Montrose Area School District - Montrose High School

The Montrose Area School District is a small, rural public school district located in northeastern Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. It serves the following municipalities: Montrose, Bridgewater Township, Franklin Township, Liberty Township, Jessup Township, Forest Lake Township, Silver Lake Township, Little Meadows, Choconut Township, Friendsville, and Middletown Township. The Montrose Area School District encompasses approximately 228 square miles (590 km²). According to 2000 federal census data, the District served a resident population of 11,708 people. By 2010, the District's population was 11,710 people. The educational attainment levels for the School District population (25 years old and over) were 88.9% high school graduates and 16.9% college graduates. The District is one of the 500 public school districts of Pennsylvania.

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 53.2% of the Montrose Area School District’s pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty Level [1] as shown by their eligibility for the federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012. In 2009, the district residents’ per capita income was $17,838, while the median family income was $43,199. In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010. In Susquehanna County, the median household income was $48,231. By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100. In 2014, the median household income in the USA was $53,700.

Per District officials, in school year 2007-08 the Montrose Area School District provided basic educational services to 1,934 pupils through the employment of 145 teachers, 104 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 10 administrators. In 2006, the district's students were 98% white, >1% Asian, 1% black and 1% Hispanic. Montrose Area School District enrollment declined to 1,593 pupils in 2011-12. The district employed:136 teachers, 87 full-time and part-time support personnel, and nine (9) administrators during the 2011-12 school year. The District received $12.2 million in state funding in the 2011-12 school year.

Montrose Area School District operates three schools: Choconut Elementary School, Lathrop Street Elementary School, and Montrose Area Junior Senior High School. The 6th grade is provided in the elementary schools, and the 7th and 8th grades are provided in the Jr./Sr. building. High school students may choose to attend the Susquehanna County Career Technology Center for training in the construction and mechanical trades. The Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit IU19 [2] provides the District with a wide variety of services like: specialized education for disabled students; state mandated training in recognizing and reporting child abuse; speech and visual disability services; criminal background check processing for prospective employees and professional development for staff and faculty.

Governance

Montrose 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. The federal government controls programs it funds like: Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act(renamed Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in December 2015) which mandates the district focus its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills. The school board is required by state law to post a financial report on the district in its website by March of each school year. Montrose area provides its financial information in ts website in 2016.

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. These contracts must be in writing and are subject to public discloure under the state’s Right to Know Act. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent and Business Manager regarding renewal of their employment contracts. Pursuant to Act 141 of 2012 which amended the Pennsylvania School Code, all school districts that have hired superintendents on/after the fall of 2012 are required to develop objective performance standards and post them on the district’s website.

Academic achievement

In 2015, Montrose Area School District ranked 283rd out of 493 Pennsylvania public school districts, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. 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. Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.

Overachievers ranking

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Montrose Area School District ranked 489th. 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."

• 2011 - 481st
• 2010 - 283rd
• 2009 - 243rd

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students in the Montrose Area School District, was in the 41st percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)

District AYP status history

In 2012, Montrose Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status. In 2011, 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 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. Montrose Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003 the District was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.

Graduation rate

In 2015, Montrose Area School District graduation rate was 93.80%.

• 2014 - 95.41%
• 2013 - 89.40%
• 2012 - 85.21%
• 2011 - 97%.
• 2010 - 87%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

• 2010 - 96%
• 2009 - 91%
• 2008 - 93%
• 2007 - 93%

Junior Senior High School

Montrose Junior Senior High School is located at 50 High School Road, Montrose. In 2015, enrollment was reported as 710 pupils in 7th through 12th grades, with 31.97% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal federal poverty level. Additionally, 12.5% of pupils received special education services, while 4.6% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 56 teachers. Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 841 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 2 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 67 teachers, yielding a studentâ€"teacher ratio of 12:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.

2015 School Performance Profile

Montrose Area Junior Senior High School achieved 74.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 76% of the High School’s students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 68% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 68.6% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course. Statewide, 53 percent of schools with an eleventh grade achieved an academic score of 70 or better. Five percent of the 2,033 schools with 11th grade were scored at 90 and above; 20 percent were scored between 80 and 89; 28 percent between 70 and 79; 25 percent between 60 and 69 and 22 percent below 60. The Keystone Exam results showed: 73 percent of students statewide scored at grade-level in English, 64 percent in Algebra I and 59 percent in biology.

