Line Mountain School District

In 2012, Line Mountain School District achieved AYP status[49] In 2011, Line Mountain School District also 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.[50] Line Mountain School District achieved AYP status each year from 2003 to 2010.[51]

In 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education stopped reporting Adequate Yearly Progress opting instead for reporting its new School Performance Profiles.[52] The School Performance Profile is a number of points out of 100 points.[53][54]

Prior to 2010, Pennsylvania reported graduation rates via the "leaver rate", which does not account for transfers; therefore, earlier graduation rates cannot be directly compared to the 4-year cohort rate.[57]

Line Mountain High School is located at 187 Line Mountain Road, Herndon. In 2016, enrollment was reported as 381 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 42% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 10% of pupils received special education services, while none of pupils were identified as gifted.[62] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[63]

In 2014, enrollment was 365 pupils in 9th through 12th grades.[64] Forty percent of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 15% of pupils received special education services, while 6% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 44 teachers.[65] Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. In 2013, enrollment was reported as 544 pupils in 7th through 12th grades, with 13.7% of pupils receiving special education services. Additionally 6% of pupils were identified as being gifted.[66] The school employed 44 teachers.[67] Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 566 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 192 of its pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. The school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[68] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under federally No Child Left Behind Act.[69]

In October 2015, Pennsylvania Auditor General DiPasquale reported that Line Mountain Junior Senior High School was among the 561 academically challenged schools that have been overlooked by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[70] He also reported the Pennsylvania Department of Education failed to take any action to remediate these poorly performing schools to raise student academic achievement or to provide them with targeted professional assistance.[71]

2017 School Performance Profile

The PDE did not report the school's SPP. Line Mountain High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 80% of students were on grade level in reading/literature and 65% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 64.7% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[72][73] Statewide 72.7% of students who took the Keystone Reading/Literature exam were on grade level or advanced. In Algebra 1, 65.6% demonstrated on grade level skills. In Biology I,63.4% of students who took a biology course showed on grade level understanding of concepts.[74][75]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 75 out of 100 points. Line Mountain High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 75.5% of students were on grade level in reading.literature and 64.9% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 65.9% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[76] 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.[77] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.[78]

2015 School Performance Profile

Line Mountain High School achieved 62.6 out of 100. The PDE reported that 71% of the Line Mountain High School's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 49% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 54% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[79] 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.[80][81]

2014 School Performance Profile

Line Mountain High School achieved 55.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 77% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 51.7% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, only 48% showed on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[82][83] 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.[84] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[85][86] Compared with last year, the percentage of schools that earned below 60 declined by nearly 1 percent per Secretayr of Education Carolyn Dumaresq. She reported that this is an indication that student achievement is improving as school resources are being used better.[87]

Line Mountain Junior Senior High School achieved 78.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 77% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 78% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 60% showed on grade level science understanding. In 8th grade, 75% demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[88] 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, Line Mountain High School was in Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due low student academic achievement.[89]

• 2007 – 2011 achieved AYP status.[90]
• 2006 – declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging academic achievement
• 2005 – achieved AYP status
• 2004 – declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging academic achievement
• 2003 – achieved 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. PSSAs are NCLB related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012. The PSSAs for 11th graders included: 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 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.[91]

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.[92]

11th grade reading

• 2012 – 69% on grade level. (12% below basics). In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.[93]
• 2011 – 65.4% (17% below basic). State – 69%[94][95]
• 2010 – 64% (19.7% below basic). State – 67%[96]
• 2009 – 58%, State – 65%[97][98]
• 2008 – 63%, State – 65%[99]
• 2007 – 65%, State – 65%
• 2006 – 60%, State – 65%[100]
• 2005 – 62%, State – 65%[101]

11th grade math

In 2011, Line Mountain 11th graders ranked 14th out of 18 Central Pennsylvania High Schools in the CSIU 16 region for math achievement.[102] In 2010, Line Mountain 11th graders ranked 14th out of 18 Central Pennsylvania High Schools in the CSIU 16 region for math achievement.[103] In 2009, Line Mountain ranked 15th out of 18 Central Pennsylvania High Schools.[104]

• 2012 – 67% on grade level. (16% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
• 2011 – 56% (20% below basic). State – 60.3%
• 2010 – 54.7%, (22.7% below basic). State – 59%
• 2009 – 46%, State – 56%[105]
• 2008 – 49%, State – 56%[106]
• 2007 – 46%, State – 53%[107]
• 2006 – 35%, State – 52%
• 2005 – 33%, State – 51%

11th grade science

• 2012 – 53% on grade level (5% below basic) with 63% of Boys and409% of Girls on grade level In Pennsylvania 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 – 44% (12% below basic) with 49% of Boys and 39% of Girls on grade level. State – 40%[108]
• 2010 – 59%, State – 39%[109]
• 2009 – 34%, State – 40%[110][111]
• 2008 – 40%, State – 39%

Science in Motion Line Mountain Junior 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.[112] Susquehanna University provided the experiences in the region.

