Tamaqua Area School District

The Tamaqua Area School District is a public school district in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. It is centered on the borough of Tamaqua and the townships of Rush Township, Walker Township, Schuylkill Township, and West Penn Township. It encompasses approximately 123 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 17,042. According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the Tamaqua Area School District provided basic educational services to 2,284 pupils through the employment of 164 teachers, 101 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 21 administrators. In school year 2009-10, Tamaqua Area School District provided basic educational services to 2,076 pupils. It employed: 164 teachers, 106 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 10 administrators. Tamaqua Area School District received more than $10.8 million in state funding in school year 2009-10.

Tamaqua Area School District
Address
138 West Broad Street

Tamaqua
,
Schuylkill County
,
Pennsylvania
18252-0112

United States
Information
TypePublic
School board9 elected members
SuperintendentMr. Raymond J. Kinder
AdministratorMr. Stephen P. Toth, Asst Superintendent
PrincipalMr. Thomas J McCabe, High School Principal
PrincipalMr. Christopher Czapla, Middle School Principal
PrincipalMr. Steven Behr, Elementary Principal Mr. James J. Fasnacht, Elementary Assistant Principal
Staff172 non-teaching staff
Faculty110 in 2010[1]
GradesK-12
Age5 years old to 21 years for special education
Number of pupils2057 (2009-2010)[2]
 • Kindergarten181
 • Grade 1148
 • Grade 2171
 • Grade 3138
 • Grade 4139
 • Grade 5175
 • Grade 6159
 • Grade 7166
 • Grade 8148
 • Grade 9157
 • Grade 10154
 • Grade 11152
 • Grade 12159
 • OtherEnrollment projected to be 2053 in 2019
Color(s)Blue, and white
RivalMarian Catholic High School (Pennsylvania)
Budget$26.7 million (2013-14)[3]

$25.3 million (2012-13)

$27,470,664 (2010-11)[4]
Per pupil spending$11,281 in 2008
Per pupil spending$11,816.47 in 2010
Website

Tamaqua Area School District operates three elementary schools: Rush Elementary School, Tamaqua Elementary School, and West Penn Elementary School; one middle and one high school.

Governance

Tamaqua Area School District is governed by nine locally elected board members (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[5] 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 skills in reading and mathematics.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district 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.[6]

Academic achievement

The Tamaqua Area School District was ranked 320th out of 497 Pennsylvania school districts, in 2013, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic performance on the last three years of PSSA results in: reading, writing, mathematics and science.[7] 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 - 320th[8]
  • 2011 - 296th
  • 2010 - 275th[9]
  • 2009 - 330th
  • 2008 - 342nd
  • 2007 - 338th of 501 school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times.[10]
Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Tamaqua Area School District ranked 403rd. [11] 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."[12]

  • 2012 - 438th
  • 2011 - 414th

In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Tamaqua Area School District, was in the 44th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best)[13]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Tamaqua Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).[14] 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.[15]

  • 2006 through 2011 - achieved AYP.
  • 2005 - Making Progress in School Improvement Level I
  • 2004 - declined to School Improvement Level 1
  • 2003 - Warning AYP status

Graduation rate

In 2012, Tamaqua Area School District's graduation rate was 86%.[16] In 2011, the District's graduation rate was 98%.[17] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Tamaqua Area High School's rate was 82% for 2010.[18]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

High school

Tamaqua Area High School is located at 500 Penn Street, Tamaqua. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 661 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 158 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 35 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 18:1.[23] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[24]

In 2012, Tamaqua Area Senior High School achieved AYP status through Safe Harbor Standards.[25] In 2011, Tamaqua Area Senior High School declined to Warning status due to low math achievement and lagging reading achievement of 11th graders. In 2010, the High School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).[26]

PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
  • 2012 - 70% on grade level, (20% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[27]
  • 2011 - 69% (18% below basic). State - 69.1%[28]
  • 2010 - 67% (19% below basic). State - 66%[29]
  • 2009 - 72%, State - 65% [30]
  • 2008 - 54%, State - 65%[31]
  • 2007 - 66%, State - 65%[32]
11th Grade Math
  • 2012 - 60% on grade level (20% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[33]
  • 2011 - 58% (28% below basic). State - 60.3%[34]
  • 2010 - 59% (27% below basic). State -59%[35]
  • 2009 - 55%, State - 56%[36]
  • 2008 - 40%, State - 56%[37]
  • 2007 - 51%, State - 53%
11th Grade Science
  • 2012 - 41% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[38]
  • 2011 - 43% (17% below basic). State - 40%[39]
  • 2010 - 39% (15% below basic). State - 39%
  • 2009 - 48%, State - 40%[40]
  • 2008 - 31%, State - 39%[41]

