Berwick Area School District

In 2012, Berwick Area School District declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[50] No school in the district achieved AYP status. In 2011, Berwick Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.[51]

• 2006 - 2010 - achieved AYP status each year
• 2005 - Making Progress in School Improvement I AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics.[52]
• 2004 - declined to School Improvement I AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics.
• 2003 the District was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[53]

In 2016, the Berwick Area School District graduation rate was 91%.[54]

• 2015 - 94.36%.[55]
• 2014 - 88.5%.[56]
• 2013 - 92%.[57]
• 2012 - 85%.[58]
• 2011 - 83%.[59]
• 2010 - 80%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[60]

Former graduation rate calculation

• 2010 - 88%[61]
• 2009 - 88%[62]
• 2008 - 85%
• 2007 - 85%[63]
• 2006 - 81%[64]
• 2005 - 82%[65]

Berwick Area High School is located at 1100 Fowler Avenue, Berwick. In 2015, enrollment continued to decline to 767 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 40% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 16.8% of pupils received special education services, while 6.78% of pupils were identified as gifted.[66] The school employed 65 teachers in 2013.[67] Per the PA Department of Education, the school continued to employ 2% of the teachers who were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

In 2014, enrollment was reported as 813 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 37% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 18% of pupils received special education services, while 7.5% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 73 teachers.[67] Per the PA Department of Education 98% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. In 2013, Berwick Area High School has an enrollment of 879 pupils with 39.59% coming from low income families. The school employed 76 teachers. Ninety nine percent (99%) of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

In 2012, enrollment had declined to 915 pupils with 301 receiving a federal lunch subsidy. Berwick Area High School employed 76 teachers. In 2012, according to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 5 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[68] In 2010, the school had 969 students grades 9th through 12th, with 359 students eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. In 2010, the school employed 75 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[69]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP declined further to 76.9 out of 100 points. Berwick Area High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 77.8% of students were on grade level in reading literature and 74.86% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 69% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[70] The requirement that pupils pass the Keystone Exams in reading, Algebra I and BIology I in order to graduate was postponed until 2019 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly because less than 60% of 12 grade pupils statewide would have been eligible for graduation from high school due to failing one or more Keystone Exams.[71] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.[72]

2015 School Performance Profile

Berwick Area High School achieved 78.4 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 78.4% of the Berwick Area High School's students 74% of pupils were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 70% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 64% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[73] Statewide, 53 percent of schools with an eleventh grade achieved an academic score of 70 or better. Five percent of the 2,033 schools with 11th grade were scored at 90 and above; 20 percent were scored between 80 and 89; 28 percent between 70 and 79; 25 percent between 60 and 69 and 22 percent below 60. The Keystone Exam results showed: 73 percent of students statewide scored at grade-level in English, 64 percent in Algebra I and 59 percent in biology.[74][75]

2014 School Performance Profile

Berwick Area High School achieved a SPP of 79.5 out of 100. In reading/literature - 77% of pupils tested were on grade level. In Algebra 1, only 70% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology, 55% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[76][77] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.[78]

2013 School Performance Profile

Berwick Area Senior High School achieved a score of 77.1 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 71% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 56% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 33.51% showed on grade level science understanding.[79] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.

In 2012, Berwick Area High School declined further to Corrective Action Level I AYP status due to persistent low academic achievement and a low graduation rate.

• 2011 - declined to School Improvement II AYP status due to ongoing low student academic achievement in reading and especially in math and science.[80] Reading, math a and science scores have been below state levels for the past four years. Under the federal No Child Left Behind Law, the school notified parents they could transfer their child to an achieving high school within the district. The district operates one high school, meaning no transfer was possible. The administration was required to develop and submit a school improvement plan, to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The School Improvement Plan was unanimously approved by the Board on June 3, 2011.[81]
• 2009 and 2010 - School Improvement I status due to lagging student achievement and a low graduation rate.[82]
• 2007 and 2008 - Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement
• 2004, 2005, 2006 - achieved AYP status
• 2003 - Warning AYP status

PSSA Results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.[83] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[84]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 52% on grade level (25% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.[85]
• 2011 - 65% (17.9% below basic). State - 69% [86]
• 2010 - 60% (22% below basic). State - 67% [87]
• 2009 - 65%, State - 65% [88]
• 2008 - 62%, State - 65%
• 2007 - 67%, State - 65% [89]
• 2006 - 69%, State - 65% [90]
• 2005 - 70%, State - 65% [91]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 40% on grade level, (37% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
• 2011 - 54% (22% below basic). State - 60.3%
• 2010 - 52% (26% below basic). State - 59% [92]
• 2009 - 54%, State - 56% [93]
• 2008 - 48%, State - 56% [94]
• 2007 - 44%, State - 53% [95]
• 2006 - 54%, State - 52%[96]
• 2005 - 50%, State - 51%

