Harmony Area School District

Harmony Area School District is a diminutive, rural, public school district located in Indiana County, Pennsylvania and Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. The district is one of the 500 public school districts of Pennsylvania and one of nine public school districts in Clearfield County. It serves residents in: Cherry Tree Boro in Indiana County; as well as Westover Boro, Burnside Township, and Chest Township in Clearfield County. Harmony Area School District encompasses approximately 86 square miles (220 km2). According to 2000 federal census data, Harmony Area School District served a resident population of 2,576. By 2010, the district's population declined to 2,343 people.[5] The educational attainment levels for the School District population (25 years old and over) were 85.5% high school graduates and 6.8% college graduates.[6] In 2009, Harmony Area School District residents’ per capita income was $12,775, while the median family income was $31,413.[7] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501[8] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[9]

Harmony Area School District
Address
5239 Ridge Road

Westover, Pennsylvania
,
Clearfield County
,
Pennsylvania
16692

United States
Information
TypePublic
Established1952
SuperintendentDr Jill M Dillon(2012–2015)[1] Dr. Gunter Moritz
School codeCEEB Harmony School Code:395210
AdministratorMrs Robin Kitchen, Business Manager
PrincipalMrs Teresa Young (Secondary)
PrincipalMrs. Terri Butterworth (Elementary)
Staff31 non-teaching staff members
Faculty26 teachers (2012)
GradesPreK3 year olds-12th grade
Age3 years old to 21 years old special education
Number of pupils342 pupils (2013);[2] 361 pupils (2012); 368 pupils in 2010[3]
 • Kindergarten13 (2012), 52 (2010)
 • Grade 128 (2012), 31
 • Grade 234 (2012), 28
 • Grade 322 (2012), 29
 • Grade 425 (2012), 24
 • Grade 528 (2012), 23
 • Grade 615 (2012), 18
 • Grade 722 (2012), 19
 • Grade 824 (2012), 29
 • Grade 930 (2012), 25
 • Grade 1031 (2012), 24
 • Grade 1123 (2012), 42
 • Grade 1227 (2012), 24 (2010)
 • Other20 (2013)
LanguageEnglish
Color(s)Blue and yellow
MascotOwls
Budget$6,234,013 (2014-2015);[4]
PreschoolThe district provides taxpayer-funded preschool for 3-year olds and 4-year olds.
Websiteharmonyowls.com
School District region in Indiana County

According to district officials, in school year 2007–2008, the Harmony Area School District provided basic educational services to 403 pupils. It employed: 38 teachers, 28 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 3 administrators. Harmony Area School District received more than $3.8 million in state funding in school year 2007–2008. In school year 2009-2010 the HASD provided basic educational services to 383 pupils. It employed: 40 teachers, 25 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 4 administrators. Harmony Area School District received more than $3.8 million in state funding in school year 2009-2010.

Schools

The district operates one combines High School Middle School and one Elementary School, all within the same building.

All students attend school in a single building located at the school complex in Burnside Township. the district received a $158,000 PreK Counts grant for taxpayer-funded preschool for 41 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds.[10]

High school students may choose to attend Clearfield County Career and Technology Center for training in the construction and mechanical trades. The Central Intermediate Unit IU10 provides the district with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, speech and visual disability services and professional development for staff and faculty.

Governance

Harmony Area School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[11] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills. The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent regarding renewal of the employment contract.[12]

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the Harmony Area School Board and the district's administration a "F" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.[13]

Academic achievement

Harmony Area School District was ranked 361st out of 496 Pennsylvania school districts considered in 2014, by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[14] 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.[15] 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 - 370th
  • 2011 - 441st The ranking was based on five years of student academic performance on the reading, writing, math and three years of science PSSAs.[16]
  • 2010 - 460th[17]
  • 2009 - 449th
  • 2008 - 445th
  • 2007 - 448th out of 501 school districts.[18]

In 2011, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Harmony Area School District ranked 117th. In 2010, the district was 168th. The editor describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question – which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."[19]

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Harmony Area School District was in the bottom 8 percentile among 500 Pennsylvania school districts. Scale – (0–99; 100 is state best)[20]

District AYP status

In 2010, 2011 and 2012, Harmony Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[21][22] In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of Pennsylvania public school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.[23][24] Harmony Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003, Harmony Area School District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[25]

Graduation rate

In 2013, Harmony Area School District's graduation rate was 97%.[26] In 2012, the graduation rate was 96%. In 2011, the graduation rate was 90%.[27] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Harmony High School's rate was 80% for 2010.[28]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

Middle School High school

In 2014, Harmony Area School Board voted to consolidate the middle school and high school administrations. The school is now a middle school/high school. It remains in a single building. Harmony Middle School High School serves 7th through 12th grade in the fall of 2014.

