Montoursville Area School District

Montoursville Area School District
Address
50 North Arch Street Montoursville, Pennsylvania, Lycoming County 17754 United States
Information
Type	Public
School board	9 locally elected members
Superintendent	Dr. Timothy S Bowers (contract July 2012 - June 30, 2017) Dominic Cavallaro
Administrator	Robert E Saul, Business Manager Kim T. Sauers, Curriculum Coordinator Eric Briggs, Special Education Coordinator Jack Fessler, Director of Food Service Paul Smith, Technology Coordinator
Director	Evelyn Wynn, Athletic Director
Principal	Daniel Taormina, HS
Principal	Jeffrey W Moore, CEMcCall MS
Principal	Darrin L Feerrar, LVES
Principal	Craig M Kurtz, LES
Staff	121 non teaching staff members
Faculty	133 teachers (2012), 139 teachers (2011)[1]
Grades	K-12
Age	5 years old to 21 years old for special education
Pupils	1,935 pupils (2013)[2] 1,940 pupils (2010)[3] 2,052 pupils (2006-2007)[4]
• Kindergarten	144 (2012), 125 (2010)
• Grade 1	145 (2012), 141
• Grade 2	146 (2012), 127
• Grade 3	148 (2012), 121
• Grade 4	159 (2012), 179
• Grade 5	139 (2012), 135
• Grade 6	133 (2012), 145
• Grade 7	175 (2012), 161
• Grade 8	144 (2012), 153
• Grade 9	147 (2012), 168
• Grade 10	155 (2012), 150
• Grade 11	158 (2012), 157
• Grade 12	142 (2012), 178 (2010)
• Other	Enrollment projected to be at 1,954 pupils by 2019
Language	English
Budget	$30 million (2014-2015)[5] $26.4 million (2012-2013)[6] $25.5 million (2011-2012)[7] $26.5 million (2009-2010)[8]
Per Pupil Spending	$11,253 (2008)
Per Pupil Spending	$11,577.52 (2010)
Website	http://www.montoursville.k12.pa.us/

The Montoursville Area School District is a small public school district in Lycoming County. The District serves the borough of Montoursville, plus the townships of Fairfield, Upper Fairfield, Eldred, Gamble, Cascade, and Plunketts Creek. The District encompasses approximately 189.8 square miles (492 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 13,512. By 2010, the US Census Bureau reported the District's population declined to 13,209 people.^[9] The educational attainment levels for the Montoursville Area School District population (25 years old and over) were 92% high school graduates and 22.8% college graduates.^[10]

According to District officials, Kula provided basic educational services to 2,012 pupils through the employment of 155 teachers, 103 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 12 administrators. In school year 2009-10, Montoursville Area School District provided basic educational services to 1,939 pupils. The District employed: 146 teachers, 100 full-time and part-time support personnel and 11 administrators. Montoursville Area School District received more than $9.6 million in state funding in school year 2009-10.

Montoursville Area School District operates two elementary schools, C E Mccall Middle School and Montoursville Area High School. High school students may choose to attend Lycoming County Career and Technical Center for training in the construction and mechanical trades. The BLaST Intermediate Unit IU17 provides the District with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, speech and visual disability services and professional development for staff and faculty.

Governance

Montoursville Area School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve without compensation for a term of four years), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.^[11] 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 Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent regarding renewal of the employment contract.^[12]

Academic achievement

Montoursville Area School District was ranked 1st out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2014.^[13] The ranking is based on the last 3 years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school.^[14] Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.

• 2013 - 76th
• 2012 - 71st^[15]
• 2011 - 72nd
• 2010 - 64th ^[16]
• 2009 - 71st
• 2008 - 72nd
• 2007 - 82nd out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts.^[17]

In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Montoursville Area School District, was in the 85th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best) ^[18]

District AYP status history

In 2011 and 2012, Montoursville Area School District 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 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] Montoursville Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2006 to 2010, while in 2004 and 2004 the District was in School Improvement 1 status. In 2003 Montoursville was Warning status due to lagging student achievement.^[20]

Graduation rate

In 2013, Montoursville Area School District’s graduation rate was 95.97%.^[21] In 2012, Montoursville Area School District’s graduation rate was 90%.^[22] In 2011, the graduation rate was 86.8%. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Montoursville Area High School's rate was 90% for 2010.^[23]

Former traditional calculation

• 2010 - 93%^[24]
• 2009 - 92%
• 2008 - 90% ^[25]
• 2007 - 90% ^[26]