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 31% on grade level (24% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[97]
• 2011 - 34.9% (18% below basic). State - 40%[98]
• 2010 - 39%, (15% below basic). State - 39%[99]
• 2009 - 33%, State - 40% [100]
• 2008 - 39%, State - 39% [101]

Science in Motion Berwick Area Senior High School took advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.[102] The High School worked with Susquehanna University to provide the experiences.

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 25% of Berwick Area School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[103] 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.[104] 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.

Berwick Area Senior High School offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. Berwick Area School District has a concurrent agreement with King's College, Luzerne County Community College, Bloomsburg University ACE program, Wilkes University and Pennsylvania State University. The students continue to have full access to activities at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[105] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[106] 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.[107] For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $6,779 for the program.[108] Non district students, who reside in the district and attend a private nonpublic school, charter school or are homeschooled are eligible to participate in this program. In 2010, Governor Edward G. Rendell terminated the grants as part of the state budget.

Penn College NOW

In 2014 through 2016, Berwick Area School District did not participate in dual enrollment courses in conjunction with Pennsylvania College of Technology. Penn College NOW classes are taught by approved local high school teachers, at the high school.[109] Penn College NOW is partially funded by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-270) through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, by the support of Pennsylvania companies through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and by Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Graduation requirements include achieving a minimum of 25 credits and designing a graduation project which is based on the 21st Century Skills and the National Technology Standards. 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.[110] The class of 2012 was required to complete a graduation project which includes the creation of an electronic portfolio.[111] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[112]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2019,[113] public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[114][115] For the class of 2019, a composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements.[116] 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.[117] 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 Individual Education Plan (IEP).

In 2013, Berwick High School offered 9 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Berwick Area High School requires students to take the AP exam if they take an AP course. The school district pays the fee for the exam which was $89 per test per pupil in 2012. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Berwick Area School District the AP courses are weighted at 1.08 credits.[118]

In 2011, the Berwick Area School District achieved the College Board's AP District of the Year Award. This honor roll consists of the 388 U.S. public school districts that simultaneously achieved increases in access to AP® courses for a broader number of students and also maintained or improved the rate at which their AP students earned scores of 3 or higher on an AP Exam.[119]

In 2013, the school offered 9 AP course with just 10% of pupils earning a 3 or better on the AP exam.[120] In 2014, Berwick Area High School offered 10 AP courses. Just 25% of the pupils who took the associated AP exam, at the end of the course, achieved a 3 or better. In 2015, Berwick Area High School offered 14 AP courses. Fifty-four percent (54%) of the students who took the course, achieved a 3 or better on the AP exam given by the College Board. In 2016, Berwick Area High School offered 13 AP courses. Forty-seven percent (47%) of the students who took the course, achieved a 3 or better on the AP exam given by the College Board.

In 2015, 133 Berwick Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 494. The Math average score was 506. The Writing average score was 459.[121] The College Board also reported that statewide 96,826 pupils took the exams with average scores declining in all three measurers to: 495 in reading, 511 in math and 484 in writing.[122]

In 2014, 130 Berwick Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 468. The Math average score was 477. The Writing average score was 436.[123] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[124]

In 2013, 135 Berwick Area High School students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 468. The Math average score was 477. The Writing average score was 452. The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.[125]

In 2012, 151 Berwick Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 477. The Math average score was 488. The Writing average score was 462. 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 2010-11, 126 Berwick Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal average Score was 470. The Math average score was 478. The Writing average score was 445.[126] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among state with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[127] In the United States 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 fin writing.[128]

According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education compared the SAT data of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania to students in urban areas. From 2003 to 2005, the average total SAT score for students in rural Pennsylvania was 992, while urban students averaged 1,006. During the same period, 28 percent of 11th and 12th graders in rural school districts took the exam, compared to 32 percent of urban students in the same grades. The average math and verbal scores were 495 and 497, respectively, for rural students, while urban test-takers averaged 499 and 507, respectively. Pennsylvania's SAT composite score ranked low on the national scale in 2004. The composite SAT score of 1,003 left Pennsylvania ranking 44 out of the 50 states and Washington, DC.[129]

Berwick Area School District students have access to Bloomsburg University's Summer College and Advanced College Experience (ACE) during the summer of their sophomore, junior and senior years (after high school graduation). Tuition is deeply discounted to 75% of the regular rate.[130] Successful students earn college credits that can be transferred to other Pennsylvania public colleges and universities through the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement (TRAC) system.

