Frazier School District

8th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 87% on grade level (4% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.^[114]
• 2011 - 86% (3% below basic). State - 81.8%
• 2010 - 81% (4% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 - 85% (7% below basic). State - 80% (98 pupils enrolled)
• 2008 - 84% (9% below basic). State - 78%^[115]
• 2007 - 86% (2% below basic). State - 75%

8th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 92% on grade level (2% below basic). State - 76% ^[116]
• 2011 - 88% (3% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 - 87% (6% below basic). State - 75%^[117]
• 2009 - 83% (10% below basic). State - 71%^[118]
• 2008 - 83% (9% below basic). State - 70%
• 2007 - 88% (4% below basic). State - 68%

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 81% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 59%^[119]
• 2011 - 85%, (5% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 66% (19% below basic). State – 57%^[120]
• 2009 - 77% (11% below basic). State - 55%^[121]
• 2008 - 76% (9% below basic). State - 52%^[122]

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Frazier School District did not implement a no-cost dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school.^[123] The process identifies students at risk for dropping out by examining the pupil’s: attendance, behavior and course grades. Interventions are implemented to assist at-risk pupils to remain in school. The program is funded by federal and private dollars.^[124]

Central Elementary School

Central Elementary School is located at 305 Central School Road, Fayette City. In 2015, the School's enrollment was just 90 pupils in grades 3rd through 5th, with 43% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 4% of the pupils receive special education services, while 3% are identified as gifted.^[125] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.^[126] The school is a federally designated Title I school. In 2015 the Board voted to close the building shifting all the pupils to a new elementary/middle school along Constitution Road in Perryopolis. The building was named the Frederick L. Smeigh Education Center.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012, enrollment was 144 pupils in grades first through fifth grades, with 58 pupils receiving a free or reduced price lunch. The School employed 9 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.^[127] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.^[128]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 79% of 5th grade students at Central Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 33% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 71% were on grade level in reading, while 48% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 96% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 58% were on grade level in reading and 56% were on grade level in mathematics.^[129] 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.^[130]

2014 School Performance Profile

Central Elementary School achieved a score of 78.4 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 62% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 72.2% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 72.8% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 88% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 55% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[131]

2013 School Performance Profile

Central Elementary School achieved a score of 78.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 69% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 75% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 81% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 92% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 79% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[132] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.

AYP history

Central Elementary School achieved AYP status in both 2010 and 2011.^[133] In 2011 the attendance rate was 94% and in 2010 it was 93%.^[134][135]

PSSA History

Each year, in the Spring, in order to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Law, 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.^[136] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.^{[137][138][139]} 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.^[140] The first cohort of children who attended Accountability Block Grant funded full-day kindergarten reached third grade and took the PSSAs in the spring of 2008.

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 98%, 65% advanced (2% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 98%, 59% advanced (0% below basic). State - 82.9%

Perry Elementary School

The building was closed and demolished in 2015.^[143]

Perry Elementary School achieved AYP in both 2010 and 2011.^[144] In 2010 and 2011 the attendance rate was 94%.^[145][146]

Special education

In December 2013, Frazier School District administration reported that 152 pupils or 12.3% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 38% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.^[147] In December 2010, the district administration reported that 168 pupils or 13.2% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.^[148]

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 sharply lower special education costs.^[149] School District has provided full day kindergarten since 2008. The District has seen a slight decrease in the percentage of special education students it serves, which has yielded no savings.

In order to comply with state and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules and regulations, Frazier 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 .^[150] 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.^[151] 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.^[152] 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.^[153] Some special education students may take the PASA (Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment), rather than the PSSA.^[154] Schools are permitted to provide accommodations to some students.^[155]

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.^[156] 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.^[157] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.^[158] 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.^[159] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.^[160]

Frazier School District received a $664,588 supplement for special education services, in 2010.^[161] For the 2011-12 school year, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010. 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.^[162] For the 2014-2015 school year, Frazier School District received an increase to $678,435 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.^[163] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The District must apply for this added funding.