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 16% of the Line Mountain Junior-Senior 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.[113] 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.[114] 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.

In 2016, 44 Line Mountain School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 491. The Math average score was 493. The Writing average score was 459.[115] The College Board also reported that statewide 92,569 pupils took the exams with average scores declining again in all three measurers to: 494 in reading, 508 in math and 482 in writing.[116] Among the 12 high schools in the CSIU16 region, Area High School ranked th which was above the state average.[117] Nationally, 1,681,134 students took the SATs.[118]

2015 - 43 Line Mountain School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 473. The Math average score was 461. The Writing average score was 441.[119] 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.[120]

2014 - 46 Line Mountain School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 492. The Math average score was 479. The Writing average score was 463.[121] 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.[122]

2013 - 48 Line Mountain School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 494. The Math average score was 503. The Writing average score was 467. 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.[123]

2012 – Sixty-one (61) Line Mountain School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 486. The Math average score was 490. The Writing average score was 454. 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.

2011 – Forty-four (44) Line Mountain Junior Senior High School students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 470. The Math average score was 488. The Writing average score was 461.[124] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal – 493, Math – 501, Writing – 479.[125] 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.[126]

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.[127]

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.

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The Line Mountain School Board has determined that a pupil must complete 31 courses to graduate, including: a required class every year in Mathematics, English, social studies, science, Physical Education, Health/Safety 3 courses, Computer course 1, Humanities 1 course and electives – 5.[128]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students were required to 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.[129] 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.[130] Students must develop an individualized Career Plan.

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2020,[131][132] public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[133] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[134]

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.[135][136] The original intent was to gradually add seven more exams including civics and geometry. In 2017, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation that eliminated developing any more Keystone Exams in other subjects.[137][136][138] 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.[139] 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, regardless of their Keystone Exam results.

In 2017, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed House Bill 202,[140] which makes modifications of the Keystone Exam mandates for students who attend VoTech and Career Tech schools. These pupils will be allowed to use alternate assessments or industry-based certifications.[141][142]

Line Mountain Junior 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. 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.[143] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[144] 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.[145] For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $10,645 for the program. The state grants were discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell in 2010.

ACE Line Mountain 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.[146] Successful students earn college credits that can be transferred to other Pennsylvania public colleges and universities through the Pennsylvania TRAC system.

In 2013, Line Mountain Junior Senior High School offered 2 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. 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 Line Mountain Junior Senior High School less than 10 of the students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[147]

In 2014, Line Mountain High School offered 1 AP course. Fewer than ten (10) of the pupils who took the course achieved a 3 or better on the end of course exam.[148] In 2016, the school offered 5 AP courses with less than 10% of pupils taking the courses achieving a 3 or better on the associated AP exam.[149]

Line Mountain Middle School is located at 187 Line Mountain Road, Herndon. It occupies the same building as the high school. In 2016, enrollment was 403 pupils, in grades 5th through 8th, with 40% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 11.6% of pupils received special education services, while less than 1% of pupils were identified as gifted.[150] According to a 2016 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[151]

In 2014, the enrollment was reported as 409 pupils are enrolled in grades 5th through 8th. Thirty-six percent (36%) of pupils were eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level and 7% receive special education services, while 2% of its pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 32 teachers in 2014.[152] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), 1% of its teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[153]

2017 School Performance Profile

SPP not reported by the PDE. Line Mountain Middle School PSSA mandated testing results were: 66% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while 21% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 61% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.[154][155] In 7th grade, 69% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 40% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 73% were on grade level in reading and only 24% were on grade level in math. In 2017, 78% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, just 43% of 5th grade students showed on grade level math skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported.[156]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 76.5 out of 100 points. Line Mountain Middle School PSSA mandated testing results were: 63% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while 42% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 72% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.[76] In 7th grade, 61% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 59% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 61% were on grade level in reading and only 45% were on grade level in math. In 2016, 65% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, just 39% of 5th grade students showed on grade level math skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported.