Science in Motion Tamaqua Area High School does 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.[42] Wilkes University provides the experiences to schools in the region.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 33% of Tamaqua 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.[43] 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.[44] 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

Tamaqua Area High School offers the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program in: English, Sociology, Statistics, Public Speaking and Calculus at Lehigh Carbon Community College. 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. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[45] In 2010 the district received 9,710.00. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[46] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.[47] In 2010, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students, from the Commonwealth, due to a state budget crisis.

SAT scores

In 2012, 68 Tamaqua Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 503. The Math average score was 516. The Writing average score was 497. 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, 85 Tamaqua Area Senior High School students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 481. The Math average score was 501. The Writing average score was 468.[48] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[49] 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.[50]

Advanced placement

Tamaqua High School offers Advanced Placement courses in English, Biology, US History, European History, Spanish, Calculus and Physics. Students are responsible to pay for their own AP exam fees.

Graduation requirements

The Tamaqua Area School Board has determined that students must earn 22 credits to graduate, including: 4 credits of Language Arts, 3.5 credits of Social Studies, 3 credits of Mathematics, 3 credits of Science, 1.5 credits of Humanities, 1.5 credits of Health, Computer Application I and enough electives to achieve 22 credits.[51]

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.[52] The project is a 4-year process at Tamaqua Area High School that focuses on career opportunities.[53] This project includes job shadowing, college visits, community service, research papers, and more.[54]

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 through the Keystone Exams. The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade. Students have several opportunities to pass the exam, with those who do not able to perform a project to graduate.[55][56][57] 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.[58] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

Programs

The high school offers instruction through an alternative education program for students with behavioral issues and a virtual campus program. Students may also elect to attend one of the Schuylkill County Area Vocational-Technical Schools which are located in Frackville and at Marlin (near Minersville). The district is responsible for transportation from the high school.[59]

Middle school

Tamaqua Area Middle School is located at 502 Penn Street, Tamaqua. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 481 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 158 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 27 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 17:1.[60] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[61] Tamaqua Area Middle School is located on a 101-acre site.

In 2012, Tamaqua Area Middle School remained in Warning AYP status due to lagging reading scores of special education students. In 2011, the School declined to Warning AYP status.[62] In 2010, Tamaqua Area Middle School achieved AYP status.[63]

PSSA Results
8th Grade Reading
  • 2012 - 86% on grade level (8% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[64]
  • 2011 - 84% (10% below basic). State - 81.8%
  • 2010 - 88% (7% below basic). State - 81%[65]
  • 2009 - 88%, State - 80%[66]
  • 2008 - 88%, State - 78%[67]
  • 2007 - 82%, State - 75%
8th Grade Math
  • 2012 - 82% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 76% [68]
  • 2011 - 75% (12% below basic). State - 76.9%[69]
  • 2010 - 76% (8% below basic). State - 75%
  • 2009 - 77%, State - 71%
  • 2008 - 79%, State - 70%
  • 2007 - 68%, State - 67%
8th Grade Science
  • 2012 - 68% on grade level (13% below basic). State - 59%
  • 2011 - 62% (23% below basic). State – 58.3%
  • 2010 - 67% (18% below basic). State - 57%.
  • 2009 - 62%, State - 54%
  • 2008 - 67%, State - 52%

West Penn Township Elementary School

West Penn Township Elementary School is located at 185 School Drive, New Ringgold. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 247 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 49 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 10 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 25:1.[70] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[71]

In 2010 through 2012, West Penn Township Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[72] In 2011, only 74% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 84% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 40% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 96% of the pupils were on grade level.[73] In 2012, 82% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 87% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 47% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils were on grade level, with 50% advanced.[74]

Tamaqua Elementary School

Tamaqua Elementary School is located at Boyle Avenue, Tamaqua. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 562 pupils in grades preschool through 5th, with 263 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 28 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 20:1.[75] The school is a Title I school. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[76]

