Greenville Area School District

Greenville Area School District
Address
9 Donation Road Greenville, Pennsylvania, Mercer County 16125-1789 United States
Information
Type	Public
School board	9 elected members
Superintendent	Mark Ferrara, salary $127,500 (2013-14)[1]
School number	724-588-2502
Administrator	Michele Orahood, Business Manager
Principal	Connie Timashenka, Hempfield ES
Principal	Brian Bronson, East ES
Staff	97 non teaching staff members
Faculty	98.50 teachers[2]
Grades	K-12
Age	5 years old to 21 years old special education students
Number of students	1,390 students (2012) 1,453 students (2011),[3] 1477 (2009-10)
• Kindergarten	93
• Grade 1	82
• Grade 2	118
• Grade 3	106
• Grade 4	121
• Grade 5	112
• Grade 6	106
• Grade 7	105
• Grade 8	119
• Grade 9	120
• Grade 10	95
• Grade 11	135
• Grade 12	109
• Other	Enrollment projected to decline to 1200 pupils by 2020.[4]
Budget	$17,929,828 (2013-14)[5] $17 million (2012-13) $16,933,675 (2011-12)[6]
Per Pupil Spending	$10,268 (2008)
Per pupil Spending	$11,817.20 (2010)
Website	http://www.greenville.k12.pa.us/

The Greenville Area School District is a small, rural, public school district serving parts of Mercer County, Pennsylvania. It is centered in the borough of Greenville and also covers Sugar Grove Township and Hempfield Townships. Greenville Area School District encompasses approximately 29 square miles (75 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 13,500. By 2010, the Farrell Area School District's population declined to 10,627 people.^[7] In 2009, the District residents' per capita income was $16,944, while the median family income was $42,421.^[8] The School District was formed in 1810.^[9]

According to Greenville Area School District officials, in school year 2007-08, the Greenville Area School District provided basic educational services to 1,571 pupils by employing 110 teachers, 85 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 7 administrators. Greenville Area School District received more than $9.1 million in state funding, in the school year 2007-08. In school year 2009-10 the Greenville Area School District provided basic educational services to 1,477 pupils. It employed: 105 teachers, 89 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 7 administrators. Greenville Area School District received more than $9.3 million in state funding in school year 2009-10.

Greenville Area School District operates three schools: Hempfield Elementary School (K-3), East Elementary School (4-6), and Greenville Area Junior/Senior High School (7-12). Mr. Joe Tucci, JSHS retired Aug 31, 2013

Governance

Greenville Area School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.^[10] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "F" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.^[11]

Academic achievement

In 2013, the Greenville Area School District ranked 371st out of 498 Pennsylvania districts. The ranking is based on the last three years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in reading, writing, math and science. The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th and the 11th grade in high school. Adapted examinations are given to children in the special education program.

• 2012 - 317th
• 2011 - 305th^[12]
• 2010 - 297th ^[13]
• 2009 - 333rd
• 2008 - 310th
• 2007 - 304th out of 501 districts ^[14]

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Greenville Area School District ranked 327th. In 2011, the District was ranked 339th. ^[15] The editor describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."^[16]

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of the Greenville Area School District was in the 37th percentile of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale (0-99; 100 is state best) ^[17]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Greenville Area School District achieved AYP status.^[18] In 2011, Greenville Area School District also achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). 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 Pennsylvania public 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.^[19] Greenville Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2006 to 2010, while in

• 2005 - Making Progress in School Improvement^[20]
• 2004 - School Improvement status due to lagging student achievement.
• 2003 - Warning AYP status^[21]

Graduation rate

In 2012, the graduation rate at Greenville area School district declined to 90%.^[22] In 2011, the District's graduation rate was 94%.^[23] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Greenville Area School District's rate was 89% for 2010.^[24]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

• 2010 - 92% ^[25]
• 2009 - 95% ^[26]
• 2008 - 89% ^[27]
• 2007 - 89% ^[28]

High school

Greenville Junior Senior High School is located at 9 Donation Road, Greenville. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 692 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 218 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. The school employed 47 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.^[29] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind. The District reports that eighty percent of the faculty have master's degrees.^[30]

In 2012, Greenville Junior Senior High School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in both reading and mathematics. The School failed to achieve any of the academic metrics measured.^[31] In 2011, Greenville junior Senior High School achieved AYP status.