2015 school performance profile

The PDE reported that 70% of 8th grade students at Line Mountain Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, 29% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 81% of the school's eighth graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 64% were on grade level in reading, while 25% showed on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 63% were on grade level in reading and 38% were on grade level in mathematics. In 2015, 55% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 42% of 5th grade students showed on grade level math skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported.[157] 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 Pennsylvania 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.[158]

2014 School Performance Profile

Line Mountain Middle School achieved 75.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature – 76.9% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 82.5% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, just 72% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, only 74.7% of the 5th and 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[159]

PSSAs

Sixth and seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders have been 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.[91]

Eighth Grade PSSAs

8th grade science

• 2012 – 60% on grade level. (5% below basic). State – 59% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 – 66% (15% below basic). State – 58.3%. Ranked 12th out of 18 Central PA Schools for Science.
• 2010 – 65%, State – 57%. Ranked 10th out of 18 Central PA Schools for Science.[167]
• 2009 – 65%, State – 57%
• 2009 – 69%, State – 54%
• 2008 – 59%, State – 52%[168]

Seventh Grade PSSAs

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Line Mountain School District did not implement a free state dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school.[169] The process identifies students at risk for droping 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.[170]

Line Mountain Elementary School (formerly Trevorton Elementary School) is located at 542 West Shamokin Street, Trevorton. In 2016, the School's enrollment declined to 428 pupils in grades preschool through 4th, with 44% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 13.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while none are identified as gifted.[171] 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.[172] The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 35 teachers.

In 2014, the school's enrollment was 474 pupils in grades preschool through 4th, with 41% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 12.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[173] 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.[174] The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 39 teachers. In 2013, Line Mountain Elementary School reported 412 pupils in preschool through 6th grade. The school provides taxpayer-funded preschool to 4 years old and a full-day kindergarten. The school reported that 39% of the pupils were from economically disadvantaged homes. In 2013, the administration failed to report Highly Qualified status on its teachers. The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the Trevorton Elementary School reported an enrollment of 361 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 140 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 29 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[175] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.

2017 School Performance Profile

The SPP was not reported by the PDE. Line Mountain Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: only 62% of students in 4th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 64% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In science, 80% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 82% were on grade level in reading and 76% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[176][177]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 78 out of 100 points. Line Mountain Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 4th grade – 64% were on grade level in reading, while just 52% 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, 76% were on grade level in reading and 70% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[178][179]

In 4th grade, 57% of Line Mountain Elementary School were on grade level in reading, while 48% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 85% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 69% were on grade level in reading and 52% were on grade level in mathematics.[157] 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.[158]

2014 School Performance Profile

Line Mountain Elementary School achieved a score of 89.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013–14, 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 83% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 82% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 94% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[180]

Line Mountain Elementary School achieved a score of 85.3 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 74% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 76% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 85% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 79% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[181]

AYP Status

In 2009 through 2012, Trevorton Elementary School achieved the AYP status.[182] The attendance rate was 95% in both 2009 and 2010.[183] In 2013, all preschool through 4th grade students were consolidated into this school building.

PSSA Results Each year, in the Spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[184][185][186] 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.[187]

4th grade science:

• 2012 – 95%, 63% advanced. State – 82%
• 2011 – 100%, 83% advanced. State – 83%
• 2010 – 90%. State – 81%
• 2009 – 94%. State – 83%
• 2008 – 96%, State – 81%

Line Mountain offers residents two different, taxpayer-funded preschools. Both programs serve breakfast and lunch to the students. They are open to children ages 3–5 inclusive. The programs are held daily when school is open. Pre-K Counts is a state funded preschool program, while Head Start is a federal and state funded program for low income families.[197] The programs are run by the CSIU16 in the district's buildings.