Harmony Area High School is located at 5239 Ridge Road, Westover. In 2013, enrollment was reported as 81 pupils in 10th through 12th grades, with 55.5% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 22% of pupils received special education services, while none of the pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 6 teachers.[33] Per the PA Department of Education 1 of the teachers was rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

In 2010, the High School had 101 students with 55 males and 45 females students. There were 5 teachers. Fifty four students qualified for the federal free and reduced-price lunch program due to family poverty.[34]

2013 School Performance Profile

Harmony Area High School achieved 66 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 56% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 47% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 56.5% showed on grade level science understanding.[35] 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.[36]

AYP history

In 2010 and 2011, Harmony Area High School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[37] In 2009, Harmony Area High School declined to Warning AYP status due to low student academic achievement. The school was also in Warning AYP status in 2003.

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.[38]

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.[39]

11th Grade Reading

  • 2011 - 61% on grade level, (23% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.[40]
  • 2010 - 63% (13% below basic). State - 66%[41]
  • 2009 - 36% (33% below basic). State - 65%[42]
  • 2008 - 56% (23% below basic). State - 65%[43]
  • 2007 - 53% (30% below basic). State - 65%[44]

11th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 57% on grade level (17% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
  • 2010 - 70%, (23% below basic). State - 59%
  • 2009 - 43%, (26% below basic). State - 56%.
  • 2008 - 43%, (33% below basic). State - 56%
  • 2007 - 49%, (30% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

  • 2011 - 39% on grade level (19% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.[45]
  • 2010 - 23% (13% below basic). State - 39%
  • 2009 - 14% (22% below basic). State - 40%[46]
  • 2008 - 13% (23% below basic)s. State - 39%

Science in Motion Harmony Area High School did not take advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.[47] Clarion University provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

SAT scores

In 2013, Harmony Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 538. The Math average score was 530. The Writing average score was 490. 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.[48]

In 2012, Harmony Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 432. The Math average score was 457. The Writing average score was 419. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the US, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

In 2011, 16 students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 437. The Math average score was 456. The Writing average score was 398.[49] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among state with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[50] 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.[51]

College remediation rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 27% of the Harmony Area High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[52] 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.[53] 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. 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. For several years, the state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books[54] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[55] For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $1,513 for the program.[56]

Graduation requirements

Harmony Area School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 26 credits to graduate, including: math 3 credits, English 4 credits, social studies 3 or 4 credits, science 3 credits, Physical Education, health and Drivers Ed 2.6 credits, foreign language 1 credit, and electives. Only two credits from an approved summer school program or credit recovery program can be used to count towards graduation.[57]

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.[58] One graduation credit was awarded upon completion of the project.

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the graduating class of 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.[59][60][61]

Middle school

Harmony Area Middle School is located at 5239 Ridge Road, Westover. In 2013, enrollment was 76 pupils, in grades 7th through 9th, with 53.9% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 22% of pupils received special education services, while 2.6% of pupils were identified as gifted.[62] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[63] In 2014, the school entity was dissolved and combined with the high school for administrative purposes.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 80 pupils, in grades 7th through 9th, with 46 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 5 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[64] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[65]

2013 School Performance Profile

Harmony Area Middle School achieved 64.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 65% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 65% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 60% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 50% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[66]

AYP history

In 2010 and 2011, Harmony Area Middle School achieved AYP status.[67] The attendance rate was 94% in both 2010 and 2011.[68]

PSSA Results

Seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999, as a state initiative.[69] Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science.[70] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[71] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[72]

8th Grade Reading:

  • 2012 - 67% on grade level (19% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[73]
  • 2011 - 71% (21% below basic). State - 81.8%[74]
  • 2010 - 78% (17% below basic). State - 81%[75]
  • 2009 - 74% (14% below basic), State - 80%[76]
  • 2008 - 67% (12% below basic). State - 78%[77]
  • 2007 - 82% (3% below basic). State - 75%

8th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 78 on grade level (11% below basic). State - 76%[78]
  • 2011 - 71% (17% below basic). State - 76.9%
  • 2010 - 86% (5% below basic). State - 75%[79]
  • 2009 - 62% (18% below basic). State - 71%[80]
  • 2008 - 67% (19% below basic). State - 70%
  • 2007 - 72% (6% below basic). State - 68%

8th Grade Science:

  • 2012 - 59% on grade level (22% below basic). State - 59%[81]
  • 2011 - 35% (22% below basic). State – 58.3%
  • 2010 - 35% (26% below basic). State – 57%[82]
  • 2009 - 59% (22% below basic). State - 55%[83]
  • 2008 - 41% (16% below basic), State - 52%[84]

Elementary school

Harmony Area Elementary School is located at 5239 Ridge Road, Westover. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 185 pupils in grades preschool through 6th, with 56% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 16.7% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[85] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full-day kindergarten.[86] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, enrollment was 193 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 107 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 14.5 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.[87] Per a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[88] The school provides full-day kindergarten to all its pupils.[89]

2013 School Performance Profile

Harmony Area Elementary School achieved a score of 70.8 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 70% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 81.8% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 83.7% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 76% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 47.8% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[90]

AYP History

In 2012, Harmony Area Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status.[91] In 2010 and 2011, Harmony Area Elementary School achieved AYP status.[92] In 2011, the attendance rate was 93%, while the rate in 2010 was 92%.[93]

PSSA results

Each year, in the Spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.[94] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[95][96][97] The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.[98]

4th Grade Science
  • 2012 - 81%, (12% below basic). State - 82%
  • 2011 - 100%, 60% advanced. State – 82.9%
  • 2010 - 77%, (5% below basic), State - 81%
  • 2009 - 78%, (4% below basic), State - 83%
  • 2008 - 95%, (0% below basic), State - 81%

Special education

In December 2012, the district administration reported that 67 pupils, or 20% of the district's pupils, received Special Education services, with 35% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.[100] In December 2010, Harmony Area School District Administration reported that 70 pupils, or 18.3% of the district's pupils, received Special Education services.[101]

In order to comply with state and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules and regulations, the school district engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress.[102] To identify students who may be eligible for special education services, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Special Education administration. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the district seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the district or contact the district's Special Education Department.[103][104]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[105] The Pennsylvania Special Education funding system assumes that 16% of the district's students receive special education services. It also assumes that each student's needs accrue the same level of costs.[106] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[107] Overidentification of students in order to increase state funding has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.[108]

Harmony Area School District received a $241,658 supplement for special education services in 2010.[109] For the 2011–12, 2012–13 and 2013-14 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010-11. This level funding 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.[110] In 2014-15, Harmony Area will receive $249,794.

Gifted education

Harmony Area School District Administration reported that less than 10 of its students were gifted in 2009.[111] 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.[112][113]

School safety and bullying

The school district administration reported there were two incidents of bullying in the district, in 2009. The district reported seven incidents that involved the police. There was one incident of indecent exposure.[114]

The School Board has not provided the district's antibully policy online.[115] All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.[116] The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.[117]

Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.[118]

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.[119]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Harmony Area School District was $43,544 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $24,920 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $68,465.[120] The district employed 75 teachers and administrators, with a top salary of $100,000.[121]

In 2009, Harmony Area School District reported employing 45 teachers and 5 administrators with a salary range of $30,000 to $90,000.[122]

In 2007, the district employed 37 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $40,597 for 180 days worked.[123] As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation.[124] Teachers work 7.5 hours day and 184 days per year. Teachers receive additional pay for extra time they are required to work. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, dental insurance, professional development reimbursement, 5 paid bereavement days, paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, and other benefits.[125] The Harmony Education Association has been granted a maximum of four paid leave days total per year for a representatives to attend regional, state, or national association conferences or workshops. Harmony Area School District provides a retirement incentive to potential retirees of individual medical insurance until retiree reaches age 65.