The high school Alma Mater was written by Dr. E. A. Glenn in the year 1897. Students and Alumni rise and stand at attention with all hats removed. The Alma Mater is as follows: Berwick High School, Alma Mater Loving mother of our youth. Ever tender, ever watchful, Teaching honor, duty, truth. Loyal voices swell the chorus Alma Mater, B.H.S. Berwick High School, Alma Mater Tho' for years from thee we part Yet the mem'ry of thy guidance Will be cherished in each heart. Pennsylvania's noblest daughter, Alma Mater, B.H.S.

Berwick Area Middle School is located 1100 Evergreen Drive, Berwick. In 2014, enrollment was 663 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 51% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 20.5% of pupils received special education services, while 4% of pupils were identified as gifted.[131] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[132]

In 2010, 795 students were enrolled in grades 6th through 8th with 345 receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the school employed 61 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[133] In 2012 the school reported 758 pupils enrolled and 55 teachers were employed by the school.[134] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[135]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE reported that 50% of 8th grade students at Berwick Area Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, 27% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 54% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 47% were on grade level in reading, while 34% showed on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 58% were on grade level in reading and 45% were on grade level in mathematics.[136] Statewide 58% of eighth (8th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 29% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 7th graders were 58% on grade level in reading and 33% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among sixth (6th) graders, 60.7% were reading on grade level, while 39.7% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[137]

2014 School Performance Profile

Berwick Area Middle School achieved 73.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - only 70% of the pupils were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 81% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, just 66% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 71% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[138]

2013 School Performance Profile

Berwick Area Middle School achieved 81.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, 70.64% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics, 81.61% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, 58.59% of the 8th graders demonstrated n grade level understanding. In writing, 76.92% of the 8th grade students were on grade level.[139]

AYP History

In 2012, Berwick Area Middle School declined back to Warning status due to lagging student academic achievement.[140]

• 2011 - improved to achieving Adequate Yearly Progress status.[141]
• 2010 - Making Progress: in Corrective Action I level.
• 2009 - declined to Corrective Action I level due to chronic, low academic achievement. According to the federal No Child Left Behind Law, students may transfer to another middle school if one is available.[142] No other middle school is available at Berwick Area School District.
• 2008 - Making Progress in School Improvement Level II
• 2007 - declined further to School Improvement Level II AYP status due to chronic low student achievement
• 2006 - declined to School Improvement Level I AYP status due to low student achievement
• 2005 - declined to Warning AYP status
• 2004 - achieved AYP status
• 2003 - Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement

PSSA history

PSSAs are given in the Spring of each school year. Sixth and seventh grades are tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999. Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[84]

8th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 73% on grade level (15% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[143]
• 2011 - 68.6% (20% below basic). State - 81.8%. Ranked last in Reading in the CSIU 16 region middle schools.[144]
• 2010 - 69%, (20% below basic). State - 81% [145][146]

Ranked 19th out of 19 eighth grades in the CSIU16 region.[147]

• 2009 - 74%, State - 80.9% [148]
• 2008 - 73%, State - 78% [149]
• 2007 - 72%, State - 75% [150]
• 2006 - 64%, State - 70%

8th Grade Math

• 2012 - 73% on grade level (12% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76% of 8th graders are on grade level.
• 2011 - 70.8%, (16% below basic). State - 76.9%. Ranked 18th out of 19 eighth grades in the CSIU16 region.[151]
• 2010 - 69%, (17% below basic). State - 75%. Ranked last among 19 eighth grades in the CSIU16 region.[152][153]
• 2009 - 66%, State - 71% [154] Ranked 18th out of 19 eighth grades in the CSIU16 region.[155]
• 2008 - 69%, State - 70%
• 2007 - 72%, State - 67%
• 2006 - 67%, State - 62% [156]

8th Grade Science

• 2012 - 53% on grade level (27% below basic). State – 59%.
• 2011 - 46.2% on grade level (33% below basic). State – 58.3%. Ranked 18th out of 19 eighth grades in CSIU16 region.
• 2010 - 42%, (38% below basic). State - 57%
• 2009 - 42%, State - 55%
• 2008 - 51%, State - 50%