In 2012, Tamaqua Elementary School declined further to School Improvement level I status due to chronic low student reading and math achievement.[77] In 2011, Tamaqua Elementary School declined to Warning status due to lagging student reading and especially math achievement. In 2010, the school achieved AYP status.[78] In 2011, only 63% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th with 19% below basic. In math, just 71% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 10% scored below basic. In 4th grade science, 84% of the pupils were on grade level.[79] In 2012, 82% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 87% of the students in 3rd through5 grades were on grade level and 47% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils were on grade level.[80]

Rush Elementary School

Rush Elementary School is located at 50 Meadow Avenue, Tamaqua. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported offering kindergarten, kindergarten plus and first grade.[81] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[82]

Virtual school

In 2012, Tamaqua Area School District established a virtual school giving students, who reside in the District, access to a locally run online education. The move was prompted by students leaving the district's traditional schools to attend one of Pennsylvania's 12 statewide cyber schools. The District Administration reported that 9 students are enrolled in its virtual school in 2012.

Special education

In December 2012, Tamaqua Area School District administration reported that 418 pupils or 19.7% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 52% of identified students have a specific learning disability.[83] In December 2009, the District administration reported that 387 pupils or 18.4% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[84]

The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Supervisor of Special Education.[85][86]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for special education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[87] The Special Education funding structure is through the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds and state appropriations. IDEA funds are appropriated to the state on an annual basis and distributed through intermediate units (IUs) to school districts, while state funds are distributed directly to the districts. Total funds that are received by school districts are calculated through a formula. The Pennsylvania Department of Education oversees four appropriations used to fund students with special needs: Special Education; Approved Private Schools; Pennsylvania Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind; and Early Intervention. 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.[88] Over identification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.[89] The state requires each public school district and charter school to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[90] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[91]

Tamaqua Area School District received a $1,214,003 supplement for special education services in 2010.[92] For the 2011–12, 2012–13 and 2013-14 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010-11. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.[93][94] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The District must apply for this added funding.

Gifted education

Tamaqua Area School District Administration reported that 42 or 2.02% of its students were gifted in 2009.[95] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.[96]

Technology plan

The District has 40 Smartboard K-12. It also has more than 1000 laptops and personal computers. The district reports making professional development in the effective use of technology a priority. It credits the effective use of technology as an important part of the students improvement in reading and math scores.[97]

Bullying policy

The Tamaqua Area School District administration reported there were no recognized incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.[98][99]

The Tamaqua Area School Board has provided the district's anti-bully policy online.[100] 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.[101] 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.[102]

Education standards relating to student safety and anti-harassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.[103]

Wellness policy

Tamaqua Area School Board established a district wellness policy in June 2006.[104] 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 intending that the individual needs of each district 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.[105] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval. A study was conducted of the submitted policies (n=499). It found that the majority of districts complied with the mandates of the law. Most districts identified the superintendent and school food service director as responsible for ensuring local wellness policy implementation.[106]

The District offers both a free school breakfast and free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch at the school for a fee. 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.[107] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[108]

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.[109]

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant

In 2011, four schools in Tamaqua Area School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Tamaqua Area Senior High School received $10,000 which was used to purchase equipment for its Bike Challenge Program which uses mountain biking concepts in physical education programming. Tamaqua Area Middle School received $9,995 to purchase equipment to enhance the physical education program by incorporating spinning by use of Trixter bikes. Tamaqua Area Elementary School received $9,341 to purchase equipment for its Exergaming for Fitness program which uses video games. West Penn Elementary received $10,000 to purchase equipment for its Exergaming for Fitness program which uses video games in physical education programming.[110] 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.

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.[111]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Tamaqua Area School District was $53,085 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $17,907 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $70,993.80.[112] The District reported employing 164 teachers and administrators with the top salary of $114,361 in 2011-12.

In 2009, Tamaqua Area School District reports employing over 170 teachers with a starting salary of $38,000.[113] The average teacher salary was $53,065 while the maximum salary is $107,068.[114] In Pennsylvania, the average teacher salary for Pennsylvania's 124,100 public school teachers was $54,977 in 2008.[115] 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.[116] Additionally, Tamaqua Area School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days and 10 paid sick days, life insurance and other benefits.[117] According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.[118]

In 2007, Tamaqua Area School District employed 149 teachers. The average teacher salary in the District was $50,313 for 180 school days worked.[119]

Tamaqua Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $634.23 per pupil. The district is ranked 465th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[120]

