Mahanoy Area School District

In 2012, Mahanoy Area School District declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, due to a low graduation rate and lagging student academic achievement.[42] In 2011, Mahanoy Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of 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.[43] Mahanoy Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003 the district was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.[44]

In 2015, Mahanoy Area High School graduation rate was 91.14%.[45]

• 2014 – 90.70%[46]
• 2013 – 81.25%[47]
• 2012 – declined to 76%.
• 2011 – 89%.[48]
• 2010 – 81%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[49]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 – 88%[50]
• 2009 – 90%[51]
• 2008 – 94%[52]
• 2007 – 94%[53]

Mahanoy Area High School is located at 1 Golden Bear Drive, Mahanoy City. In 2015, enrollment was reported as 286 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 47.9% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 23% of pupils received special education services, while 1% of pupils were identified as gifted.[54] The school employed 30 teachers.[55] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[56]

In 2011, Mahanoy Area High School enrolled 299 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 148 students receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 32 teachers with a student to teacher ratio of 9:1.[57] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1 teacher was rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[58]

2015 School Performance Profile

Mahanoy Area High School achieved a score of just 56.1 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 60% of the high school's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 56% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, just 45.6% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[59][60] 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.[61][62]

2014 School Performance Profile

Mahanoy Area High School achieved a score of 61.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 68% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 53.5% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, just 46% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[63][64] 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%.[65]

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.[66] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[67][68]

2013 School Performance Profile

Mahanoy Area High School achieved 58.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature just 66% of pupils tested were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 57% students showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 24% showed on grade level science understanding.[69] 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.[70]

AYP history

In 2012, Mahanoy Area High School declined further to School Improvement level I, due to a declining graduation rate and chronic, low student academic achievement in reading and mathematics. 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.[71] According to No Child Left Behind Title I schools that are identified for school improvement are required to offer parents of children attending the school the option to transfer to any other public school within the school district that is NOT identified for school improvement. Mahanoy Area High School missed every academic metric in 2012. In 2011, the school declined to Warning status due to chronic low student achievement in mathematics. In 2010, the school achieved Adequate Yearly Progress status.[72] From 2004 to 2010, Mahanoy Area High School achieved AYP status each year typically under special modification.

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 – 51% on grade level, (25% below basic). State – 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[73]
• 2011 – 73% (14% below basic). State – 69.1%[74]
• 2010 – 57% (27% below basic). State – 66%[75]
• 2009 – 60%. State – 65%[76]
• 2008 – 58%. State – 65%[77]

To advance reading achievement Mahanoy Area High School requires all high school students to read two novels during the summer months. The specific books are mandated. An assessment is done at the beginning of the school year that is based on the books.[78]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 – 29% on grade level (44% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[79]
• 2011 – 46% (27% below basic). State – 60.3%[80]
• 2010 – 47% (29% below basic). State – 59%[81]
• 2009 – 58%. State – 56%[82]
• 2008 – 34%. State – 56%[83]

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 – 30% (16% below basic). State – 42%[84]
• 2011 – 30% (14% below basic). State – 40%[85]
• 2010 – 32% (27% below basic). State – 39%
• 2009 – 30%, State – 40%
• 2008 – 23%, State – 39%

Science in Motion Mahanoy Area High School did not take advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.[86] Susquehanna University provided the enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 23% of Mahanoy 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.[87][88] 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. 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.[89][90]

Mahanoy Area 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. Mahanoy Area School District works with Lehigh Carbon Community College to provide the course opportunities. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[91] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[92] Under state rules, other students that reside in the district, who attend a private school, a charter school or are homeschooled are eligible to participate in this program.[93] In 2010, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students, from the Commonwealth, due to a state budget crisis.

