66%[76]
  • 2009 - 74% (12% below basic). State - 65%[77]
  • 2008 - 62% (18% below basic). State - 65%[78]
  • 2007 - 73% (11% below basic). State - 65%[79]

11th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 68% on grade level (15% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[80]
  • 2011 - 74% (13% below basic). State - 60.3%[81]
  • 2010 - 73% (11% below basic). State - 59%
  • 2009 - 72% (11% below basic). State - 56%.
  • 2008 - 61% (19% below basic). State - 56%
  • 2007 - 64% (19% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

  • 2012 - 32% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[82]
  • 2011 - 32% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 40%[83]
  • 2010 - 38% (10% below basic). State - 39%
  • 2009 - 37% (19% below basic). State - 40%[84]
  • 2008 - 34% (17% below basic). State - 39%[85]

College remediation rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 25% of the Blackhawk 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.[86] 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.[87] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

Blackhawk High School offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. 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 offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[88] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[89] For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $3,412 for the program.[90]

SAT scores

In 2014, 162 Blackhawk School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 511. The Math average score was 523. The Writing average score was 483.[91][92] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[93] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, Blackhawk School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 514. The Math average score was 523. The Writing average score was 496. The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.[94]

In 2012, 149 Blackhawk School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 496. The Math average score was 505. The Writing average score was 473. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the USA, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

In 2011, 147 Blackhawk School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 493. The Math average score was 510. The Writing average score was 475.[95] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal – 493, Math – 501, Writing – 479.[96] 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.[97]

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a research arm of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, compared the SAT data of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania to students in urban areas. From 2003 to 2005, the average total SAT score for students in rural Pennsylvania was 992, while urban students averaged 1,006. During the same period, 28 percent of 11th and 12th graders in rural school districts took the exam, compared to 32 percent of urban students in the same grades. The average math and verbal scores were 495 and 497, respectively, for rural students, while urban test-takers averaged 499 and 507, respectively. Pennsylvania’s SAT composite score ranked low on the national scale in 2004. The composite SAT score of 1,003 left Pennsylvania ranking 44 out of the 50 states and Washington, DC.[98]

Graduation requirements

The Blackhawk School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 23.5 credits to graduate, including: mathematics 4 credits, English 4 credits, social studies 4 credits, science 3 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Health 0.5 credit, Software Apps 0.5 credits, Arts/Humanities 2 credits and electives 3.5. A student must earn a minimum of 5.5 credits to obtain sophomore standing. All students are required to successfully complete four credits of Mathematics in order to graduate. Music academy students will take other classes and not be required the 4 math credits and take less gym credits.[99]

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.[100] At Blackhawk High School students have one of three options: Comprehensive Career Development Plan, Community Service Project and In-depth Academic Research Project.[101] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[102]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2019,[103] public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[104] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[105]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Schools are mandated to provide targeted assistance to help the student be successful. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.[106][107] For the class of 2019, a Composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements.[108] In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit – 49% on grade level.[109] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

AP Courses

In 2013, Blackhawk High School offered 15 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. The student pays the fee for the exam which was $89 per test per pupil in 2012. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Blackhawk High School 66% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[110]

In 2015, Blackhawk reported offering 16 Advance Placement courses. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of students who took an AP course at Blackhawk achieved a 3 or better on the AP exam giving by the College Board thereby earning potential college credits.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that 71 percent of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania chose to continue their education after high school in 2003, whereas 79 percent of urban high school graduates opted to continue their education.

Eighth grade

The eight grade was moved from the high school to the middle school in 2013. 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.[111] Testing in science began in 2007.

Local region academic ranking 8th graders
  • 2014 – 47th out of 105 districts
  • 2012 – 30th
  • 2011 – 42nd
  • 2010 – 52nd (out of 106 local)
  • 2009 – 35th out of 141 western Pennsylvania schools based on three years of results in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and one year of science.[112]
PSSA Results:

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.[111] 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.[113] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[72] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards – Mathematics.[114]

8th Grade Science:

  • 2012 – 74% on grade level (10% below basic). State – 59%[118]
  • 2011 – 76% (6% below basic). State – 58.3%
  • 2010 – 76% (7% below basic). State – 57%[119]
  • 2009 – 61% (16% below basic). State – 55%[120]
  • 2008 – 62% (12% below basic). State – 52%[121]
  • 2007 – tested, but results not made public.