The District Administration reported that 44 or 3.51% of its students were gifted in 2009.[221] 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.[222]

In 2013, Line Mountain School District did not participate in a state Safe Schools Targeted Grant. The maximum of $25,000 grants were awarded through a competitive application process.[230] The funds must be used for research based interventions, like: peer mediation, staff training in managing behavioral issues and creating a positive school climate. The district also did not participate in the state's School Resource Officer and Police Officer grants.[231]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Line Mountain School District receives 56.1% of its annual revenue from the state.[278] This exceeds some education advocates goal of the state providing 50% of district funding.[279][280][281]

For the 2017-18 school year, Line Mountain School District received an increase to $6,252,073 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.[282] Among the public school districts in Northumberland County, the greatest increase in state funding was awarded to Shikellamy School District a 1.8% increase in state funding.[283] 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.[284] 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.[285] 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.[286][287]

For the 2016–17 school year, Line Mountain School District received $6,252,027 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a 2.3% increase over 2015–16 funding to the district. The highest percentage of BEF increase in Northumberland County was 3.3% awarded to Shikellamy School District under the state's Basic Education Funding formula. Additionally, Line Mountain received $210,320 in Ready to Learn grant and an increase in special Education state funding. 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.[288] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.[289] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher's pension fund.[290]

For the 2015–16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding (BEF) of $2,910,914 to Line Mountain School District, in January 2016.[291] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public school, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.[292] The dispersment did not follow the new Basic Education Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2015.[293] Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in Basic Education funding under Governor Wolf.[294][295] In April 2016, Governor Wolf announced his finalized dispersement of 2015–16 state Basic Education Funding. Line Mountain School District received a 1.98% increase for a total funding of $6,285,623.[296] The highest increase in funding statewide was awarded by Governor Wolf to Wilkinsburg Borough School District which got a 48.07% increase in state Basic Education Funding. The average BEF increase among the Commonwealth's 500 public school districts for 2015–16 was 2.21%. In Northumberland County, the highest percentage increase was awarded to Shikellamy School District – 2.79%.

For the 2014–15 school year, Line Mountain School District received $5,999,590 in State Basic Education funding. The district also received $105,050 in Accountability Block Grant funding and $85,569 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.[297] 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.[298]

For the 2013–14 school year, Line Mountain School District received a 1.6% increase or $6,002,934 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding (BEF). This is $92,965 more than its 2012–13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Line Mountain School District received $105,050 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Northumberland County, Shikellamy School District received the highest percentage increase at 1.9%. The district has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth's budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[299] 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.[300]

For the 2012–13 school year, Line Mountain School District received $5,988,214.[301] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012–13 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. Line Mountain School Board received $105,050 in ABG funding. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees' Social Security and $856 million for School Employees' Retirement fund called PSERS.[302] 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, Line Mountain School District received $5,909,962 in state Basic Education Funding.[303] Additionally, the district received $78,245 in Accountability Block Grant funding.[304] 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.[305] 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.[306] The Pennsylvania Department of Education reports that 442 pupils received a federal free and reduced-price lunch, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010-11 school year, Line Mountain School District received a 4.83% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $6,333,727 payment.[307] Milton Area School District received 6.46% increase which was the highest increase in BEF in Northumberland County. Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. 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.[308]

For the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.23% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $6,041,861. Among Northumberland County school districts, Line Mountain School District received the lowest BEF increase from the state for 2009. Mount Carmel Area School District received the highest with a 6.23% increase. Fifteen Pennsylvania school districts were given an increase greater than 10%. Hazleton Area School District received a 13.36% increase. The highest increase went to Muhlenberg School District of Berks County which received a 22.31% increase, in state funding, for the 2009-10 school year.[309]

In the 2008-09 school year, the state Basic Education Funding to the Line Mountain School District was $5,909,969.00. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 371 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[310]

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 Line Mountain School District applied for and received $222,377, in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide additional instruction time to develop new courses and to provide full-day kindergarten.[311]>[312]

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 Line Mountain School District received $30,564.[313]

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. Line Mountain School District was denied for funding, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, in 2006-07. In 2007-08, the district did not apply for the grant. For the 2008-09 school year, the Line Mountain School District received $82,277. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[314]

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 2010, Line Mountain School District did not apply.[315] It also did not apply in 2011.[316]

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.[317]

Line Mountain School District received $85,569 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in 2014–15, in addition to: State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, Accountability Block Grant funding, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees, reimbursement for PSERS payment and other state grants which the district must apply to receive. For 2016–17 Line Mountain received $210,320 in the state's Ready to Learn grant. In 2017-18 Line Mountain School District again received $210,320 in the state's Ready to Learn grant.