• 2010 - Making Progress: in School Improvement I status.
• 2009 - School Improvement I status due to chronically low student achievement.^[32] Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes. Additionally the school administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school district must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.^[33] The High School was eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.^[34]

PSSA History

11th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 53% on grade level, (22% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[35]
• 2011 - 64% (21% below basic). State - 69.1% ^[36]
• 2010 - 60% (19% below basic). State - 66%^[37]
• 2009 - 70% (15% below basic), State - 65%^[38]
• 2008 - 55% (19% below basic), State - 65% ^[39]
• 2007 - 58% (19% below basic), State - 65% ^[40]

11th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 41% on grade level (40% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[41]
• 2011 - 48% (35% below basic). State - 60.3% ^[42]
• 2010 - 50%, (36% below basic). State - 59%^[43]
• 2009 - 58% (24% below basic). State - 56%^[44]
• 2008 - 50% (33% below basic), State - 56%^[45]
• 2007 - 47% (31% below basic), State - 53%^[46]

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 37% on grade level (12% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[47]
• 2011 - 35% (20% below basic). State - 40% ^[48]
• 2010 - 44% (17% below basic). State - 39%
• 2009 - 49% (18% below basic). State - 40%^[49]
• 2008 - 33%, State - 39%

Science in Motion Greenville Junior Senior High School did not take advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.^[50] Westminster College provided the enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

College Remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 16% of Greenville Area High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.^[51] 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.^[52] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

Greenville Junior Senior High School offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards both high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. Greenville Area School District has Dual Enrollment agreements with several local colleges, including Butler County Community College, Penn State University (Shenango Campus), Thiel College, and Westminster College.^[53] The students continue to have full access to activities at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.^[54] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.^[55] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.^[56] In 2010, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students.

For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $5,822.00 for the program.^[57]

Graduation requirements

The Greenville Area School Board has determined that a high school student must earn 25 credits in order to graduate, including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Mathematics 3 credits, Science 3 credits, Physical Education 1.3 credits, Health 0.8 credit, Fine or Applied Arts 1 credit and 7.9 elective credits.^[58]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.^[59] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.^[60]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2017, public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.^[61] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade. Students have several opportunities to pass the exam, with those who do not able to perform a project in order to graduate.^[62][63] For the class of 2019, a Composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements.^[64] In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit - 49% on grade level.^[65] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

AP courses

Greenville High School offers students AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP English Language, AP English Literature and AP Calculus.

SAT scores

In 2012, 82 Greenville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 486. The Math average score was 505. The Writing average score was 453. 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, 64 Greenville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 493. The Math average score was 501. The Writing average score was 462.^[66] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[67] 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.^[68]

Junior high school

8th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 80% on grade level (10% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.^[69]
• 2011 - 85% (9% below basic) State - 81.8%
• 2010 - 79% (11% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 - 77% (14% below basic). State - 80%
• 2008 - 76% (7% below basic). State - 78%^[70]
• 2007 - 81% (3% below basic). State - 75%

8th Grade Math

• 2012 - 84% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 76%
• 2011 - 78% (11% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 - 69% (16% below basic). State - 75%^[71]
• 2009 - 70% (13% below basic), State - 71% ^[72]
• 2008 - 61% (18% below basic), State - 70%
• 2007 - 68% (10% below basic), State - 68%

8th Grade Science

• 2012 - 71% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 64% (15% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 54% (26% below basic). State - 57%
• 2009 - 56% (23% below basic), State - 55% ^[73]
• 2008 - 48%, State - 52% ^[74]

East Elementary School

East Elementary School is located at 71 Columbia Avenue, Greenville. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 337 pupils in grades 4th through 6th, with 144 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 25 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.^[75] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[76] The attendance rate was 95% in both 2009 & 2010. The school made use of the state's Science in Motion enrichment program.

AYP history

In 2012, East Elementary School declined again to School Improvement II due to declining student achievement in reading and mathematics.^[77] In 2011, East Elementary School was in School Improvement I status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics.^[78] Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes and to offer the parent the opportunity to transfer their child to a successful school within the District. Additionally the school administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school district must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.

• 2010 - Warning Status for AYP
• 2009 - achieved AYP status.^[79]

PSSA results

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 76% (8% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 85% (6% below basic). State - 82.9%
• 2010 - 83%, (9% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 - 87%, (2% below basic). State - 83%
• 2008 - 87%, (3% below basic). State - 81%

Hempfield Elementary School

Hempfield Elementary School is located at 60 Fredonia Road, Greenville. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 419 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 157 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 27 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.^[86] The school provides universal full-day kindergarten since 2004-05. 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.^[87] Connie S. Timashenka is the school's Principal and the District's Special Education Supervisor.

