Brownsville Area School District

In 2012, Brownsville Area School District declined to District Improvement level I Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to chronic, low academic achievement.[44]

• 2011 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging academic achievement. In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of Pennsylvania public school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.[45][46]
• 2010 - achieved AYP status[47]
• 2009 - achieved AYP status
• 2008 - achieved AYP status
• 2007 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging academic achievement
• 2006 - achieved AYP status
• 2005 - Making Progress School Improvement level 1 AYP status
• 2004 - declined to School Improvement level 1 AYP status due to low reading and math achievement
• 2003 - Warning AYP status due to lagging academic achievement in reading and math

In 2015, Brownsville Area School District's graduation rate was 77.42%.[48]

• 2014 - 83.73%[49]
• 2013 - 78.40%[50]
• 2012 - 86.78%[51]
• 2011 - 77%.[52]
• 2010 - 86.78%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[53]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 - 84%[54]
• 2009 - 84% [55]
• 2008 - 62%
• 2007 - 85% [56]

Brownsville Area High School is located at 1 Falcon Drive. Brownsville. In 2015, enrollment was reported as 510 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 59.8% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 17.25% of pupils received special education services, while 4% of pupils were identified as gifted.[57] The school employed 39 teachers.[58] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[59]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2013, Brownsville Area High School reported an enrollment of 519 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 302 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. In 2013, the School employed 36 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[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] Built in 1961 near the Redstone football field, that building was salvaged and the new high school in Brownsville was built in 2006.

2015 School Performance Profile

Brownsville Area High School achieved 52.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that just 60% of the High School's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 47.37% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 42.48% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[62] 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.[63][64]

2014 School Performance Profile

Brownsville Area High School achieved 68 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 72.50% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 52.07% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 31% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[65][66] 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%.[67]

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.[68] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[69][70]

Compared with 2013, the percentage of schools that earned below 60 declined by nearly 1 percent per Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq. She reported that this is an indication that student achievement is improving as school resources are being used better.[71]

2013 School Performance Profile

Brownsville Area High School achieved 68 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 71.82% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 40.54% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 28.83% showed on grade level science understanding.[72] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, beginning in 2012, they take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.[73]

In 2012, Brownsville Area HIgh School declined further to Corrective Action II 1st Year AYP status.[74]

• 2011 - declined to Corrective Action Level II - 1st year due to chronic, low student achievement.[75]
• 2010 - Making Progress: in Corrective Action II due to low student achievement. The administration was required by No Child Left Behind to notify parents of the school's poor performance and to offer transferring to a quality school in the district. No other high school is operated in the district. The high school is listed among the lowest-performing schools in the Commonwealth.[76][77] The school has been required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop and implement a school improvement plan to address the serious shortcomings reflected in the low student academic success.[78]
• 2009 - declined to Corrective Action 2 (first year) AYP level
• 2008 - Making Progress Corrective Action 1
• 2007 - declined Corrective Action 1 (first year) AYP level
• 2006 - Making Progress School Improvement 2 AYP level
• 2005 - declined to School Improvement 2 AYP level
• 2004 - declined to School Improvement 1 AYP level
• 2003 - Warning level AYP level due to lagging reading and math achievement

PSSA results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[79]

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 applicable course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.[80]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 58% on grade level, (18% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[81]
• 2011 - 71% (9% below basic). State - 69.1%[82]
• 2010 - 55% (28% below basic). State - 66%[83]
• 2009 - 54% (24% below basic). State - 65%[84]
• 2008 - 67% (21% below basic). State - 65%[85]
• 2007 - 50% (31% below basic). State - 65%[86]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 48% on grade level (27% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[87]
• 2011 - 59%, (17% below basic). State - 60.3%
• 2010 - 66%, (23% below basic). State - 59%
• 2009 - 43%, (21% below basic). State - 56%.
• 2008 - 56%, (30% below basic). State - 56%
• 2007 - 26% (37% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 24% on grade level (23% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[88]
• 2011 - 37% (16% below basic). State - 40%[89]
• 2010 - 28% (28% below basic). State - 39%
• 2009 - 40%, State - 40% [90]
• 2008 - 27%, (22% below basic). State - 39%

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 35% of the Brownsville 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.[91] 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.[92] 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.

