Chambersburg Area School District

Chambersburg Area School District
Address
435 Stanley Ave Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Franklin County, 17201-3405 United States
Information
Type	Public
School board	9 elected members
Superintendent	Dr Joseph Padasak contract 2014 - June 30, 2019)[1]
Administrator	Mr Steven Dart, Business Manager Mrs. Catherine M Dusman, Asst Superintendent Mr. Billy R Hodge, Jr, Asst Superintendent contract to June 30, 2019
Faculty	521 teachers in 2011 [2]
Grades	public preschool through 12th
Age	4 years Preschool to 21 years for special education
Pupils	8,856 pupils (2013);[3] 8,523 pupils (2011), 8,660 pupils (2010)[4]
• Kindergarten	674 (2010)
• Grade 1	650
• Grade 2	673
• Grade 3	706
• Grade 4	689
• Grade 5	679
• Grade 6	665
• Grade 7	661
• Grade 8	662
• Grade 9	645
• Grade 10	675
• Grade 11	617
• Grade 12	664
Language	English
Budget	$113.9 million (2013–14) $114 million (2012–13) $109 million (2011–12) $105.4 million (2010–11) $105 million (2009–10) $81,311,575 (2005–06)
Per pupil spending	$10,867 (2008)
Per pupil spending	$12,602.24 (2010)
Website	http://www.chambersburg.k12.pa.us

The Chambersburg Area School District is a public school district located in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The district encompasses approximately 250 square miles, including the borough of Chambersburg, plus the townships of Hamilton, Greene, Lurgan, and Letterkenny, and a portion of Guilford Township. It operates the following schools: Andrew Buchanan Elementary, Guilford Hills Elementary, South Hamilton Elementary, Benjamin Chambers Elementary, Hamilton Heights Elementary, Thaddeus Stevens Elementary, Lurgan Elementary, Falling Spring Elementary, Grandview Elementary, Scotland Elementary, Marion Elementary, Fayetteville Elementary, New Franklin Elementary, Chambersburg Area Middle School South, Chambersburg Area Middle School North, Chambersburg Area Senior High School and the Career Magnet School. In 2009, the US Census Bureau reported that the district's it serves a resident population of 56,283 residents had a per capita incomes of $20,572, while the districts' median family income was $47,354 a year.^[5] In school year 2005-06, Chambersburg Area School District provided basic educational services to 8,337 pupils, while employing 559 teachers, 399 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 46 administrators. The Chambersburg Area School District received more than $27 million in state funding in school year 2005-06.

Governance

The Chambersburg Area School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serving four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.^[6] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "B-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.^[7]

Academic achievement

For factual information, follow this link: http://www.education.pa.gov/Data-and-Statistics/Pages/default.aspx#.VgQzJOf3anM

Chambersburg Area School District was ranked 394th out of the 498 ranked Pennsylvania school districts in 2014, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.^[8] 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.^[9] 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 - 400th
• 2012 - 389th
• 2011 - 387th^[10]
• 2010 - 365th ^[11]
• 2009 - 359th
• 2008 - 354th
• 2007 - 350th out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts in 2007.^[12]

Overachievers ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Chambersburg Area School District ranked 444th. The paper describes the ranking as: "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."^[13]

• 2012 - 377th
• 2010 - 370th
• 2009 - 423rd

In 2009, the Chambersburg Area School District student achievement was in the bottom 20th percentile of Pennsylvania's 500 school district. Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)^[14]

Lowest-performing schools

In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education identified Chambersburg Area Senior High School and both of the middle schools as persistently low-performing schools, qualifying them for School Improvement Grants. The District received a state grant of $270,000 to be used to address the academic achievement issues in these three schools. The grant required reforms were outlined by the US Department of Education.^[15][16]

For 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, both Benjamin Franklin Elementary School and Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School were on the state's lowest 15% achieving schools list. Parents and students may be eligible for scholarships to transfer to another public or nonpublic school through the state's Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program passed in June 2012.^[17] The scholarships are limited to those students whose family's income is less than $60,000 annually, with another $12,000 allowed per dependent. Maximum scholarship award is $8,500, with special education students receiving up to $15,000 for a year's tuition. Parents pay any difference between the scholarship amount and the receiving school's tuition rate. Students may seek admission to neighboring public school districts. Each year the PDE publishes the tuition rate for each individual public school district.^[18] Fifty-three public schools in Allegheny County are among the lowest-achieving schools in 2011. According to the report, parents in 414 public schools (74 school districts) were offered access to these scholarships. For the 2012-13 school year, eight public school districts in Pennsylvania had all of their schools placed on the list, including: Sto-Rox School District, Chester Upland School District, Clairton City School District, Duquesne City School District, Farrell Area School District, Wilkinsburg Borough School District, William Penn School District and Steelton-Highspire School District.^[19] Funding for the scholarships comes from donations by businesses which receive a state tax credit for donating.