In 8th grade, just 48% of pupils were on grade level in reading, with only 17% showing on grade level math skills. In science, 64% of eighth grade students were on grade level. In 7th grade - 66% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 29% demonstrated on grade level math skills.

2014 School Performance Profile

Montrose Area Junior Senior High School achieved 77.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 80.45% of pupils were on grade level. In Algebra 1/math, 69% showed on grade level math skills. In Biology, 66.8% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course. In 8th grade writing, 71% demonstrated 8th grade level writing skills. Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%. In 2014, 71% of eighth graders were writing on grade level.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.

2013 School Performance Profile

Montorse Area Junior Senior High School achieved 81.1 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 76.71% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/math, 67.68% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 60.08% showed on grade level science understanding. In 8th grade writing, 71% were on grade level. 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.

AYP history

In 2012, Montrose Area Junior Senior High School declined further to School Improvement Level I Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to missing 6 academics metrics. 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. The High School is eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.

• 2011 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging achievement in mathematics.
• 2010 - achieved AYP status
• 2009 - Making Progress School Improvement level 2 AYP status due to low student achievement.
• 2008 - declined further to School Improvement level 2 AYP status due to chronic, low student achievement.
• 2007 - declined to School Improvement level I AYP status due to low student achievement.
• 2006 - remained in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.
• 2005 - declined to Warning AYP status, due to lagging academic achievement
• 2004 - achieved AYP status
• 2003 - Warning AYP status, due to lagging academic achievement

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. 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 applicable course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 49% on grade level (37% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.
• 2011 - 47% (41% below basic). State - 69.1%
• 2010 - 61% (25% below basic). State - 66%
• 2009 - 62% (22% below basic), State - 65%
• 2008 - 60% (20% below basic), State - 65%
• 2007 - 65% (16% below basic), State - 65%

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 42% on grade level (44% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
• 2011 - 31% (47% below basic). State - 60.3%
• 2010 - 42% (37% below basic). State - 59%
• 2009 - 40% (33% below basic). State - 56%
• 2008 - 45% (35% below basic). State - 56%
• 2007 - 53% (22% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 40% on grade level (13% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 34% (24% below basic). State - 40%
• 2010 - 40% (15% below basic), State - 39%
• 2009 - 38% (17% below basic). State - 40%
• 2008 - 38% (9% below basic). State - 39%

Science in Motion 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. Wilkes 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, 10% of Montrose Area Senior High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges. 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. 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 The high school does not offer the Pennsylvania Dual Enrollment program which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits while still enrolled in high school. The program is offered through over 400 school districts with the assistance of a state grant.

Graduation requirements

The Montrose Area School District School Board has established that 25 credits are required for graduation, including English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Science 3 credits, Math 3 credits, Family and Consumer Science 0.5 credits, Health 0.5 credit, Physical Education 1 credit, Computers 0.5 credit and eight and one half elective courses. Students are also required participate in a driver education class.

All students in grades 9-12 must successfully complete requirements in Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Advanced Physical Science may be taken as an alternative to earn science credits.

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. 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.

By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2019, public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the respective Keystone Exams for each course. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 2014, 63 Montrose Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 512. The Math average score was 498. The Writing average score was 502. Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing. In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, 72 Montrose Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 499. The Math average score was 484. The Writing average score was 474. 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.

In 2012, 82 Montrose Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 490. The Math average score was 469. The Writing average score was 466. 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, 93 Montrose Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 492. The Math average score was 483. The Writing average score was 481. Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479. 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.

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

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

Junior High School

Seventh grades have been administered the PSSAs in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading (1998), writing (2006), mathematics (1998) and Science (2007). 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 grades in reading and mathematics began in 1998, as a state initiative. 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. The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education. In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.

