Plum Borough School District

The Plum Borough School District is a midsized, top ranked, suburban public school district serving the Pittsburgh suburb of Plum, Pennsylvania. Plum Borough School District encompasses approximately 28 square miles (73 km2). According to 2000 federal census data, it served a resident population of 26,940. By 2010, the district's population rose to 27,131 people.[4] In 2009, the district residents' per capita income was $20,863, while the median family income was $52,807.[5] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 [6] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.[7] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.[8] By 2021, the median household income rose to $78,500.

Plum Borough School District
Address
900 Elicker Road
Plum
, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 15239-1453
United States
Coordinates40.49294°N 79.75120°W / 40.49294; -79.75120
District information
TypePublic
GradesK-12
SuperintendentDr. Brendan Hyland
Deputy Superintendent(s)Dr. Rick Walsh
Business administratorMr. John Zahorchak
School board9 elected at large members
Budget$65,529,000 (2020-2021)[1]
Students and staff
Enrollment3,649 (2020-2021)[2]
Faculty489 (2020-2021)[3]
District mascotMustang
ColorsPurple and Gold
Other information
Per pupil spending$17,296.00 (2020)
$11,556 (2008)
Websitewww.pbsd.net

According to District officials, in school year 2005-06 the Plum Borough School District provided basic educational services to 4,368 pupils. It employed 293 teachers, 155 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 25 administrators. Plum Borough School District received more than $16.9 million in state funding in school year 2005–06. In the 2009–10 school year, the Plum Borough School District provided basic educational services to 4,069 pupils. The District employed: 282 teachers, 317 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 20 administrators. Plum Borough School District received more than $20 million in state funding in school year 2009–10. In the 2020-2021 school year, The Plum Borough School District has about 3,650 students with 489 Faculty Members.

District Schools:

K-4: Pivik Elementary School and Center Elementary School

5-6: Holiday Park Elementary School

7-8: Oblock Junior High School

9-12: Plum Borough High School

Cyber: Plum Digital Learning Academy


The Plum Borough School District was ranked among the best school districts in Allegheny County and in the Pittsburgh Area. The district was also ranked one of the best school districts for teachers to teach at and for best teachers. The district also ranked snout the Safest School Districts in Allegheny County and in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area in 2021.

The Plum Borough School District is bordered by seven other school districts: Penn Hills School District, Gateway School District, Riverview School District, and Allegheny Valley School District (across the Allegheny River). The District is also bordered by three school districts in neighboring Westmoreland County: Franklin Regional School District, Burrell School District and New Kensington-Arnold School District.

Academic achievement
Statewide academic ranking

In 2013–2014, Plum Borough Senior High school ranked 261st in statewide testing conducted by the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA).[9] There are 952 public high schools in Pennsylvania.[10]

  • 2013- 331st
  • 2012- 93rd
  • 2011- 247th
  • 2010- 242nd

Plum Borough School District was ranked 135th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2012. The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the PSSAs for: reading, writing math and science.[11] The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th and the 11th grade in high school. Adapted examinations are given to children in the special education programs.

  • 2012 - 159th[12]
  • 2011 - 139th [13]
  • 2010 - 128th [14]
  • 2009 - 120th
  • 2008 - 118th [15]
  • 2007 - 118th out of 501 school districts.[16]
Overachievers Ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Plum Borough School District's ranking was 401st. [17] 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."[18]

  • 2012 - 460th
  • 2011 - 420th
Western Pennsylvania ranking

Plum Borough School District was ranked 33rd out of 105 western Pennsylvania school districts in 2013 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on the most recent three years of student academic performance on the PSSAs for: math, reading, writing and science.[19] (includes 105 districts in: Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Washington County and Westmoreland County excludes Duquesne City School District & Midland Borough School District due to no high schools)

  • 2012 - 37th
  • 2011 - 38th
  • 2010 - 37th
  • 2009 - 35th [20]
  • 2008 - 31st.

District AYP history

In 2010 through 2012, Plum Borough School District achieved AYP status under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[21] 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.