District AYP status history

In 2012, Chambersburg Area School District declined to Warning AYP status.^[20] In 2009, 2010, and 2011, Chambersburg 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.^[21][22]

• 2008 - Making Progress District Corrective Action status
• 2007 - Corrective Action level I
• 2006 - Making Progress School Improvement status
• 2005 - School Improvement status II
• 2004 - School Improvement status I
• 2003 - Warning AYP Status

Graduation rate

In 2013, the graduation rate at Chambersburg Area School District was 83%.^[23] In 2012, the graduation rate at Chambersburg Area School District was 80%.^[24] In 2011, the graduation rate was 85%.^[25] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Chambersburg Area School District's rate was 87% for 2010.^[26]

Former calculation graduation rate

• 2010 - 87% ^[27]
• 2009 - 90% ^[28]
• 2008 - 90%
• 2007 - 90% ^[29]

Chambersburg Area Senior High School

Chambersburg Area Senior High School is located at 511 S 6th Street, Chambersburg. In 2013, enrollment was reported as 2,035 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 34.5% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 10% of pupils received special education services, while 2.5% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 145 teachers.^[30] Per the PA Department of Education 5% of the teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school is not a federal Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 1,698 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 503 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school is a Title 1 school. The school employed 111 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.^[31] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 21 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind. Five teachers have emergency certification.^[32]

2013 School Performance Profile

Chambersburg Area Senior High School achieved 81.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - just 76% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, only 55% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 47% 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, Chambersburg Area Senior High School declined further to Corrective Action II 6th Year due to its ongoing failure to improve student achievement in mathematics and reading. The school achieved 7 of 18 measured academic metrics.^[35] In 2011, Chambersburg Area Senior High School declined to Corrective Action II 5th Year due to its ongoing failure to improve student achievement in mathematics. Science achievement is also very low.^[36] In 2010, the high school was in Corrective Action II 4th Year due to chronically low student achievement.^[37] In 2009, the Senior High School was in Corrective Action II 3rd Year due to unresolved low student achievement. Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes and to offer the parent the opportunity to transfer to a successful school within the District. Additionally the Chambersburg Area Senior High 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 must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.^[38] Chambersburg Area Senior High School is eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.^[39]

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.^[40]

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.^[41]

11th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 64% on grade level, (19% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[42]
• 2011 - 69% (17% below basic). State - 69.1% ^[43]
• 2010 - 64% (20% below basic). State - 67% ^[44]
• 2009 - 63%, State - 65%^[45]
• 2008 - 64%, State - 65%
• 2007 - 61%, State - 65%

11th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 53% on grade level (28% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[46]
• 2011 - 60%, (20% below basic). State - 60.3% ^[47]
• 2010 - 61% (24% below basic). State - 59%
• 2009 - 57%, State - 56%^[48]
• 2008 - 59%, State - 56%
• 2007 - 60%, State - 53%^[49]

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 34% on grade level (17% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[50]
• 2011 - 37% (18% below basic). State - 40%.^[51]
• 2010 - 34% (24% below basic). State - 39%
• 2009 - 35%, State - 40%^[52]
• 2008 - 32%, State - 39%^[53]

Science in Motion Chambersburg Area Senior High School and both of the District's middle schools 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.^[54] Gettysburg College provided the experiences to the schools.

College Remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 16% of Chambersburg Area School District 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.^[55] 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.^[56] 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 offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school, including the graduation ceremony. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.^[57]> Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.^[58] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.^[59]

For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $12,909 for the program.^[60]

Graduation requirements

The Chambersburg Area School Board has determined that in order to graduate a student must earn 23.5 credits, including: 4 Credit Units of English; 4 Credit Units of Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, 4th math); 3.5 Credit Units of Social Science (Early Am. Hist., World Hist., Am. Hist., and Civics); 3 Credit Units of Science (Biology plus 2 other sciences); 2 Credit Units of Wellness and Fitness; 6.5 Credit Units of Electives; 0.25 Credit Units of Driver’s Education; 0.25 Credit Units of Speech.

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.^[61] Chambersburg Area Senior High School requires the completion of a Junior Project to fulfill this requirement. The Junior Project is completed in conjunction with their junior English class.^[62]

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.^[63] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.^[64]

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.^[65][66] 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.^[67] 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.^[68] 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, Chambersburg Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 487. The Math average score was 490. The Writing average score was 475. 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.^[69]

In 2012, 362 Chambersburg Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 490. The Math average score was 489. The Writing average score was 476. 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. 485 In 2011, 301 Chambersburg Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was . The Math average score was 490. The Writing average score was 463.^[70] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[71] 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.^[72]

AP Courses

In 2013, CHambersburg Area Senior High School offered 13 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. The student pays the fee for the exam which was $89 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 Chambersburg Area Senior High School 50% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.^[73]

Other High School Options

Students in Chambersburg Area School District have several options outside of the traditional high school program.