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 31 or 2.70% of its students were gifted in 2009.^[164] The highest gifted pupil percentage, within Fayette County, was 3.18% at Connellsville Area School District. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility. By Pennsylvania regulation, the testing must be done within 60 days of a parent signing the consent form.^[165]

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.^[166]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Frazier School District was $57,874 a year.^[167] The District employed 94 teachers with a top salary of $110,000.^[168][169] Pennsylvania teacher salaries (2013–14) are searchable in a statewide database provided by TribLive News.^[170] Area 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.)^[171] After 40 years of service, Pennsylvania public school teachers and administrators 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.^[172] In 2014-15, Pennsylvania public school district mandated teacher pension contribution rose to 21.40% of employee salaries and in 2015-16 it rose again to 25.84% of total salaries.^[173] In 2014-15, the state mandated District contribution to the teacher pension fund rose to 21.40% of employee salaries and in 2015-16 it rose again to 25.84% of total District salaries.^[174]

In 2007, Frazier School District employed 81 teachers. The average teacher salary in the District was $52,277 for 180 days worked.^[175] 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.^[176] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, paid sick days, life insurance, retirement bonus and other benefits.^[177] According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the state teacher retirement fund, a 40-year Pennsylvania public school educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.^[178]

Administrative costs Frazier School District's administrative costs per pupil were $839.12 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 in 2008.^[179] 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.^[180] In November 2011, the school board approved a contract with Kenneth Meadows (former district elementary principal) to serve as acting superintendent for $110,000 a year. This follows Frederick Smeigh, former acting superintendent's July 2011 resignation.^[181] David G Blozowich served as superintendent beginning in 2012, until he took early retirement in 2014.^[182] He was quickly replaced by Bill Henderson.

Per pupil spending In 2008, Frazier School District administration reported that per pupil spending was $12,229 which ranked 249th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts. In 2010, the per pupil spending had increased to $12,443.77.^[183] In 2013, the per pupil spending was reported as $12,500.57.^[184] In 2011, Pennsylvania’s per pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.^[185] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.^[186]

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.^[187] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.^[188] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[189] Pennsylvania’s total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.^[190]

Reserves - In 2008, the district reported an unreserved designated fund balance of zero and an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $688,754.00.^[191] In 2010, Frazier School District Administration reported an increase to $467,860 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. By 2013, Frazier School District reported having no reserves and a -$87,105 deficit.^[192] Pennsylvania public school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.^[193] In 2005, the total reserve funds held by Pennsylvania public school districts was $1.9 billion.^[194] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.^{[195][196][197]}

Audit In January 2011, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the school board and administration. In reviewing a prior audit of certificates and assignments of professional personnel for the period July 1, 2006 through September 30, 2008, it was found that one teacher was assigned to teach one course for which she was not certified. This District was previously cited for the same teacher in the audit reports for the 2003-04 and 2002-03 school years and the 2001-02 and 2000-01 school years. The district was fined and reported to Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality.^[198] An audit in 2013, found multiple violations including of the state's retirement code by hiring the former superintendent who continued to collect his retirement benefits.^[199]

Tuition Students who live in the Frazier School District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Frazier 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 2013 tuition rates are Elementary School -$6,715.91, High School - $9,735.08.^[200]

Frazier School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1%;^[201] per capita taxes, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Interest earnings on accounts also provide nontax income to the District.^[202] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeded $60,000 a year, plus they receive federal Social Security benefits. Both retirement benefits are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.^[203] Effective 2016, active duty military are also exempted from paying the local earned income tax in Pennsylvania.^[204][205]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Frazier School District receives 65.5% of its annual revenue from the state.^[206] This exceeds some education advocates goal of the state providing 50% of district funding.^[207]