Harmony Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $998.86 per pupil. This ranks 60th in the state. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[126] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries and additional compensation of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union.[127]

Per-pupil spending

In 2008, the district administration reported that per-pupil spending was $13,928 which ranked 109th among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts. In 2010, the per-pupil spending had increased to $14,619.88[128] Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.[129] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.[130]

Reserves In 2008, the district reported $600,000 in an unreserved-designated fund balance. The unreserved-undesignated fund balance was reported as $565,298.[131] In 2010, the unreserved-designated fund balance was $657,000 and the unreserved-undesignated fund balance was $866,765. Pennsylvania 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.[132]

Audit

In August 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the school board and administration.[133]

Tuition Students who live in the district's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Harmony Area School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the district's schools. The 2013 tuition rates are Elementary School - $10,365.52, High School - $13,256.78.[134]

Harmony Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax of 1%, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, occupational privilege tax $10 per worker per year coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. 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 individual's personal wealth.[135]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, School District receives 68% of its annual revenue from the state.[136]

For the 2014-15 school year, Harmony Area School District will receive $2,652,720 in State Basic Education funding. The district will also receive $58,493 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[137] The Education budget also includes Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State is paying $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania's Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[138]

In the 2013-2014 school year, the Harmony Area School District received a 1.1% increase or $2,654,320 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $29,367 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Harmony Area School District received $31,154 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in ClearfieldCounty, Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 6.1%. 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.[139] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland district, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.[140] As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[141]

For the 2012-13 school year, the Harmony Area School District received $2,656,107.[142] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 included $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which was an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant (ABG) program. Harmony Area School District received $31,154 in Accountability Block Grant. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[143] This amount was a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett's first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In the 2011–12 school year, Harmony Area School District received a $2,624,953 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[144][145] Additionally, Harmony Area School District received $31,154 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.[146] The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011–2012.[147] In 2010, the district reported that 219 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[148]

In the 2010–11 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $2,697,662. Among the districts in Clearfield County, the highest increase went to Dubois Area School District which got a 7.76% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in the Commonwealth went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding in 2010.[149]

In the 2009–10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.77% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $2,378,035 to Harmony Area School District. Among the eight public school districts in Clearfield County, the highest increase went to Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District which got a 5.57% increase in BEF. The state Basic Education Funding to Harmony Area School District in 2008-2009 was $2,624,952.66. Ninety school districts received the base 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.[150] The amount of increase each school district receives is set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak as a part of their state budget proposal.[151] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 193 Harmony Area School District students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[152]

Accountability Block Grants

Beginning in 2004–05, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania's school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students, For 2010–11, the district applied for and received $84,560 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to reduce class sizes K-3rd grade.[153][154]

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. Harmony Area School District did not apply to participate in 2006–07. In 2007–2008, the district received $58,583. The district received $35,173 in 2008-2009.[155]

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, Harmony Area School District received $10,032.[156]

Literacy Grant

Harmony Area School District was awarded a $119,018 competitive literacy grant. It is to be used to improve reading skills birth through 12th grade. The district was required to develop a lengthy literacy plan, which included outreach into the community. The funds come from a Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, also referred to as the Keystones to Opportunity grant It is a five-year, competitive federal grant program designed to assist local education agencies in developing and implementing local comprehensive literacy plans. Of the 329 pre-applications by school districts reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, School District was one of only 148 entities that were invited to submit a full application. In Clearfield County 5 school districts were awarded funding for one year.[157] The funds must be used for teacher training, student screening and assessment, targeted interventions for students reading below grade level and research-based methods of improving classroom instruction and practice. Districts must hire literacy coaches. The coaches work with classroom teachers to enhance their literacy teaching skills. Pennsylvania was among six other states, out of the 35 that applied, to be awarded funding. Pennsylvania received $38 million through the federal program. The Department of Education reserved 5% of the grant for administration costs at the state level. The top Pennsylvania grant recipient was Pittsburgh School District which was awarded $1,9983,014.