In 2008, Tamaqua Area School District reported spending $11,281 per pupil. This ranked 403rd in the commonwealth.[121] In 2010, the District's per pupil spending had increased to $11,666.67.[122] In 2011, Pennsylvania's per pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.[123] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[124] The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.[125]

Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.[126] Pennsylvania's total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.[127]

Reserves

In 2009, Tamaqua Area School District reported a $3,108,938 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.[128] In 2010, Area School District Administration reported an increase to $4,500,052 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The District also reported zero in its unreserved-designated fund in 2010. In 2012, the District reported having $5,345,894 in reserves. Pennsylvania public school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.[129] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.[130]

Audit In October 2, 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.[131] In December 2012, the Pennsylvania Auditor General again audited the District. It found that membership reporting errors and a lack of internal controls resulted in the district not receiving their entitled state reimbursement.

Tuition Students who live in the Tamaqua Area School 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 Tamaqua 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 Tamaqua Area School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $8,311.23, High School - $8,898.35.[132]

Tamaqua Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1%, Occupation Privilege Tax $5, Assessed Occupation Tax $225.00, per capita taxes $10,[133] a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.05%, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Interest earnings on accounts also provide nontax income to the District. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the level of the individual's personal wealth.[134] 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.[135]

State basic education funding

For the 2013-14 school year, the Tamaqua Area School District will receive a 2% increase or $6,619,629 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $130,965 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Tamaqua Area School District will receive $128,439 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Schuylkill County, both Blue Mountain School District and Saint Clair Area School District received the highest percentage increase at 2.2%. Tamaqua Area School District Administration 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 Pennsylvania public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest percentage increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[136] 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.[137]

For the 2012-13 school year, the Tamaqua Area School District received $6,488,664.[138] 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. Tamaqua Area School District received $128,439 in ABG funding. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[139] 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 Pennsylvania public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In 2011-12, Tamaqua Area School District received a $6,488,664 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[140][141] Additionally, the Tamaqua Area School District received $128,439 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount was a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.[142] The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District of Allegheny County, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.[143] In 2010, the district reported that 882 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[144]

For 2010-11 the Tamaqua Area School District received a 2.43% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $7,082,939 payment.[145] The highest increase in BEF awarded, among Schuylkill County public school districts, went to Minersville Area School District which received 9.96%. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase. Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. Fifteen (15) Pennsylvania public school districts received a BEF increase of greater than 10%. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each public school district received was determined by then Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education, Dr. Gerald Zahorchak, through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[146] This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.[147]

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided Tamaqua Area School District with a 6.57% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,915,134. The District also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low-income students, for special education costs, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more.[148] Shenandoah Valley School District was the highest increase in Schuylkill County with a 14.50% increase in basic education funding, for the 2009-10 school year. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.[149]

The state Basic Education Funding to the District in 2008-09 was $6,488,663. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 535 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.[150] 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.[151][152]

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 Tamaqua Area School District applied for and received $348,616 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to achieve Class size reduction in K-3 and to hire teachers to instruct other teachers in improving math and reading instruction.[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. Tamaqua Area School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07 nor in 2007-08. For the 2008–09, school year the Tamaqua Area School District received $125,812. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[155] In Schuylkill County the highest award was given to North Schuylkill School District which received $245,673. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

Science It's Elementary grant

Tamaqua Elementary School successfully applied to participate and received a Science It's Elementary grant. For the 2008-09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 2,847 teachers and 66,973 students across Pennsylvania.[156] In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Education initiated an effort to improve science instruction in the Commonwealth's public elementary schools. Called Science: It's Elementary, the program is a hands on instruction approach for elementary science classes that develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills.[157] To encourage schools to adopt the program's standards aligned curriculum, the state provided a grant to cover the costs of materials and extensive mandatory teacher training.[158] The District was required to develop a three-year implementation plan for the participating school. They had to appoint a district liaison who was paid $3000 by PDE to serve as the conduit of all information between the district and the Department and its agents along with submitting orders and distributing supplies to implementing teachers. For the 2006-07 state education budget, $10 million was allocated. The 2006-07 State Education Budget provided $635 million in new spending for pre-K through 12th grades for the 2006-07 school year. This marks an 8-percent increase over 2005-06 public school funding.[159] The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget. The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget. The grant was discontinued in the state's 2011 budget by Governor Edward G. Rendell.