The high school offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books[93] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[94]

For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $4,160 for the program.[95]

The Challenge Program, Inc. offers $250.00 cash incentives to Senior High School students who excel in the categories of: Academic Improvement, Attendance, Community Service and Academic Excellence. The program partners with businesses to motivate students both in and out of the classroom by encouraging good habits in students that will last throughout their education and into their future careers. For the 2010-2011 school year, the top 10% of students in each of the categories will be eligible to win $250.00.[96]

The Brownsville Area School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 26 credits to graduate, including: Math 4 credits one class each year, English 4 credit (pass one each year), Social Studies 4 credits, Science, including Biology 3.5 credits (Juniors are required to take Global Science and Science 11), Computers 2 courses, School to Career - .5 Credits, Physical Education 2 credits, health 0.5 credit, Arts/Humanities 3.5 credits and electives.[97]

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.[98] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[99]

By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2019,[100] public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the respective Keystone Exams for each course.[101][102] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[103]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Schools are mandated to provide targeted assistance to help the student be successful. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.[104][105] 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.[106] 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.[107] 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.

In 2014, 62 Brownsville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 650. The Math average score was 650. The Writing average score was 680.[108][109] 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.[110] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, 90 Brownsville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 426. The Math average score was 419. The Writing average score was 399. 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.[111]

In 2012, 68 Brownsville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 453. The Math average score was 461. The Writing average score was 430. 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, 64 Brownsville Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 421. The Math average score was 430. The Writing average score was 401.[112] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[113] 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.[114]

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a research arm of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, 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.[115]

The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that 71 percent of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania chose to continue their education after high school in 2003, whereas 79 percent of urban high school graduates opted to continue their education.

In 2014, Brownsville Area High School offered 3 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. The fee for each AP Exam is $91 (2014).[116] The school normally retains $9 of that fee as a rebate to help with administrative costs. In 2012, the fee was $89 per test per pupil. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Brownsville Area High School 30% of the students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[117]

Brownsville Area Middle School is located at 3 Falcon Drive, Brownsville. In 2015, enrollment was 393 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 68% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 20% of pupils received special education services, while 2% of pupils were identified as gifted.[118] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1% of its teachers were rated "Non-Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[119]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2013, the Brownsville Area Middle School reported an enrollment of 378 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 251 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 28 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.[120] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the School's teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[121]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE withheld SPP scores. It was reported that 23% of 8th grade students at Brownsville Area Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, just 4% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 47% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 41% were on grade level in reading, while 17% showed on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 37% were on grade level in reading and 8% were on grade level in mathematics.[122] 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. Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[123]

2014 School Performance Profile

Brownsville Area Middle School achieved 52.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 52.46% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 54.92% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 40.87% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 34% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[124]

2013 School Performance Profile

Brownsville Area Middle School achieved 64.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 57.85% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 62% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 44.19% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 32.31% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[125] 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, Brownsville Area Middle School declined further to Corrective Action II 1st Year AYP status, missing 6 academic metrics in reading and mathematics.[126]

• 2011 - declined to Corrective Action I AYP status due to chronic, low student achievement.[127] Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes and to offer the parent the opportunity to transfer to a successful school within the District.
• 2010 - Making Progress: in School Improvement II level. The attendance rate was 90% in both 2011 and 2010.[128]
• 2009 - remained in School Improvement 2 AYP status, due to ongoing low academic achievement.[129]
• 2008 - declined further to School Improvement Level 2 AYP status due to low academic achievement.[130]
• 2007 - remained in School Improvement 1 AYP status due to low academic achievement.[131]
• 2006 - remained in School Improvement 1 AYP status.
• 2005 - remained to School Improvement 1 AYP status.
• 2004 - declined to School Improvement Level 1 AYP status. The school administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school district must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.[132] The Middle School was eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.[133]
• 2003 - Warning AYP status, due to lagging student achievement.

