Muncy School District
| Muncy School District | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Address | |
| 46 South Main Street Muncy, Pennsylvania, Lycoming County, 17756-1346 United States  |
|
| Information | |
| School board | 9 elected members |
| Superintendent | Dr. Portia Brandt (salary $105,366 2009) |
| School number | (570) 546-3125 |
| Faculty | 80.50 teachers (2010) |
| Grades | K-12 |
| Pupils | 973 (2009-2010)[1] |
| Kindergarten | 64 |
| Grade 1 | 79 |
| Grade 2 | 66 |
| Grade 3 | 65 |
| Grade 4 | 75 |
| Grade 5 | 78 |
| Grade 6 | 67 |
| Grade 7 | 81 |
| Grade 8 | 92 |
| Grade 9 | 75 |
| Grade 10 | 67 |
| Grade 11 | 90 |
| Grade 12 | 74 |
| Other | Enrollment projected to remain near 900 through 2019 [2] |
| Budget | $15.1 million [3] |
| Tuition | or nonresident and charter school students ES - $8,641.76, HS - $10,688.02 [4] |
| Per pupil spending | $12,585 (2008) |
| Per pupil Spending | $13,035.72 (2010) |
| Website | [1] |
The Muncy School District is small, rural, public school district located in southern Lycoming County. The school serves the borough of Muncy, plus the affiliated townships of Muncy Township and Muncy Creek Township. The mascot of the school is the Indian. Muncy School District encompasses approximately 36 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 7,209. The district residents' per capita income was $17,107, while the median family income was $39,678.[5] According to District officials, in school year 2005-06, the Muncy School District provided basic educational services to 1,039 pupils. It employed: 84 teachers, 75 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 7 administrators. District officials reported that in school year 2007-08, the Muncy School District provided basic educational services to 1,018 pupils employing: 86 teachers, 60 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 11 administrators. Muncy School District received more than $5.2 million in state funding in school year 2007-08.
The district operates 2 schools: Ward L. Myers Elementary School (grades K-6) l and Muncy Junior-Senior High School (grades 7-12). Both schools have been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Academic achievement
Muncy School District was ranked 151st out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2012, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic performance based on the PSSAs for the last three years on: reading, writing, math and science.
- 2011 - 177th [6]
- 2010 - 121st [7]
- 2009 - 88th
- 2008 - 98th
- 2007 - 120th out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts.[8]
- Overachiever statewide ranking
In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Muncy School District ranked 231st. In 2011, the district was 187th. [9] 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 lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."[10]
- District AYP status history
In 2011, Muncy School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).[11] In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.[12] School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003 the District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[13]
In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Muncy School District, was in the 41st percentile, among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts. Scale (0-99; 100 is state best) [14]
Graduation rate
In 2012, the Muncy School District graduation rate was 87%.[15] In 2011, Muncy School District's graduation rate was 94%.[16] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Muncy School District's rate was 88% for 2010.[17]
- Traditional calculation graduation rate
High School
Muncy Junior Senior High School is located at 200 W Penn Street, Muncy. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 467 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 124 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch, making it a Title I School. The school employed 40 teachers yielding a student teacher ratio of 11:1.[22] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the No Child Left Behind Act.[23]
In 2010 through 2012, Muncy Junior Senior High School achieved AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) status under the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2002.[24]
- PSSA Results
- 11th Grade Reading
- 2012 - 84% on grade level, (7% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level. [25]
- 2011 - 82% (9% below basic). State - 69.1% [26]
- 2010 - 81%, (13% below basic). State - 66% [27]
- 2009 - 80% (7% below basic), State - 65% [28]
- 2008 - 77% (11% below basic), State - 65%[29]
- 2007 - 78% (12% below basic), State - 65% [30]
- 11th Grade Math
- 2012 - 65% on grade level (16% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level. [31]
- 2011 - 77%, (12% below basic). State - 60.3%
- 2010 - 64%, (16(% below basic). State - 59% [32]
- 2009 - 61% (19% below basic). State - 56% [33]
- 2008 - 57% (18% below basic). State - 56% [34]
- 2007 - 56% (21% below basic). State - 53%
- 11th Grade Science
- 2012 - 54% on grade level (4% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level. [35]
- 2011 - 55%, (6% below basic). State - 40% [36]
- 2010 - 47%, (10% below basic), State - 39%
- 2009 - 57%, (11% below basic). State - 40%
- 2008 - 45%, (14% below basic). State - 39%
College remediation
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 7% of Muncy Senior 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.[37] 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.[38] 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 mathematics or English.