High school

Montoursville Area High School is located at 100 North Arch Street, Montoursville. In 2013, enrollment was reported as declining to 598 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 22% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 13% of pupils received special education services, while 2.8% of pupils were identified as gifted. The School employed 44 teachers.^[27] Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 616 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 133 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 46 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.^[28] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[29]

In September 2014, the Montoursville Area School Board approved a plan to spend over $35.9 million to do extensive renovations to the high school building including adding two floors.^[30] The project is expected to be completed in 2017. The renovated building will change the main entrance to Mulberry Street. There will also be a new auditorium to include a theater and lobby area. Sports facilities will be added.^[31]

US News and World Report rating In 2014, Montoursville Senior High School was recognized by US News and World Report as a Silver level high school in a nationwide school ranking. Among Pennsylvania high schools (traditional, charter and private) 56 achieved gold or silver medals. Another 103 high schools achieved bronze rating out of 698 Pennsylvania high schools reviewed.^[32]

2013 School Performance Profile

Montoursville Area Senior High School achieved 73.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 73% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 70% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, only 58% showed on grade level science understanding.^[33] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, beginning in 2012, they take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.^[34]

AYP History

In 2012, Montoursville Area Senior High School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.^[35] In 2010 and 2011, Montoursville Area Senior High School achieved AYP status.^[36]

PSSA Results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.^[37]

In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.^[38]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 92% on grade level, (4% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[39]
• 2011 - 81% (7% below basic). State - 69.1% ^[40]
• 2010 - 73% (12% below basic). State - 66% ^[41]
• 2009 - 77% (9% below basic). State - 65% ^[42]
• 2008 - 78% (10% below basic). State - 65%^[43]
• 2007 - 79% (6% below basic). State - 65% ^[44]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 72% on grade level (14% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[45]
• 2011 - 71% (8% below basic). State - 60.3% ^[46]
• 2010 - 67% (17% below basic). State - 59% ^[47]
• 2009 - 63% (14% below basic). State - 56%
• 2008 - 71% (12% below basic). State - 56% ^[48]
• 2007 - 75% (7% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 63% on grade level (2% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[49]
• 2011 - 53%, (8% below basic). State - 40%
• 2010 - 53%, (8% below basic), State - 39%
• 2009 - 60%, (7% below basic). State - 40%
• 2008 - 44%, (7% below basic). State - 39%

Science in Motion Montoursville Area Senior High School took 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] Susquehanna University provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 7% of Montoursville 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 mathematics or English.

Graduation requirements

The Montoursville Area School Board has determined that a student must earn 26 credits to graduate, including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Math 3 credits, Science 3 credits, Health and Physical Education 2.5 credits, Art Humanities 2 credits and 6 electives.^[53]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students were required to 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.^[54] 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.^[55]

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.^[56] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.^[57]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Schools are mandated to provide targeted assistance to help the student be successful. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.^[58][59] 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.^[60] 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.^[61] 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.

SAT scores

In 2013, Montoursville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was . The Math average score was . The Writing average score was . The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.^[62]

In 2012, 105 Montoursville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 524. The Math average score was 527. The Writing average score was 491. 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, 120 Montoursville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 499. The Math average score was 508. The Writing average score was 469.^[63] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[64] 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.^[65]

AP Courses

In 2013, Montoursville Area Senior High School offered 13 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher level than regular courses. The fee for the exam was $81 per test per pupil in 2012. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Montoursville Area Senior High School 82% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.^[66]

ACE

Montoursville Area School District students have access to Bloomsburg University's Summer College and Advanced College Experience (ACE) during the summer of their sophomore, junior and senior years (after high school graduation). Tuition is deeply discounted to 75% of the regular student rate.^[67] Successful students earn college credits that can be transferred to other Pennsylvania public colleges and universities through the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center (PA TRAC) system.^[68]

Dual Enrollment The High School does not offer the Pennsylvania Dual Enrollment program which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits during the school year, while still enrolled in high school. The program is offered through over 400 Pennsylvania public school districts.