For the 2009–10 funding year, the Mahanory Area School District received a state grant of $4,139 for the program.[94]

In 2015, 55 Mahanoy Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 451. The Math average score was 444. The Writing average score was 421.[95] 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.[96]

In 2014, just 45 Mahanoy Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 454. The Math average score was 463. The Writing average score was 437.[97][98] 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.[99] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, 51 Mahanoy Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 442. The Math average score was 450. The Writing average score was 422. 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.[100]

In 2012, 56 Mahanoy Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 447. The Math average score was 451. The Writing average score was 436. 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, 51 Mahanoy Area High School students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 435. The Math average score was 457. The Writing average score was 425.[101]

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The Mahanoy Area School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 26 credits to graduate, including: a required class every year in math, English, social studies, science, Physical Education/health 1.5 credits, Technology/Business 2.5 credits, Arts/Humanities 2 credits and electives 6 credits.[102] Effective with the class of 2015 graduation requires earning 28 credits. All students are required to take a personal finance course in 11th grade.

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.[103] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project to graduate.[104]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2019,[105] public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[106] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade. Students have several opportunities to pass the exam, with those who do not able to perform a project to graduate.[107][108][109] 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.[110] 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 2015, Mahanoy Area High School offered 7 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. The fee for each AP Exam is $91 (2014).[111] 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 Mahanoy Area High School 6% of the students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[112]

Mahanoy Area Middle School is located at 1 Golden Bear Drive, Mahanoy City. In 2015, enrollment was 315 pupils, in grades 5th through 8th, with 58% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 13.6% of pupils received special education services, while less than 1% of pupils were identified as gifted.[113] The school employed 28 teachers in 2013.[114] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[115] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2010, Mahanoy Area Middle School had 336 students in grades 5th through 8th, with 201 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school was a federally designated Title I school. Mahanoy Area Middle School employed 31 teachers yielding a student to teacher ratio of 11:1.[116] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[117]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE withheld SPP scores. It was reported that 46% of 8th grade students at Mahanoy Area Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, just 25% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 73% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 49% were on grade level in reading, while 22% showed on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 49% were on grade level in reading and 18% were on grade level in mathematics. Among fifth graders, 37% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 17% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported.[118] 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.[119]

2014 School Performance Profile

Mahanoy Area Middle School achieved 70.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 61.6% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 73.7% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, just 51% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 73% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[120]

2013 School Performance Profile

Mahanoy Area Middle School achieved out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 63% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 76% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 57% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 61% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[121] 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.

AYP history

In 2012, Mahanoy Area Middle School achieved AYP status even though it missed all the metrics measured in both reading and math. In 2011, the school declined to Warning status due to lagging student achievement in reading and math.[122] In 2010, the school achieved AYP, while in 2009 it was in Warning status.

PSSA Results

The fifth grade has been evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing for over a decade. 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.[123] 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.[124] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[125] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards – Mathematics.[126]

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 – 56% (22% below basic). State – 59%
• 2011 – 55% (23% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 – 59% (16% below basic). State – 57%
• 2009 – 52%, State – 55%
• 2008 – 76%, State – 52%[133]

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Mahanoy Area School District did not implement a no cost dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the middle school.[134] 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.[135]

Mahanoy Area Elementary School is located at 1 Golden Bear Drive, Mahanoy City. In 2015, the school's enrollment was 403 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 64% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 17.6% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.7% are identified as gifted.[136] In 2013, the school employed 35 teachers. 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 has provided full day kindergarten since 2004.[137] Mahanoy Area Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2010, Mahanoy Area Elementary School had 418 students in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 271 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. Mahanoy Area Elementary School was a Title I school. The school employed 34 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[138] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.[139] The school provided full day kindergarten to all of its pupils.

Proponents of full day kindergarten claim it will reduce special education numbers and it will raise primary student academic achievement in reading.[140] Those outcomes have not been realized in the Mahanoy Area School District despite providing all day kindergarten for more than a decade. Reading achievement in particular has not substantially improved.[141]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, just 41% of 4th graders were on grade level in reading, while 20% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 88% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, only 60% were on grade level in reading and just 41% were on grade level in mathematics.[142] 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.[143]

2014 School Performance Profile

Mahanoy Area Elementary School achieved a score of 74.2 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science and mathematics achievement. In 2013–14, only 62% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 72% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 75.6% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 80% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[144]

2013 School Performance Profile

Mahanoy Area Elementary School achieved a score of 74.4 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, 59.7% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 66% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 75.8% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 91.7% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[145] 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.