8th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 80% on grade level 53% advanced (5% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.
• 2011 - 86%, 50% advanced (5% below basic).State - 81.8%
• 2010 - 81%, 46% advanced (8% below basic) State - 81%
• 2009 - 74%, 46% advanced (12% below basic), State - 80%
• 2008 - 73%, 48% advanced (13% below basic), State - 78%
• 2007 - 79%, 40% advanced (7% below basic), State - 75%

8th Grade Math

• 2012 - 79%, 51% advanced (8% below basic). State - 76%
• 2011 - 73%, 42% advanced (12% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 - 65%, 35% advanced (16% below basic) State - 75%
• 2009 - 62%, 32% advanced (18% below basic), State - 71%
• 2008 - 65%, 31% advanced (17% below basic), State - 70%
• 2007 - 63%, 31% advanced (12% below basic), State - 67%

8th Grade Science

• 2012 - 72% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 69% (12% below basic). State â€" 58.3%
• 2010 - 65% (18% below basic). State - 57%.
• 2009 - 61%, State - 54%
• 2008 - 56%, State - 52%

7th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 80%, 50% advanced (8% below basic). State - 76%
• 2011 - 84%, 43% advanced (3% below basic). State â€" 76%
• 2010 - 87%, 48% advanced, (3% below basic). State - 73%
• 2009 - 74%, 46% advanced (8% below basic). State - 71%
• 2008 - 70%, 35% advanced (8% below basic). State - 70%
• 2007 - 63%, 34% advanced (18% below basic). State - 66%

7th Grade Math

• 2012 - 82%, 56% advanced (11% below basic). State - 80%
• 2011 - 89%, 65% advanced (7% below basic). State - 78.6%
• 2010 - 88%, 64% advanced (6% below basic). State - 77%
• 2009 - 76%, 39% advanced (8% below basic). State - 75%
• 2008 - 65%, 31% advanced (14% below basic), State - 72%
• 2007 - 64%, 35% advanced (17% below basic), State - 67%

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Area School District implemented a no cost dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school. The process identifies students at risk for dropping out by examining the pupil’s: attendance, behavior and course grades. Interventions are implemented to assist at-risk pupils to remain in school. The program is funded by federal and private dollars.

Choconut Valley Elementary School

Choconut Valley Elementary School is located at Stanley Lake Road, Friendsville. In 2015, the School's enrollment was 285 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 40% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, % of the pupils receive special education services, while % are identified as gifted. 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. The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 374 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th. The school employed 31 teachers, yielding a studentâ€"teacher ratio of 12:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind. In 2010 and 2011, Choconut Valley Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2011, only 76% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 77% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 47% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 96% of the pupils were on grade level with 62% scoring advanced.

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 66% of 5th grade students at Choconut Valley Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 36% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 65% were on grade level in reading, while 65% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 95% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 50% were on grade level in reading and 42% were on grade level in mathematics. Among 6th graders, 60% were on grade level in reading and 42.5% were on grade level in mathematics. Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 4th graders were 58.6% on grade level in reading and 44.4% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 77.3% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among Pennsylvania third (3rd) graders, 62% were reading on grade level, while 48.5% demonstrated on grade level math skills.

2014 School Performance Profile

Choconut Valley Elementary School achieved a score of 79.6 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 75% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 72% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 75% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 59% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.

2013 School Performance Profile

Choconut Valley Elementary School achieved a score of 78.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 68.3% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 75% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 74.8% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, just 91% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In 5th grade writing, only 59% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.

AYP status history

In 2011 and 2012, Choconut Valley Elementary School achieved AYP status using safe harbor provisions. From 2003 to 2010, Choconut Valley Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.

PSSA History

Each year, in the Spring, in order to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Law, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. 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 is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The first cohort of children who attended Accountability Block Grant funded full-day kindergarten reached third grade and took the PSSAs in the spring of 2008.

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 100%. State - 82%
• 2011 - 96%, (2% below basic). State - 82.9%

Lathrop Street Elementary School

Lathrop Street Elementary School is located at 14 Lathrop Street, Montrose. In 2015, the School's enrollment was 413 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 38.9% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 19% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2.4% are identified as gifted. 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. Lathrop Street Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 478 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th. Lathrop Street Elementary School employed 38.70 teachers, yielding a studentâ€"teacher ratio of 12:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.

School District has provided full-day kindergarten for more than a decade. Proponents of full day kindergarten claim it will reduce special education numbers and that it will raise primary student academic achievement in reading. Those outcomes have not been realized in the Montrose Area School District. Reading achievement in particular has declined.