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Berwick Area School District did not implement the free state dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school.[163] The process identifies students at risk for dropping out by examining the pupil's: attendance, behavior and course grades. Interventions are implemented to assist at-risk pupils to remain in school. The program is funded by federal and private dollars.[164]

All four Berwick Area School District elementary schools declined to Warning AYP status in 2012. All four elementary schools in the Berwick Area School District achieved AYP status in 2010 and 2011.[165] The attendance rate ranged from 94% to 95% in 2010. For the summer of 2011, teachers served as tutors in the elementary summer reading Programs. They were paid at the instructional rate of $21.50 an hour. Summer School Express was for students in grades K to 5th grade, and the Kindergarten readiness program was for preschoolers. Both programs were Funded through T-I stimulus funds and ran from July 11, 2011 through August 11, 2011.

The District has provided full-day kindergarten since 2003.[166] While proponents of full day kindergarten claim it will reduce special education numbers and it will raise primary student academic achievement, especially in reading and math, those outcomes have not been realized in Berwick Area School District. Reading achievement in particular has significantly declined.[167]

PSSA History

Each year, in the Spring, in order to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Law, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.[168] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[169][170][171] The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.[172] The first cohort of children who attended Accountability Block Grant funded full-day kindergarten reached third grade and took the PSSAs in the spring of 2008. While schools in Pennsylvania did achieve 100% on grade level, none in Berwick area School District did.

Salem Elementary School is located at 810 East Tenth Street, Berwick. In 2016, Salem Elementary School's enrollment was 470 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 62% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 21% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted.[173] The school provides full day kindergarten to all students for more than five years. The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, enrollment was 468 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th grades. Fifty three percent of the pupils were from low income homes. In 2010, enrollment was 434 students grades kindergarten through 5th grade, with 218 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. Salem Elementary School employed 33 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[174]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 65.7 out of 100 points. Salem Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 68% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while 77% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 52% were on grade level in reading, while 59% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 83% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 67% were on grade level in reading and 72% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[175][176] In the Commonwealth, just 60% of third graders were reading on grade level. Among Pennsylvania 4th graders 58% were reading on grade level and 61% of fifth graders were reading on grade level.[177]

2015 School Performance Profile

SPP withheld by PDE. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 68% of 5th grade students at Salem Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 75% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 59% were on grade level in reading, while 72% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 90% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 76% were on grade level in reading and 69% were on grade level in mathematics.[136] Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 4th graders were 58.6% on grade level in reading and 44.4% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 77.3% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among Pennsylvania third (3rd) graders, 62% were reading on grade level, while 48.5% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[137]

2014 School Performance Profile

Salem Elementary School achieved a score of 84.5 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 74% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 77% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 88% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 85% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 77% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[178]

2013 School Performance Profile

Salem Elementary School achieved a score of 80.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 70% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 75% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 88% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 84.5% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 46% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[179]

AYP History

In 2012, Salem Elementary School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to lagging student achievement. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, Salem Elementary achieved AYP status, despite declining reading achievement.[180] In 2008, the School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading and math achievement.

In 2012, just 69% of the students in grades 3rd through 5th were reading on grade level. In Math, 86% of students in 3rd through 5th grade were on grade level, with 55% scoring advanced. In 2012, 77% of 4th graders were on grade level in science.

In 2011, 79% of students in grades 3rd through 5th were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 92% of 3rd through 5th graders were on grade level. Fourth graders were tested in science - 90% were on grade level with 51% scoring advanced.[181]

In 2010, 77% of the students grades 3rd through 5th were on grade level in reading. In Mathematics, 88% of the students in grades 3rd through 5th were on grade level. In science 72% were on grade level with 29% scoring advanced.[182]

Orange Street Elementary School is located at 845 Orange Street, Berwick. In 2016, the School's enrollment was 467 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 79% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 16% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.5% are identified as gifted.[183] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full day kindergarten.[184] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, enrollment was 456 students grades kindergarten through 5th grade, with 71% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school provides full day kindergarten to all pupils. In 2010, enrollment was 390 students grades kindergarten through 5th grade, with 237 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 29 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[185]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 66.5 out of 100 points. Orange Street Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 60% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 48% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, only 54% were on grade level in reading, while 44% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 85% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 60% were on grade level in reading and 63% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[175][186]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 53% of 5th grade students at Orange Street Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 49% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 55% were on grade level in reading, while 54% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 83% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 52% were on grade level in reading and 59% were on grade level in mathematics.[136]