Hempfield Elementary School achieved AYP status each year from 2006 through 2012.^[88] Hempfield Elementary School has seen a steady decline in reading skills in 3rd grade. The School failed to achieve the reading target for each subgroup and the 3rd grade as a whole. The attendance rate was 94% in 2011 and 2012.

PSSA results

Special education

In December 2012, Greenville Area School District Administration reported that 255 pupils or 17.9% of the District's pupils received Special Education services, with 43% of the identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the District administration reported that 236 pupils or 15.9% of the District's pupils received Special Education services.^[95][96]

In order to comply with state and federal laws, the school district engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress.^[97] 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 Special Education administration. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Coordinator of Special Education.^[98]

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.^[99] The Special Education funding structure is through the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds and state appropriations. IDEA funds are appropriated to the state on an annual basis and distributed through intermediate units (IUs) to school districts, while state funds are distributed directly to the districts. Total funds that are received by school districts are calculated through a formula. The Pennsylvania Department of Education oversees four appropriations used to fund students with special needs: Special Education; Approved Private Schools; Pennsylvania Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind; and Early Intervention. 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.^[100] Over identification 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.^[101] The state requires each public school district and charter school to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.^[102] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.^[103]

Greenville Area School District received a $929,797 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[104] For the 2011-12, 2012–13 and 2013-14 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received at least 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.^[105][106] 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 76 or 5.15% of its students were gifted in 2009.^[107] 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.^[108][109]

Bullying policy

In 2012, Greenville Area School District reported there were no incidents of bullying. There was a bomb threat and one assault of a student.^[110] In 2010, the Administration reported there were no reported episodes of bullying in the district. There were 8 incidents of fighting and three students were placed in Alternative Education.^[111][112]

The Greenville Area School Board prohibits bullying by district students and faculty. The policy defines bullying and cyberbullying. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation on students may occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.^[113] The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. 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.^[114] 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.^[115]

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.^[116]

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.^[117]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Greenville Area School District was $57,821 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $16,397 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $74,219.20.^[118]

In May 2011, the Greenville Area School Board reduced the professional staff by one-half in the area of Social Studies, one in the area of English, one in the area of Media/Technical Education, one and one-half in aides, one-half in the area of elementary Music, one in the area of elementary Physical Education, and to not fill eight teaching positions and two instructional aide positions resulting from retirements effective July 1, 2011. Staff reductions were due to a decline in student enrollment in accordance with Section 1124 of the Public School Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

In 2009, Greenville Area School District employed 114 teachers. The average teacher salary in the District was $53,785 for 185.5 days worked. The beginning salary was $36,551, while the highest salary was $131,557.^[119] Teachers work a 7-hour 30 minutes day, with one planning period and a paid 30 minute lunch included. Additionally, the teachers receive: a defined benefit pension, health insurance, life insurance, professional development reimbursement of 75% of costs, 2-3 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days which accumulate, 5 days leave death in the family and many other benefits. The district offers an extensive retirement/longevity package which includes payment for unused sick days accumulated in Greenville Area School District. Teachers who act as mentors for new employees receive additional pay. District appointed, grade level teacher leaders receive an additional $1,500 a year. Teachers receive 1/2 their salary when on sabbatical leave.^[120] According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.^[121][122]

In 2007, the Greenville Area School District employed 104 teachers working 180 days of pupil instruction. The average teacher salary in the district was $48,119.^[123] 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.^[124]

Per pupil spending In 2008, per pupil spending at Greenville Area School District was $10,268 for each child. This ranked 457th among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts.^[125] Greenville Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $641.70 per pupil. This is ranked 396th among in the 500 school districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[126] In 2011, Pennsylvania’s per pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.^[127] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.^[128] The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.^[129]

Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[130] Pennsylvania’s total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.^[131]

Leadership In January 2013, Greenville Area School Board declined to renew its three-year contract with then Superintendent Dr. Patrick Heflin, citing performance issues. Her salary was $122,400 for 2012-13. Her employment ended July 1, 2013.^[132] Dr. Hendley D. Hoge was approved as the Interim Superintendent effective July 1, 2013, at a rate of $500.00 per day. The Board considered and rejected sharing a superintendent with neighboring Sharpsville Area School District which would have meant considerable saving for both districts. The Board hired the current superintendent of Sharpsville Area, Mark Ferrara giving him a five-year contract at a salary of $127,500. Greenville Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $798.10 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[133]