Highland Middle School

Highland Middle School is located at 402 Shenango Road, Beaver Falls. In 2015, enrollment was 558 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 30% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 9% of pupils received special education services, while 3% of pupils were identified as gifted.[122] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[123]

In 2013, enrollment was 382 pupils, in grades 6th and 7th, with 31% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 9% of pupils received special education services, while 3.4% of pupils were identified as gifted.[124] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[125]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, HIghland Middle School reported an enrollment of 388 pupils in grades 6th and 7th, with 89 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 36 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 11:1.[126] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 27 classes are taught by teachers who were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[127]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE withheld SPP scores. It was reported that 61% of 8th grade students at HIghland Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, just 23% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 61% of the school’s 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 60% were on grade level in reading, while just 44% showed on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 64% were on grade level in reading and just 43% were on grade level in mathematics.[128] Statewide 58% of eighth (8th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 29% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 7th graders were 58% on grade level in reading and 33% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among sixth (6th) graders, 60.7% were reading on grade level, while 39.7% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[129]

2014 School Performance Profile

HIghland Middle School achieved 84.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 82% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 82% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 73% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 89% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[130]

2013 School Performance Profile

HIghland Middle School achieved 86.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 77% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 86.7% of the students showed on grade level skills.[131]

Local region academic ranking 7th graders
  • 2014 – 34th
  • 2012 – 14th out of 105 districts
  • 2011 – 15th
  • 2010 – 12th among 106 western Pennsylvania schools based on three years of student results in PSSAs in: reading, math, writing and one year of science.[132]
AYP History

In 2011 and 2012, Highland Middle School achieved AYP status.[133] Earlier year's AYPs are not available, due to school grade reconfiguration shifting eighth grade.

PSSA Results

Seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. 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.[113] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[72] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards – Mathematics.[114]

Local region academic ranking 6th graders
  • 2014 – 36th out of 105 districts
  • 2012 – 9th
  • 2011 – 16th
  • 2010 – 7th among 106 western Pennsylvania schools based on three years of student results in PSSAs in: reading, math, writing and one year of science.[140]
PSSA results

Sixth grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006.

Intermediate School

Blackhawk Intermediate School is located at 603 Shenango Road, Beaver Falls. In 2015, the School's enrollment was 533 pupils in grades 3rd through 5th and a limited preschool program, with 29% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 15% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2% are identified as gifted.[141] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.[142] The School changed to a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, the school's enrollment was 573 pupils in grades 3rd through 5th, with 31% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 11.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.7% are identified as gifted.[143] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.[144] The School was not a federally designated Title I school. Blackhawk School District offered a Pre-Kindergarten Program at the intermediate schools to economically or intellectually distressed children.[145]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Blackhawk Intermediate School reported an enrollment of 565 pupils in grades 3rd through 5th, with 159 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 39 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14.56:1.[146] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[147]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 80% of 5th grade students at Blackhawk Intermediate School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 56% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 68% were on grade level in reading, while 45% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 82% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 80% were on grade level in reading and 58% were on grade level in mathematics.[148] 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.[149]

2014 School Performance Profile

Blackhawk Intermediate School achieved a score of 84.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013–14, 77% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 84% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 77% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 90% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 78% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[150]

2013 School Performance Profile

Blackhawk Intermediate School achieved a score of out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 75% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 87% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 81% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 86% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 82% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[151]

AYP history

In 2010, 2011 and 2012 school years, Blackhawk Intermediate School achieved AYP status.[153][154]

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. Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.[155] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[156][157][158] The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.[159]

PSSA Results
4th Grade Science
  • 2012 – 94%, 55% advanced (1% below basic). State – 82%
  • 2011 – 93%, 52% advanced (1% below basic), State – 82.9%
  • 2010 – 89%, 55% advanced (4% below basic), State – 81%
  • 2009 – 95%, (2% below basic), State – 83%
  • 2008 – 90%, (2% below basic), State – 81%

Northwestern Primary Schools

Northwestern Primary School is located at 256 Elmwood Blvd., Darlington. In 2015, the Northwestern Primary School's enrollment was 327 pupils in grades kindergarten through 2nd, with 33% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 10% of the pupils receive special education services, while none are identified as gifted.[166] 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.[167] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, Northwestern Primary School's enrollment was 308 pupils in grades full day kindergarten through 2nd, with 14% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 9% of the pupils receive special education services, while none are identified as gifted.[168] 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 both half day and full day kindergarten.[169] The school was a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Northwestern Primary School reported an enrollment of 331 pupils in grades kindergarten through 2nd, with 86 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The School employed 25.60 teachers, yielding a low student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[170] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[171]

No state PSSAs are given to children in kindergarten through 2nd grade, therefore no testing reports are available.