Chambersburg Area Career Magnet School offers a 9th grade through 12th program with a technology emphasis, career exploration and acceleration to graduate early. Students apply to attend.

Franklin County Career and Technical Center - votech training program.

Franklin Virtual Academy - 9th through 12th. A joint venture of Chambersburg Area School District, Fannett-Metal School District, Greencastle-Antrim School District, Southern Huntingdon County School District and Waynesboro Area School District. A self paced, custom blend of rigorous, multi-media rich online classes. FVA students have the option of filling their schedules with online classes or creating a blend of online and in-school classes in their home high school. Students graduate with a diploma from their respective high school.

Chambersburg Area Middle School North

Formerly called Faust Junior High School (grades 8 and 9 only), Chambersburg Area Middle School North opened in 2011 serving grade 6th through 8th. In 2013, enrollment was 1,017 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 40% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 9% of pupils received special education services, while 3% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[74] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 4% of its teachers were rated "Non-Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[75]

In 2011, Faust Junior High School declined to Corrective Action II 3rd Year due to low student achievement in mathematics.^[76] In 2010, the school was in Making Progress: in Corrective Action II for chronically low student achievement.^[77] In 2009, the School was in Corrective Action II 2nd Year for chronically low student achievement. Faust Junior high School is an eighth and ninth grade school.

2013 School Performance Profile

CHambersburg Area Middle School North achieved 85.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 67% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 71% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 61% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 80% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[78]

8th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 81% on grade level (8% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.^[79]
• 2011 - 81% (8% below basic). State - 81.8% ^[80]
• 2010 - 77% (10% below basic). State - 81%.^[81]
• 2009 - 78%, State - 80.9% ^[82]
• 2008 - 77%, State - 78%
• 2007 - 72%, State - 75% ^[49]

8th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 73% on grade level (14% below basic). State - 76%
• 2011 - 70% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 - 66% (16% below basic). State - 75%
• 2009 - 70%, State - 71%
• 2008 - 67%, State - 70%
• 2007 - 68%, State - 67% ^[49]

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 63% on grade level (18% below basic). State – 59% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 53% (26% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 51% (29% below basic). State - 55%
• 2009 - 52%, State - 55%
• 2008 - 53%, State - 52%

7th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 75% on grade level (12% below basic). State - 76%

7th Grade Math

• 2012 - 74% on grade level (12% below basic). State - 78%

6th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 58% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 68%

6th Grade Math

• 2012 - 61% on grade level (17% below basic). State - 77%

Faust Middle School was named in honor of J. Frank Faust a former district educator and administrator. From 1941 to 1958, Faust was the superintendent of Chambersburg Public Schools. In 1951, he oversaw the consolidation of several small school districts into the current district.^[83]

Chambersburg Area Middle School South

Chambersburg Area Middle School South is located at 1151 E McKinley Street, Chambersburg. In 2013, enrollment was 1,056 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 46% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 13% of pupils received special education services, while 1.5% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[84] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 6% of its teachers were rated "Non-Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[85] 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 1,317 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 508 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a Title I school. The school employed 78 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 17:1.^[86] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 6 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[87]

2013 School Performance Profile

Chambersburg Area Middle School South achieved 86 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 67% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 66.8% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 61% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 80% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[88]

AYP history

In 2012, Chambersburg Area Middle School South declined to Warning AYP status. due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics. In 2011, Chambersburg Area Middle School South achieved AYP status.^[89] For both 2011 and 2010, the school reported a student attendance rate of 94%.^[90] In 2010, the school was in Making Progress: in School Improvement II for low student achievement.^[91] In 2009, Chambersburg Area Middle School was in School Improvement II due to chronically low student achievement.^[92] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the school's administration to develop a school improvement plan to address the low student achievement and to submit it for approval.

PSSA Results

8th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 78% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 79% ^[93]

8th Grade Math

• 2012 - 68% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 76%

7th Grade Reading: 2011 - 73% on grade level (12% below basic). State – 76% 2011 - 65% (14% below basic). State – 76% 2010 - 70% (13% below basic). State - 73%[94] 2009 - 66%, State - 71% [28] 2008 - 65%, State - 70%

7th Grade Math: 2012 - 69% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 71%, (16% below basic). State - 78.6% 2010 - 75%, (11% below basic). State - 77% 2009 - 66%, State - 75% [48] 2008 - 63%, State - 70%

6th Grade Reading: 2012 - 52% on grade level (23% below basic). State - 68%. 2011 - 59%, (18% below basic). State - 69.9%. 2010 - 63%, (20% below basic). State - 68% 2009 - 67%, State - 67% [28] 2008 - 58%, State - 67%

6th Grade Math: 2012 - 66% on grade level (17% below basic). State - 77% 2011 - 67% (14% below basic). State - 78.8% 2010 - 67% (14% below basic). State - 78% 2009 - 65%, State - 75%[48] 2008 - 60%, State - 72%

Elementary schools

In 2012, 6 of the elementary schools achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).^[95] Two of the District's elementary schools were listed on the lowest achievement list for reading and math in 2012 and 2013. In 2011, twelve of the district's 13 elementary schools achieved AYP status. Benjamin Chambers Elementary School declined to School Improvement I status due to chronic low student achievement in reading and mathematics.