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $3,180,377 to Frazier School District, in January 2016.^[208] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.^[209] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assemby in June 2015.^[210] Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in funding.^[211][212] The District also received an increase to $164,194 in REady to Learn grant funding. In 2011-12, the district received a $6,581,004 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.^[213][214] Additionally, the Frazier School District received $63,969 in Accountability Block Grant funding. 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.^[215] 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.^[216] In 2010, the district reported that 467 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.^[217]

For the 2014-15 school year, Frazier School District received $6,671,408.99 in State Basic Education funding. The District received $151,297 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State’s enacted Education Budget included $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.^[218] The Corbett Education budget also included Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State paid $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania’s Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.^[219]

In the 2013-2014 school year, Frazier School District received a 1.4% increase or $6,671,941 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This was $90,937 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Frazier School District received $63,970 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Fayette County, Laurel Highlands School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 1.9%. The District had 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.^[220] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland School District, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. For the Philadelphia School District, it is nearly 49 percent.^[221] 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.^[222]

For the 2012-13 school year, Frazier School District received $$6,581,004.^[223] Governor Corbetts'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. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[224] 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.

For the 2010-11 budget year, Frazier School District received a 3.02% increase in state basic education funding for $6,717, 566. The highest increase in Fayette County was given to the Laurel Highlands School District a 6.29% increase in Basic Education Funding. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. In the Commonwealth, the highest increase, in 2010-11, went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.^[225] Fifteen (15) Pennsylvania public school districts received a BEF increase of greater than 10%. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given in February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.^[226]

For the 2009-10 school year, Frazier School District received an 2.08% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $6,717,566. The highest increase in Fayette County went to Connellsville Area School District with a 4.03% increase. In Pennsylvania, over 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. Ninety school districts were given the base 2% increase. The state's Basic Education Funding to the Frazier School District in 2008-09 was $6,581,003.60.^[227] The amount of increase each school district received 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.^[228]

In 2007-08, the state Basic Education Funding to the Frazier School District was $6,581,004, which was a 3% increase over 2007-08. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 452 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.^[229] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania spent $7,824 Per Pupil in the year 2000. This amount increased up to $12,085 by the year 2008.^[230][231]

All Pennsylvania school districts also eligible to receive additional funding from the state through several 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.^[232] By 2015, Pennsylvania is spending over $27 billion on public education (local, state and federal resources combined).^[233]

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 $173,630, in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the sixth year.^[234][235]

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.^[236]

Frazier School District received $87,327 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, PreK Counts funding, transportation reimbursement, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

PreK Counts grant

Frazier School District receives state funding to provide taxpayer funded preschool at the elementary schools. For the 2013-14 school year, Frazier School District received a Pre K Counts grant of $168,130.^[237] For the 2011 school year, Frazier School District was a high priority for funding due to the 36% poverty level of children in the district's attendance area.^{[238][239][240]} Enrollment for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is targeted to children living in families earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level.

In 2013, the state’s PreK Counts program received $87,284,000. In 2010, the PreK Counts program received $83.6 million statewide in Governor Corbett’s education budget. In 2007-08 the state funded Pre-K Counts at $75 million. Frazier School District received funding in 2007-08.^[241] In 2009-10 the district received $177,750 to provide preschool to 46 children.^[242][243] The District received $130,350 enrolling 33 students for 2011-12^[244]

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. Frazier School District applied to participate in 2007-08. Frazier School District received $75,926 in 2008-09.^[245]

Science It’s Elementary grant

Central Elementary School successfully applied to participate and received a Science It’s Elementary grant in 2008-09.^[246] For the 2008-09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 66,973 students across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.^[247] In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Education initiated an effort to improve science instruction in the Commonwealth’s public elementary schools. Called Science: It’s Elementary, the program was a hands on instruction approach for elementary science classes that develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills.^[248] To encourage schools to adopt the program’s standards aligned curriculum, the state provided a grant to cover the costs of materials and extensive mandatory teacher training.^[249] The District was required to develop a three-year implementation plan for the participating school. The school district administration was required to appoint a district liaison who was paid $3,000 by PDE to serve as the conduit of all information between the district and the Department and its agents along with submitting orders and distributing supplies to implementing teachers. For the 2006-07 state education budget, $10 million was allocated for the program.^[250] The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget. The grant was discontinued in the state’s 2011 budget by Governor Edward G. Rendell. Central Elementary School was the only elementary school in Fayette County to participate in the grant program.