Other grants

Harmony Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants;[158][159] PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell);[160] 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants[161] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal Stimulus grant

Harmony Area School District received an extra $918,791 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[162] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010-2011 school years.[163] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly warned to use the funds for one-time expenditures like acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Race to the Top grant

Harmony Area School District officials applied for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided over one half million dollars in additional federal funding to improve student academic achievement.[164] 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.[165] 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.[166][167][168]

Common Cents state initiative

The Harmony Area School Board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.[169] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2014–15 were set by the school board at 85.0500 mills for Clearfield County residents and 73.5400 mills for Indiana County residents. 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.[170] 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 on their residence. 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.[171] The school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, necessitating a state board equalization of the tax rates between the counties.[172] In 2010, miscalculations by the board were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts.[173]

  • 2013–14 - 83.0800 mills for Clearfield County residents and 62.9600 mills for Indiana County residents
  • 2012–13 - 85.6300 mills for Clearfield County residents and 62.9600 mills for Indiana County residents
  • 2011–12 - 85.6300 mills for Clearfield County residents and 61.9000 mills for Indiana County residents
  • 2010–11 - 85.4600 mills for Clearfield County residents and 60.2800 mills for Indiana County residents[174]
  • 2009–10 - 87.1400 mills for Clearfield County residents and 60.2100 mills for Indiana County residents.[175]
  • 2008–09 - 87.2500 mills for Clearfield County residents and 60.0500 mills for Indiana County residents.[176]
  • 2007–08 - 86.6500 mills for Clearfield County residents and 63.9900 mills for Indiana County residents.[177]

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 2011–12 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.[178] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[179] The following exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school's share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.[180][181]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Harmony Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[182]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Harmony Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[187] For the school budget 2014-15, 316 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 181 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Districts may apply for multiple exceptions each year. For the pension costs exception, 163 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 104 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Seven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[188]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Harmony Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2013-14, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 16.93% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[189]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Harmony Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. In 2012-13, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 12.36% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). For 2012-2013 budget year, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; while 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[190]

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

According to a state report, for the 2011–12 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district's index. Of the districts who sought exceptions: 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.[192]

Harmony Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011.[193] For 2009-10 school budget, the board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Index.[194] In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.[195]

Property tax relief

In 2014, the Board approved property owners to receive a calculated tax relief of $120.26 for Clearfield County property owners and $120.31 for Indiana County property owners. In 2011, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for Harmony Area School District was not reported to the state. The district received $80,709.91 for property tax relief.[196] The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (40,000 m2) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Clearfield County, 70.82% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[197] The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District of Delaware County who received $631 per approved homestead.[198] This was the fifth year they were the top recipient.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently, individuals with income much more than $35,000 still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This rebate can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.[199]

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%).[200]

Enrollment

According to Pennsylvania Department of Education enrollment reports, there are less than 372 students enrolled in K-12 in 2009–10 school year at Harmony Area School District. There were 33 students in the Class of 2009. The district's class of 2010 had 31 students. Enrollment is projected to decline to just 338 students by 2019. <[201] In 2008, the district administrative costs were $998 per pupil. This was nearly three times the lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania of $398 per pupil.[202] A study of Pennsylvania public school spending, conducted by Standard and Poor's, examined the consolidation of Harmony Area School Administration with 4 neighboring districts: Cambria Heights School District, Glendale School District, Northern Cambria School District and Purchase Line School District. The study found that consolidation of the administration with an adjacent school district would achieve substantial administrative cost savings which varied by each district.[203]

According to a 2009 school district administration consolidation proposal by Governor Edward Rendell, the excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improve lagging academic achievement, to enrich the academic programs or to reduce property taxes.[204] Consolidation of two central administrations into one would not require the closing of any schools. The Governor's proposal called for the savings to be redirected to improving lagging reading, math and science achievement, to enriching the academic programs or to reducing residents' property taxes.[205] In March 2011, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Fiscal Responsibility Task Force released a report which found that consolidating school district administrations with one neighboring district would save the Commonwealth $1.2 billion without forcing the consolidation of any school buildings.[206]