Graduation rate

In 2012, Plum Borough School District's graduation rate declined to 93%.[22] In 2011, the graduation rate was 98%.[23] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Plum Borough Senior High School's rate was 96.8% for 2010.[24]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

High school

Plum Borough Senior High School is located at 900 Elicker Road, Pittsburgh. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 1,407 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 210 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 91 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.[28] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[29]

Plum Borough Senior High School ranked 46th out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools, by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2013, for academic achievement as reflected by three years of 11th grade results on: math, reading, writing and science PSSAs.[30] 2012 - 56th, 2009 - 43rd.[31]

In 2012, Plum Borough Senior High School achieved AYP status. In 2011, the Senior High School was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.[32]

PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading:
  • 2012 - 85% on grade level, (4% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[33]
  • 2011 - 77% (9% below basic). State - 69.1%[34]
  • 2010 - 78% (9% below basic). State - 66%[35]
  • 2009 - 74%, State - 65%
  • 2008 - 70%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
  • 2012 - 73% on grade level (11% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[36]
  • 2011 - 61% (18% below basic). State - 60.3%[37]
  • 2010 - 63% (19% below basic). State - 59%[38]
  • 2009 - 63%, State - 56% [39]
  • 2008 - 60%, State - 56%[40]
11th Grade Science:
  • 2012 - 48% on grade level (5% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[41]
  • 2011 - 47% (9% below basic). State - 40%[42]
  • 2010 - 39% (10% below basic). State - 39%
  • 2009 - 45%, State - 40%
  • 2008 - 41%, State - 39% [43]

College Remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 32% of Plum Borough 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.[44] 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.[45] 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 both: high school graduation requirements and towards a college degree. The students continue to have full access to all clubs, activities and programs, at their high school, including the graduation ceremony. 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.[46] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[47] For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $2,647 for the program.[48]

SAT scores

From January to June 2011, 259 students at Plum Borough School District took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 491. The Math average score was 492. The Writing average score was 472.[49] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states 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]

Graduation requirements

Plum Borough School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 25.8 credits to graduate, including: Math 3 credits, English 4 credits, social studies 3 credits (including United States History, World Cultures, Social Studies Elective), Science 3 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Health 0.5 credit, Driver Education theory 0.3 credit and electives 9 credits. In 2015 the required credits will be reduced to 25.5 credits eliminating the mandatory Drivers education course.[52] Students must also achieve a proficient or advanced on the 11th grade Pennsylvania System of School Assessment in order to meet graduation requirements. Students who do not reach proficiency on the 11th grade reading PSSA must earn a "C" or higher in their senior English course in order to graduate.

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.[53]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class of 2017, 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.[54][55][56] 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.[57] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

By state orders all graduates by 2018 must have a drivers license in order to graduate high school this order was approved by the Pennsylvania School Board Association 7-24-2015 and this order does pend on your 16 birthday.

Foreign exchange student program

Plum Borough School District plays host, for 6th to 11 months, to students from other nations through the AFS (American Field Service) Exchange Program. LOcal families host the students providing free room and board, while the district offers one year of school at no cost to the student's family. Plum Borough School District students have traveled to: Italy, Argentina, and Germany.

Oblock Junior High School

Oblock Junior high School is located at 40 Presque Isle Drive, Pittsburgh. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 666 pupils in grades 7th and 8th, with 88 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 48 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[58] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[59]

In 2011, Oblock Junior High School's eighth grade ranked 46th out of 141 western Pennsylvania middle schools based on three years of student academic achievement in PSSAs in: reading, math writing and one year of science.[60] (Includes schools in: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Westmoreland County, and Washington County.) The school ranked 30th in 2010 while it ranked 34th in 2009.[61]

In 2010 through 2012, Oblock Junior High School achieved AYP status under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[62]

PSSA Results
8th Grade Reading:
  • 2012 - % on grade level (% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[36]
  • 2011 - 90%, 68% advanced (5% below basic). State - 81.8% [63]
  • 2010 - 96%, 72% advanced. State - 81%
  • 2009 - 95%, State: 80.9%
  • 2008 - 93%, State - 78%[64]

8th Grade Math:

  • 2012 - 94% on grade level 61% advanced (1% below basic). State - 76% [65]
  • 2011 - 80%, 43% advanced (5% below basic). State - 76.9%
  • 2010 - 83% (4% below basic). State - 75% [66]
  • 2009 - 83%, State - 71% [67]
  • 2008 - 77%, State -70%