Project 720

Project 720 was a high school reform program implemented for three years under the Rendell administration. The intent was to increase academic rigor and improve the instruction of teachers in the Commonwealth’s high schools. Teachers were expected to use data driven instructional practices and to meet the needs of diverse learners.^[251] The 720 in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades.^[252] High schools applied for funding and were required to agree to report to the PDE their plans, their actions and the outcomes. In 2007-08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. Frazier School District was one of 161 PA public school districts to apply, receiving $201,000 funding over three years.^[253][254] For 2010-11, Project 720 funding was decreased to $1.7 million by Governor Rendell. The grant program was discontinued effective with the 2011-12 state budget.^[255]

Safe School grant

In 2013, Frazier School District was awarded $25,000 in a state Safe Schools Targeted Grant. The maximum of $25,000 grants were awarded through a competitive application process.^[256] The funds must be used for research based interventions, like: peer mediation, staff training in managing behavioral issues and creating a positive school climate.

Other grants

The District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants;^[257][258] Education Assistance Grants; 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;^[259] nor the 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants.^[260]

Common Cents state initiative

The Frazier School Board decided to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.^[261] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Federal grants

Frazier School District received an extra $1,178,753 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[262] This funding is for the 2009-2011 school years.^[263] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, then Governor Edward Rendell and the Pennsylvania School Board Association, 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

Frazier School District officials applied for the Race to the Top federal grant which will bring the district millions of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.^[264] 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.^[265] Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state RTTT application judging will occur in June 2010.^[266]

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.^[267] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.^[268] 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, Frazier School District received $58,123 in federal Title II funding.^[269] In 2014-15, Frazier School District applied for and received $61,794.^[270]

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.^[271] 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.^[272]

In 2012-13, Frazier School District received $272 in Title III funding for English language learners.^[273] For 2014-15, Frazier School District received $855 in Title III funding.^[274]

Technology grant

In 2010, the district was eligible for a federal Enhancing Education through Technology grant.^[275] The district did not apply for the funding. Other Fayette County districts received the extra funding.^[276]

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2015-16 were set by the school board at 16.1490 mills.^[277] 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. 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.^[278] There are a plethora of gas pipelines in the District due to marcellus shale gas development.^[279] 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. Located in the marcellus shale region, School District is adversely impacted this way.^[280]

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.^[281] When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two or more counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.^[282] In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.^[283]

The average yearly property tax paid by Fayette County residents amounts to about 2.9% of their yearly income. Fayette County ranked 973rd out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[294] 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.^[295] 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%).^[296] Pennsylvania's 2011 tax burden of 10.35% ranked 10th highest out of 50 states. The tax burden was above the national average of 9.8%. Pennsylvania's taxpayers paid $4,374 per capita in state and local taxes, including school taxes.^[297]

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.^[298] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.^[299] 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 taking into account on the PSERS contribution rate.^[300][301]

A specific timeline for Act I Index decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[302]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Frazier School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.^[303]

For the 2015-16 budget year, Frazier School Board applied for one exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit: 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.^[310]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Frazier School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit: grandfathered school debt and escalating teacher pension costs. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher’s pension fund (PSERS).^[311] 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.^[312]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Frazier School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit: special education costs and rapidly rising teacher pension costs. 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.^[313]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Frazier School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. In 2012-13, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 12.36% of payroll payment to the teacher’s pension fund (PSERS). For 2012-2013 budget year, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; while 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.^[314]

For the 2011-12 school year, Frazier School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[315]

According to a state report, for the 2011-12 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district’s index. Of the districts who sought exceptions: 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.^[316]