Falling Spring Elementary School

Falling Spring Elementary School is located at 1006 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg. In 2013, the School's enrollment was 298 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 31% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 3% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.^[96] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. Falling Spring Elementary School provides half day kindergarten.^[97] 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 307 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 86 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is not a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 15 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 20:1.^[98] 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.^[99]

2013 School Performance Profile

Falling Spring Elementary School achieved a score of 81.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 64% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 80% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 60.5% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 83% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 78% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[100]

In 2012, Falling Spring Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status, due to lagging achievement in reading and mathematics.^[101] In 2011, Falling Spring Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2012, only 67% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th, with 13% reading at below basic levels. In math, 63% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 14% were below basic. In 4th grade science, 82% of the pupils were on grade level.^[102][103]

PSSA results

5th Grade Reading: 2012 - 64% (16% below basic). State - 65% 2011 - 64% (21% below basic). State - 67% [104]

5th Grade Math: 2012 - 49% (19% below basic). State - 73% 2011 - 63% (17% below basic). State - 74%

4th Grade Reading 2012 - 61% (14% below basic). State - 72% 2011 - 85% (6% below basic). State - 73%

4th Grade Math 2012 - 71% (11% below basic). State - 82% 2011 - 90% (6% below basic). State - 85%

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 82% (5% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 92% (2% below basic). State - 82.9%

3rd Grade Reading 2012 - 68% (18% below basic). State - 74% [46] 2011 - 77% 10% below basic). State - 77%

3rd Grade Math 2012 - 63% (20% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 81% (4% below basic). State - 83%

Fayetteville Elementary School

Fayetteville Elementary School is located at 8 East Main Street, Fayetteville. In 2013, the School's enrollment was 520 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 44.6% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 12.6% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted.^[105] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind Act. The school provides half day kindergarten.^[106] Fayetteville Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 500 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 229 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 32 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.^[107] 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.^[108]

2013 School Performance Profile

Fayetteville Elementary School achieved a score of 84.4 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 78% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 78% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 78% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 84% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 82% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[109]

AYP history

In 2011 and 2012, Fayetteville Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[110] In 2012, only 78% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 78% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 41% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils were on grade level, with 56% advanced.^[111][112]

Grandview Elementary School

Grandview Elementary School is located at 5538 Cumberland Highway, Chambersburg. In 2013, the School's enrollment was 272 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 38.9% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 6.6% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.8% are identified as gifted.^[113] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. Grandview Elementary School provides half day kindergarten.^[114] 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 256 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 110 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 16 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.^[115] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[116]

2013 School Performance Profile

Grandview Elementary School achieved a score of 83.2 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 71% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 72% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 79.8% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 86% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 73% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[117]

In 2012, Grandview Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status, due to lagging achievement in reading and math. In 2011, Grandview Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[118] In 2012, only 72% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th with 10% having below basic reading skills. In math, 87% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 61% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 82% of the pupils were on grade level.^[119][120]

Guilford Hills Elementary School

Guilford Hills Elementary School is located at 2105 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg. In 2013, Guilford Hills Elementary School's enrollment was 291 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 44% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 9% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.^[121] 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 half day kindergarten.^[114] Guilford Hills Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 279 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 115 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is not a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 16 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 17:1.^[122] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[123]

2013 School Performance Profile

Guilford Hills Elementary School achieved a score of 83 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 73% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 79% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, just 63% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 86% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 82% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[124]

AYP History

In both 2011 and 2012, Guilford Hills Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[125] In 2012, only 72% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th, with 11% reading below basic levels. In math, 67% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 13% scored below basic levels. In 4th grade science, 88% of the pupils were on grade level.^[126]

Hamilton Heights Elementary School

Hamilton Heights Elementary School is located at 1589 Johnson Road, Chambersburg. In 2013, the School's enrollment was 546 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 40% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 9% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.6% are identified as gifted.^[127] 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 half day kindergarten.^[128] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 560 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 210 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 32 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 17:1.^[129] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[130]

2013 School Performance Profile

Hamilton Heights Elementary School achieved a score of 84 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 63% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 66% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 72% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 77% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 72% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[131]

AYP History

In 2012, Hamilton Heights Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to low achievement in reading and mathematics. Hamilton Heights Elementary School achieved AYP status in 2011.^[132] In 2012, only 69% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th, with 22% below basic. In math, 76% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 8% were below basic. In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils were on grade level.^[133][134]

Lurgan Elementary School

Lurgan Elementary School is located at 8888 Roxbury Road, Lurgan. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 171 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 37% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 6% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.^[135] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. Lurgan Elementary School provides half day kindergarten.^[136] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 189 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 75 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 13 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[137] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[138]