2015 School Performance Profile

Lathrop Street Elementary School's 2015 SPP score was withheld by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 67% of 5th grade students at Lathrop Street Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, only 34% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 78% were on grade level in reading, while 64% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 88% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 64% were on grade level in reading and 48% were on grade level in mathematics. Among 6th graders, 48% were on grade level in reading and just 25% were on grade level in mathematics.

2014 School Performance Profile

Lathrop Street Elementary School achieved a score of 79.80 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 68% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 75% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 75% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, 88% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 59% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.

2013 School Performance Profile

Lathrop Street Elementary School achieved a score of 77 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 72.8% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, just 71% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 80% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, 87% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 71% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.

AYP history

In 2010 and 2012, Lathrop Street Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year. From 2003 through 2009, Lathrop Street Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.

PSSA History

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 93%, (2% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 95%, (2% below basic). State - 82.9%

Special education

In December 2013, Montrose Area School District administration reported that 234 pupils or 16% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 63% of the identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2013, Montrose Area School District administration reported that 273 pupils or 17.4% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 59% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.

In December 2010, Montrose Area School District administration reported that 280 pupils or 17.2% of the district's pupils received Special Education services. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 312 pupils or 18% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.

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. 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. Early Intervention services are also available to children who are at least three years of age, but less than the age for beginning school, and who have one or more physical or mental disabilities. The IDEA 2004 requires each school entity to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, including the student handbook and website regarding the availability of screening and intervention services and how to access them.

Students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may take the PSSA-M an alternative math exam rather than the PSSA. Some special education students may take the PASA (Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment), rather than the PSSA. Schools are permitted to provide accommodations to some students.

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding. 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. The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students. Overidentification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education. In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.

Montrose Area School District received a $1,100,271 supplement for special education services in 2010. For the 2011-12, 2012â€"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 was 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. For the 2014-2015 school year, Montrose Area School District received an increase to $1,115,435 from the Commonwealth for special education funding.

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

Gifted education

Montrose Area School District Administration reported that 88 or 5.19% of its students were gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.

Bullying policy

The Montrose Area School District administration reported there were 3 incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.

The Montrose Area School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online. 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. 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. 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.

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.

Strike In March 2016, the Montrose Area Teachers Union went on strike over wages and health insurance benefits. Montrose Area teachers are the highest paid teachers in the northeast region of Pennsylvania. The Montrose School Board reports making several offers which included raises with a change to a less expensive health insurance plan where teachers pay a small contribution. The union has rejected all proposals.

State law gives the Pennsylvania Department of Education the power to order the teachers to return so that students will complete 180 days of instruction, by June 15.

Of the nearly 140 teacher strikes that occurred nationally between 2000 and 2007, 60 percent took place in Pennsylvania, according to a report released in August 2012, by the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy. Pennsylvania is one of 13 states in which teacher strikes are legal. Pennsylvania has the highest rate of teacher strikes in the United States. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there were three teacher union strikes in 2010; one teacher union strike in 2011, one teacher union strike in 2012 and three teacher union strikes in 2013. Crestwood School District in Luzerne County went on strike in 2009. Neshaminy School District teachers union went on strike twice in 2012. Wyoming Area School District, Old Forge School District and Shaler Area School District went on strike in the fall of 2013. Wyoming Area School District and Danville Area School District teachers went on strike in the spring of 2014. In the fall of 2014, three Pennsylvania public school district teachers unions went on strike including: Millville Area SD, East Allegheny School District and Old Forge School District. In 2015, Peters Township School District teachers went on strike as well as teachers in Scranton School District. Teachers in Line Mountain School District also went on strike in 2015.

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Montrose Area School District was $61,944 a year. The District employed 145 teachers with a top salary of $128,144. Pennsylvania teacher salaries (2013â€"14) are searchable in a statewide database provided by TribLive News. Area School District teacher and administrator retirement benefits are equal to at least 2.00% x Final Average Salary x Total Credited Service. (Some teachers benefits utilize a 2.50% benefit factor.) After 40 years of service, Pennsylvania public school teachers and administrators can retire with 100% of the average salary of their final 3 years of employment. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security. In 2014-15, Pennsylvania public school district mandated teacher pension contribution rose to 21.40% of employee salaries and in 2015-16 it rose again to 25.84% of total salaries. In 2014-15, the state mandated District contribution to the teacher pension fund rose to 21.40% of employee salaries and in 2015-16 it rose again to 25.84% of total District salaries.