8th Grade Science:

  • 2012 - 82% (6% below basic). State - 59%
  • 2011 - 68% (13% below basic). State – 58.3%
  • 2010 - 74% (11% below basic). State – 57%
  • 2009 - 68%, State - 55%
  • 2008 - 66%, State - 50%

Center Elementary School

Center Elementary School is located at 201 Center New Texas Road, Pittsburgh. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 467 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 77 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 30 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.[68] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of Center's teachers were rated Highly Qualified" under the No Child Left Behind Act.[69]

In 2010 through 2012, Center Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[70] In 2012, 82% of the students at Center Elementary School were reading on grade level, in grades 3rd through 6th. In Mathematics, 90% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 63% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils were on grade level, with 64% advanced.[71] In 2011, 83% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 90% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 62% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 97% of the pupils were on grade level.[72]

Holiday Park Elementary School

Holiday Park Elementary School is located at 4795 Havana Drive, Pittsburgh. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 447 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 79 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 30 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.[73] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of Holiday Park's teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[74]

In 2010 through 2012, Holiday Park Elementary School achieved AYP status.[75] In 2012, 89% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 87% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 52% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 94% of the pupils showed on grade level understanding.[76] In 2011, 86% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In math, 83% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 56% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils were on grade level.[77]

Pivik Elementary School

Pivik Elementary School is located at 100 School Road, Pittsburgh. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 514 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 82 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 30 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 17:1.[78] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the school's teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[79]

In 2012, Pivik Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics.[80] In 2010 and 2011, Pivik Elementary School achieved AYP status.[81]

PSSA Results
4th Grade Science
  • 2012 - 94%, (2% below basic). State - 82%
  • 2011 - 81%, (4% below basic). State - 82.9%

Regency Park Elementary School

Regency Park Elementary School was located at 606 Millers Lane, Pittsburgh. It is now closed. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 264 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 50 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 19 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[84] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[85]

In 2010 through 2012, Regency Park Elementary School achieved AYP status.[86]

PSSA results
4th Grade Science
  • 2012 - 90%, (0% below basic). State - 82%
  • 2011 - 86%, (0% below basic). State - 82.9%

Adlai E. Stevenson Elementary School

Adlai E. Stevenson Elementary School was located at 313 Holiday Park Drive, Pittsburgh. It is now closed. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 407 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 58 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 27 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.[89] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[90]

In 2010 through 2012, Stevenson Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.[91]

4th Grade Science
  • 2012 - 100%, 71% advanced. State - 82%
  • 2011 - 90%, (2% below basic). State - 82.9%

Special education

In December 2010, the district administration reported that 445 pupils or 10.7% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 43.6% of the identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 457 pupils or 10.9% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[94]

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.[95] 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.[96][97]

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.[98] 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.[99] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[100] 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.[101]

The Plum Borough School District received a $2,221,361 supplement for special education services in 2010.[102] For the 2011–12 and 2012–13 school year, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010–11. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.[103][104]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 185 or 4.29% of its students were gifted in 2009. The highest percentage of gifted students reported among all 500 school districts and 100 public charter schools in Pennsylvania was North Allegheny School District with 15.5% of its students identified as gifted.[105] 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.[106][107][108]

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.[109]

In 2020, the Plum Borough School Board approved a balanced budget. With no tax increase and no program or staff cuts. Project revenues were listed at about $63.44 million expenses at about $65.29 million. The gap is being filled by pulling $1.8 million from a projected $6.5 million reserve fund.[110]

In 2013, the school board furloughed three teachers and a guidance counselor, and eliminated the Family and Consumer Science program at the high school. During the budget setting process, many electives that had been cut, in an attempt to close a $1.5 million deficit. Those electives were restored in the final budget. The Board will utilize $950,422 from the budgetary reserves in order to balance the budget. This builds in a deficit for the next school year which will be compounded by the teacher pension costs increase.[111]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Plum Borough School District was $70,694.69 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $18,412.81 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $89,107.50.[112] According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers' total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation, including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.[113]