SAT Scores
In 2012, 43 Muncy School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 496. The Math average score was 515. The Writing average score was 490. 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, 50 Muncy School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 477. The Math average score was 499. The Writing average score was 469.[39] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[40] 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.[41]
Junior High School
Muncy Junior HIgh School achieved AYP status in 2010 and 2011.
- 8th Grade Reading
- 2012 - 78% on grade level (4% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.
- 2011 - 71%, (15% below basic). State - 81.8%
- 2010 - 77%, 48% advanced (10% below basic). State - 81% [42]
- 2009 - 80%, 58% advanced (7% below basic). State - 80%
- 2008 - 85%, 60% advanced (8% below basic). State - 78%
- 2007 - 84%, 57% advanced (8% below basic). State - 75%[43]
- 8th Grade Math
- 2012 - 66%, 35% advanced, (11% below basic). State - 76%
- 2011 - 70%, 48% advanced, (13% below basic). State - 76.9%
- 2010 - 64%, 39% advanced, (15% below basic). State - 75%
- 2009 - 64%, 38% advanced, (16% below basic). State - 71%
- 2008 - 79%, 63% advanced, (11% below basic). State - 70% [44]
- 2007 - 77%, 43% advanced, (8% below basic). State - 67%
- 8th Grade Science
- 2012 - 63% on grade level (12% below basic). State - 59%
- 2011 - 53%, (27% below basic). State – 58.3%
- 2010 - 60%, (23% below basic). State - 57%.
- 2009 - 51%, (15% below basic). State: - 54% [45]
- 2008 - 74%, (14% below basic). State - 52% [46]
- 7th Grade Reading
- 2012 - 89%, 51% advanced (1% below basic). State – 76%
- 2011 - 79%, 39% advanced (6% below basic). State – 76%
- 2010 - 63%, 34% advanced (21% below basic). State - 73%
- 2009 - 73%, 40% advanced (9% below basic). State - 71.7%
- 2008 - 77%, 45% advanced (7% below basic). State - 70%
- 2007 - 83%, 46% advanced (10% below basic). State - 66%
- 7th Grade Math
- 2012 - 85%, 64% advanced (4% below basic). State - 80%
- 2011 - 85%, 51% advanced (6% below basic). State - 78.6%
- 2010 - 74%, 49% advanced (14% below basic). State - 77%
- 2009 - 84%, 51% advanced (7% below basic). State - 75%
- 2008 - 81%, 54% advanced (11% below basic). State - 72%
- 2007 - 88%, 67% advanced (9% below basic). State - 67%
Myers Elementary School
Ward L Myers Elementary School is located at 125 New Street, Muncy. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 549 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 222 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty, makin gthe school a Title I school. The school employed 41 teachers yielding a student teacher ratio of 13:1.[47] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[48]
In 2010 through 2012, Myers Elementary School achieved AYP status.[49] In 2011, the school reports a 94% attendance rate.[50] In 2010, the school reported a 95% attendance rate.
- PSSA Results
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 4th Grade Science
- 2012 - 89%, 52% advanced. State - 82%
- 2011 - 94%, 64% advanced. State – 82.9%
- 2010 - 92%, 51% advanced. State - 81%
- 2009 - 93%, 55% advanced. State - 83%
- 2008 - 83%, 43% advanced. State - 81%
|
|
The school does not offer the PerK Counts state funded preschool for 3 and 4 year olds.