Reserves In 2008, Greenville Area School District reported an unreserved designated fund balance of zero and an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $955,664.^[134] In 2012, The District reported having $4,552,740 in reserves. Over $3 million is in a reserved designated fund. Pennsylvania public school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.^[135] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.^[136]

Audit In August 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit on the district. Several findings were reported to the school board and administration. The auditors noted a deficiency in background checks of school bus drivers.^[137] In January 2012, the District was audited again by the Pennsylvania Auditor General. Multiple back office errors were noted, which contributed to erroneous state payments to the District.^[138]

Lawsuit in 2011, Greenville Area School District reported spending over $1 million in a legal battle over termination a teacher, who was accused by three teachers of engaging in sexual harassment.^[139] The teacher's termination had been very contentious with accusations and countercharges made by several parties.^[140] The settlement costs more than 5.5 mills in property tax revenues.

Tuition Students who live in the Greenville Area 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 Greenville Area School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $7,530.64, High School - $8,491.38.^[141]

Greenville Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local tax on income 0.5%, 2 per capita taxes $5, Occupational tax $10, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%,^[142] coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants have provided an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the level of wealth.^[143]

State basic education funding

For the 2013-14 school year, the Greenville Area School District will receive a 1.7% increase or $6,565,594 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $110,764 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Greenville Area School District will receive $101,485 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Mercer County, Hermitage School District received the highest percentage increase at 2.2%. The District has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth’s budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.^[144] The state funded the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.^[145]

For the 2012-13 school year, the Greenville Area School District received $6,462,805.^[146] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 included $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which was an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) program. Greenville Area School District received $101,485 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[147] This amount was a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett’s first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In 2011-12, Greenville Area School District received $6,462,675 in state Basic Education Funding.^[148][149] Additionally, Greenville Area School District received $101,485 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. 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.^[150] In 2010, the District reported that 566 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to their family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010-11 budget year the Greenville Area School District received a 7.54% increase in state basic education funding for a total of $7,129,317 which was the highest increase in state funding among Mercer County school districts. One hundred fifty school districts in Pennsylvania received the 2% base increase for budget year 2010-11. The highest increase in the state was awarded to Kennett Consolidated School District of Chester County which was given a 23.65% increase in state basic education funding.^[151] The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each public school district received at least the same amount of BEF 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 G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.^[152]

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 6.18% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,629,583. Three county school districts received increases of over 6% in Basic Education Funding in 2009-10. Sharon City School District received a 7.59% increase. In Pennsylvania, 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. The state's Basic Education Funding to the Greenville Area School District in 2008-09 was $6,243,601.22.^[153] The amount of increase each school district received was determined by then Governor Edward G. and the Secretary of Education, Gerald Zahorchak, through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.^[154]

The state Basic Education Funding to the District in 2008-09 was $6,301,274. In 2008, Greenville Area School District reported that 483 of its pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to their family meeting the federal poverty threshold of $22,050 for a family of four. Many state and federal programs use the threshold to calculate benefits. 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.^[155][156]

Accountability Block Grant

The state provides additional education funding to schools in the form of Accountability Block Grants. The use of these funds is strictly focused on specific state approved uses designed to improve student academic achievement. Greenville Area School District uses its $275,455 to fund all day kindergarten for 100 children, increased instructional time for struggling students, and teacher training. These annual funds are in addition to the state's basic education funding and all federal funding.^[157] Pennsylvania public school districts apply each year for Accountability Block Grants.^[158] In 2009-10, the state provided $271.4 million in Accountability Block grants $199.5 million went to providing all-day kindergartens.^[159]

• 2008-09 - $275,455
• 2010-11 - $258,305

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, Mathematics) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Greenville Area School District received $49,330 in 2006-07. In 2007-08, Greenville Area School District received $250,000 in funding. For the 2008-09 school year, the District received a final $45,413 for a total funding of $344,743. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.^[160] Among the public school districts in Mercer County, Greenville Area received the highest funding. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

Science It’s Elementary grant

Hempfield Elementary School successfully applied to participate and received a Science It’s Elementary grant in 2008-09. For the 2008-09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 66,973 students across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.^[161] 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.^[162] 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.^[163] 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. 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.

