Northern Cambria School District

In 2012, Northern Cambria School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[29] In 2011, Northern Cambria School District also achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of 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.[30][31] Northern Cambria School District achieved AYP status each year from 2003 to 2010.[32]

In 2014, Northern Cambria School District's graduation rate was 80.58%.[33]

• 2013 - 83.84%[34]
• 2012 - 84.9%[35]
• 2011 - 82%[36]
• 2010 - 84.9%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[37]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2009 - 92.9% [38]
• 2008 - 86.4% [39]
• 2007 - 86.4% [40]

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 8% of the Northern Cambria 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.[74][75] 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.[76][77] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

The Northern Cambria High School offers a dual enrollment program in 2014. 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. Three colleges are available: Mount Aloysius College, Penn Highlands Community College and Saint Francis University. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[78] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[79] Under state rules, other students that reside in the district, who attend a private school, a charter school or are home schooled are eligible to participate in this program.[80] In 2010, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students, from the Commonwealth, due to a state budget crisis.

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The Northern Cambria School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 22 credits to graduate, including: a required class every year in math 4 credits, English 4 credits social studies 3.5 credits, science 3.5 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, health .5 credits, Computers 2 credits, arts humanities 5.5 credits and electives.[81] Students in the class of 2019 are required to pass a total of 24.5 credits.

For nearly two decades, 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.[82] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[83]

By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2017, public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the respective Keystone Exams for each course.[84] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[85]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Schools are mandated to provide targeted assistance to help the student be successful. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.[86][87] For the class of 2019, a Composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements.[88] 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.[89] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

In 2014, 71 Northern Cambria School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 457. The Math average score was 475. The Writing average score was 440.[90][91] 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.[92] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, 53 Northern Cambria School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 430. The Math average score was 470. The Writing average score was 435. 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.[93]

In 2012, 48 Northern Cambria School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 449. The Math average score was 492. The Writing average score was 459. 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, 67 Northern Cambria School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 461. The Math average score was 467. The Writing average score was 439.[94] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[95] 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.[96]

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a research arm of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, compared the SAT data of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania to students in urban areas. From 2003 to 2005, the average total SAT score for students in rural Pennsylvania was 992, while urban students averaged 1,006. During the same period, 28 percent of 11th and 12th graders in rural school districts took the exam, compared to 32 percent of urban students in the same grades. The average math and verbal scores were 495 and 497, respectively, for rural students, while urban test-takers averaged 499 and 507, respectively. Pennsylvania's SAT composite score ranked low on the national scale in 2004. The composite SAT score of 1,003 left Pennsylvania ranking 44 out of the 50 states and Washington, DC.[97]

In 2014, Northern Cambria High School offered 1 Advanced Placement (AP) course at a higher cost than regular courses. The fee for each AP Exam is $91 (2014).[98] 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 Northern Cambria School District the AP courses are weighted at 1.06 credits.[99] At Northern Cambria High School none of the students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[100]

In 2014, enrollment in the Northern Cambria Middle School was 324 pupils, in grades 5th through 8th, with 43% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 29.9% of pupils received special education services, while none of pupils were identified as gifted.[102] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 69% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[103]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012, Northern Cambria Middle School reported an enrollment of 336 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 151 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 17.5 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 19:1.[104] Prior to 2012, the 5th grade was assigned to the elementary school.

2014 School Performance Profile

Northern Cambria Middle School achieved 77.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - just 62% of students were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 67% students showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 60% of 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. In writing, 65% of the 5th and 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[105]

2013 School Performance Profile

Northern Cambria Middle School achieved 79.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 60.6% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 66% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 58% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. In writing, 61% of the 5th and 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[106]

AYP History

In 2011 and 2012, Northern Cambria Middle School achieved AYP status.[107]

• 2010 - achieved AYP status[108]
• 2009 - Making Progress School Improvement Level I AYP status due to lagging student achievement[109]
• 2008 - declined to School Improvement Level I AYP due to chronic low student achievement[110] Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes. Additionally the middle 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.[111]
• 2007 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement[112]
• 2003 - 2006 - achieved AYP status

PSSA Results

PSSA's are subject specific examinations given in the Spring of each school year. Fifth graders are tested in: reading, writing and mathematics since 1995. 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 1995, as a state initiative.[113] 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.[114] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[115] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[116]

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 59% on grade level (22% below basic). State - 59%[123]
• 2011 - 68% (16% below basic). State - 58.3%
• 2010 - 68% (13% below basic). State - 57%[124]
• 2009 - 68% (16% below basic). State - 55%[125]
• 2008 - 50%, (29% below basic). State - 52%[126]
• 2007 - tested, but results not made public.