Special Education
In December 2010, the district administration reported that 141 pupils or 14.1% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 62% of its identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 153 pupils or 15% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[53]
The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Special Education Department.[54]
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[55]
Muncy School District received a $596,821 supplement for special education services in 2010.[56] The state funding for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years was the same as 2010-11. The enacted state budget included $1,026,815,000, for the 2011-2012 Special Education appropriation.[57]
Gifted Education
The District Administration reported that 23 or 2.26% of its students were gifted in 2009.[58] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.[59]
Bullying policy
The Muncy School District administration reported there were no incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.[60][61]
The Muncy School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online.[62] 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.[63] 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.[64]
Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.[65]
Monitoring
In 2010, Muncy School District was identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Least Restrictive Environment monitoring. One hundred ninety six schools districts were selected in 2008-09. The district received an alert letter from the PDE - Bureau of Special Education.[66] School districts were placed in one of three categories: Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3. The district was placed in Tier 3 due to students spending more than 60% of the school day, outside of regular education. The monitoring is a product of the PDE addressing its voluntary settlement in Gaskin V. Pennsylvania which ordered that special education students spend most of their school day (80%) in regular education classrooms with supplementary aids and services to assist funded by the taxpayers.[67][68][69] In 2010, the district was assigned to the Tier 3 monitoring list, due to students spending over 80% of their day in a regular education classroom. The district received a letter of “Warning” letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[70]
Teacher evaluation study
In 2011, Muncy School District agreed to participate in a pilot program to develop a new way to evaluate teachers that, in part, takes into account student achievement. Several York County school districts are participating.[71] The pilot program had 104 K-12 entities, including: nine career and technical centers, nine charter schools and nine intermediate units. Beginning in January 2012, participating school districts will use the new evaluation method and provide feedback to the Department of Education. This new evaluation will not be used to determine an educator’s official 2011-12 assessment. Under the new evaluation system, 50% of the evaluation of a teacher will be based on an observation divided into four categories: planning and preparation, classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilities. The other half will be based on student achievement (15 percent will be building-level data, 15 percent will be teacher-specific data, and 20 percent will be elective). The new evaluation system has both announced and unannounced observations. There are meetings between the teacher and evaluator before and after the direct observation of a lesson.[72]
Budget
In 2011, the average teacher salary in Muncy School District was $56,381.16 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $13,152.47 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $69,533.63.[73] 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.[74]
In 2009, Muncy School District reported employing over 80 teachers with a starting salary of $39,745 for 180 days for pupil instruction and 10 noninstructional days.[75] The average teacher salary was $56,138 while the maximum salary is $105,923.[76] 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.[77] Additionally, Muncy School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, 3 paid personal days (2 may carry over), 10 sick days and other benefits. Teachers are paid extra if they are required to work outside of the regular school day. Retiring teachers receive a bonus or up to $10,000. The union officers may take 3 days, with pay, for union business.[78] According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.[79]
In 2007, the district employed 76 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $50,091 for 180 school days worked.[80]
Muncy School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $906.21 per pupil. The district is ranked 100th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[81]
In 2008, Muncy School District reported spending $12,585 per pupil. This ranked 213th in the commonwealth.[82]
- Reserves
In 2009, the district reported $1,559,883 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.[83]
In August 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.[84]
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax - 1.75%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.[85]
State basic education funding
For the 2012-13 school year, the district will receive $3,684,990.[86] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 includes $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education including $5.4 billion in basic education funding which is an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. The state also provides $100 million for the Accountability Block grant. The state will also provide $544.4 million for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS. [87] This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett’s first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.
In 2011-12, the Muncy School District received $3,636,933 in state Basic Education Funding.[88] Additionally, the district will receive $47,948 in Accountability Block Grant funding.[89] The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011. The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.[90] Districts experienced a reduction in funding, due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.
In 2010, the school district reported that 342 pupils received a free or reduced price meals through the federal school lunch program, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.
For 2010-11, the Muncy School District received a 2.8% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $3,813,636 payment.[91]Loyalsock Township School District received a 8.13% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF in Lycoming County. Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. The amount of increase each school district receives was determined by then Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education, Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[92] 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% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $3,709,672. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $3,636,933.18. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more.[93]Loyalsock Township School District received a 5.94% increase, the highest increase in Lycoming County for the 2009-10 school year. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.[94] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 268 district students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.[95]
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 Muncy School District applied for and received $130,143 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full day kindergarten for the 5th year.[96][97]
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. Muncy School District was denied funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the district received $104,940. For the 2008-09, school year the district received $45,413 for a total of $150,353. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[98] In Lycoming County the highest award was given to Jersey Shore Area School District at $428,436. The highest funding state wide 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.
Federal Stimulus Grant
The district received an extra $634,680 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.[99] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.[100] 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
School district officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[101] 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.[102] 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.[103]
Common Cents state initiative
The Muncy School Board did not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.[104] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.
Real estate taxes
The school board set property tax rates in 2012-2013 at 13.0000 mills. 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. 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. 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 (Local Tax Enabling Act), which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[105] The school district includes municipalities in three counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, necessitating a state board equalization of the tax rates between the counties.