Patterson Primary School

Patterson Primary School is located at 701 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls. In 2015, Patterson Primary School's enrollment was 228 pupils in grades kindergarten through 2nd, with 17.5% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 8% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[172] 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.[173] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, Patterson Primary School's enrollment was 196 pupils in grades kindergarten through 2nd, with 11% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 8% of the pupils receive special education services, while none were identified as gifted.[174] 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 half day kindergarten.[175] The School was a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Patterson Primary School reported an enrollment of 200 pupils in grades kindergarten through 2nd, with 50 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The School employed 15.6 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[176] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[177]

Special education

In December 2013, the District administration reported that 267 pupils or 10% of the District's pupils received Special Education services, with 44% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[178]

In December 2012, Blackhawk School District administration reported that 257 pupils or 10.3% of the District's pupils received Special Education services. Of the identified pupils, 42.4% had a specific learning disability. In December 2010, Blackhawk School District Administration reported that 264 pupils or 10% of the district's pupils received Special Education services. Of the identified pupils, 41% had a specific learning disability. In December 2009, Blackhawk School District Administration reported that 271 pupils or 10.5% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[179]

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.[180] School District has provided full day kindergarten since 2011. The District has seen a slight increase in the percentage of special education students it serves, yielding no savings.

In order to comply with state and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules and regulations, 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 .[181] 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.[182][183] 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.[184] Some special education students may take the PASA (Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment), rather than the PSSA.[185] Schools are permitted to provide accommodations to some students.[186]

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.[187] 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.[188] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[189] Overidentification 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.[190] 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.[191] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[192] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[193]

Blackhawk School District received a $1,496,931 supplement from the state, for special education services in 2010.[194] For the 2011–2012, 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 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.[195][196][197] For the 2014–2015 school year, Blackhawk School District received an increase to $1,515,207 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.[198] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The District must apply for this added funding.

In 2013, the state's Special Education Funding Reform Commission provided a report on the state of funding for special education in the Commonwealth.[199] Funding for special education programs is borne largely on a local basis at 60%, with the state contributing $1 billion or 30% and the federal government providing 10% of the funding.

Gifted education

Blackhawk School District Administration reported that 67 or 2.46% of its students were gifted in 2009.[200] By law, Blackhawk School 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.[201][202]

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.[203]

In September 2013, Blackhawk School Board approved by a 7-2 vote a new lucrative employment contract with the teachers' union. Four of the Board members left the board in December 2013. In February 2014, the new Blackhawk School Board voted 6-2 to revoke the collective bargaining agreement questioning the legality of the agreement.[204] The superintendent reported to the Board she would be forced to lay off teachers due to the high costs of the new contract. Pennsylvania state law allows districts to lay off professional staff in three circumstances: a reduction in enrollment, a program is curtailed or eliminated, or when schools are consolidated or reorganized.[205] The Blackhawk Teachers Union filed an unfair labor complaint with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board.[206] The Pennsylvania Labor Board examiner ruled the contract was legal.[207][208]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Blackhawk School District was $58,027 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $26,237 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $84,265.[209] The District employed 195 teachers and administrators with a top salary was $119,000. Blackhawk 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.)[210] 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.[211]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Blackhawk School District was $59,354 a year. The District employed 194 teachers and administrator with a top salary of $100,296.[212]

In 2009, Blackhawk School District reported employing 196 teachers and administrators with a salary median teacher salary of $58,932 and a top $110,854.[213] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, long term disability insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 12 paid sick days (which accumulate), and many other benefits. The length of the contract year is 187 days with a 71⁄2 hour day which provides a thirty-minute free lunch period. A total of eight days work time are released, without loss of pay, to attend the semi-annual PSEA House of Delegates Meetings. These days may be used for any other educational meeting designated by the Association and if the Superintendent approves. Additionally, authorized representatives of the Association (not to exceed four) will be released from duty, with no loss of pay, for a total of eight workdays for attendance at Association meetings. In addition to the pension, employees who meet State requirements for full retirement benefits and have served at least 20 years in the Blackhawk School District, upon retirement shall receive a payment of $25,000.00 and payment for unused sick days.[214][215] In 2011, the average teacher salary in Blackhawk School District was $58,121.33 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $19,151.29 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $77,272.62.[216] 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.[211]