Other grants

The District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants, Education Assistance Grants, 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal stimulus grant

The Greenville Area School District received $1,199,100 in ARRA - Federal stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students. This funding includes $273,200 for Title 1-A programs, $1,088,200 for construction and $337,800 for IDEA programs.^[164] This federal funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.^[165] 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

Greenville Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district nearly one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.^[166] Several Mercer County school districts applied for funding.^[167] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success.^[168] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.^[169] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. According to then Governor Rendell, failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.^[170]

Common Cents state initiative

The Greenville Area School District School Board chose 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.^[171] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

In 2013, the Greenville Area School Board set the property taxes rate at 58.26 mills for the 2013-14 school year.^[172] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. 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. 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. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.^[173] When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.^[174] 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.^[175]

The average yearly property tax paid by Mercer County residents amounts to about 2.88% of their yearly income. Mercer County ranked 672nd out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[182] 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.^[183] 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%).^[184]

SMILES Program

Greenville Area School District offers a senior volunteer tax exchange program for property tax remediation. The SMILES (Senior Motivators In Learning & Education Services) Program is open to residents 60 years of age or older who pay residential property tax. Participants may volunteer a minimum of 35 hours of service in exchange for up to $250 toward reduction in school property taxes.

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 permitted to raise taxes above that index, unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the Pennsylvania 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.^[185] With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly voted to end most of the Act 1 exceptions leaving only special education costs and pension costs. The cost of construction projects will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum.^[186] A specific timeline for Act I Index decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[187]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Greenville Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.^[188]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Greenville Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. 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 exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.^[189]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Greenville Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.^[190]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Greenville Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the Greenville Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[191]

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.^[192]

Greenville Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 or in 2010-11.^[193][194] 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.^[195]

Property tax relief

In 2013, the maximum property tax relief remained $199 per approved property. In 2011, property tax relief for 2,695 approved residents of Greenville Area School District was set at $199.^[196] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Greenville Area School District was $208 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 2,584 property owners applied for the tax relief.^[197] 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.^[198]

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.^[199]

Enrollment and Consolidation

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, enrollment in the district had declined to 1,390 pupils in 2012. There were fewer than 1,480 students enrolled in Greenville Area School District K-12, in 2010. The class of 2012 had just 89 pupils. There were 142 students in the Class of 2010. The district's class of 2009 had 156 students. Enrollment in the Greenville Area School District is projected, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to continue to decline to 1200 pupils K-12 total enrollment, by 2020.^[200]

A Standard and Poors study found that an optimal school district size, to conserve administrative costs, was at least 3000 pupils.^[201] Consolidation of the administration with an adjacent school district would achieve substantial administrative cost savings for people in both communities.^[202] According to a proposal made in 2009, by Governor Edward G. Rendell, the excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improve lagging academic achievement, to enrich the academic programs or to substantially reduce property taxes.^[203] Consolidation of two districts' central administrations into one would not require the closing of any local schools.

In March 2011, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Fiscal Responsibility Task Force released a report which found that consolidating school district administrations with one neighboring district would save the Commonwealth $1.2 billion without forcing the consolidation of any school buildings.^[204] The study noted that while the best school districts spent 4% of the annual budget on administration, others spend over 15% on administration.^[205]

More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania have been experiencing significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).^[206]

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. This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity.^[207] In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the 49 respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools.^[208]

Wellness policy

Greenville Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2012.^[209] 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." Most districts identified the superintendent and school foodservice director as responsible for ensuring local wellness policy implementation.^[210] The Board established an Advisory Health Council which reports to the Board on health related activities and outcomes.

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, physical activity, 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.^[211] 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 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.^[212] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.^[213]

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.^[214] 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 the lunch.^[215]

Greenville Area 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.^[216]

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant

In 2011, the Greenville Junior Senior High School received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. The High School received another $10,000, which was used to support Greenville Trojan Lifelong Wellness Initiative. In 2009, the school received $9,984 for the Wellness Initiative.^[217] 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.

Extracurriculars

Greenville Area School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, costly sports program. Eligibility to participate is determined by school board policies. The Greenville High School Band has won local and regional competitions. The district offers several sports in cooperation with neighboring Commodore Perry School District including: Soccer for boys and girls and baseball.^[218]

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.^[219]

Sports

The District funds:

Junior High School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2013 ^[220]

References