Line Mountain School District did not participate in multiple state grants: Pennsylvania Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009–2010 budget by Governor Rendell); 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;[318] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Line Mountain School District received an extra $1,433,778 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[319] This was in addition to all regular, annual state and federal funding.[320] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010–2011 school years.[321] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised to use the funds for one time expenditures like: acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Line Mountain School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant. When approved for the grant, the district would have received hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the written consent of the school board, the school administration and the teachers' union. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[322] Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state Race To The Top application judging will occurred in June 2010.[323][324][325]

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.[326] 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.[327]

In 2012–13, Line Mountain School District received $1,901 in Title III funding for English language learners.[328] For 2014–15, Line Mountain School District received $1,711 in Title III funding.[329]

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.[330] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[331] 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, Line Mountain School District received $56,468 in federal Title II funding.[332] In 2014–15, Line Mountain School District applied for and received $53,514.[333]

The Line Mountain School Board did not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.[334] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Line Mountain School Board set property taxes for 2017–18 at 74.9100 mills.[11] 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.[335] Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate – land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[336]

The average yearly property tax paid by Northumberland County residents amounts to about 2.23% of their yearly income. Northumberland County ranked 1219th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[347] 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.[348] 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%).[349]

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 2010–2011 school year was 2.9 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 Pennsylvania 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.[350]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Line Mountain School District 2006–2007 through 2012–2013.[351]

For the 2016–17 and 2017-18 budget years, Line Mountain School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the District';s Act 1 Index limit.[13][362][363] 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).[364] This was in addition to the 6.2% social security employer match payment and the Medicare match of 1.45%.[365][366]

For the 2015–16 budget year, Line Mountain School Board did not apply for 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.[367]

For the 2014–15 budget year, Line Mountain School Board applied for one exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit due to escalating teacher pension costs. 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.[368]

For the 2013–14 budget year, Line Mountain School Board applied for an exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit due to teacher pension costs. For the school budget year 2013–14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[369]

For the 2012–13 budget year, Line Mountain School Board applied for three exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: special education costs, pension costs and construction debt. For 2012–2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[370]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Line Mountain School Board again applied for 4 exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. These were Special Education costs, School Construction Academic Project, School Construction Grandfathered Debt and teacher pension costs. Each year the Line Mountain 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.[371]

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.[372] With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly repealed most of the Act 1 tax increase exceptions leaving only special education costs, pension costs and prior voter approved (ballot referendum) debt for construction. The cost of construction projects in the future will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum. Districts can no longer raise property taxes to cover increasing health insurance costs for employees.[373]

For the 2010-11 budget year, the Line Mountain School Board sought 4 exceptions, including construction costs, health care benefits, pension costs, and maintenance of local tax revenue.[374] In 2009-10, the board applied for three exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index.[375] 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.[376]

In 2016, Line Mountain School District approved 2,768 homestead properties received $124.[377] In 2014, the property tax relief declined to $123 for 2,783 approved Line Mountain School District households and farms.[378] The amount decreased due to increased enrollment and a decline in casino tax revenues. In 2010, the property tax relief is $131 for 2,613 Line Mountain School District households and farms.[379] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Line Mountain School District was $146 per approved permanent primary residence. This was among the lowest amounts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the district, 2349 property owners applied for the tax relief. 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 and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The highest property tax relief went to the property owners of the Chester Upland School District of Delaware County which got $632 in 2010 and in 2009.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Line Mountain School District 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, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate.

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%).[349]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[394] 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 Pennsylvania Department of Education.[395]

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.[396]

The district funds:

Junior High School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2017[397][398]

In the fall of 2013, the Line Mountain School Board denied a female student access to the wrestling program. Her parents sued the district seeking access for their child to the middle school wrestling program. In January 2014, U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann ruled in favor of the student and parents, ordering the district to permit her to practice with the team.[399][400] The family went on to demand the district pay their legal bills of over $140,000.[401] In July 2014, the final costs to the district for the lawsuit were revealed. The district paid a $10,000 deductible. Their insurance company covered the next $100,000. The district owed another $22,190.94 in attorney's fees.[402] In December 2014, the lawyers were awarded another $30,000 in fees.[403]

In the fall of 2011, Line Mountain filed a complaint with the PIAA regarding a student who moved to the Benton Area School District. Line Mountain SD asked the PIAA to deny the wrestler a season of participation due to the transfer. The parents sued and lost.[404] Wrestler Zain Retherford went on to be a top Penn State wrestler and a two time NCAA champion collegiate wrestler.[405]