2013 School Performance Profile

Lurgan Elementary School achieved a score of 88 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 71% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 73% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 69% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 90% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 77% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[139]

AYP History

In 2011 and 2012, Lurgan Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[140] In 2012, only 72% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, just 59% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 14% were below basic. In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils were on grade level.^[141][142]

Marion Elementary School

Marion Elementary School is located at 145 Colorado Street, Marion. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 132 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 40.9% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 6% of the pupils receive special education services, while 0.0% are identified as gifted.^[143] 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 half day kindergarten.^[114] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 110 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 48 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is not a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 8 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[144] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[145]

2013 School Performance Profile

Marion Elementary School achieved a score of 69 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 58% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 68.7% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, only 46% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 70% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 50% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[146]

Lowest achieving school designation

In 2014, Marion Elementary School was identified as among the lowest 15% of Pennsylvania schools for student academic achievement (based on combined math and reading scores). Students may seek an Opportunity Scholarship of up to $8,500, to attend a better achieving school (public or private).^[147][148]

AYP History

In 2012, Marion Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to missing all academic metrics measured. In 2011, Marion Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[149] In 2012, just 54% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th, while 30% were below basic. In math, 69% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 18% were below basic. In 4th grade science, 53% of the pupils were on grade level.^[150][151]

New Franklin Elementary School

New Franklin Elementary School is located at 3584 Wayne Road, Chambersburg, In 2013, the school's enrollment was 145 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 41% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 2% of the pupils receive special education services, while none are identified as gifted.^[152] 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 half day kindergarten.^[114] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

2013 School Performance Profile

New Franklin Elementary School achieved a score of 76.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 64% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 75% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 62% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 80% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 90% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[153]

Scotland Elementary School

Scotland Elementary School is located at 3832 Scotland Main Street, Chambersburg. In 2013, the School's enrollment was 422 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 36% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 14% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.9% are identified as gifted.^[154] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. Scotland Elementary School provides half day kindergarten.^[155] The school is not 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 5th, with 115 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is not a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 24 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 17:1.^[156] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[157]

2013 School Performance Profile

Scotland Elementary School achieved a score of 74.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 71% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 70.7% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 80% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 86% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 56% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[158]

AYP history

In 2011 and 2012, Scotland Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[159] In 2012, only 77% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 81% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 53% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 83% of the pupils were on grade level.^[160][161]

South Hamilton Elementary School

South Hamilton Elementary School is located at 1019 Warm Spring Road, Chambersburg. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 330 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 36% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 11% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.2% are identified as gifted.^[162] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind Act. The School provides both half day and full day kindergarten.^[163] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, South Hamilton Elementary School reported an enrollment of 319 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 102 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is not a federally designated Title I school. South Hamilton Elementary School employed 18 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 18:1.^[164] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[165]

2013 School Performance Profile

South Hamilton Elementary School achieved a score of 84 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 68% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 72% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 74% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 84% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 81% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[124]

AYP history

In both 2011 and 2012, South Hamilton Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[166] In 2012, only 71% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, just 76% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 8% scored below basic. In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils were on grade level.^[167]

Andrew Buchanan Elementary School

Buchanan Elementary School is located at 730 East Washington Street, Chambersburg. In 2013, the School's enrollment was 297 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 56% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 3.7% of the pupils receive special education services, while none were identified as gifted.^[168] 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 half day kindergarten.^[169] Buchanan Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, Buchanan Elementary School reported an enrollment of 308 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 173 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 17 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 17:1.^[170] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[171]

2013 School Performance Profile

Buchanan Elementary School achieved a score of 80.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 65% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 75% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 65.9% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 80.8% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 65.9% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[172]

AYP history In 2011 and 2012, Buchanan Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[173] In 2012, only 70% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 75% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 35% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 81% of the pupils were on grade level.^[174] In 2009, just 73% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 78% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 34% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 82% of the pupils were on grade level.^[175]

Benjamin Chambers Elementary School

Benjamin Chambers Elementary School is located at 481 North Franklin Street, Chambersburg. In 2013, Chambers Elementary School's enrollment was 540 pupils in grades preschool through 5th, with 78.8% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 15% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.^[176] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind Act. The School provides half day and full day kindergarten.^[114] 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 529 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 375 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 34 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.^[177] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[178]

2013 School Performance Profile

Chambers Elementary School achieved a score of 64 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 44% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 45.5% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 43% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 55% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 46% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[179]

Lowest achieving school designation

In 2012, 2013, and 2014 Chambers Elementary School was identified as among the lowest 15% of Pennsylvania schools for student academic achievement (based on combined math and reading scores). Students may seek an Opportunity Scholarship of up to $8,500, to attend a better achieving school (public or private).^[180][181]

AYP History

In 2012 and 2013, Benjamin Chambers Elementary school was identified by the PDE as among the lowest 15% of Pennsylvania schools for student academic achievement (based on combined math and reading scores). Students may seek an Opportunity Scholarship grant of up to $8,500, to attend a better achieving school (in a neighboring school district or private school).^[182] The School reported an attendance rate of 94% in 2011.^[183]

in 2011, Benjamin Chambers Elementary School declined to School Improvement I AYP status due to chronic, low student achievement in both reading and mathematics.^[184] According to the federal No Child Left Behind Act, Benjamin Chambers Elementary School was required to offer students the choice to transfer to another school in Chambersburg Area School District that was not in School Improvement.^[185] In 2010, the Chambers Elementary School was in Warning AYP status due to low student achievement in both reading and math.

