Muncy School District

In 2011 and 2012, Muncy School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).[41] 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.[42] Muncy School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003 the district was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[43]

In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Muncy School District, was in the 41st percentile, among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts. Scale (0-99; 100 is state best) [44]

In 2016, Muncy School District's graduation rate was 93.3%.[45]

• 2015 - 93.5%[46]
• 2014 - 86.3%
• 2013 - 92.6%.[47]
• 2012 - 87%.[48]
• 2011 - 94%.[49]
• 2010 - 88%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[50]

Traditional calculation graduation rate

• 2010 - 86% [51]
• 2009 - 85% [52]
• 2008 - 90% [53]
• 2007 - 90% [54]
• 2005 - 93% [55]

Muncy Junior-Senior High School is located at 200 W Penn Street, Muncy. In 2015, the school reported a decline in enrollment to 443 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 34% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 14% of pupils received special education services, while 2% of pupils were identified as gifted. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, Muncy Junior-Senior High School reported enrollment of 469 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 27% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 12.7% of pupils received special education services, while 1.7% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 38 teachers.[56] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school was not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Muncy Junior-Senior High School reported an enrollment of 467 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 124 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch, making it a Title I School. The school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 11:1.[57] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the No Child Left Behind Act.[58]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 70.8 out of 100 points. Muncy Junior Senior High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 75% of students were on grade level in reading/literature and just 49% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 68.5% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[59] 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.[60] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.[61]

2015 School Performance Profile

Muncy Junior-Senior High School achieved 72.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 85% of the school's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 76% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, only 36% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[62] Statewide, 53 percent of schools with an eleventh grade achieved an academic score of 70 or better. Five percent of the 2,033 schools with 11th grade were scored at 90 and above; 20 percent were scored between 80 and 89; 28 percent between 70 and 79; 25 percent between 60 and 69 and 22 percent below 60. The Keystone Exam results showed: 73 percent of students statewide scored at grade-level in English, 64 percent in Algebra I and 59 percent in biology.[63][64]

2014 School Performance Profile

Muncy Junior Senior High School achieved 80.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 78.9% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 77.5% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 51.6% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[65][66] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.[67]

2013 School Performance Profile

Muncy Junior Senior High School achieved 81.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 80% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 81% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 58% showed on grade level science understanding. In 8th grade writing, 84% showed on grade level writing skills.[68] 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.[69]

AYP history

In 2010 through 2012, Muncy Junior Senior High School achieved AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) status under the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2002.[70] The School achieved AYP status every school year since 2003. Effective with Spring 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSA's to 11th graders.

PSSA results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[71]

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.[72]

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 84% on grade level, (7% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[73]
• 2011 - 82% (9% below basic). State - 69.1% [74]
• 2010 - 81%, (13% below basic). State - 66% [75]
• 2009 - 80% (7% below basic), State - 65% [76]
• 2008 - 77% (11% below basic), State - 65%[77]
• 2007 - 78% (12% below basic), State - 65% [78]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 65% on grade level (16% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[79]
• 2011 - 77%, (12% below basic). State - 60.3%
• 2010 - 64%, (16(% below basic). State - 59% [80]
• 2009 - 61% (19% below basic). State - 56% [81]
• 2008 - 57% (18% below basic). State - 56% [82]
• 2007 - 56% (21% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 54% on grade level (4% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[83]
• 2011 - 55%, (6% below basic). State - 40% [84]
• 2010 - 47%, (10% below basic), State - 39%
• 2009 - 57%, (11% below basic). State - 40%
• 2008 - 45%, (14% below basic). State - 39%

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 7% of Muncy 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.[85] 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.[86] 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 mathematics or English.