2014 School Performance Profile

Orange Elementary School achieved a score of 65.3 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 57% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 72% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 73.8% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 71% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 44.5% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[187]

2013 School Performance Profile

Orange Street Elementary School achieved a score of 69.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 51.5% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 58% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 79% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 72.97% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 49% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[188]

AYP History

In 2012, Orange Street Elementary School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress status due to lagging academic achievement. The School missed all reading metrics.[189] From 2003 to 2011, Orange Street Elementary achieved AYP status each year, in spite of sharply declining reading achievement.[190]

In 2012, just 57% of students in grades 3rd through 5th were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, only 79% of 3rd through 5th graders were on grade level. Fourth graders were tested in science - 76% were on grade level with a decline to 30% scoring advanced.[191]

In 2011, 80% of students in grades 3rd through 5th were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 93% of 3rd through 5th graders were on grade level. Fourth graders were tested in science - 85% were on grade level with 55% scoring advanced.[192]

In 2010, 77% of the students grades 3rd through 5th were on grade level in reading. In Mathematics, 88% of the students in grades 3rd through 5th were on grade level. In science 72% were on grade level with 29% scoring advanced.[193]

Nescopeck Elementary School is located in 315 Dewey Street, Nescopeck. In 2016, the School's enrollment was 230 pupils in grades preschool through 5th, with 48.7% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 21% of the pupils receive special education services, while 3% are identified as gifted.[194] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provided full day kindergarten.[184] The school is a federally designated Title I school. In 2015, Nescopeck ES enrollment declined precipitously to 227 pupils in grades Kindergarten to fifth, with 42% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty.[195] The school provided full day kindergarten. The school was a federally designated Title I school.

In 2014, Nescopeck Elementary School's enrollment was 283 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 39% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 19% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2% are identified as gifted.[196] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provided full day kindergarten.[197] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2010, enrollment was 257 students grades kindergarten through 5th grade, with 87 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 20 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[198] The school provided full day kindergarten to all pupils.

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 75.5 out of 100 points. Nescopeck Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 65% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while 75% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 60% were on grade level in reading, while 62% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 85% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 80% were on grade level in reading and 72% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[175]

2015 School Performance Profile

SPP withheld by PDE. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 77.5% of 5th grade students at Nescopeck Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 72.5% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 52% were on grade level in reading, while 55% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 89% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 62.5% were on grade level in reading and 67.5% were on grade level in mathematics.[136]

2014 School Performance Profile

Nescopeck Elementary School achieved a score of 81.6 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 68% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 75% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 78% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 87.8% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 62% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[199]

2013 School Performance Profile

Nescopeck Elementary School achieved a score of 80.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 69% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 75.67% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 87.97% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 78.95% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 73.68% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[200]

AYP History

In 2012, Nescopeck Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement. In 2010 and 2011, the Nescopeck Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[201]

In 2012, 77% of students in grades 3rd through 5th were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 88% of pupils were on grade level with 58% achieving advanced. In 4th grade science, 81% were on grade level, with 35% achieving advanced.

In 2011, 89% of students in grades 3rd through 5th were on grade level in reading. Mathematics, 89% of 3rd through 5th graders demonstrated on grade level math skills. Fourth graders were tested in science -2012 - 81% on grade level, with 35% advanced. 2011 - 93% were on grade level with 20% scoring advanced.[202]

In 2010, 86% of the students grades 3rd through 5th were on grade level in Reading. In Mathematics, 97% of the students in grades 3-5 were on grade level with 77% achieving advanced skills. In 4th grade science, 72% were on grade level with 29% scoring advanced.[203]

Investigation In July 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Education released a report listing Nescopeck Elementary School among 89 schools with an unusually high level of changes of wrong answers to correct answers on its 2009 5th grade PSSA's.[204][205] In January 2012, the state released a list of schools that had been cleared of wrongdoing. Nescopeck Elementary School was not on that list.[206] The Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a formal public reprimand against the Principal for "Allegations that Educator violated the integrity and security of the PSSA by failing to maintain the security of PSSA test documents and by providing improper assistance to a student taking the PSSA."[207]

Fourteenth Street Elementary School is located at 1401 North Market Street, Berwick. In 2016, the School's enrollment declined to 229 pupils in grades preschool through 5th, with 58% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 12.6% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[208] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full day kindergarten.[209] The school is a federally designated Title I school. In 2015, enrollment was 252 students in grades kindergarten through 5th grade.[210]