5th Grade Reading: 2012 - 54% on grade level (18% below basic). State - 65% 2011 - 47% (35% below basic). State - 67.3% [186] 2010 - 58% (22% below basic). State – 64%

5th Grade Math: 2012 - 45% on grade level (31% below basic). State - 73% 2011 - 46% (29% below basic). State - 74% 2010 - 56% (17% below basic). State - 76.3%

4th Grade Reading 2012 - 53% (27% below basic). State - 72% 2011 - 41% (38% below basic), State – 73% 2010 - 54% (27% below basic), State - 73%

4th Grade Math 2012 - 62% (22% below basic). State - 82% 2011 - 54% (34% below basic), State – 85.3% 2010 - 60% (24% below basic), State - 84%

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - no result released
• 2011 - 57%, (21% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 62%, (20% below basic), State - 81%

3rd Grade Reading 2012 - 50%, (39% below basic). State - 74% 2011 - 43%, (41% below basic). State – 77.2% 2010 - 56%, (30% below basic). State - 75%

3rd Grade Math 2012 - 57%, (17% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 57%, (18% below basic). State – 83.5% 2010 - 57%, (11% below basic). State - 84%

Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School

Stevens Elementary School is located at 800 Hollywell Avenue. In 2013, the School's enrollment was 258 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 94% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 4.6% of the pupils receive special education services, while % are identified as gifted.^[187] 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 half day kindergarten.^[188] Stevens Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, Stevens Elementary School reported an enrollment of 244 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 208 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 20 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.^[189] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[190]

2013 School Performance Profile

Stevens Elementary School achieved a score of 62.6 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 39% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 43.9% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 41.5% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 54% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 40% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[191]

Lowest achieving school designation

In 2012, 2013, and 2014 Stevens Elementary School was identified as among the lowest 15% of Pennsylvania schools for student academic achievement (based on combined math and reading scores). Students may seek an Opportunity Scholarship of up to $8,500, to attend a better achieving school (public or private).^[147][180] Additionally, Under the federal No Child Left Behind law, the District was required to offer students the opportunity to transfer to a better achieving school within the Chambersburg Area School District.

AYP History

In 2012 Stevens Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to missing all academic metrics measured.^[192] In 2011, the School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2009, Stevens Elementary missed all achievement metrics for reading and math.^[193]

5th Grade Reading: 2012 - 24% on grade level (46% below basic). State - 65% [194] 2011 - 32% (43% below basic). State - 67.3% [195] 2010 - 38% (39% below basic). State – 64% [196]

5th Grade Math: 2012 - 32% (41% below basic). State - 73% 2011 - 27% (38% below basic). State - 74% 2010 - 37% (25% below basic). State - 76.3%

4th Grade Reading 2012 - 47% (37% below basic). State - 72% 2011 - 50% (39% below basic), State – 73% 2010 - 36% (29% below basic), State - 73%

4th Grade Math 2012 - 44% (49% below basic). State - 82% 2011 - 62% (27% below basic), State – 85.3% 2010 - 58% (25% below basic), State - 84%

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 67%, (5% below basic), State – 82%
• 2011 - 58%, (16% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 40%, (25% below basic), State - 81%

3rd Grade Reading 2012 - 47%, (39% below basic). State - 74% 2011 - 49%, (40% below basic). State – 77.2% 2010 - 47%, (33% below basic). State - 75%

3rd Grade Math 2012 - 36%, (22% below basic). State - 80% 2011 - 53%, (21% below basic). State – 83.5% 2010 - 78%, (7% below basic). State - 84%

Closed schools

• Gordy Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 closed 2010
• Sharpe Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 closed 2010
• King Street Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009 closed 2010

Special education

In August 2013, Chambersburg Area School District was listed as one of the top 16 school districts out of 500 in the state in a Department of Justice complaint filed by the Education Law Center of Philadelphia regarding the number of disabled students sent to AEDY (Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth) programs. http://www.elc-pa.org/dojcomplaint_release.html

In December 2011, the Chambersburg Area School District's administration reported that 1,122 pupils or 12% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 44.8% of identified students having a specific learning disability.^[197] In December 2010, the District's administration reported that 1,207 pupils or 14% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 48.3% of identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the District administration reported that 1330 pupils or 15.4% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.^[198]

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 Supervisor.^[199]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815 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.^[200]