PSSA Results

Sixth and seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999, as a state initiative.[134] 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.[135] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[136] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[137]

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 25% on grade level (46% below basic). State - 59%[143]
• 2011 - 34%, (39% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 26%, (52% below basic). State – 57%[144]
• 2009 - 28%, (37% below basic). State - 55% [145]
• 2008 - 41%, (33% below basic). State - 52% [146]

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2014, Brownsville Area School District implemented a no cost dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school.[147] 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.[148]

Central Elementary School is located at 234 Arensburg Road, East Millsboro. In 2015, the School's enrollment was 346 pupils in grades 3rd through 5th, with 73.7% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 24% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[149] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[150] The school is a federally designated Title I school. The building was built in 1965. in 2011-12, 2014–15 and 201-16, Central Elementary school was listed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as one of the bottom 15% of schools for academic achievement in the Commonwealth.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012, enrollment was 375 pupils in grades 3rd through 5th, with 254 pupils receiving a free or reduced price lunch. The School employed 28 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.[151] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[152]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 44% of 5th grade students at Central Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, just 14% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 32% were on grade level in reading, while 8% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 54% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 47% were on grade level in reading and 26% were on grade level in mathematics.[153] 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.[154]

2014 School Performance Profile

Central Elementary School achieved a score of out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 52.78% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 54.7% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 57% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 76% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 61% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[155]

2013 School Performance Profile

Central Elementary School achieved a score of out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 54.7% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 60.5% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 57.26% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 78% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 38% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[156] 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, Central Elementary School remained in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics.[157]

• 2011 - Warning AYP status[158] Just 48% of students area reading on grade level. 63% perform math on grade level.[159]
• 2005-2010 - achieved AYP status[160]
• 2004 - Making Progress School Improvement level I
• 2003 - School Improvement level I due to low student academic achievement in reading and mathematics.[161]

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.[162] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[163][164][165] 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.[166] 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.

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 80%, (6% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 91%, (0% below basic). State - 82.9%
• 2010 - 82%, (6% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 - 69%, (9% below basic). State - 83%

Cox-Donahey Elementary School is located at 112 Thornton Road, Brownsville. In 2015, the School's enrollment was 411 pupils in grades kindergarten through 2nd, with 70% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 18% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[172] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school provides full day kindergarten.[173] The school is a federally designated Title I school. Year Built: 1968 No state testing is done since 2013, since the school offers K-2nd.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2013, Cox-Donahey Elementary School enrollment was 375 pupils in grades kindergarten through 2nd, with 266 pupils receiving a free or reduced price lunch. The School employed 29 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.[174] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[175] The school has provided full day kindergarten to all its pupils since 2008.[176] In 2012 the school offered kindergarten-5th grade. Third through 5th grades were shifted to Central Elementary School in a reorganization plan. At the same time, all k-2 pupils were shifted to Cox-Donahey Elementary School.

AYP history

In 2012 and 2011, Cox-Donahey Elementary School achieved AYP status based on Safe Harbor provisions, even though reading and math achievement were low.[177]

• 2007-2010 - achieved AYP status each school year[178]
• 2006 - Making progress School Improvement Level I AYP status
• 2005 - declined to School Improvement Level I AYP status due to low student achievement. The School's administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement.
• 2004 - remained in Warning AYP status
• 2003 - Warning AYP status

The District Administration reported that 59 pupils or 3.08% of its students were gifted in 2009.[196] 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.[197]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Brownsville Area School District receives 64.4% of its annual revenue from the state.[240] This exceeds some education advocates goal of the state providing 50% of district funding.[241]

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $5,756,886 to Brownsville Area School District, in January 2016.[242] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.[243] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.[244] Brownsville Area School District received a 2.07% increase in BEF. Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in funding.[245][246]

For the 2014-15 school year, Brownsville Area School District received $11,773,910 in State Basic Education funding. The District also received $329,271 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget included $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[247] The Education budget also included 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 paid $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania's Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[248]

In the 2013-2014 school year, the Brownsville Area School District received a 1.4% increase or $11,775,798 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $157,525 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Brownsville Area School District received $175,729 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Fayette County, Laurel Highlands School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 1.9%. The District had the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth's budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[249] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland School District, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.[250] As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[251]

For the 2012-13 school year, the Brownsville Area School District received $11,618,273.[252] 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. Brownsville Area School District received $175,729. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[253] This amount was a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett's first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In the 2011-12 school year, Brownsville Area School District received a $11,618,273 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[254][255] Additionally, Brownsville Area School District received $175,729 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted 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.[256] 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.[257] In 2010, the District reported that 1,235 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[258] Some Pennsylvania public school districts experienced a reduction of total funding due to the termination of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.