In 2015, 48 Muncy School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 485. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 471.[87] 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.[88]

In 2014, 64 Muncy School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 484. The Math average score was 489. The Writing average score was 472.[89][90] 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.[91] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, 49 Muncy School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 491. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 496. 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.[92]

In 2012, 43 Muncy School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 496. The Math average score was 515. The Writing average score was 490. 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, 50 Muncy School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 477. The Math average score was 499. The Writing average score was 469.[93] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[94] 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.[95]

In 2013, Muncy Junior Senior High School offered 5 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. The student pays the fee for the exam which was $89 per test per pupil in 2012. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education 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 Muncy High School 53% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[96]

In 2015, Muncy Junior Senior High School offered 10 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Just 43% of the students who took the courses achieved a 3 or better on the College Board AP exams.[97] In 2016, Muncy Junior Senior High School continued to offer 10 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. 53.8% of the students who took the courses achieved a 3 or better on the College Board AP exams.[98]

Penn College NOW

In 2014, Muncy School District does not participate in dual enrollment courses in conjunction with Pennsylvania College of Technology. Penn College NOW classes are taught by approved local high school teachers, at the high school.[99] Penn College NOW is partially funded by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-270) through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, by the support of Pennsylvania companies through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and by Pennsylvania College of Technology. Most school districts in Lycoming County are participating.

2016 School Performance Profile

Muncy Junior High School PSSA mandated testing results were: 70% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while only 33% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 60% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.[100] In 7th grade, 69% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 42% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Statewide just 31% of eighth graders demonstrated on grade level in math and 58% of eighth graders were on grade level in reading. In science, 57.7% of eighth graders showed on grade level proficiency. Among 7th graders, just 37% of students demonstrated on grade evel skills in mathematics. In seventh grade reading, 58% were on grade level.[101]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE withheld SPP scores. It was reported that 55% of 8th grade students at Muncy Junior High School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, 35% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 60% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 69% were on grade level in reading, while 44% showed on grade level math skills.[102] 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.

APY history

Muncy Junior High School achieved AYP status in 2010 and 2011.

PSSA History

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.[103] 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.[104] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[71] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[105]

8th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 78% on grade level (4% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.
• 2011 - 71%, (15% below basic). State - 81.8%
• 2010 - 77%, 48% advanced (10% below basic). State - 81% [106]
• 2009 - 80%, 58% advanced (7% below basic). State - 80%
• 2008 - 85%, 60% advanced (8% below basic). State - 78%
• 2007 - 84%, 57% advanced (8% below basic). State - 75%[107]

8th Grade Math

• 2012 - 66%, 35% advanced, (11% below basic). State - 76%
• 2011 - 70%, 48% advanced, (13% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 - 64%, 39% advanced, (15% below basic). State - 75%
• 2009 - 64%, 38% advanced, (16% below basic). State - 71%
• 2008 - 79%, 63% advanced, (11% below basic). State - 70% [108]
• 2007 - 77%, 43% advanced, (8% below basic). State - 67%

8th Grade Science

• 2012 - 63% on grade level (12% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 53%, (27% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 60%, (23% below basic). State - 57%.
• 2009 - 51%, (15% below basic). State: - 54% [109]
• 2008 - 74%, (14% below basic). State - 52% [110]

7th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 89%, 51% advanced (1% below basic). State – 76%
• 2011 - 79%, 39% advanced (6% below basic). State – 76%
• 2010 - 63%, 34% advanced (21% below basic). State - 73%
• 2009 - 73%, 40% advanced (9% below basic). State - 71.7%
• 2008 - 77%, 45% advanced (7% below basic). State - 70%
• 2007 - 83%, 46% advanced (10% below basic). State - 66%

7th Grade Math

• 2012 - 85%, 64% advanced (4% below basic). State - 80%
• 2011 - 85%, 51% advanced (6% below basic). State - 78.6%
• 2010 - 74%, 49% advanced (14% below basic). State - 77%
• 2009 - 84%, 51% advanced (7% below basic). State - 75%
• 2008 - 81%, 54% advanced (11% below basic). State - 72%
• 2007 - 88%, 67% advanced (9% below basic). State - 67%

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Muncy School District did not implement the free dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school.[111] 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.[112]