Frazier School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011.^[317] For 2009-10 school budget, the board also did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Index.^[318] 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.^[319]

Property tax relief

In 2014, Frazier School District approved 2,500 homestead properties received $112.^[320] The decline in amount was related to more residents applying for tax relief and a decline in table games tax revenues. The amount received by the District must be divided equally among all approved residences.^[321] In Fayette County, the highest tax relief went to uniontown Area School District which was set at $196.^[322]

In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Frazier School District was set at $115 for the 2,432 approved primary homesteads and farmsteads.^[323] The highest tax relief in Fayette County was given to Uniontown Area School District which was set at $200. In 2009, Frazier School District tax relief was set at $116 for 2,398 homesteads.^[324] 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 Fayette County, 72% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.^[325] 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.^[326] This was the second year CUSD was the top recipient.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Frazier 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 individuals whose income is 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.

Wellness policy

Frazier School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.^[327] The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 - 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."

The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education and physical education that are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.^[328] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

The District offers both a free school breakfast and a free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.^[329] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.^[330]

In 2013, the USDA issued new restrictions to foods in public schools. The rules apply to foods and beverages sold on all public school district campuses during the day. They limit vending machine snacks to a maximum of 200 calories per item. Additionally, all snack foods sold at school must meet competitive nutrient standards, meaning they must have fruits, vegetables, dairy or protein in them or contain at least 10 percent of the daily value of fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D.^[331] In order to comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 all US public school districts are required to raise the price of their school lunches to $2.60 regardless of the actual cost of providing the lunch.^[332] The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 mandates that Districts raise their full pay lunch prices every year until the price of non-subsidized lunches equals the amount the federal government reimburses schools for free meals. That subsidy in 2013-2014 was $2.93. In 2015, federal reimbursement rates were: $3.07 per meal for students who are income-eligible for free lunches and $2.67 for those who qualify for a reduced price. School lunch participation nationally dropped from 31.6 million students in 2012 to 30.4 million in 2014, according to the federal Department of Agriculture. Pennsylvania statistics show school lunch participation dropped by 86,950 students in the same two years, from 1,127,444 in 2012 to 1,040,494 in 2014.^[333]

In 2014, President Barack Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.^[334][335]

The Food and Drug Administration requires that students take milk as their beverage at lunch. In accordance with this law, any student requesting water in place of milk with their lunch must present a written request, signed by a doctor, documenting the need for water instead of milk.^[336][337]

Frazier School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses are available in each building to conduct annual health screenings (data reported to the PDE and state Department of Health) and to dispense prescribed medications to students during the school day. Students can be excluded from school unless they comply with all the State Department of Health’s extensive immunization mandates. School nurses monitor each pupil for this compliance.^[338][339] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.^[340]

In 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Health distributed to each Pennsylvania high school the overdose antidote drug naloxone in a nasal spray. School nurses were also provided with educational materials and training developed by the National Association of School Nurses.^[341] The cost was covered by a grant from a private foundation.^[342]

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant

In 2011, the Frazier School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Frazier High School received $9,990 which was used to fund Frazier Fitness For Life Program.^[343] Beginning in 2006, Highmark Foundation engaged in a 5-year, $100 million program to promote lifelong healthy behaviors in children and adolescents through local nonprofits and schools. The School also receive a Healthy High 5 grant in 2008.^[344]

Extracurriculars

Frazier School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.^[345][346] Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy and in compliance with standards set by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). The PIAA mandates that student athletes must be passing at least four full-credit subjects to participate in sports.^[347] The District is in PIAA District 7.

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.^[348]

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.^{[349][350][351]}

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.^[352] The District is noncompliant with state law, due to failing to post its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website. 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.^[353]

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.^[354][355]

The District funds:

Varsity

Junior High Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2015^[356]

Vocational - Technical Services

Frazier High School uses the services of the Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center in New Stanton

References

External links

• Frazier School District Website
• Penna. Interscholastic Athletic Assn