In 2013, enrollment was 248 students in grades kindergarten through 5th grade, with 49% of its pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school provides full day kindergarten to all its pupils. In 2010, enrollment was 239 students grades kindergarten through 5th grade, with 115 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 18 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[211]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 84.1 out of 100 points. Fourteenth Street Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 65% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while 61% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 63% were on grade level in reading, while just 55% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 89% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 78% were on grade level in reading and 78% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[175]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 62% of 5th grade students at Fourteenth Street Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 50% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 64% were on grade level in reading, while 64% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 75% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 64% were on grade level in reading and 59% were on grade level in mathematics.[136]

2014 School Performance Profile

Fourteenth Street Elementary School achieved a score of 79.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 69% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 77% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 86% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 82% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 77% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[212]

2013 School Performance Profile

Fourteenth Street Elementary School achieved a score of 74.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 68% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 76.9% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 84.87% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 82.5% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 53.85% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[213]

AYP History

In 2012, Fourteenth Street Elementary School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress. In 2010 and 2011, 14th Street Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[214] From 2003 to 2009, Fourteenth Street ES achieved AYP status each school year.

In 2012, only 76% of students in graders third through fifth were reading on grade level. In mathematics, 85% of pupils in grades (3rd-5th) demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. Science - 83% of fourth graders were on grade level in science in 2012 with 23% scoring advanced.

In 2011, 84% of students in grades 3rd through 5th were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 96% of 3rd through 5th graders were on grade level. In 2011, 100% of fourth graders were on grade level with 45% scoring advanced.[215][216]

In 2010, 74% of the students grades 3rd through 5th were on grade level in Reading. In Mathematics, 97% of the students in grades 3-5 were on grade level with 77% achieving advanced skills. In 4th grade science, 85% were on grade level with 51% scoring advanced.[217]

In 2011, the Berwick Area School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Berwick Area High School received $9,268 which was used to purchase equipment for its Get Fit Don't Quit program. Orange Street Elementary School also received a grant for $6,290 for a dance recess program.[230] 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.

In 2014, Pennsylvania began a grant program providing funding for programs to address school violence and security. Eligible schools and municipalities could apply for up to $60,000 for a school resource officer and up to $40,000 for a school police officer.[238] Berwick Area School District applied and was awarded $38,484.[239] Berwick Area did not participate in the state's Safe Schools targeted grant.

The District Administration reported that 179 or 5.52% of its students were gifted in 2009.[252] 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.[253]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Berwick Area School District receives 49.2% of its annual revenue from the state.[287]

In December 2014, the Pennsylvania Education Funding Reform Commission conducted a hearing. Testimony was given regarding state funding at local districts.[288][289] The commission developed a new basic education funding formula which sets a new way to distribute state basic education dollars. It abolished the practice of "hold harmless" funding, which gave districts at least the same as they got the previous school year regardless of declining enrollment. The plan became law in June 2016 (House Bill 1552).[290][291][292]

For the 2017-18 school year, Berwick Area School District received a 1.5% increase to $14,761,059 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.[293] The greatest increase in funding, in Columbia County, was awarded to Bloomsburg Area School District a 2.6% increase.[294] Pennsylvania again increased its public education spending to a record high of $5.995 billion. It was a $100 million increase, 1.7% increase over the 2016-17 state education appropriation.[295] Additionally, the state continued to fund its Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $25 million increase to $1.121 billion.[296] The state also paid $529,5 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.304 billion to the teacher's pension fund, an increase of 7.6% over the state's 2016-17 payment. The state maintained its $100 million reimbursement to school districts for transportation costs. Governor Wolf had proposed cutting the funding by 50% shifting the costs to local taxpayers.[297][298]

For the 2016-17 school year, Berwick Area School District received $14,537,172 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a 2.5% increase over 2015-16 funding to the District. The highest percentage of BEF increase in Columbia County was 3% awarded to Benton Area School District and Bloomsburg Area School District under the state's Basic Education Funding formula. For the 2016-17 school year, Pennsylvania increased its public education spending to a record high of $5,895 billion. It was a $200 million increase, 3.51% increase over the 2015-16 appropriation.[299] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.[300] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher's pension fund.[301] Berwick received an increase ins special education and Ready to Learn grant funding. Statewide Conestoga Valley School District received a 13.3% increase in state BEF funding. Five PA public school districts received an increase of 10% or greater in Basic Education funding over their 2015-16 funding.