Middle school

C E McCall Middle School is located at 600 Willow Street, Montoursville, PA 17754. In 2013, enrollment was 589 pupils, in grades 5th through 8th, with 27% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 12% of pupils received special education services, while 3.5% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[69] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[70]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, C E McCall Middle School reported an enrollment of 648 pupils in grades 5th through 8th, with 163 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 44 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[71] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[72]

2013 School Performance Profile

CE McCall Middle School achieved 92.1 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, 85% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 92% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, 81% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 83% of the 5th and 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[73] 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

In 2012, C E Mccall Middle School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student academic achievement. In 2011 the school achieved AYP status.^[74]

PSSA results

PSSAs are NCLB related examination given in the Spring of each school year. Fifth graders are tested in reading, mathematics and writing. Sixth and seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999.^[75] Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science.^[76] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.^[77] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.^[78]

8th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 85% on grade level, 63% advanced. In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.^[79]
• 2011 - 89%, 72% advanced. State - 81.8%
• 2010 - 92%, 62% advanced. State - 81% ^[80]
• 2009 - 94%, 72% advanced (2% below basic), State - 80%
• 2008 - 84%, 65% advanced (8% below basic), State - 78%
• 2007 - 84%, 49% advanced (4% below basic), State - 75%^[81]

8th Grade Math

• 2012 - 92% on grade level, 69% advanced. State - 76% ^[82]
• 2011 - 92%, 71% advanced. State - 76.9%
• 2010 - 93%, 68% advanced. State - 75%
• 2009 - 91%, 65% advanced. State - 71%
• 2008 - 84%, 55% advanced (8% below basic). State - 70% ^[83]
• 2007 - 85%, 59% advanced (6% below basic), State - 67%

8th Grade Science

• 2012 - 69% on grade level (9% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 72%, (9% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 72%, (13% below basic), State - 57%.
• 2009 - 75%, (4% below basic), State: - 54% ^[84]
• 2008 - 71%, (7% below basic), State - 52% ^[85]

Loyalsock Valley Elementary School

Loyalsock Valley Elementary School is located at 3790 Route 87 Highway, Montoursville. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 274 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th with 29% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 12% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.4% are identified as gifted.^[86] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full day kindergarten.^[87] It is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 283 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 68 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federal Title I School. The school employed 21 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.^[88] 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.^[89]

2013 School Performance Profile

Loyalsock Valley Elementary School achieved a score of 91.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 84% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 87% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 90.8% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.^[90]

AYP history

From 2004 through 2012, Loyalsock Valley Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.^[91]

PSSA History

Each year, in the Spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.^[92] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.^[93][94][95] 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.^[96]

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 91%, 73% advanced State - 82%
• 2011 - 98%, 75% advanced. State - 82.9%

Lyter Elementary School

Lyter Elementary School is located at 900 Spruce Street. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 468 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 27.9% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 8.9% of the pupils receive special education services, while 0.85% are identified as gifted.^[98] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full day kindergarten.^[99] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 409 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 98 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 28 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[100] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1005 of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[101]

2013 School Performance Profile

Lyter Elementary School achieved a score of 88.6 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 86.3% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 90% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 92.8% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.^[102]

AYP History

From 2004 through 2012, Lyter Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.^[103]

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 96%, 60% advanced State - 82%
• 2011 - 89%, 30% advanced. State - 82.9%

Special education

In December 2012, Montoursville Area School District administration reported that 215 pupils or 11% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 56.3% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.^[104]

In December 2010, the District Administration reported that 201 pupils or 10% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 59.2% of the identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 214 pupils or 10% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.^[105]

The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Special Education Department.^[106] 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.

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.^[107] For the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010-11. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.^[108][109] 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.^[110] 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.^[111] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.^[112]

Montoursville Area School District received a $1,196,704 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[113] For the 2011-12, 2012–13 and 2013-14 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010-11. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.^[114][115] 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 38 or 2.37% of its students were gifted in 2009.^[116] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts.^[117] 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.^[118]

Bullying policy

The Montoursville Area School District administration reported there were two incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.^[119][120]

The Montoursville Area School Board has not provided the district's antibully policy online.^[121] 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.^[122] 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.^[123]

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.^[124]

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.^[125]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Montoursville Area School District was $59,088 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $24,829 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $83,918.^[126]

In 2011, Montoursville Area School District reported employing 159 teachers with the average teacher salary in Montoursville Area School District was $59,262 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $14,255 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $73,517.^[127] The top salary was $131,270.^[128]