Chambersburg Area School District received a $3,749,820 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[201] 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. 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.^[202]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 167 or 1.97% of its students were gifted in 2009.^[203] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.^[204]

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.^[205]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Chambersburg Area School District was $54,463 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $16,410 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $70,874.^[206] In 2011-12, the District reported employing 634 teachers and administrators with a top slary of $150,477.^[207]

In 2009, Chambersburg Area School District employed 666 teachers an administrators with an average salary of $57,076 and a top salary of $143,311. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, personal days, 10 paid sick days which accumulate and many other benefits.^[208] 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.^[209][210]

In 2007, Chambersburg Area School District employed 501 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $50,325 for 181 days worked.^[211] 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.^[212]

Chambersburg Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $695 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[213] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to Dave Salter, director of public relations for the association, the average salary for a superintendent for the 2007-08 school year was $122,165. The school board extended the employment contract of Dr Padasak, superintendent in July 2009. He had a five-year contract with an initial salary of $140,501. Padasak is eligible for raises up to 6.9%. He will receive an extensive set of benefits. He also received a $2,810 bonus.^[214] In May 2010 the board approved an agreement between the school district and its Act 93 employees, which includes principals, assistant principals, supervisors and coordinators. The one-year agreement has no increase in salaries for the administrators for the 2010-2011 school year. It maintains the employees' contribution for health care insurance at its current rate of 7 percent.^[215]

Reserves In 2008, Chambersburg Area School District reported an unreserved designated fund balance of zero and an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $3,671,876.00.^[216] In 2009, the unreserved-undesignated fund balance was $2,770,892. In 2012, the District's reserves totaled $12,237,300.^[217] Pennsylvania public school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.^[218] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.^[219]

Per pupil spending In 2008, Chambersburg Area School District reported spending $10,867 per pupil.^[220] In 2010, the District reported that per pupil spending rose to $12,602.24.^[221] In 2011, Pennsylvania’s per pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.^[222] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.^[223] The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.^[224]

Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[225] Pennsylvania’s total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.^[226]

Tuition Students who live in the District's attendance range 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 Chambersburg 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 Chambersburg Area School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $6,800, High School - $8,455 ^[227]

Audit In January 2012, the Office of Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the Chambersburg Area School District. The Findings were reported to the school board and District administration.^[228] In August 2009, the Office of Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the Chambersburg Area School District. They reported finding that an individual was assigned to a teaching position without possessing proper certification. The District was fined by the PDE.^[229]

Chambersburg Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1.2%, occupational privilege tax $5, 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. 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.^[230] 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.^[231]

State basic education funding

For the 2013-14 school year, the Chambersburg Area School District will receive a 2.6% increase or $19,349,779 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $489,711 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Chambersburg Area School District will receive $402,836 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Franklin County, Greencastle-Antrim School District received the highest percentage increase at 3.1%. 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.^[232] The state funded the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.^[233]

For the 2012-13 school year, Chambersburg Area School District received $19,265,904.^[234] 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 provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant (ABG). Chambersburg Area School District received $402,836 in ABG funds. Additionally, the state provided $544.4 million for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[235]

In 2011-12, Chambersburg Area School District received a $18,895,640 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.^[236] Additionally, the district will receive $402,836 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.^[237] 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.^[238] In 2010, the District reported that 8,523 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income.

For the 2010-11 school year, the state gave a 7.08% increase in basic education funding to the Chambersburg Area School District for $20,838,732. This was the highest increase in BEF allotted to schools in Franklin County. In the Commonwealth, the highest increase in state funding went to Kennett Consolidated School District which received a 23.65% increase. Among the 500 Pennsylvania public school district, 150 received the base 2% increase in 2010.^[239] Fifteen (15) Pennsylvania public school districts received a BEF increase of greater than 10%. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.^[240]

In 2009-10, Chambersburg Area School District received an 4.58% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $19,460,295. The highest increase in Franklin County went to Tuscarora School District with a 5.50% increase. In Pennsylvania, 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increase in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.^[241] The amount of increase each school district received was determined by then Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education, Gerald Zahorchak, through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.^[242] 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.^[243][244]

The state's Basic Education Funding to the Chambersburg Area School District in 2008-09 was $18,608,029.20. In 2008, the district reported that 2,728 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income.^[245]

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 Chambersburg Area School District applied for and received $1,093,399 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten, for tutoring before and after school, to revise and develop curriculum and to provide extensive teacher training to improve instruction, including teacher coaches.^[246][247]

Education Assistance grant

The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010-11, the Chambersburg Area School District received $444,559.^[248]

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. Chambersburg Area School District was denied funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 it did not apply for funding. In 2008-09 it received $142,237. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards^[249] In Franklin County the highest award was given to Greencastle-Antrim School District at $165,458. 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.