In 2007, the District employed 170 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $58,539 for 187 days worked.[217] 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.[218]

Administrative costs Blackhawk School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $599.25 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[219] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association's report, the average salary for a superintendent, for the 2007-08 school year, was $122,165. Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.[220][221]

Per pupil spending In 2008, Blackhawk School District administration reported that per pupil spending was $10,430 which ranked 450th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts. In 2010, the per pupil spending had increased to $11,500.41[222] By 2013, the District's per pupil spending had risen to $12,662.13.[223] Among the states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.[224] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.[225]

Reserves In 2008, Blackhawk School District reported a balance of $906,491 in an unreserved-designated fund. The unreserved-undesignated fund balance was reported as $850,173.[226] In 2010, Blackhawk School Administration reported a decrease to $28,799 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance and an unreserved-designated fund of zero. In 2012, Blackhawk School Administration reported zero in its unreserved-undesignated fund balance and an unreserved-designated fund of $1,906,435.[227]

Pennsylvania 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.[228] In 2013, the District reported having $1,906,435 in reserves.

Audit In July 2011, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the District. The findings were reported to the Blackhawk School Board and the District’s administration.[229] In September 2013, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted another performance audit of the District. The findings of overstating pupil membership resulting in overpayment from the State were reported to the Blackhawk School Board and the District’s administration.[230] In 2016, Pennsylvania Auditor General DePasquale announced an intent to audit the district in response to complaints from district residents.[231]

Tuition Students who live in the 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 Blackhawk 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 for Blackhawk School District were: Elementary School - $7,694.79, High School - $9,159.[232]

Blackhawk School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.[233] Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Interest earnings on reserve 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.[234] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeded $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.[235] Effective 2016, active duty military are also exempted from paying the local earned income taxes in Pennsylvania.[236][237]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Blackhawk School District receives 46.3% of its annual revenue from the state.[238]

For the 2015–16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $4,347,656 to Blackhawk School District, in January 2016.[239] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.[240] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assemby in June 2015.[241] Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in Basic Eductaion funding under Governor Wolf's proposal.[242][243] In compliance with a legislative mandate that was passed with veto proof majorities in the PA House and Senate,[244] the final BEF funding was set for 2015–16. Blackhawk School District received $9,073,461 in Basic Education Funds for the 2015–16 school year. This was a 1.53% increase yielding a $136,579 increase over the previous school year funding. The District also received $359,398 in Ready to Learn funding from the state.[245]

The Pennsylvania education budget for 2015–16 was $5.93 billion for basic education, a $200 million or a 3.5 percent increase over 2014–15 allocation. Another $1.08 billion was allotted for special education funding, a $30 million or 2.9 percent increase over 2014–15. Additionally, the state paid over $500 million towards school employee social security payments and over $1 billion to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[246]

For the 2014–2015 school year, Blackhawk School District receive $8,936,909 in State Basic Education funding. The District also received $280552 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.[247] The Education budget also included Accountability Block funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State paid another $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania’s Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013–14 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[248]

In the 2013–2014 school year, the Blackhawk School District received a 1.7% increase or $8,936,909 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding (BEF). This is $148,572 more than its 2012–13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Blackhawk School District received $135,477 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Beaver County, Midland Borough School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 10.2%. The District has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth’s budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[249] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland district, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.[250] As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[251]

For the 2012–2013 school year, Blackhawk School District received $8,780,604.[252] 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. Blackhawk School District received $135,477 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[253] This amount was a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011–2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett’s first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In 2011–2012 school year, Blackhawk School District received a $8,780,604 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[254][255] Additionally, the Blackhawk School District received $135,478 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 is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011.[256] 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.[257] In 2010, Blackhawk School District reported that 556 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[258]

In the 2010–2011 school budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $9,149,269. Among the districts in Beaver County, the highest increase went to Midland Borough School District which got a 7.57% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[259] The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where a district received at least the same amount as the year before, even where enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009–2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.16% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $8,969,872 to Blackhawk School District. Among the public school districts in Beaver County, the highest increase went to Big Beaver Falls Area School District which got a 5.26%. Ninety Pennsylvania public school districts received a 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.[260] The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.[261]

The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $4,787,151.79.