In 2009, Montoursville Area School District reported employing over 200 teachers with a starting salary of $40,890 for 182 pupil instruction days.^[129] The average teacher salary was $58,445 while the maximum salary is $113,400.^[130] 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.^[131] Additionally, Montoursville Area School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 sick days, a retirement bonus of $700 per year for each year of service at MASD up to 35 years; 5 days bereavement leave with full pay and other benefits. Teachers are paid extra if they are required to work outside of the regular school day. The union officers may take 6 days, with pay, for union business.^[132] According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.^[133]

In 2007, the District employed 142 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $54,459 for 180 school days worked.^[134]

Per pupil spending Montoursville Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $701 per pupil. The district is ranked 317th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[135]

In 2008, Montoursville Area School District reported spending $11,253 per pupil. This ranked 371st in the commonwealth.^[136]

Reserves

In 2009, Montoursville Area School District reported $2,502,899 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.^[137] In 2013, Montoursville Area School District reported having $4,457,890 in reserves.

Audit In March 2011, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.^[138] In February 2012, the District was audited again by the Auditor General.

Tuition Students who live in Montoursville Area School District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. Or a student living in a neighboring public school district may seek admission to Montoursville 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 for the District are Elementary School - $8,271, High School - $8,863.^[139]

Montoursville Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local income tax 1.65%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.^[140] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 a year plus they receive federal Social Security benefits: both are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.^[141]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Montoursville Area School District receives 41.9% of its annual revenue from the state.^[142]

For the 2014-15 school year, Montoursville Area School District will receive $6,665,564 in State Basic Education funding. The District will also receive $103,888 in Accountability Block Grant funding and $104,223 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State’s enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.^[143] The Education budget also includes 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 is paying $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.^[144]

In the 2013-2014 school year, Montoursville Area School District received a 1.8% increase or $6,665,361 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $115,949 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Montoursville Area School District received $103,888 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Lycoming County, Loyalsock Township School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 2.6%. 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.^[145] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland district, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.^[146] 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.^[147]

For the 2012-13 school year, Montoursville Area School District received $6,653,300 in state BEF.^[148] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 includes $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which was an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. The state also provides $100 million for the Accountability Block grant. The state will also provide $544.4 million for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[149] This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett’s first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In the 2011-12 school year, Montoursville Area School District received a $6,549,412, allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.^[150] Additionally, Montoursville Area School District received $103,888 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount was a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.^[151] 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.^[152]

For the 2010-11 school year, Montoursville Area School District received a 3.03% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $6,922,641 payment.^[153] The highest increase awarded a Lycoming County school district went to Loyalsock Township School District which received an 8.13% increase in BEF from the state. Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.^[154]

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.53% increase in Basic Education funding to Montoursville Area School District, for a total of $6,715,381. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $6,549,411.56. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low-income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more.^[155] Loyalsock Township School District received a 5.94% increase, the highest increase in Lycoming County for the 2009-10 school year. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.^[156]

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 287 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.^[157]

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 Montoursville Area School District applied for and received $281,979 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the 6th year, for teacher coaching in teaching reading and math; and for before/after school tutoring for struggling students.^[158][159]

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. Montoursville Area School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07 nor in 2007-08. For the 2008-09, school year the district received $74,691. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.^[160]

Other grants

Montoursville Area School District did not participate in: Science Its Elementary grants,^[161] PA DEP Environmental Education grants,^[162][163] Education Assistance Grants; the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;^[164] 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants^[165] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal Stimulus grant

Montoursville Area School District received an extra $931,092 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[166] The funding was limited to the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.^[167] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, the Governor 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

Montoursville Area School District officials applied for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.^[168] 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.^[169] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.^[170]

Common Cents state initiative

The Montoursville Area School Board participated 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] The report identified significant savings could be found in purchasing across several school district departments. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

The Montoursville Area School Board set property tax rates in 2014-2015 at 13.8700 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections (Local Tax Enabling Act), which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.^[172] 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 all government property (local, state and federal). Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes.