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $6,831,445 to Berwick Area School District, in January 2016.[302] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.[303] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.[304] Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in Basic Education funding under Governor Wolf.[305][306] Governor Wolf withheld full funding from most school district for 9 months.

In compliance with a legislative mandate that was passed with veto proof majorities in the PA House and Senate,[307] the final BEF funding was determined for 2015-16, in April 2016. Berwick Area School District received $14,179,804 in Basic Education Funds for the 2015-16 school year. This was a 1.96% increase yielding a $273,144 increase over the previous school year funding. The District also received $549,482 in Ready to Learn funding from the state.[308]

For the 2014-15 school year, Berwick Area School District received $13,910,046 in State Basic Education funding. The District also received $429,566 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[309] The Education budget also includes Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State is paying $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania's Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-14 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[310]

For the 2013-14 school year, Berwick Area School District received a 1.6% increase or $13,908,012 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding (BEF). This is $224,147 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Berwick Area School District will receive $208,925 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Columbia County, Southern Columbia Area School District received the highest percentage increase at 2.1%. The District has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth's budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding 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.[311] 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.[312]

For the 2012-13 school year, the Berwick Area School District received $13,892,560.[313] 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. Berwick Area School District received $208,925 in ABG funds. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[314] 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.

For the 2011-12 school year, Berwick Area School District received a $13,681,984 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[315] Additionally, the Berwick Area School District received $208,925, in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania State Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.[316] 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.[317] In 2010, the district reported that 1,389 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[318]

For the 2010-11 school year, the state allocated a 4.66% increase to Berwick Area School District for a total of $15,132,433. The highest increase among Columbia County school districts was given to Southern Columbia Area School District with a 5.77% increase. One hundred fifty school districts received a base 2% increase. The highest increase in the state went to Kennett Consolidated School District located in Chester County, which received a 23.65% increase in state basic education funding.[319] The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each public school district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, including were pupil enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each public school district received was set by then Governor Edward Rendell and his 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.[320]

In the 2009-10 school year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 6.11% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $14,458,812 to Berwick Area School District. This was the highest percentage point increase, in Basic Education Funding, among the public school districts in Columbia County. In Pennsylvania, twenty school districts received basic education funding increases over 10% in 2009.[321] Across the Commonwealth ninety school districts received the base 2% increase in funding in 2009. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.[322] The amount of increase each Pennsylvania public 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.[323] 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.[324][325]

The state Basic Education Funding to the Berwick Area School District in 2008-09 was $13,626,386.29. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[326] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1,251 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.[327]

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 the 2010-11 school year, the district applied for and received $567,074 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide Increased Instructional Time and full-day kindergarten.[328][329]

• 2009-10 - $567,074 for increased instructional time - tutoring and full-day kindergarten for the 5th year.[330]
• 2008-09 - $567,074 for increased instructional time and full-day kindergarten.[331]

Beginning in the 2014-15 budget, the State funded a new Ready to Learn Grant for public schools. A total of $100 million is allocated through a formula to districts based on the number of students, level of poverty of community as calculated by its market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) and the number of English language learners. Ready to Learn Block Grant funds may be used by the Districts for: school safety; Ready by 3 early childhood intervention programs; individualized learning programs; and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.[332]

Berwick Area School District received $429,566 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, PreK Counts funding, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

• 2016-17, Berwick Area School District received an increase to $549,482 in state Ready to Learn grant.
• 2017-18 - $549,482[333]

The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010-11, the Berwick Area School District received $74,531.[334]

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, Mathematics) and funded mandatory teacher training to optimize the instructional use of the computers. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Berwick Area School District received $52,843 in 2006-07. In 2007-08, the District received $300,000 and in 2008-09 $50,603 for a total of $403,446.[335] Among the public school districts in Columbia County the highest award was given to Berwick Area School District. 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 plan.

Berwick Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education grants;[336][337] PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell);[338] the 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;[339] Project 720 High School Reform grants (discontinued effective with 2011-12 budget) nor the 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants.[340]

Berwick Area School District received an extra $2,937,591 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[341] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 school year and 2010-2011 school year. Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, the Governor and the Pennsylvania School Board Association, to use the funds for one-time expenditures like acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Berwick Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant. When approved for the grant, the district would have receives over one million dollars of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[342] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success.[343] In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[344]

Berwick Area School District was designated as a before and after school program provider for Columbia and Luzerne Counties in 2010. They received state funding - a grant of $142,376. CCLCs provide academic, artistic and cultural enhancement activities to students and their families when school is not in session.[345]

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.[346] Upon registering for public school, a language survey is done for all new enrollment pupils, typically in kindergarten or preschool. They identify the primary language spoken at home. This data is collected and submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which in turn notifies the federal government.[347] In 2012-13 - Berwick Area School District received $13,579 in Title III funding for English language learners.[348]

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to be used to improve the quality of teacher instructions to pupils. The goal is provide each child in public schools with “Highly Quality” teachers and principals as defined by the state.[349] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[350] Beginning in 2002, the federal funding committed to Title II was $3,175,000,000.