In 2009, Montrose Area School District reported employing over 130 teachers with a starting salary of $41,980 for 187 days, including 180 for pupil instruction. The average teacher salary was $58,639 while the maximum salary is $110,538. 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. Additionally, Montrose Area School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 sick days and other benefits. Teachers are paid extra if they are required to work outside of the regular school day. A bonus for early retirement exceeds $18,000. Teachers receive daily preparation time. Teachers receive 10 paid sick days each year as well as 3 bereavement days, 2 paid personal days, and sabbatical leave. Teachers on sabbatical leave receive 60% of their salary and reimbursement for the costs of their college courses up to 18 credits. 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.

In 2007, the district employed 128 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $56,570 for 180 school days worked. This was the highest average teacher salary by district in Susquehanna County in 2007.

Administrative costs Montrose Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $591.70 per pupil. The district is ranked 449th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. The salary of the Superintendent was $113,854 in 2009. Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.

Per pupil spending In 2008, Montrose Area School District reported spending $12,484 per pupil. This ranked 272nd in the commonwealth. In 2010, the per pupil spending had increased to $13,429.82 per pupil. Among the states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09. In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759. In 2013, the per pupil spending at Montrose Area was reported as $15,507.62.

Reserves In 2009, Montrose Area School District reported $1,605,585in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero. In 2010, Montrose Area School District Administration reported $1,169,460 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance and another $995,232.00 in its unreserved-designated fund. In 2012, Montrose Area School Board reported that it held $995,232 in its assigned reserve fund and another $943,583 in its unassigned fund. In 2013-14, Montrose Area School Board reported the District had $806,064 in its assigned reserve fund and another $987,840 in its unassigned fund. Pennsylvania school district reserve funds are divided into two categories â€" 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.

State Audit

In January 2010 the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board. In February 2014, the District was audited again. The findings were reported to the Board and the Governor.

Gas drilling leases

In 2009, Montrose Area School Board entered into a seven-year, no-surface operations, gas drilling lease with Alta Resources LLC, on 90 acres near Choconut Elementary School. The District executed a second lease on another parcel to Cabot Oil and Gas Corp. for $5,750 an acre. The District reports getting $1.2 million for its leases. The Board has used most of the funds to make state mandated payments into the teacher's pension fund.

Tuition

Students who live in the District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Montrose 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 2013 tuition rates are Elementary School - $11,327.95, High School -$11,452.73. In 2015, the tuition rates were Elementary School - , High School - .

Montrose Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local income tax 0.5%; a property tax; 2 per capita taxes of $5 each per year; a real estate transfer tax 0.5%; coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Interest earnings on accounts also provide nontax income to the District. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the level of the individual’s personal wealth. The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeded $60,000 a year, plus they receive federal Social Security benefits. Both retirement benefits are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools. Effective 2016, active duty military are also exempted from paying the local earned income tax in Pennsylvania.

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Montrose Area School District receives 53.2% of its annual revenue from the state. This exceeds some education advocates goal of the state providing 50% of district funding.

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $3,597,271 to Montrose Area School District, in January 2016. The total annual funding was $7,407,987. This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015. The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015. Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in funding. The District also received Ready to Learn block grant funding of $263,677. In April 2016, Governor Wolf announced his finalized dispersement of 2015-16 state Basic Education Funding. Montrose Area School District received a 1.52% increase for a total funding of $7,711,538. This is $17,470 more than the District was to receive by law under the state’s Fair Funding Formula approved in 2015. Wolf also altered the Ready to Learn Grant distribution. The District received $263,677 in Ready To Learn grant which was $27,039 less than it would have received under the state formula for distribution.

The highest increase in funding statewide was awarded by Governor Wolf to Wilkinsburg Borough School District which got a 48.07% increase in state Basic Education Funding. The average BEF increase among the Commonwealth’s 500 public school districts for 2015-16 was 2.21%. In Susquehanna County, the highest percentage increase was awarded to Mountain View School District - 2.33%. The Pennsylvania education budget is $5.93 billion for basic education, a $200 million or 3.5 percent increase over 2014-15 allocation. Another $1.08 billion was allotted for special education funding, a $30 million or 2.9 percent increase over 2014-15. Additionally, the state paid over $500 million towards school employee social security payments and over $1 billion to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).