- 2011-12 - 13.0000 mills.[106]
- 2010-11 - 11.5000 mills [107]
- 2009-10 - 11.5000 mills.[108]
- 2008-09 - 11.5000 mills.[109]
- 2007-08 - 11.5000 mills.[110]
- 2006-07 - 11.5000 mills.[111]
- 2005-06 - 11.5000 mills.[112]
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. [113] The average yearly property tax paid by Lycoming County residents amounts to about 3.53% of their yearly income. Lycoming County is ranked 364th of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income. [114]
Act 1 Adjusted index
The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not authorized to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.[115] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[116] Several exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school’s share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.[117][118]
The School District Adjusted Index for the Muncy School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.[119]
|
For the 2012-13 budget year, Muncy School Board did not apply for an exception 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. [122]
For the 2011-12 school year, the Muncy School Board applied for 4 exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: including teacher pension costs, Maintenance of Selected Revenue, Maintenance of Local Tax Revenue and special education costs. Each budget year, the Muncy 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 publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[123]
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.[124]
Muncy School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 or in 2010-11.[125] In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.[126]
Property tax relief
In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Muncy School District was $174 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 1,902 property owners applied for the tax relief.[127] The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The Pennsylvania Auditor General found that 69% of property owners applied for tax relief in Lycoming County.[128] In Lycoming County, the highest property tax relief in 2009 was $310 awarded to the approved property owners in Williamsport Area School District. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.[129] This was the second year Chester Upland School District was the top recipient.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.[130]
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%).[131]
Enrollment and consolidation
Muncy School District is experiencing low enrollment in K-12. The Pennsylvania Department of Education projects the district's enrollment will remain below 1000 pupils through 2018.[132] Shifting population trends across the U.S. and Pennsylvania are affecting school enrollment and may impact the building needs of school districts in the years to come.[133] Over the next 10 years, rural Pennsylvania school enrollment is projected to decrease 8 percent. The most significant enrollment decline is projected to be in western Pennsylvania, where rural school districts may have a 16 percent decline. More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania are projected to experience significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).[134]
A study done by Standard and Poors in 2007 (at the request of the PA General Assembly) examined the district consolidating with neighboring Montgomery Area School District. It found that residents in both districts would realize substantial savings in a consolidation. Savings of over $1000 per pupil were estimated.[135] Consolidation of Muncy School District with East Lycoming School District was also reviewed. The study estimated a combined district savings of over $2 million dollars in 2004.[135]
As a part of the study, superintendents were asked about savings, if their district were to merge with another district at the administrative level only, but not close any of their schools. It found 42% of the respondents believed consolidation would achieve cost reductions. Additionally, 63% of responding superintendents believed that consolidation with another district would help provide additional academic enrichment opportunities for the students.[136]
Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. Less than 95 of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts have enrollment below 1250 students, in 2007.[137]
Extracurriculars
The Muncy School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and 20 sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies.[138][139]
By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[140][141][142]
Muncy School District is affiliated with Heartland Conference and the Northern Tier League in Football. Several sports are offered in cooperation with Montgomery Area School District.[143]
Sports
The District funds:
|
|
- Junior HIgh School Sports
|
|
- According to PIAA directory July 2012 [144]
References
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Muncy School District Enrollment and Projections".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2011). "Enrollment and Projections by school district".
- ^ Hutchensin, Matt., Muncy School District adopts no-tax-hike budget for 2012-13, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, June 19, 2012
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Public School District Tuition Rates, May 2012
- ^ American Fact Finder, US Census BUreau, 2010
- ^ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 4, 2011). "Statewide Ranking Information".
- ^ Pittsburgh Business Times (May 1, 2010). "Statewide Honor Roll".
- ^ "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County,". Pittsburgh Business Times,. May 23, 2007.
- ^ Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Overachivers Ranking Information, April 6, 2012
- ^ "Overachiever statewide ranking". Pittsburgh Business Times. May 6, 2010.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Muncy School DistrictAYP Overview, September 29, 2011
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Public School District AYP History, 2011
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania District AYP History 2003-2010, 2011
- ^ "2009 PSSA RESULTS Muncy School District,". The Morning Call. Retrieved March 2011.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Muncy School District AYP data 2012, 2012
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Muncy School District - District AYP Data Table".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented".
- ^ "Muncy School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2010". Retrieved March 3, 2011.
- ^ The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "Lycoming County Graduation Rates 2008".