Public school district administrations must apply to the state annually for the Title II funds. In 2012-13, Berwick Area School District received $163,154 in federal Title II funding.[351] In 2014-15, Berwick Area School District applied for and received $154,649.[352]

The school board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.[353] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings change

For the 2015-16 school year, the Berwick Area School Board levied property taxes at: 44.7500 mills for residents in Columbia County and 11.3000 mills for Luzerne County residents.[354] 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. On the local level, Pennsylvania 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.[355] Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Unlike other states, under Pennsylvania state tax policy, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes.[356] When a Pennsylvania public 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.[357] 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 crossed county borders.[358]

The average yearly property tax paid by Columbia County residents amounts to about 2.72% of their yearly income. Columbia County ranked 778th of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income. The average yearly property tax paid by Luzerne County residents amounts to about 3.02% of their yearly income. Luzerne County ranked 586th of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[367] 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.[368] 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%).[369]

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each public school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2010-2011 school year was 1.4 percent, but it 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, increasing rising health care 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.[370]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Berwick Area School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.[371]

For the 2017-18 budget year, Berwick Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the District's Act 1 Index.[380] Statewide 356 school districts adopted a resolution to not exceed their Act I index in 2017-18. In 2017-18, all Pennsylvania public school districts were required to make a 32.85% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[381] This was in addition to the 6.2% social security employer match payment and the Medicare match of 1.45%.[382][383]

For the 2016-17 budget year, Berwick Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the District's Act 1 Index limit.[384] Statewide 299 school districts adopted a resolution to not exceed their Act I index in 2016-17.

For the 2015-16 budget year, Berwick Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget 2015-16, 310 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 187 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Regarding the pension costs exception, 172 school districts received approval to exceed the Index limit in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 119 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. No Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[385]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Berwick Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget 2014-15, 316 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 181 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Districts may apply for multiple exceptions each year. For the pension costs exception, 163 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 104 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Seven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[386]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Berwick Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2013-2014, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 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 the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[387]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Berwick 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.[387]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Berwick Area School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the Berwick 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.[388]

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.[389]

For the 2009-10 school year budget, the Berwick Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the District's Act 1 Index limit.[390][391] Each year, the Berwick 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 publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[388]

In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards applied to the PDE for permission to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.[392]

In 2013, property tax relief to property owners in Columbia County was set at $181 for the 6,037 homesteads and farmsteads that applied. The Highest property tax relief in Columbia County was awarded to Benton Area School District at $227. In 2010, property tax relief was set at $180 for the 6,078 homesteads and farmsteads that applied.[393] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for Berwick Area School District was $181 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 6,031 property owners applied for the tax relief. The highest property tax relief, in Columbia County, was $225 given in Benton Area School District. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (40,000 m²) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Columbia County, 71% of property owners applied for the rebate in 2009.[394] 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.[395] Since the inception of the program CUSD has consistently been the top recipient.

Some Berwick Area School District residents, including: low income residents aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older, can qualify for the state's Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners.[396] Residents must apply annually to receive up to $650. The Property tax/rent rebate program is funded by revenues from the Pennsylvania Lottery. In 2012, these property tax rebates were increased by an additional 50 percent for senior households in the state, so long as those households have incomes under $30,000 and pay more than 15% of their income in property taxes.[397]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[406]

Article XVI-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code requires the disclosure of interscholastic athletic opportunities for all public secondary school entities in Pennsylvania. All school entities with grades 7-12 are required to annually collect data concerning team and financial information for all male and female athletes beginning with the 2012-13 school year and submit the information to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, all non-school (booster club and alumni) contributions and purchases must also be reported to PDE.[407]

According to Pennsylvania's Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.[401][408]

The District funds:

Middle School Sports

• According to PIAA directory July 2012 [409]

In May 2012, the school board hired Geisinger Sports Medicine to provide athletic trainer services in a five-year contract costing $38,000 in 2012-13 and rising to $42,769 in 2016-17.[14]