For the 2014-15 school year, Montrose Area School District received $7,359,553.66 in State Basic Education funding. The District also received $236,300 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State’s enacted Education Budget included $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding. The Education budget also included Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State paid $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania’s Education budget for K-12 public schools was $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.

In the 2013-2014 school year, Montrose Area School District received a 1.5% increase or $7,357,163 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $105,517 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Montrose Area School District received $136,176 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Susquehanna County, Montrose Area School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF. The District had the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth’s budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding. The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland School District, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent. 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.

For the 2012-13 school year, Montrose Area School District received $7,251,646. 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. Montrose ARea School District received $199,575 in ABG funds. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS. 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 the 2011-12 school year, Montrose Area School District received a $7,251,646 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the Montrose Area School District received $136,177 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011. 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. In 2010, the district reported that 631 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010-11 school year, Montrose Area School District received a 2% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $7,757,509 payment. Elk Lake School District received a 2.82% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF in Susquehanna County. Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. Fifteen (15) Pennsylvania public school districts received a BEF increase of greater than 10%. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania public school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where a district received at least the same amount as the year before, even where enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 4.88% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $7,605,385. 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. Montrose Area School District received the highest increase in Susquehanna 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.

The state Basic Education funding to Montrose Area School District in 2008-09 was $7,251,646. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 511 district students received free or reduced- price lunches due to low family income in the 2007â€"2008 school year. 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.

All Pennsylvania school districts also receive additional funding from the state through several funding allocations, including: Special Education Funding; Secondary Career & Technical Education Subsidy; PA Accountability Grants; Reimbursement of Charter School Expenditures; and low achieving schools were eligible for Educational Assistance Program Funding. Plus all Pennsylvania school districts receive federal dollars for various programs including: Special Education funding and Title I funding for children from low income families. In 2010, Pennsylvania spent over $24 billion for public education - local, state and federal dollars combined. By 2015, Pennsylvania is spending over $27 billion on public education (local, state and federal resources combined).

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 Montrose Area School District applied for and received $369,617 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide pre kindergarten classes and full-day kindergarten for the 7th year and to pay teachers to write new curriculum.

Ready to Learn grant

Beginning in the 2014-2015 budget, the State funded a new Ready to Learn Grant for public schools. A total of $100 million is allocated through a formula to districts based on the number of students, level of poverty of community as calculated by its market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) and the number of English language learners. Ready to Learn Block Grant funds may be used by the Districts for: school safety; Ready by 3 early childhood intervention programs; individualized learning programs; and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.

Montrose Area School District received $236,300 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, PreK Counts funding, transportation reimbursement, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

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. Montrose Area School District received $67,933 in 2006-07. In 2007-08, Montrose Area School District received $250,000. For the 2008-09, school year the District received another $19,994 for a total of $337,927. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards. Montrose Area School District was the highest recipient in Susquehanna County. 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.

Other grants

Montrose Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants; PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell); Education Assistance Grants; 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant; 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants; Project 720 High School Reform grants (discontinued effective with 2011-12 budget); nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal grants

Montrose Area School District received an extra $1,943,553 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like Title 1, special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students. The funding was restricted to the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years. 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

Montrose Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district over $1 million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. 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. 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.

Title II grants

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

Public school district administrations must apply to the state annually for the Title II funds. In 2012-13, Montrose Area School District received $82,703 in federal Title II funding. In 2014-15, Montrose Area School District applied for and received $78,736.

English language learners grant

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

In 2012-13, Montrose Area School District received $1,630 in Title III funding for English language learners. For 2014-15, Montrose Area School District received $285 in Title III funding.

Common Cents state initiative

The Montrose Area 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. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement any of the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

The Montrose Area School Board set property tax rates in 2015-16 at 44.8805 mills. 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. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Unlike other states, under Pennsylvania state tax policy, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes. There are a plethora of gas pipelines in the District due to marcellus shale gas development. Pipeline companies prohibit development within the 100 foot wide right-of-way, there by limiting future development options for the landowner. This limits future potential property tax revenues for the school district, by constraining future land development. Located in the marcellus shale region, Montrose Area School District is adversely impacted this way.