AYP history

In 2012, Mahanoy Area Elementary School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to missing all metrics in reading. In 2011, the school achieved "AYP" status.[146]

• 2008–2010 – Mahanoy Area Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.[147]
• 2008 – Warning AYP status due to lagging academic achievement in reading[148]
• 2004–07 – Mahanoy Area Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.[149]

PSSA history

Each year, in the Spring, 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.[150] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[151][152][153] The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.[154] 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 – 85% (2% below basic). State – 82%
• 2011 – 92% (2% below basic). State – 82.9
• 2010 – 90% (4% below basic). State – 81%
• 2009 – 93%, State – 83%
• 2008 – 89%, State – 81%

Mahanoy Area School District Administration reported that 16 (1.52%) of its students were identified as gifted in 2009.[179] The highest percentage of gifted students reported, among all 500 school districts and 100 public charter schools in Pennsylvania, was North Allegheny School District with 15.5% of its students identified as gifted.[180] Mahanoy Area School District must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels in compliance with Pennsylvania School Code. 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.[181][182]

In 2011, the Mahanoy Area School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Mahanoy Area Middle School received $3,500 which was used to implement SPARK into the 5th-8th grade curriculum.[194] 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.

Mahanoy Area School District participated in Highmark Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools which enabled mobile data collection of health and physical fitness screening data on students K-12 in a database held by InnerLink, Inc. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Health eTools for Schools also provided interdisciplinary research-based curriculum in nutrition, physical education and physical activity to participating districts. The program was discontinued in 2013.[195]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Mahanoy Area School District receives 64% of its annual revenue from the state.[221] This greatly exceeds education advocates goal of the state providing 50% of district funding.[222]

In December 2014, the Pennsylvania Education Funding Reform Commission conducted a hearing.[223][224] The commission developed a new basic education funding formula which sets a new way to distribute state basic education dollars. It abolished the practice of "hold harmless" funding, which gave districts at least the same as they got the previous school year regardless of declining enrollment. The plan became law in June 2016 (House Bill 1552).[225][226][227]

For the 2016–17 school year, Mahanoy Area School District received $7,600,021 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a 2.9% increase over 2015–16 funding to the district. The highest percentage of BEF increase in Schuylkill County was 4.8% awarded to Shenandoah Valley School District under the state's Basic Education Funding formula. For the 2016–17 school year, Pennsylvania increased its public education spending to a record high of $5,895 billion. It was a $200 million increase, 3.51% increase over the 2015–16 appropriation.[228] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.[229] Mahanoy Area School District received $228,249 in RTL funds. MASD also received from the state special education funds and transportation funds. The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher's pension fund.[230]

For the 2015–16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $3,486,236 to Mahanoy Area School District, in January 2016.[231] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the governor since the summer of 2015.[232] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.[233] Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in Basic Education funding under Governor Wolf.[234][235]

In April 2016, Governor Wolf announced his finalized dispersement of 2015–16 state Basic Education Funding. Mahanoy Area School District received a -0.6% increase for a total funding of $7,341,040.[236] This was over $100,000 less than the district was to receive by law under the state's Fair Funding Formula approved in 2015 (BEF and RTL funds combined).[237][238] Four hundred and twenty-eight (428) Pennsylvania public school districts received less money under Governor Wolf's plan.[239] Wolf also altered the Ready to Learn Grant distribution.