All Pennsylvania school districts also receive additional funding from the state through several other funding allocations, including Reimbursement of Charter School Expenditures; Special Education Funding; Secondary Career & Technical Education Subsidy; PA Accountability Grants; and low achieving schools were eligible for Educational Assistance Program Funding. Plus all Pennsylvania school districts receive federal dollars for various programs including: Special Education funding and Title I funding for children from low income families. In 2010, Pennsylvania spent over $24 billion for public education – local, state and federal dollars combined.[262]

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 district applied for and received $367,720 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide Intensive instruction for struggling students during the school day, to extend the school year, to provide after school tutoring, and for high school reform.[263][264]

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. Blackhawk School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07 or in 2007-08. The district received $113,840 in 2008-09.[265] In Beaver County the highest award was given to Freedom Area School District received $476,723. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide due to a massive state financial crisis.

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.[266]

Blackhawk School District received $180,532 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, Accountability Block Grant funding, PreK Counts funding, transportation funding, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees as well as other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

Other grants

Blackhawk School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants;[267][268] PreK Counts state preschool grants years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015;[269][270] PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell);[271] Education Assistance Grants; 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;[272] 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants[273] Project 720 High School Reform grants[274] (discontinued effective with 2011-12 budget) nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal grants

Blackhawk School District received an extra $2,862,640 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[275] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010–2011 school years.[276] 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

Blackhawk School District officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided hundreds of thousands in additional federal funding to improve student academic achievement.[277] 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.[278] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[279][280][281]

Title II grants

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to be used to improve the quality of teacher instructions to pupils. The goal is to provide each child in public schools with "Highly Quality" teachers and principals as defined by the state.[282] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[283] Beginning in 2002, the federal funding committed to Title II was $3,175,000,000.

Public school district administrations must apply to the state annually for the Title II funds. In 2012–13, Blackhawk School District received $79,514 in federal Title II funding.[284] In 2014–15, Blackhawk School District applied for and received $74,553.[285]

English language learners grant

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.[286] Upon registering for school a language survey is done for all new enrollment pupils, typically in kindergarten or preschool. They identify the primary language spoken at home. This data is collected and submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which in turn notifies the federal government.[287]

In 2012–13, Blackhawk School District received $1,358 in Title III funding for English language learners.[288] For 2014–15, Blackhawk School District received $855 in Title III funding.[289]

Common Cents state initiative

The Blackhawk School Board elected to participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program.[290] 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.[291][292] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2015–16 were set by the Blackhawk School Board at 59.1200 mills in Beaver County and 18.5000 mills in Lawrence County. 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.[293] 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. Unlike other states, under Pennsylvania state tax policy, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes.[294] Landowners in Blackhawk School District are the target of a proposed major pipeline.[295] 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. Blackhawk School District is adversely impacted this way by major transmission pipeline development.[296][297][298]

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.[299] The school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, necessitating a state board equalization of the tax rates between the counties.[300] In 2010, miscalculations by the board were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.[301]

  • 2014-15 – 57.6725 mills in Beaver County and 17.4800 mills in Lawrence County[302]
  • 2013-14 – 56.1400 mills in Beaver County and 17.5700 mills in Lawrence County[303]
  • 2012-13 – 54.9400 mills in Beaver County and 17.2000 mills in Lawrence County [304]
  • 2011-12 – 53.7600 mills in Beaver County and 17.9300 mills in Lawrence County.
  • 2010-11 – 52.7600 mills in Beaver County and 17.6000 mills in Lawrence County.[305]
  • 2009-10 – 51.2600 mills in Beaver County and 17.6000 mills in Lawrence County.[306]
  • 2008-09 – 48.6300 mills in Beaver County and 17.0000 mills in Lawrence County.[307]
  • 2007-08 – 46.9000 mills in Beaver County and 16.4000 mills in Lawrence County.[308]
  • 2006-07 – 45.9000 mills in Beaver County and 15.9000 mills in Lawrence County.[309]
  • 2005-06 – 44.9000 mills in Beaver County and 115.0000 mills in Lawrence County.[310]

The average yearly property tax paid by Beaver County residents amounts to about 3.49% of their yearly income. Beaver County ranked 375th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[311] According to a report prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the total real estate taxes collected by all school districts in Pennsylvania rose from $6,474,133,936 in 1999-00 to $10,438,463,356 in 2008-09 and to $11,153,412,490 in 2011.[312] 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%).[313]