Over the last 10 years, rural Pennsylvania school enrollment decreased by 8 percent.[207] As the enrollment declines, per pupil administrative costs of the schools continue to rise. In March 2011, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants released a report finding that the state would save hundreds of million by cutting the number of school administrations in half through consolidation, with no impact on programs offered to students.[208] From 2000 through 2010, rural Pennsylvania public school district enrollment decreased by 8 percent.[209] In 2010, there were 726,417 children in rural Pennsylvania, or 21 percent of the total rural population. From 2000 to 2010, the number of children in rural counties decreased 7 percent. The decline in the number of children impacted most rural counties with 42 of Pennsylvania's 48 rural counties experiencing a decline. Cameron County, Elk County and Sullivan County experienced the greatest declines, with a decrease of more than 21 percent in all three counties. Cambria County's live birth rate was 1,897 births in 1990. Cambria County's live birth rate in 2000 was 1,569 births, while in 2011 the birth rate had continued to decline to 1,374 babies.[210] Over the past 50 years (1960 to 2010), rural Pennsylvania saw a steady decline in both the number and proportion of residents under 18 years old. In 1960, 1.06 million rural residents, or 35 percent of the rural population, were children.

Pennsylvania's birth rate has been declining for two decades. According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, in 1990, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's birth rate was 171,053.[211] In 2000, Pennsylvania's birth rate was 145,874.[212] Finally in 2011, the State's birth rate declined further to 142,021.[213] From 2000 to 2009, the number of babies born in rural counties declined 5 percent.[214] Urban counties have also experienced a decline in the number of school aged children. From 2000-2010 urban Pennsylvania counties had a 3 percent decline in the number of residents under 18 years old. In 2010, there were 2.07 million residents, or 22 percent of the urban population, who were under age 18.[215]

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity.[216] In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the 49 respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools.[217]

Student wellness

Harmony Area School Board has failed to provide district policies online. There is no mention of a wellness policy in the student handbooks which are online.[218][219]

By law, the state mandated student wellness policy must deal with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 – 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006." Most districts identified the superintendent and school foodservice director as responsible for ensuring local wellness policy implementation.[220]

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

The district offers both a free school breakfast and a free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.[222] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[223]

In 2013, the USDA issued new restrictions to foods in public schools. The rules apply to foods and beverages sold on all public school district campuses during the day. They limit vending machine snacks to a maximum of 200 calories per item. Additionally, all snack foods sold at school must meet competitive nutrient standards, meaning they must have fruits, vegetables, dairy or protein in them or contain at least 10 percent of the daily value of fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D.[224] In order to comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 all US public school districts are required to raise the price of their school lunches to $2.60 regardless of the actual cost of providing the lunch.[225] The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 mandates that districts raise their full pay lunch prices every year until the price of non-subsidized lunches equals the amount the federal government reimburses schools for free meals. That subsidy in 2013-2014 was $2.93.

In 2014, President Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.[226] The Food and Drug Administration requires that students take milk as their beverage at lunch. In accordance with this law, any student requesting water in place of milk with their lunch must present a written request, signed by a doctor, documenting the need for water instead of milk.[227][228]

Harmony Area School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses are available in the building to conduct annual health screenings (data reported to the PDE and state Department of Health) and to dispense prescribed medications to students during the school day. Students can be excluded from school unless they comply with all the State Department of Health's extensive immunization mandates. School nurses monitor each pupil for this compliance.[229][230] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.[231]

Extracurriculars

Harmony Area School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Some sports are operated in cooperation with neighboring districts due to low student numbers. Cooperative sports include: Football, Soccer, Track and Field, and Wrestling. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy. A student is ineligible if he/she was absent from school 20 or more days during a grading period. A student may not practice nor play a game on the day he/she has been absent from any class without a Doctor's excuse. A student must have passed all courses during a previous grading period, or he/she is ineligible for 15 school days in the next marking period.[232]

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.[233]

According to Pennsylvania's Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.[234][235]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[236]

Harmony Athletics

There are Baseball and Softball fields on the school campus.

The following are athletics provided solely by Harmony Area:

Sport Boys Girls
Baseball Class A
Basketball Class A Class A
Softball Class A

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