In compliance with a legislative mandate that was passed with veto proof majorities in the PA House and Senate,[240] the final BEF funding was determined for 2015–16, in April 2016. Mahanoy Area School District received $7,385,058 in Basic Education Funds for the 2015–16 school year. This was a 2.9% increase yielding a $214,963 increase over the previous school year funding. The district also received $228,249 in Ready to Learn funding from the state.[241]

For the 2014–15 school year, Mahanoy Area School District received $7,221,663.55 in State Basic Education funding. The district also received $179,976 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.[242] 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.[243]

For the 2013–14 school year, Mahanoy Area School District received a 1.3% increase or $7,225,490 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $94,347 more than its 2012–13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Mahanoy Area School District received $91,156 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Schuylkill County, both Blue Mountain School District and Saint Clair Area School District received the highest percentage increase at 2.2%. 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.[244] 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.[245]

For the 2012–13 school year, Mahanoy Area School District received $7,131,143.[246] 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. Mahanoy Area School District received $91,157 in ABG funds. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[247] 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, Mahanoy Area School District received a $7,131,143 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[248][249] Additionally, the Mahanoy Area School District received $91,157 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011–2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount was a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011.[250] The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District of Allegheny County, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011–12.[251] In 2010, Mahanoy Area School District reported that 675 students received free or reduced price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[252]

For the 2010–11 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided Mahanoy Area School District with a 2.02% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $7,650,469. Among the public school districts in Schuylkill County, the highest increase went to Minersville Area School District which got a 9.69% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase in 2010–11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County, which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[253] 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.[254]

In the 2009–10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.16% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $7,498,923 to Mahanoy Area School District. Among the public school districts in Schuylkill County, the highest increase went to Shenandoah Valley School District which got a 14.50%. Ninety (90) Pennsylvania public school districts received the base 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.[255] The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.[256]

The state Basic Education Funding to the Mahanoy Area School District in 2008–09 was $7,131,143.35. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 660 District students received free or reduced- price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[257] 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.[258][259]

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.[260] By 2015, Pennsylvania was spending over $27 billion on public education (local, state and federal resources combined).[261]

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 Mahaony Area School District applied for and received $247,421 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide Full-Day Kindergarten beginning in 2004 and to provide health services to the students.[262][263] In 2009, 100% of the kindergarteners in Mahanoy Area School District attended full-day kindergarten.

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.[264]

Mahanoy Area School District received $201,878 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, transportation reimbursement, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

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 to 2009. Mahanoy Area School District applied but was denied funding in 2006–07. In 2007–08, Mahaony Area School District applied again receiving $144,611. The district received $45,413 in 2008–09.[265] Among the public school districts in Schuylkill County the highest award was given to North Schuylkill School District which received $245,673. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County – $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009–10 state budget.

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 Mahanoy Area School District received $24,864.[266]

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.[267] The 720 in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades.[268] 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. Mahanoy Area School District was one of 161 PA public school districts to apply, receiving $222,000 funding over three years.[269][270] 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.[271]

Mahanoy Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants;[272][273] PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009–10 budget by Governor Rendell);[274] 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;[275] 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;[276] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Mahanoy Area School District received an extra $2,531,639 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[277][278] On the whole the public schools in Schuylkill County received $26,249,374 from the Stimulus funds. The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010–2011 school years.[279] 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.

Mahanoy 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.[280] 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.[281] 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.[282][283][284]

In the summer of 2011, the district administration did not apply for School Improvement Grant funding, from the federal government (over $9.9 million available). The high school was eligible for funding due to chronic low academic achievement. The grant stipulates the funds be used for improving student achievement using one of four federally dictated strategies. The strategies are: transformation, turnaround, restart with new faculty and administration or closure of failing schools.[285] The Pennsylvania Education Secretary awarded $66 million to reform Pennsylvania's lowest achieving schools in August 2011. The funding is for three years.[286]

In 2010, Pennsylvania received $141 million from the federal –US Department of Education, to turn around its worst-performing schools. The funds were disbursed via a competitive grant program.[287] The Pennsylvania Department of Education has identified 200 Pennsylvania schools as "persistently lowest achieving," making them eligible for this special funding.[288] Pennsylvania required low performing schools to apply or provide documentation about why they had not applied. The funds must be used, by the district, to turn around schools in one of four ways: school closure, restart – close the school and reopen it as a charter school. The other two options involve firing the principal. One would require at least half the faculty in a chronically poor performing school be dismissed. The second involves intensive teacher training coupled with strong curriculum revision or a longer school day.[289]