In 2009, Plum Borough School District reported employing 397 teachers and administrators with a median salary of $69,326 and a top salary of $125,000.[114] The teacher's work day is 7 hours 30 minutes with 188 days in the contract year (180 days of instruction). Teachers receive a thirty-minute duty-free lunch and daily preparation period. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance ( employee ays $20 per month retirees pay zero), dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, up to 5 paid bereavement days, long term disability insurance and other benefits. Upon retirement teachers receive compensation for all unused sick and personal days.[115][116]

In 2007, the average teacher salary in the district was $63,233 for 180 days worked. The district ranked sixth in Allegheny County for average teacher salary in 2007. The average teacher salary in Pennsylvania was $54,977.[117] 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.[118] Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, personal days, sick days, and other benefits.[119]

Per pupil spending The Plum Borough School District's administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $648 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[120] The Pennsylvania School Boards Association keeps statistics on salaries of public school district employees in Pennsylvania. According to the association, the average salary for a superintendent for the 2007–08 school year was $122,165.[121] In 2008, Dr. Lillian Naccarati, Superintendent, received $119,802.[122] Superintendents and administrators receive a benefit package commensurate with that offered to the district's teachers' union. Superintendent, Dr. Lillian Naccarati's salary was $125,000 in 2009. In the fall of 2011, the District spent $220,406 on an agreement that prematurely terminated the Superintendent's employment. The School Board then promoted assistant superintendent, Dr. Timothy Glasspool to Superintendent awarding him a four-year contract. He will be paid $130,000 per year, plus an extensive benefits package. According to Plum School Board President Kevin Dowdell, no one else was considered for the position.[123]

Reserves In 2010, Plum Borough Administration reported $6,230,502.00 in the District's unreserved-undesignated fund. 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.[124] In 2008, the district reported a balance of zero in its unreserved-designated fund. The unreserved-undesignated fund balance was reported as increasing to $7,291,318. [125] In 2006–07, the district reported $6,006,093 in its unreserved-undesignated fund.

Audit In August 2011, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the Plum Borough School District. Multiple significant findings were reported to the School Board and the District's administration.[126] In April 2013, the District was audited again by the Pennsylvania Auditor General's office. They found the District Administration had failed to take recommended actions to address problems in last audit. Additional findings were reported to the administration and school board. This included "Our prior audit found that on April 29, 2008, the board approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the PBSD and the Superintendent in which the PBSD accepted the Superintendent's "irrevocable retirement" effective June 30, 2008. The retirement occurred one year prior to the end of the Superintendent's employment contract and resulted in costs to the PBSD of $220,406." [127]

Plum Borough School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 0.5%, Per Capita Tax (Act 511 and School Code) at $10.00, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, Local Service Tax - $5.00 a year and grants, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. 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.[128] 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.[129]

State basic education funding

For the 2013–14 school year, the Plum Borough School District will receive a 2.3% increase or $12,539,153 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $30,537 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Plum Borough School District will receive $21,713 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Allegheny County, South Fayette Township School District received the highest percentage increase at 5,5%. 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.[130] 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.[131]

For the 2012–13 school year, the Plum Borough School District received $12,482,523 in state Basic Education Funding.[132] 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 is an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. The state also provides $100 million for the Accountability Block grant. Plum Borough School District received $21,713 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement. The state will also provide $544.4 million for School Employees' Social Security and $856 million for School Employees' Retirement fund called PSERS.[133] This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett's first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010–11 school year.

In 2011-12, Plum Borough School District received a $12,260,785, allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[134][135] Additionally, the School District received $221,738 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011.[136] 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.[137] In 2010, the district reported that 724 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[138]

In the 2010-2011 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $12,825,603. Among the districts in Allegheny County, the highest increase went to South Fayette Township School District which got an 11.32% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[139] 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 where enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.56% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $12,574,121. Among the districts in Allegheny County, the highest increase went to Chartiers Valley School District which got an 8.19%. Ninety Pennsylvania school districts received a 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.[140] The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.[141] 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.[142][143]

The state Basic Education Funding to Plum Borough School District in 2008-09 was $11,553,744.01.

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 district applied for and received $601,852 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the seventh year.[144][145]

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. Plum Borough School District did not apply to participate in 2006–07. In 2007–08, the District received $480,074. The District received $87,594 in 2008-09 for a total funding of $567,668.[146] In County the highest award was given to Highlands School District which received $835,286. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide due to a massive state financial crisis.