For the 2010-11 budget year, Brownsville Area School District received a 2.91% increase in Basic Education Funding The highest increase in Fayette County was given to the Laurel Highlands School District which received a 6.29% increase in Basic Education Funding. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest funding increase, in 2010-11, went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[259] Fifteen (15) Pennsylvania public school districts received a BEF increase of greater than 10%. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.[260]

'For the 2009-10 school budget year', the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.52% increase in Basic Education Funding to Brownsville Area School District, for a total of $12,027,308. Among the districts in Fayette County, the highest increase went to Laurel Highlands School District which got a 4.23%. Ninety school districts received a 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.[261] The amount of increase each school district receives is set by the Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February.[262]

For the 2008-09 school year, the state Basic Education Funding to the district was $11,301,719.96. In 2008, the District reported that 1,234 pupils qualified for a free or reduced-price lunch according to Federal poverty guidelines.[263] 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.[264][265]

All Pennsylvania school districts also receive additional funding from the state through several funding allocations, including: Reimbursement of Charter School Expenditures; Special Education Funding; Secondary Career & Technical Education Subsidy; PA Accountability Grants; and low achieving schools were eligible for Educational Assistance Program Funding. Plus all Pennsylvania school districts receive federal dollars for various programs including: Special Education funding and Title I funding for children from low income families. In 2010, Pennsylvania spent over $24 billion for public education - local, state and federal dollars combined.[266] By 2015, Pennsylvania is spending over $27 billion on public education (local, state and federal resources combined).[267]

Beginning in 2004-2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania's school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students, For 2010-11, the district applied for and received $476,973 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide full-day kindergarten, to pay teachers to write new curriculum and to increase instructional time.[268][269]

Beginning in the 2014-2015 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.[270]

Brownsville Area School District received $329,271 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, PreK Counts funding, transportation reimbursement, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive. In 2015-16, Brownsville Area School District received $362,029 in RTL grant dollars.

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, Uniontown Area School District received $143,685.[271]

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. The Brownsville Area School District applied, but was denied for funding by the PDE in 2006-07. In 2007-08, Brownsville Area School District received $153,453. The District received $45,413 in 2008-09 for a total funding of $198,866.[272]

In Fayette County, the maximum grant was awarded to Albert Gallatin Area School District - $487,912. 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 his 2009-10 state budget.

The Environmental Education Grant Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that 5 percent of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Department of Environmental Protection be set aside for environmental education. In 2012, Brownsville Area School District was awarded $7,500.[273]

Project 720 was a high school reform program implemented for three years under the Rendell administration. The intent was to increase academic rigor and improve the instruction of teachers in the Commonwealth's high schools. Teachers were expected to use data driven instructional practices and to meet the needs of diverse learners.[274] The 720 in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades.[275] High schools applied for funding and were required to agree to report to the PDE their plans, their actions and the outcomes. In 2007-08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. Brownsville Area School District was one of 161 PA public school districts to apply, receiving $76,000 funding over three years.[276][277] For 2010-11, Project 720 funding was decreased to $1.7 million by Governor Rendell. The grant program was discontinued effective with the 2011-12 state budget.[278]

Brownsville Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell);[279] Education Assistance Grants; 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;[280] 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; nor 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants.[281]

Brownsville Area School District received an extra $2,791,996 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[282] The funding is for the 2009–10 and 2010-2011 school years.[283] The funding was limited to the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.[284] 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.

Brownsville Area School District officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided over one million dollars in additional federal funding to improve student academic achievement. 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.[285] 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.[286][287][288]

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to be used to improve the quality of teacher instructions to pupils. The goal is to provide each child in public schools with "Highly Quality" teachers and principals as defined by the state.[289] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[290] 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, Brownsville Area School District received $228,301 in federal Title II funding.[291] In 2014-15, Brownsville Area School District applied for and received $223,000.[292]

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.[293] Upon registering for 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.[294]

In 2012-13 - Area School District received zero in Title III funding for English language learners.[295] For 2014-15, Brownsville Area School District received $570 in Title III funding.[296]

In July 2003, Brownsville Area School District received a federal grant which is run by the PDE. The grant calls for the establishment and sustainability of community learning centers that provide additional educational services to students in high-poverty and low-performing schools. The grant was competitive. Applications for the grants were reviewed and scored by a panel of representatives from the educational field and professional grant writers. The school received $270,000. While 101 entities applied for the funding, only 66 were approved including eight charter schools. The funding is for the 2003-04 fiscal year.[297]

In 2010, Brownsville Area School District was determined to be eligible for the federal Enhancing Education through Technology grant.[298] The district did not apply for funding.[299] Several Fayette County school districts received funding.