Ward L Myers Elementary School is located at 125 New Street, Muncy. In 2015, the school's enrollment was 598 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 42% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 13% of the pupils receive special education services, while 0.8% are identified as gifted.[113] 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 since 2005.[114] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, the school's enrollment was 556 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 37% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 12.9% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[115] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind Act. The school provides full-day kindergarten.[116]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the Myers Elementary School reported an enrollment of 549 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 222 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty, makin gthe school a Title I school. The school employed 41 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[117] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[118]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP was 65.3 points out of 100. Ward L Myers Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 73% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while 59% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In fifth grade, 76% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading and 60% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 70% were on grade level in reading, while 56% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 91% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 68% were on grade level in reading and 61% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[119][120]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 76% of 5th grade students at Ward L. Myers Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 56% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 79% were on grade level in reading, while 63% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 85% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 78% were on grade level in reading and 67% were on grade level in mathematics. Among 6th graders, 69% were on grade level in reading and 44% were on grade level in mathematics.[121] Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 4th graders were 58.6% on grade level in reading and 44.4% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 77.3% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among Pennsylvania third (3rd) graders, 62% were reading on grade level, while 48.5% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[122]

2014 School Performance Profile

Myers Elementary School achieved a score of 89.4 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 74% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 80% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 82% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 88% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[123]

2013 School Performance Profile

Ward L. Myers Elementary School achieved a score of 92.6 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 5th. In 3rd grade, 73% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 83% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 93% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 88% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[124]

AYP history

In 2010 through 2012, Myers Elementary School achieved AYP status.[125] In 2011, the school reports a 94% attendance rate.[126] In 2010, the school reported a 95% attendance rate. The school achieved AYP status each year since 2003.

PSSA Results

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 89%, 52% advanced. State - 82%
• 2011 - 94%, 64% advanced. State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 92%, 51% advanced. State - 81%
• 2009 - 93%, 55% advanced. State - 83%
• 2008 - 83%, 43% advanced. State - 81%

The district administration reported that 23 or 2.26% of its students were gifted in 2009.[153] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the high school have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.[154]

In 2010, Muncy School District was identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Least Restrictive Environment monitoring. One hundred ninety six schools districts were selected in 2008-09. The district received an alert letter from the PDE - Bureau of Special Education.[155] School districts were placed in one of three categories: Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3. The district was placed in Tier 3 due to students spending more than 60% of the school day, outside of regular education. The monitoring is a product of the PDE addressing its voluntary settlement in Gaskin V. Pennsylvania which ordered that special education students spend most of their school day (80%) in regular education classrooms with supplementary aids and services to assist funded by the taxpayers.[156][157][158] In 2010, the district was assigned to the Tier 3 monitoring list, due to students spending over 80% of their day in a regular education classroom. The district received a letter of "Warning" letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[159]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, School District receives 39.2% of its annual revenue from the state.[188]

In December 2014, the Pennsylvania Education Funding Reform Commission conducted a hearing. Testimony was given regarding state funding at the fastest growing districts and those with the greatest decline in enrollment since 1996.[189][190] 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).[191][192][193]

For the 2016-17 school year, Muncy School District received $3,859,504 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a 2.5% increase over 2015-16 funding to the district. The highest percentage of BEF increase in Lycoming County was 5.4% awarded to Loyalsock Township 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.[194] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.[195] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher's pension fund.[196] Statewide Conestoga Valley School District received a 13.3% increase in state BEF funding. Five PA public school districts received an increase of 10% or greater in Basic Education funding over their 2015-16 funding.

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $1,782,247 to Muncy School District, in January 2016.[197] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.[198] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.[199]

In compliance with a legislative mandate that was passed with veto proof majorities in the PA House and Senate,[200] the final BEF funding was determined for 2015-16, in April 2016. Muncy School District received $3,766,665 in Basic Education Funds for the 2015-16 school year. This was a 1.92% increase yielding a $70,968 increase over the previous school year funding. The district also received $134,126 in Ready to Learn funding from the state.[201]

For the 2014-15 school year, Muncy School District received $3,695,714 in State Basic Education funding. The district also received new Ready To Learn Block grant of $103,781. The district also received $666,567 towards the payment of the teachers pension obligations. The State's enacted Education Budget included $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[202] The Education budget also includes Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State is paying $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system (PSERS). In total, Pennsylvania's Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[203]

In the 2013-2014 school year, the Muncy School District received a 1.6% increase or $3,694,625 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $57,583 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Muncy School District received $47,948 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Lycoming County, Loyalsock Township School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 2.6%. 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.[204] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland district, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.[205] As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[206]

For the 2012-13 school year, Muncy School District received $3,684,990.[207] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 includes $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which is an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. The state also provides $100 million for the Accountability Block grant. The state will also provide $544.4 million for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[208] This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. 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 2011-12, Muncy School District received $3,636,933 in state Basic Education Funding.[209] Additionally, the district will receive $47,948 in Accountability Block Grant funding.[210] 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. 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.[211] Districts experienced a reduction in funding, due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.