PreK Counts grant

Chambersburg Area School District receives state funding to provide preschool at the elementary schools. For the 2011 school year, Pre-K Counts was funded at the 2010 levels of $83.6 million statewide in Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget,. The state also supplements the federal Head Start preschool program with an additional $37.6 million. Pre-K Counts funding was initiated during the Rendell administration. In 2007-08 the state funded Pre-K Counts at $75 million. Chambersburg Area School District received funding in 2008-09.^[250] In 2009-10, Chambersburg Area School District received $421,666 to provide preschool to 63 children.^[251][252]

Environmental Education Grant

The Environmental Education Grant Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that 5 percent of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Department of Environmental Protection be set aside for environmental education. In 2011, Chambersburg Area School district received a $7,000 which was used to provide students from Agricultural and Environmental Education classes the opportunity to be involved in the planning and installation of a living roof. In 2010, Chambersburg Area School District was awarded $4,500 to design and install a rain garden on school grounds to manage stormwater and integrate it into the curriculum.^[253]

Other grants

Chambersburg Area School District did not participate in: PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell), nor the 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant.

Federal Stimulus grant

Chambersburg Area School District received an extra $5,008,267 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students. This was in addition to all regular state and federal funding.^[254] This funding is for 2009-10 to 2010-2011 school years.

Race to the Top grant

Chambersburg Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district millions of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Chambersburg Area School District was identified as a turnaround school district due to the chronically poor academic achievement of its high school students. This means the district would receive an extra $700 per pupil funding in addition to the basic Race to the Top Grant funding.^[255] 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.^[256] 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.^[257]

21st Century Community Learning Center Grant

Chamberburg School District and KLAS of PA was designated as a before and after school program provider. They receive state funding through grant of $180,000. CCLCs provide academic, artistic and cultural enhancement activities to students and their families when school is not in session.^[258]

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2013-14 were set at 92.757 mills by the Chambersburg Area School Board.^[259] 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.^[260] 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. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.^[261] Franklin County has not had a county-wide reassessment since 1961.

• 2012-13 - 92.7570 mills^[262]
• 2011-12 - 92.7570 mills
• 2010-11 - 89.6210 mills.^[263]
• 2009-10 - 84.9480 mills.^[264]
• 2008-09 - 80.9800 mills.^[265]
• 2007-08 - 76.9100 mills.^[266]
• 2006-07 - 70.6800 mills.^[267]
• 2005-06 - 67.0000 mills.^[268]

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.^[269] The average yearly property tax paid by Franklin County residents amounts to about 2.94% of their yearly income. Franklin County is ranked 631st of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[270]

Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.^[271]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Chambersburg Area School District 2006-2007 through 2013-2014.^[272]

2006-07 - 4.7%, Base 3.9% 2007-08 - 4.1%, Base 3.4% 2008-09 - 5.3%, Base 4.4% 2009-10 - 4.9%, Base 4.1% 2010-11 - 3.4%, Base 2.9%

2011-12 - 2.1%, Base 1.4% [273][274] 2012-13 - 2.2%, Base 1.7% [275] 2013-14 - 2.1%, Base 1.7% [276]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Chambersburg Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.^[277]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Chambersburg 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.^[278]

For the 2011-12 school year, Chambersburg Area School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. The exceptions applied for were grandfathered debt and Maintenance of Local Tax Effort. Each year, Waynesboro 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.^[279]

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.^[280]

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.^[281] Chambersburg Area School Board sought the following exceptions: Maintenance of local effort, Maintenance of selected revenue sources, pension obligations, School Construction project.^[282]

Property tax relief

In 2008, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Chambersburg Area School District was set at $82 per approved permanent primary residence.^[283] The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (40,000 m²) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption.^[284]

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, so people who make 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.

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%).^[285]

Wellness policy

Chambersburg Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.^[286] The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 - 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."

The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education, 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.^[287] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

Chambersburg Area School District offers both a free school breakfast and free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.^[288] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.^[289]

In 2013, the USDA issued new restrictions regarding foods provided 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.^[290]

Extracurriculars

The Chambersburg Area School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and sport. The school board determines eligibility for participation in coordination with respective individual governing organizations.^[291] Varsity and junior varsity athletic activities are under the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.^[292]

Sports

The District funds:

Boys Baseball - AAAA Basketball- AAAA Cross Country - AAA Football - AAAA Golf - AAA Lacrosse - AAAA Soccer - AAA Swimming and Diving - AAA Tennis - AAA Track and Field - AAA Volleyball - AAA Wrestling - AAA

Girls Basketball - AAAA Cross Country - AAA Field Hockey - AAA Golf - AAA Gymnastics - AAAA Soccer (Fall) - AAA Softball - AAA Swimming and Diving - AAA Girls' Tennis - AAA Track and Field - AAA Volleyball - AAA Lacrosse - AAA

Middle School Sports:

Boys Basketball Cross Country Football Soccer Track and Field Wrestling

Girls Basketball Cross Country Field Hockey Soccer (Fall) Track and Field Volleyball

According to PIAA directory July 2012 ^[293]

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