The Brownsville Area School Board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program.[300] 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.[301][302] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Property tax rates in 2015-16 were set by the Brownsville Area School Board at 18.1880 mills for properties in Fayette County and 108.5000 mills for properties in Washington County.[303] 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.[304] 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.[305] There are a plethora of gas pipelines in the District due to marcellus shale gas development.[306] Pipeline companies prohibit development within the 100 foot wide right-of-way, there by limiting future development options for the landowner. This limits future potential property tax revenues for the school district, by constraining future land development. Located in the marcellus shale region, Brownsville Area School District is adversely impacted this way.[307]

Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[308] When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two or more counties (like Brownsville Area School District), each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.[309] In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.[310]

• 2014-15 - 16.3200 mills for Fayette County and 98.2700 mills for Washington County.[311]
• 2013-14 - 16.5700 mills for Fayette County and 91.2300 mills for Washington County.[312]
• 2012-13 - 16.5700 mills for Fayette County and 86.4700 mills for Washington County.
• 2011-12 - 16.5700 mills for Fayette County and 93.2100 mills for Washington County.[313]
• 2010-11 - 13.0700 mills for Fayette County and 73.4700 mills for Washington County.[314]
• 2009-10 - 11.7700 mills for Fayette County and 66.5500 mills for Washington County [315]
• 2008-09 - 11.0800 mills for Fayette County and 62.1100 mills for Washington County.[316]
• 2007-08 - 11.0800 mills for Fayette County and 67.2500 mills for Washington County [317]
• 2006-07 - 11.0800 mills for Fayette County and 67.3800 mills for Washington County
• 2005-06 - 10.5800 mills for Fayette County and 55.9800 mills for Washington County

The average yearly property tax paid by Fayette County residents amounts to about 3.48% of their yearly income. Fayette County ranked 382nd out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[318] 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.[319] 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%).[320] Pennsylvania's 2011 tax burden of 10.35% ranked 10th highest out of 50 states. The tax burden was above the national average of 9.8%. Pennsylvania's taxpayers paid $4,374 per capita in state and local taxes, including school taxes.[321]

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of 0.75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.[322] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[323] The following exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school's share of payments to PSERS taking into account on the PSERS contribution rate.[324][325]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Brownsville Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[326]

For the 2015-16 budget year, Brownsville Area School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit: for rising special education costs and for its rapidly rising teacher pension costs. 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.[333]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Brownsville Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[334] 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.[335]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Brownsville Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2013-14, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 16.93% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[336]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Brownsville Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. In 2012-13, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 12.36% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). For 2012-2013 budget year, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; while 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[337]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Brownsville Area School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. They applied for Grandfathered Construction Debt and rising teacher pension costs. Each year, the Brownsville 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.[338]

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.[339]

For 2010-11, Brownsville Area School Board applied for an exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index, due to teacher pension costs.[340]

For 2009-10 school budget, Brownsville Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Index.[341] 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.[342]

In 2013, Brownsville Area School District 3,665 approved homestead properties received $92.[343] The amount received by the District must be divided equally among all approved residences.[344]

In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Brownsville Area School District was $92 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 3,665 property owners applied for the tax relief.[345] The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Brownsville Area 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 Fayette County, 71% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. In Washington County 73% have applied for tax relief.[346] In Fayette County, the highest amount of tax relief in 2010, went to property owners in Uniontown Area School District at $202. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District of Delaware County who received $632 per approved homestead.[347] This was the third year they were the top recipient.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Brownsville Area School District residents aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently, individual with income much 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.[348]

In 2011, Brownsville Area School District received nearly $40,000 in funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grants. Brownsville Area High School received $9,358 which was used to support the Running for Results Program. Brownsville Area Middle School $1,990 for Spinning for Success. Cardale Elementary School received $9,122 for Dance, Dance, Cardale. Central Elementary School received $5,245 for Dance Dance Program. Cox-Donahey Elementary School received $9,720 for Cox-Donahey goes Cardio Program.[374] 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.[375]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[382] Brownsville School District provides its athletics disclosure form on its web site.[383] Article XVI-C of the 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.[384]

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.[385][386]

The District funds:

Varsity

Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2015[387]