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 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.[314] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[315] The following 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.[316][317]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Blackhawk School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.[318]

For the 2015–16 budget year, Blackhawk School Board did not apply for an exception 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.[325]

For the 2014–2015 budget year, Blackhawk School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2014–15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher’s pension fund (PSERS).[326] For the school budget 2014–15, 316 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 181 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Districts may apply for multiple exceptions each year. For the pension costs exception, 163 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 104 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Seven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[327]

For the 2013–2014 budget year, Blackhawk School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2013–14, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 16.93% of payroll payment to the teacher’s pension fund (PSERS). For the school budget year 2013–14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[328]

For the 2012–2013 budget year, Blackhawk 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.[329]

For the 2011–2012 school year, the Blackhawk School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, Blackhawk 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.[330]

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.[331]

Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Backhawk School District was $173 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 4,977 property owners applied for the tax relief.[332] In 2010, the relief was $171. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (40,000 m2) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Beaver County, 64% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[333] Among Beaver County public school districts, the highest amount of property tax relief goes to property owners in Big Beaver Falls Area School District who received $352 in 2010. 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.[334] Residents of Chester Upland School District have been the top recipients each year, since the program began.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Blackhawk School District residents aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently, individual with income much 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.[335]

Bullying and school safety

The School District was featured in the landmark court case Morrow v. Balaski, 719 F. 3d 160 (3d Cir. 2013),[336] dealing with a school's responsibility to prevent bullying. In the case, the Morrows daughter was subject to bullying by another student in the form of threats, assaults, and acts of intimidation. Unable to obtain help from school officials, the Morrows were ultimately compelled to remove their children from their school. According to the court opinion, "The Morrows subsequently met with school officials, but they responded by telling the Morrows that they could not guarantee Brittany and Emily's safety. Instead, rather than removing Anderson and her confederate from the school, school officials advised the Morrows "the victim" to consider another school for their children. In October 2008, the Morrows enrolled their daughters in a different school." The case stands for the precedent-setting proposition that even if a school is aware of bullying and does little to prevent it or protect the victim, it cannot be held legally liable.

Blackhawk School District administration reported there were 23 incidents of bullying in the District in 2012–2013. Additionally, there were 2 harassment incidents and no sexual harassment incident involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in no incidents at the schools.[337] [338] Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center which then publishes the compiled reports online. Nationally, nearly 20% of pupils report being bullied at school.[339]

The District administration reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the District in 2010. There were 40 cases of harassment and no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in no incidents at the schools.[340]

The Blackhawk School Board has not provided the district's antibully policy online.[341] 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.[342] 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.[343][344]

Education standards relating to student safety and anti harassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.[345]

Extracurriculars

Blackhawk School District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive sports program. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.[346][347] The PIAA mandates that student athletes must be passing at least four full-credit subjects to participate in sports.[348]

The Blackhawk High School Music Academy is a program open to students in grades 9 through 12 in Beaver County. The music program focuses on performance as well as music theory, technology and history. It provides voice and instrument instruction.

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.[349]

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.[350][351][352]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[353] The District is noncompliant with state law, due to failing to post its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website.[354] Article XVI-C of the Public School Code requires the disclosure of interscholastic athletic opportunities for all public secondary school entities in Pennsylvania. All school entities with grades 7-12 are required to annually collect data concerning team and financial information for all male and female athletes beginning with the 2012–13 school year and submit the information to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Beginning with the 2013–14 school year, all non-school (booster club and alumni) contributions and purchases must also be reported to PDE.[355]

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.[356][357]

The District funds:

Varsity
Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2015[358]