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.^[173] 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.^[174]

The average yearly property tax paid by Lycoming County residents amounts to about 3.53% of their yearly income. Lycoming County ranked 364th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[184] 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.^[185] 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%).^[186]

Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not authorized to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.^[187]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Montoursville Area School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.^[188]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Montoursville Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher’s pension fund (PSERS).^[192] 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.^[193]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Montoursville Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2013-14, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 16.93% of payroll payment to the teacher’s pension fund (PSERS). For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.^[194]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Montoursville 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.^[195]

For the 2011-12 school year, Montoursville Area School Board applied for several exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index:teacher pension costs, special education costs, Maintenance of Selected Revenue Sources and Maintenance of Local Tax Revenues. Each year, the Montoursville 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 published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[196]

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.^[197]

Montoursville Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2010-11.^[198] 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.^[199]

Property tax relief

In 2013, Montoursville Area School District 4009 approved homestead properties received $128.^[200]

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Mountoursville Area School District was $129 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 3,025 property owners applied for the tax relief.^[201] The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The Pennsylvania Auditor General found that 69% of property owners applied for tax relief in Lycoming County.^[202] In Lycoming County, the highest property tax relief in 2009 was $310 awarded to the approved property owners in Williamsport Area School District. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.^[203] This was the second year Chester Upland School District was the top recipient.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.^[204]

Enrollment

Montoursville Area School District is experiencing low enrollment in K-12. The Pennsylvania Department of Education projects the District's enrollment will remain low through 2018.^[205] Shifting population trends across the U.S. and Pennsylvania are affecting school enrollment and may impact the building needs of school districts in the years to come.^[206] Over the next 10 years, rural Pennsylvania school enrollment is projected to decrease 8 percent. The most significant enrollment decline is projected to be in western Pennsylvania, where rural school districts may have a 16 percent decline. More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in western Pennsylvania are projected to experience significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).^[207]

A study done by Standard and Poors in 2007 (at the request of the Pennsylvania General Assembly) examined school districts enrollment and consolidation. As a part of the study, superintendents were asked about savings, if their district were to merge with another district at the administrative level only, but not close any of their schools. It found 42% of the respondents believed consolidation would achieve cost reductions. Additionally, 63% of responding superintendents believed that consolidation with another district would help provide additional academic enrichment opportunities for the students.^[208]

In 2011, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants released their findings on government efficiency - "Report of the Fiscal Responsibility Task Force, January 2011". It found that one area of inefficiency and redundancy in Pennsylvania government is the administration of the educational system. It noted that the state could achieve savings exceeding $1.5 billion a year, by reducing the number of district administrations to 67. The report emphasized that this modification would not change the number of schools or teachers in classrooms.^[209]

From 2000 through 2010, rural Pennsylvania public school district enrollment has decreased by 8 percent.^[210] In 2010, there were 726,417 children in rural Pennsylvania, or 21 percent of the total rural population. From 2000 to 2010, the number of children in rural counties decreased 7 percent. The decline in the number of children impacted most rural counties with 42 of Pennsylvania’s 48 rural counties experiencing a decline. Cameron County, Elk County and Sullivan County experienced the greatest declines, with a decrease of more than 21 percent in all three counties. Lycoming County's live birth rate was 1,705 births in 1990. Lycoming County's live birth rate in 2000 was 1,339 births while in 2011 it had declined to 1,279 babies.^[211] Over the past 50 years (1960 to 2010), rural Pennsylvania saw a steady decline in both the number and proportion of residents under 18 years old. In 1960, 1.06 million rural residents, or 35 percent of the rural population, were children.

Pennsylvania’s birth rate has been declining for two decades. According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, in 1990, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s birth rate was 171,053.^[212] In 2000, Pennsylvania’s birth rate was 145,874.^[213] Finally in 2011, the State’s birth rate declined further to 142,021.^[214] From 2000 to 2009, the number of babies born in rural counties declined 5 percent.^[215] Urban counties have also experienced a decline in the number of school aged children. From 2000-2010 urban Pennsylvania counties had a 3 percent decline in the number of residents under 18 years old. In 2010, there were 2.07 million residents, or 22 percent of the urban population, who were under age 18.^[216]

Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. Less than 95 of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts have enrollment below 1250 students, in 2007.^[217]

Wellness policy

Montoursville Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006.^[218] 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.^[219]

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.^[220] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

Montoursville Area School 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.^[221] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.^[222]

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.^[223] 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.^[224] 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 2014, President Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.^[225] 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.^[226]

Montoursville 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.^[227][228] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.^[229]

Extracurriculars

The Montoursville Area School District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, publicly funded sports program.^[230] Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy^{[231][232][233]} and under standards set by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). The District is noncompliant with state law, due to failing to post its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website in 2014.

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.^[234][235]

The sports programs are associated with the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.^[236] The Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference is a voluntary association of 25 PIAA High Schools within the central Pennsylvania region.

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students residing in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.^[237]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.^[238]

Sports

The District funds:

Varsity

Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2013 ^[239]

References

External links

• BLaST Intermediate Unit