Other grants

Tamaqua Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants, Education Assistance Grants, 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Blue Raider Foundation grants

Blue Raider Foundation ia a local entity that focuses on enrichment funding to Tamaqua public schools. In 2012 it awarded $3000 in grants to individual teachers in the Tamaqua Area School District. The Blue Raider Foundation is a 501(c) 3 corporation.[160]

Federal stimulus grant

Tamaqua Area School District received an extra $1,886,272 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[161] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010-2011 school years.[162] 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

Tamaqua Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district up to one million dollars in additional federal funding for improving student academic achievement.[163] 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.[164] 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.[165]

Common Cents state initiative

The Tamaqua Area School Board did 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.[166] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

The Tamaqua Area School Board set property tax rates at 33.36 mills for the 2013-14 school year. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections (Local Tax Enabling Act), which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[167] 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.

  • 2012-13 - 33.3600 mills[168]
  • 2011-12 - 33.3600 mills[169]
  • 2010-11 - 33.3600 mills[170][171]
  • 2009-10 - 32.1100 mills[172]
  • 2008-09 - 32.1100 mills[173]
  • 2007-08 - 32.1100 mills[174]
  • 2006-07 - 32.1100 mills[175]
  • 2005-06 - 30.3600 mills[176]

The average yearly property tax paid by Schuylkill County residents amounts to about 2.84% of their yearly income. Schuylkill County ranked 700th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[177] 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.[178] 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%).[179]

Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not authorized to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.[180] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[181] 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.[182][183]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Tamaqua Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[184]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Tamaqua Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[187]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Tamaqua Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[188]

For the 2011-12 budget year, the Tamaqua Area School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, Tamaqua Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[189]

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.[190]

The Tamaqua Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2009-10 nor in 2010-11.[191] 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.[192]

Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Tamaqua Area School District was $141 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 4,967 property owners applied for the tax relief. Schuylkill Haven Area School District received $195 which was the highest property tax relief allotted in Schuylkill County for 2009.[193] The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption.[194] Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.[195] This was the second 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 home owners. The maximum rebate for both home owners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.[196]

Extracurriculars

Tamaqua Area School District offers an extensive variety of clubs, activities and 20 sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies.[197] No student (enrolled in grades 7 through 12) is permitted to participate in cocurricular activities, have driving privileges or obtain a parking permit unless the student and the student's parent/guardian has signed a consent to mandatory testing and authorization for Release of Information form, authorizing the random drug testing of their student.[198] in 2012, the Board cut golf, tennis and cheerleading due to budget constraints caused by the escalating teacher pension funding mandates.

In June 2013, the District agreed to permitting the Tamaqua Area Girls' Youth Softball Association to build a softball field at Rush Elementary School. The club received a $11,975 grant from Baseball Tomorrow Fund to fund the project.[199]

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 home-schooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[200]

Music and the Arts

Tamaqua Area High School has continually growing arts programs. The Raider Marching Band, currently under the direction of Mr. Mark E. Beltz, has over 200 participating students as of the 2019-2020 school year. Those in marching band, besides those that do not play instruments, must also participate in the Concert Band. Every year, Tamaqua is able to send students to the Schuylkill County Band festival, and students also have the opportunity to audition for the PMEA District 10 Band Festival, in which they can advance to Region V Band and/or PMEA All-State Band. Many students in Tamaqua's history have represented the school at these festivals. Students in Concert Band may also choose to participate in Jazz Band.

Tamaqua Area High School also has a wonderful chorus program, which is currently under the direction of Mr. John Buglio and has been for nearly 30 years. Students may participate in Concert Choir and/or Jazz Chorale, and students that wish to participate in Jazz Chorale must audition for it. Any student in Jazz Chorale is eligible to audition for the Schuylkill County Chorus festival, and Tamaqua has always been represented well at these festivals. Jazz Chorale participants may also audition for the PMEA District 10 Chorus Festival, in which they can move on to Region V Chorus and/or PMEA All-State Chorus. There have also been many students that have represented Tamaqua at these festivals. As of the 2019-2020 school year, the Concert Choir has nearly 50 participants, and Jazz Chorale around the same.

Tamaqua Area High School even has a rapidly-growing Drama Club, which is currently under the direction of Mrs. Adriane Drum. The Drama Club program is taken very seriously, and has consistently had over 80 cast and crew members for the past few years. The Drama Club has mainly focused on musicals, but has succeeded with many plays in the past.

Sports
Middle School
  • According to PIAA directory July 2012 [201]

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