- ^ Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. "High School Graduation rate 2007". Retrieved January 31, 2011.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2005). "Muncy Area School District Report Card 2005".
- ^ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data - Muncy Junior Senior High School, 2010
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Muncy Junior Senior High School, September 29, 2011
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "MUNCY Junior Senior High School AYP Overview".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2012). "2011-2012 PSSA and AYP Results".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results".
- ^ "2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 14, 2010). "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results".
- ^ "The 2008 PSSA Mathematics and Reading School Level Proficiency Results (by Grade and School Total)". August 2008.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Math and Reading results by School and Grade 2007".
- ^ Pittsburgh Post Gazette (October 15, 2012). "How is your school doing?".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Muncy School District, March 2011
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of education (2009). "Muncy Junior Senior HIgh School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009".
- ^ "Math PSSA Scores by District 2007-08 Muncy School District Results". The Times-Tribune. June 25, 2009.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2010-2011 PSSA results in Science, September 29, 2011
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report".
- ^ National Center for Education Statistics
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011".
- ^ College Board (September 2011). "SAT Scores State By State - Pennsylvania".
- ^ "While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady". September 2011. Text "work-NJ.com " ignored (help)
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 14, 2010). "Muncy Junior Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Math and Reading Results 2007". Retrieved February 2011.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Results Math and Reading School 2008". Retrieved February 2011.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Science results 2008-09". Retrieved February 2011.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Science Results by School and Grade 2008". Retrieved February 2011.
- ^ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data – WL Myers Elementary School, 2010
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers WL Myers Elementary School, September 29, 2011
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, WARD L MYERS ELEMENTARY School AYP Overview, September 29, 2011
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, WARD L MYERS ELEMENTARY School AYP Data Table, September 29, 2011
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Ward L Myers Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, March 2, 2011
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Ward L Myers Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009".
- ^ Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education (January 31, 2011). "Muncy School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets School Year 2008-2009".
- ^ Muncy School District (2010-2011). "Muncy School District Special Education Department - Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Special Education Funding".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2011). "Pennsylvania Department of Education 2011-12 Budget Information".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (Revised December 1, 2009 Child Count (Collected July 2010)). "Gifted Students as Percentage of Total Enrollment by School District/Charter School".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board. "CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students". Retrieved February 4, 2011.
- ^ Pennsylvania Office of Safe Schools. "Muncy School District School Safety Annual Report 2008 - 2009". Retrieved February 8, 2011.
- ^ "Pennsylvania Safe Schools Online Reports". February 2011.
- ^ Muncy School District Administration (November 2008). "Muncy School District Bullying/Cyberbullying Policy 249".
- ^ "Regular Session 2007-2008 House Bill 1067, Act 61 Section 6 page 8".
- ^ "Center for Safe Schools of Pennsylvania, Bullying Prevention advisory". Retrieved January 2011.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Academic Standards".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "LRE Index Scores and Identification for Monitoring".
- ^ Martin Elks, Ph.D. (June 3, 2010). "FINAL REPORT OF THE BUREAU DIRECTOR’S ADVISORY PANEL ON LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOLLOWING GASKIN V. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SEPTEMBER, 2005—JUNE, 2010".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 1, 2002). "Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and Educational Placement for Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 1, 1997). "Placement Options for Special Education".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Special Education (2010). "LRE Index Scores".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2011). "More Than 100 Entities Sign Up to Participate in Teacher and Principal Evaluation Pilot Program".
- ^ Mason, Angie., Educators: New teacher evaluation system is a lot of talk -- but so far that's good, "The York Daily Record, April 29, 2012
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "Investing in Pennsylvania Students".
- ^ American Enterprise Institute, (2011). "Assessing the Compensation of Public School Teachers".
- ^ "Pa. Public School Salaries, 2009". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved February 2011.
- ^ "Muncy School Payroll report". openpagov. Retrieved March 1, 2011.
- ^ Teachers need to know enough is enough, PaDelcoTimes, April 20, 2010.
- ^ "Muncy School District Teachers Union Employment Contract 2011".
- ^ "Legislature must act on educators' pension hole.". The Patriot News. February 21, 2010.
- ^ Fenton, Jacob,. "Average classroom teacher salary in Lycoming County, 2006-07.". The Morning Call. Retrieved March 2011.
- ^ Fenton, Jacob. (Feb 2009). "Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?, '". The Morning Call.