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 "High Quality" teachers and principals as defined by the state.[290] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[291] 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, Mahanoy Area School District received $81,320 in federal Title II funding.[292] In 2014–15, Mahanoy Area School District applied for and received $77,635.[293]

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.[294] 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.[295]

In 2012–13, Mahanoy Area School District received $1,630 in Title III funding for English language learners.[296] For 2014–15, Mahanoy Area School District received $1,711 in Title III funding.[297]

Property tax rates in 2016–17 were raised by the Mahanoy Area School Board to 47.9000 mills.[298] 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.[299] 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 all government property (local, state and federal). 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 and 85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[300] When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.[301] 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.[302]

The average yearly property tax paid by Schuylkill County residents amounts to about 2.84% of their yearly income. Schuylkill County ranked 700th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[314] 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 1999–2000 to $10,438,463,356 in 2008–09 and to $11,153,412,490 in 2011.[315] 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%).[316]

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not permitted to raise property taxes above their annual Act 1 Index unless they either: allow Districts voters to approve the increase through a vote by referendum or they receive an exception from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The base index for the school year is published by the PDE in the fall of each year. Each individual school district's Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as local property values and the personal income of district residents. Originally, Act 1 of 2006 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.[317]

In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation eliminating six of the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[318] Several exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004, for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006, for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school's share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.[319][320] The legislature also froze the payroll amount public school districts use to calculate the pension-plan exception at the 2012 payroll levels. Further increases in payroll cannot be used to raise the district's exception for pension payments.

A specific timeline for Act I Index decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[321]

The School District Adjusted Index history for the Mahanoy Area School District:

For the 2016–17 budget year, Mahanoy Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the district's Act 1 Index limit.[329] Statewide 299 school districts adopted a resolution to not exceed their Act I index in 2016–17.

For the 2015–16 budget year, Mahanoy Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget 2015–16, 310 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 187 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Regarding the pension costs exception, 172 school districts received approval to exceed the Index limit in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 119 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. No Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[330]

For the 2014–15 budget year, Mahanoy 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).[331] 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.[332]

For the 2013–14 budget year, Mahanoy Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget year 2013–14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[333]

For the 2012–13 budget year, Mahanoy Area School Board applied for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index for rising teacher pension costs. 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.[334]

For the 2011–12 school year, Mahanoy Area School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: special education costs and escalating teacher pension costs. Each year, the Mahanoy 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.

According to a state report, for the 2011–12 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.[335]

For the 2010–11 school year, Mahanoy Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for its general fund budget.[336]

For the 2009–10 school budget, the Mahanoy Area School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Index: Maintenance of Local Tax Revenue and Maintenance of Selected Revenue Sources.[337] 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.[338]

In 2009, Mahanoy Area School District approved homestead properties received $180. Within the district 2,560 homesteads and farmsteads participated.[339] 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 (4.0 ha) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The amount of property tax relief each Pennsylvania public school district receives is announced by the PDE in May of each year. The amount of tax relief is dependent on the total tax revenue collected on the casino slots in the previous year. Thirty five percent of the slots tax revenues are used for property tax relief. In Schuylkill County, the highest tax relief went to Schuylkill Haven School District which was set at $195.[340] The highest property tax relief provided, among Pennsylvania school districts, goes to the homesteads of Chester Upland School District in Delaware County which received $632 per approved homestead in 2010. Chester-Upland School District has consistently been the top recipient since the programs inception.[341] Within Schuylkill County 39,553 properties sought property tax relief through this program.[342]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[349]

The district is noncompliant with state law, due to failing to post its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website. 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.[350]

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.[351][352]

The district operates an indoor swimming pool.

The district funds:

Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2016[353]