Other grants

Plum Borough School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants, PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell), Education Assistance Grants, 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

STEAM grant

In 2013, Plum Borough School District received a $20,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum and Grable foundations. The STEAM funds are to be used to support science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics programs. The curriculum is to involve students in kindergarten through fifth grade.[147] School administration were required to apply for the grants. Recipients include 24 schools located in: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Greene County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Washington County and Westmoreland County.[148]

Federal Stimulus grant

Plum Borough School District received an extra $2,312,443 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[149] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010-2011 school years.[150] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised to use the funds for one-time expenditures like acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Race to the Top grant

Plum Borough School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district over one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[151] 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.[152] Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state RTTT application judging will occur in June 2010.[153]

Real estate taxes

Property tax rates in 2013-14 were set by the Plum Borough School Board at 18.75 mills. The rate included a downward adjustment due to the county's recent property reassessment. 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.[154] 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.[155] When the school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.[156] In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.[157]

  • 2020-21 - 21.0757 mills
  • 2012-13 - 22.2000 mills
  • 2010-11 - 22.2000 mills [158]
  • 2009-10 - 22.2000 mills.[159]
  • 2008-09 - 22.2000 mills.[160]
  • 2007-08 - 22.2000 mills.[161]
  • 2006-07 - 22.2000 mills.[162]
  • 2005-06 - 21.2000 mills.[163]

The average yearly property tax paid by Allegheny County residents amounts to about 4.09% of their yearly income. Allegheny County ranked 209th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[164] 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.[165] 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%).[166]

Act 1 Adjusted Index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not permitted to raise property 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.[167]

In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[168] Several 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.[169][170]

A specific timeline for Act I Index decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[171]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Plum Borough School District 2006-2007 through 2011–2012.[172]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Plum Borough 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.[176]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Plum Borough School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012–2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[177]

For the 2011–12 school year, Plum Borough School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Plum Borough 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.[171]

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.[178]

Consolidation

A proposal has been made by David Wassell, a prominent resident and leader in Allegheny County, to consolidate Allegheny County school districts to save tax dollars, focus dollars on student achievement, and improve student services. The plan calls for a proposed district that includes: Plum Borough School District and Riverview School District.

Wellness policy

Plum Borough School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.[179] 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 and physical education that are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, 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.[180] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

Highmark Healthy High 5 grants

In 2009, four Plum Borough School District schools received extra funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Adlai Stevenson School received $4,500 which was used to support physical education activities that will develop teamwork and improved physical fitness for grades K-6. Holiday Park Elementary received $9,500 which was used to support the "Stepping Up to Fitness" pedometer program for students in grades K-6. Oblock Junior High School received $9,908 for heart rate monitors for 7th and 8th grade PE classes. Plum Senior High School received $9,800 which was used for aerobic and resistance training equipment and pedometers for 9th grade students' Physical Education classes.[181] In 2011, 3 Plum School District Schools received grants - Pivik Elementary School and Regency Park Elementary School got $9,534. Adlai Stevenson received $10,000 for a fitness for life program.[182] Beginning in 2006, Highmark Foundation engaged in a 5-year, $100 million program to promote lifelong healthy behaviors in children and adolescents through local nonprofits and schools.

Extracurriculars

The students have access to a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.[183] Plum Borough School District's football classification is "AAAA" (Quad-A), which is the largest of the football classifications A, AA, AAA and AAAA.

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private non-public 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.[184]

The district operates a chapter of the National Honor Society.

Athletics

The district offers an extensive program funded by the local and state taxpayers. The District is part of the WPIAL sports organization.

  • Cheerleading
  • Cross Country (CoEd)
  • Football (7-12)
  • Soccer (Boys and Girls)
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball
  • Basketball Varsity (Boys and Girls) and 9th grade teams
  • Rifle (CoEd)
  • Swimming and Diving (Boys and Girls)
  • Wrestling
  • Volleyball varsity and 9th grade teams
  • Baseball varsity and 9th grade teams
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field (Boys and Girls)

Club sports - Indoor track, Ice Hockey, Bowling and Crew

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