- ^ "Per Pupil Spending in Pennsylvania Public Schools in 2008 Sort by Administrative Spending".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Fund Balances by Local Education Agency 1997 to 2008".
- ^ "MUNCY SCHOOL DISTRICT LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT". August 2009.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (October 2010). "Personal Income Tax Information".
- ^ Senator Jake Corman (June 28, 2012). "Pennsylvania Education funding by Local School District".
- ^ Pennsylvania General Assembly Sen Jake Corman (June 29, 2012). "SB1466 of 2012 General Fund Appropriation".
- ^ PA Senate Appropriations Committee (June 28, 2011). "School District 2011-12 funding Report".
- ^ Pennsylvania Senate Appropriations Committee (June 2011). "Senate Budget Hearings 2011-2012 School District funding for 2011-2012".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year".
- ^ Pennsylvania house Appropriations Committee. "PA House Appropriations Committee Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010-2011". Text "August 2010" ignored (help)
- ^ Office of Budget, (February 2010.). "Pennsylvania Budget Proposal,".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 2009). "Basic Education Funding by School District 2009-10".
- ^ "Pennsylvania Department of Education Report on Funding by school district". October 2009.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Funding Report by LEA 2009.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant report 2010, Grantee list 2010".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report".
- ^ Pennsylvania Auditor General (2008-12-22). "Special Performance Audit Classrooms For the Future grants".
- ^ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Lycoming County ARRA FUNDING Report". Retrieved February 2011.
- ^ "School stimulus money". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. March 12, 2009.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Press Release (January 2009). "Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support".
- ^ Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support
- ^ U.S. Department of Education (March 29, 2010). "Race to the Top Fund,".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Common Cents program - Making Every Dollar Count". Retrieved February 1, 2011.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education,. "Act 511 Tax Report, 2004".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Financial Elements Reports".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Financial Elements Reports 2008-09 Real Estate Mills".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2006). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2005). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania School Finances - Summaries of Annual Financial Report Data 2010-11, 2011
- ^ Tax-rates.org., Lycoming County Property Taxes 2012, 2012
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2010-11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines".
- ^ Kaitlynn Riely (August 4, 2011). "Law could restrict school construction projects". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- ^ Pennsylvania General Assembly, (June 29, 2011). "SB330 of 2011".
- ^ Eric Boehm (July 1, 2011). "Property tax reform final piece of state budget". PA Independent.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2010.). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006-2007 through 2011-2012".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 4, 2011). "SSAct1 Adjusted Index History 2006-07 thru 2012-1213".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2013-2014 School District Adjusted Index, May 2012
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2012-2013, March 30, 2012
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2011). "Report on Exceptions".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2010). "Pennsylvania SSAct1_Act1 Exceptions Report 2010-2011 April 2010".
- ^ Scarcella, Frank and Pursell, Tricia (May 25, 2010). "Local school tax assessments exceed state averages". The Daily Item.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2009). "Estimated Tax Relief Per Homestead and Farmstead May 1, 2009".
- ^ Pennsylvania Auditor General Office, (2010-02-23). "Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief,".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, (May 2010). "Tax Relief per Homestead 5-1-10. Report".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program".
- ^ Tax Foundation, (September 22, 2009). "New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners,".
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "PDE Muncy ASD Enrollment and Projections".
- ^ "Research Analyzes Rural School District Enrollment and Building Capacity". 2009.
- ^ "Research Analyzes Rural School District Enrollment and Building Capacity", The Center for Rural Pennsylvania. October 2009.
- ^ a b Standard and Poors (2007). "Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee Study - Study of the Cost-Effectiveness of Consolidating Pennsylvania School Districts part 2".
- ^ Standard and Poors (2007). "Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee Study - Study of the Cost-Effectiveness of Consolidating Pennsylvania School Districts part 1".
- ^ Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, Study of the Cost Effectiveness of Consolidating Pennsylvania School Districts, 2007.
- ^ Muncy School District Board. "MSD Extracurricular Activities Policy 122".
- ^ Muncy School District Board. "MSD Interscholastic Athletics Policy 123".
- ^ Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release, November 10, 2005
- ^ Muncy School District Board. "MSD Extracurricular Participation By Home Education Students Policy 137".
- ^ Muncy School District Board. "MSD Extracurricular Participation By Charter/Cyber Charter Students Policy 140".
- ^ Muncy School District Administration. "Interscholastic Sports Programs".
- ^ Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (2012). "PIAA School Directory".
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