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  184. ↑ Eleanor Chute., Modified PSSA test in math offered for 1st time, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 18, 2010
  185. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  188. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  189. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  190. ↑ Baruch Kintisch Education Law Center, Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, November 11, 2011
  191. ↑ Amy Morton, Executive Deputy Secretary, Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Pennsylvania Department of Education, November 11, 2011
  192. ↑ US Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education Clarifies Schools' Obligation to Provide Equal Opportunity to Students with Disabilities to Participate in Extracurricular Athletics, January 25, 2013
  193. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  194. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  195. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Special Education Funding 2011–2012 Fiscal Year, 2011
  196. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Investing in PA kids, April 2012
  197. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  198. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Special Education funding report by LEA, July 2014
  199. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  200. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  201. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  202. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Special Education for Gifted Students Notice of Parental rights, March 26, 2010
  203. ↑ Pennsylvania General Assembly, Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, June 27, 2006
  204. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  214. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  215. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  216. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Investing in Pennsylvania Students, 2012
  217. ↑ Fenton, Jacob., Average classroom teacher salary in Beaver County, 2006-07, The Morning Call, March 2009
  218. ↑ PA Delaware County Times, Teachers need to know enough is enough, April 20, 2010.
  219. ↑ Fenton, Jacob., Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?, The Morning Call, February 2009
  220. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  221. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  222. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2009-10 Selected Data – 2009-10 Total Expenditures per ADM, 2010
  223. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  224. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  225. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  226. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  227. ↑ PDE, AFR General Fund Balance by LEA 1996-2012-13, 2014
  228. ↑ Murphy, Jan., Pennsylvania's public schools boost reserves, CentreDaily Times, September 22, 2010
  229. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  239. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  240. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  243. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  244. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  245. ↑ PDE, Ed Budget 2015–16 , May 2016
  246. ↑ Office of the Budget, Pennsylvania Total Operating Budget, March 2016
  247. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  248. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2014–15 Enacted Education Budget Fast Facts, July 14, 2014
  249. ↑ Democrat Appropriations Committee, Report on Education funding by LEA, July 2, 2013
  250. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  251. ↑ Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, 2013–14 State Budget Highlights, 2013
  252. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  256. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  257. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  258. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, District Allocations Report 2009, 2009-10
  259. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  269. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  270. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  271. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Science: It’s Elementary Grantees Students in 143 Schools Benefit from Intensive Science Curriculum, July 22, 2008
  272. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  277. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  278. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  279. ↑ Race to the Top Fund, U.S. Department of Education, March 29, 2010.
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  282. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  283. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  284. ↑ PDE, Title IIA egrants 2012–13, 2012
  285. ↑ PDE, Title IIA egrants 2014–15, 2014
  286. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  287. ↑ PDE, English As A Second Language (ESL), 2015
  288. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  289. ↑ PDE, Title III Grant Allocations 2014–15, 2014
  290. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  291. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Common Cents program – Making Every Dollar Count, 2007
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  294. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  295. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  296. ↑ The Nature Conservancy – Pennsylvania Chapter, Natural Gas Pipelines Pennsylvania Energy Impacts Assessment, December 16, 2011
  297. ↑ The Nature Conservancy, Marcellus Shale Gas Development in Bradford County, December 16, 2011
  298. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  300. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  301. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  302. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  303. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Rates by School District 2013–14, 2014
  304. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Finances_Real Estate Tax Rates 2012–13, 2012
  305. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  308. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  309. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  310. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2005
  311. ↑ Tax-rates.org., The 2013 Tax Resource County Property Taxes 2012, 2012
  312. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania School Finances – Summaries of Annual Financial Report Data 2010-11, 2011
  313. ↑ New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners, Tax Foundation, September 22, 2009.
  314. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  317. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  318. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  319. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2012–2013 School District Adjusted Index, May 2011
  320. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2013–2014 School District Adjusted Index, September 2012
  321. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2014–2015 School District Adjusted Index, September 2013
  322. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2015–2016 School District Adjusted Index, September 2014
  323. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  324. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  325. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  326. ↑ Pennsylvania School Employees, Retirement System, PSERS Chart showing payment mandates 2007–2020, 2014
  327. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  328. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2013–2014, April 2013
  329. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2012–2013, March 30, 2012
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  332. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  333. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  334. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tax Relief per Homestead 2009 Report, May 1, 2010
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  339. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  340. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  341. ↑ Blackhawk School District Administration, Olweus bullying prevention plan, October 2014
  342. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  344. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  345. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  346. ↑ Blackhawk School Board, Blackhawk School District policy manual Extracurriculars policy 122
  347. ↑ Blackhawk School Board, Blackhawk School District policy manual Interscholastic Athletics policy 123
  348. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  349. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  350. ↑ Eleanor Chute., New Pa. law expands clearance requirements for school volunteers, employees, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 15, 2014
  351. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  352. ↑ Ali Stevens., Child Protective Services Law impacts schools, WKOK.com 1070AM, January 6, 2015
  353. ↑ Blackhawk School Board, Blackhawk School District Teacher Union Contract, 2013
  354. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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