In the 2010-11 school year, Muncy School District reported that 342 pupils received a free or reduced-price meals through the federal school lunch program, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For 2010-11, Muncy School District received a 2.8% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $3,813,636 payment.[212] Loyalsock Township School District received an 8.13% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF in Lycoming 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 was determined by then Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education, Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[213] This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $3,709,672. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $3,636,933.18. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more.[214] Loyalsock Township School District received a 5.94% increase, the highest increase in Lycoming County for the 2009-10 school year. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.[215] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 268 district students received free or reduced lunches due to low family income in the 2007-08 school year.[216]

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, Muncy School District applied for and received $130,143, in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the 5th year.[217][218]

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. Muncy School District was denied funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the district received $104,940. For the 2008–09, school year the district received $45,413 for a total of $150,353. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[219] In Lycoming County the highest award was given to Jersey Shore Area School District at $428,436. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide due to a massive state financial crisis.

The district received an extra $634,680 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low income students.[220] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010-2011 school years.[221] 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.

School district officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district hundreds of thousands in additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[222] 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.[223] 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.[224]

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.[225] 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.[226][227]

In 2012-13 - Muncy School District received $815 in Title III funding for English language learners.[228] For 2014-15, Muncy School District received 855 in Title III funding.[229]

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.[230] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[231] 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, Muncy School District received $55,171 in federal Title II funding.[232] In 2014-15, Muncy School District applied for and received $51,531.[233]

The Muncy 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.[234] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

The Muncy School Board set property tax rates in 2016-17 at 14.7500 mills. 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. 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. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections (Local Tax Enabling Act), which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[235] The school district includes municipalities in three counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, necessitating a state board equalization of the tax rates between the counties.

The average yearly property tax paid by Lycoming County residents amounts to about 3.53% of their yearly income. Lycoming County ranked 364th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[246] 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.[247] 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%).[248]

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.[247] The average yearly property tax paid by Lycoming County residents amounts to about 3.53% of their yearly income. Lycoming County is ranked 364th of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[249]

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not authorized to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.[250] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[251] 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.[252][253]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Muncy School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.[254]

For the 2016-17 budget year, Muncy School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the district's Act 1 Index limit: accelerating teach pension costs and rising special education costs.[261] Statewide 299 school districts adopted a resolution to not exceed their Act I index in 2016-17.

For the 2015-16 budget year, Muncy 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.[262]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Muncy 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).[263] 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.[264]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Muncy School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2013-14, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 16.93% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[265]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Muncy School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index.[266]

For the 2011-12 school year, Muncy School Board applied for 4 exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: including rising teacher pension costs, Maintenance of Selected Revenue, Maintenance of Local Tax Revenue and increased special education costs. Each budget year, the Muncy School Board had the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they would 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.[267]

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.[268]

Muncy School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 or in 2010-2011.[269] 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.[270]

In 2016, Muncy School District approved 1,965 approved homestead properties to receive $168 each.[271]

In 2013, Muncy School District approved homestead properties received $169.[272] The decline in amount was related to more residents applying for tax relief and a decline in table games tax revenues. The amount received by the district must be divided equally among all approved residences.[273]

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Muncy School District was $174 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 1,902 property owners applied for the tax relief.[274] The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The Pennsylvania Auditor General found that 69% of property owners applied for tax relief in Lycoming County.[275] In Lycoming County, the highest property tax relief in 2009 was $310 awarded to the approved property owners in Williamsport Area School District. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.[276] This was the second year Chester Upland School District was the top recipient.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Muncy School District residents aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.[277]

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%).[278]

Muncy School District coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[310] 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.[311]

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.[312][313]

The district funds:

Junior high school sports

• According to PIAA directory July 2016 [314]