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. When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two or more counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties. 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.

The average yearly property tax paid by Susquehanna County residents amounts to about 3.66% of their yearly income. Susquehanna County ranked 331st out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income. 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. 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%). Pennsylvania's 2011 tax burden of 10.35% ranked 10th highest out of 50 states. The tax burden was above the national average of 9.8%. Pennsylvania's taxpayers paid $4,374 per capita in state and local taxes, including school taxes.

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. In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index. The following exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school’s share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.

The School District Adjusted Index for the Montrose Area School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.

For the 2015-16 budget year, Montrose Area School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit: for special education cost and for its rapidly rising teacher pension costs. For the school budget 2015-16, 310 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 187 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Regarding the pension costs exception, 172 school districts received approval to exceed the Index limit in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 119 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. No Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.

For the 2014-15 budget year, Montrose 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). 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.

For the 2013-14 budget year, Montrose 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.

For the 2012-13 budget year, Montrose 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. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.

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

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.

Montrose Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 or in 2010-11. 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.

Property tax relief

In 2013, Montrose Area School District approved 3,351 homestead properties received $328. The decline in amount was related to more residents applying for tax relief and a decline in table games tax revenues. The amount received by the District must be divided equally among all approved residences.

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Montrose Area School District was $343 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 3,207 property owners applied for the tax relief. 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 48% of property owners applied for tax relief in Susquehanna County. In Susquehanna County, the highest property tax relief in 2009 was awarded to the approved property owners in Blue Ridge School District at $377. 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. 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 Montrose Area School District residents aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals 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.

Enrollment

Montrose Area School District is experiencing low enrollment in K-12. The Pennsylvania Department of Education projects the district's enrollment will decline to 1212 pupils through 2018. 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. 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).

A study done by Standard and Poors in 2007 (at the request of the PA General Assembly) examined the consolidation of district administrations would yield saving where the resulting district had 3000 pupils or less. It examined the consolidation of Montrose Area School District with a neighboring district and found a potential savings of over $3.1 million.

Superintendents were asked about savings, if their district were to merge with another district at the administrative level only, while not closing any of their schools. It found 42% of survey respondents thought consolidation could achieve cost reductions. Additionally, 63% of responding superintendents believed that consolidation with another district would help provide additional academic enrichment opportunities for the students. 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 schools.

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.

Wellness policy

Montrose Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006. 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 â€" 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.

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

Montrose 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. The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.

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. 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. The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 mandates that Districts raise their full pay lunch prices every year until the price of non-subsidized lunches equals the amount the federal government reimburses schools for free meals. That subsidy in 2013-2014 was $2.93. In 2015, federal reimbursement rates were: $3.07 per meal for students who are income-eligible for free lunches and $2.67 for those who qualify for a reduced price. School lunch participation nationally dropped from 31.6 million students in 2012 to 30.4 million in 2014, according to the federal Department of Agriculture. Pennsylvania statistics show school lunch participation dropped by 86,950 students in the same two years, from 1,127,444 in 2012 to 1,040,494 in 2014.

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

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.

Montrose 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. Nurses also monitor each child's weight.

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

Extracurriculars

The Montrose Area School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies and in compliance with standards set by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). The PIAA mandates that student athletes must be passing at least four full-credit subjects to participate in sports.

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 home schooled, 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.

According to PA Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act 126 of 2014, all volunteer coaches and all those who assist in student activities, must have criminal background checks. Like all school district employees, they must also attend an anti child abuse training once every three years.

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid. Montrose Area School District does not provide its athletics disclosure form on its web site. Article XVI-C of the Public School Code requires the disclosure of interscholastic athletic opportunities for all public secondary school entities in Pennsylvania. All school entities with grades 7-12 are required to annually collect data concerning team and financial information for all male and female athletes beginning with the 2012-13 school year and submit the information to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, all non-school (booster club and alumni) contributions and purchases must also be reported to PDE.

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.

The District funds:

Varsity

Junior High Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2015

References

External links

• Official website