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Northern Cambria School District did not implement dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the middle school.[132] The process identifies students at risk for droping out by examining the pupil's: attendance, behavior and course grades. Interventions are implemented to assist at-risk pupils to remain in school. The program is funded by federal and private dollars.[133]

Northern Cambria Elementary School reported an enrollment of 445 pupils in grades preschool through 4th, with 48% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty in 2014. Additionally, none of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[134] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 31% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full-day kindergarten and half-day preschool.[135] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012 Northern Cambria Elementary School enrollment was 474 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 224 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 39 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.[136] The school provided full-day kindergarten to all its pupils since 2004.[137]

2014 School Performance Profile

Northern Cambria Elementary School SPP score declined to 69.6 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 70% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 69% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 72% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 82% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[138]

2013 School Performance Profile

Northern Cambria Elementary School achieved a score of 78.7 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 and 4th. In 3rd grade, 78% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 77% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 88% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[139]

AYP status history

In 2012, Northern Cambria Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to low student achievement in reading.[140] In 2011, Northern Cambria Elementary School achieved AYP status.[141] From 2004-2010, Northern Cambria Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.

PSSA History

Each year, in the Spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. PSSAs examinations have been administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.[142] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[143][144][145] The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.[146]

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 77%, (4% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 92%, (0% below basic). State - 82.9%
• 2010 - 91%, (0% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 - 90%, (2% below basic). State - 83%
• 2008 - 77%, (3% below basic). State - 81%

Northern Cambria School District Administration reported that 27 or 2.21% of its students were gifted in 2009. 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.[189] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness are also considered for eligibility.[190][191]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Northern Cambria School District receives 75.6% of its annual revenue from the state.[230] This exceeds the goal of the state providing 50% of district funding.[231]

For the 2014-15 school year, Northern Cambria School District received $8,469,189 in State Basic Education funding. The district received another $96,043 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[232] 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.[233]

In the 2013-2014 school year, Northern Cambria School District received a 1.2% increase or $8,469,774 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $99,162 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Northern Cambria School District received $93,819 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Cambria County, Westmont Hilltop School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 2.5%. The district had the option of applying for several additional state and federal grants to increase its 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.[234] 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.[235] 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.[236]

For the 2012-13 school year, Northern Cambria School District received $8,370,612 in Basic Education funding.[237] 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. Northern Cambria School District received $93,819 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.[238] 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 2011-12 school year, Northern Cambria School District received a $8,370,612 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[239][240] Additionally, Northern Cambria School District received $93,819 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.[241] 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.[242] In 2010, the district reported that 555 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[243] Some Pennsylvania public school districts experienced a reduction of total funding due to the termination of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.

In the 2010-11 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided Northern Cambria School District a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $8,833,901. Among the districts in Cambria County, the highest increase went to Westmont Hilltop School District which got a 10.14% 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.[244] 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.[245]

In the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.47% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $8,660,687. Among the districts in Cambria County, the highest increase went to Westmont Hilltop School District which got an 8.22%. 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.[246] 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.[247]

The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $7,634,543. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 549 district students received free or reduced- price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[248] 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.[249][250]

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.[251] By 2015, Pennsylvania is spending over $27 billion on public education (local, state and federal resources combined).[252]

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 skills training; All Day Kindergarten; lower class size in Kindergarten through 3rd grade; literacy and math coaching programs (provides teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction); before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010-11, the district applied for and received $254,649 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten to 37 children.[253][254] In 2009, 100% of the kindergarteners in Northern Cambria School District attended full-day kindergarten.[255]

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.[256]

Northern Cambria School District received $96,043 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, PreK Counts funding, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

Northern Cambria School District receives state funding to provide taxpayer-funded preschool at the elementary schools. For the 2013-14 school year, the district received a Pre K Counts grant of $117,000.[257] For the 2011 school year, Northern Cambria School District was a high priority for funding due to the 48% poverty level of children in the district's attendance area.[258][259][260] Enrollment for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is targeted to children living in families earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level.

In 2013, the state's PreK Counts program received $87,284,000. In 2010, the PreK Counts program received $83.6 million statewide in Governor Corbett's education budget. In 2007-08, the state funded Pre-K Counts at $75 million. Northern Cambria School District did not receive funding in 2007-08.[261] In 2009-10, the district received $118,500 to provide preschool to 30 children.[262][263] The District received $98,750 enrolling 25 students for 2011-12[264]

In addition to PreK Counts, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also supplements the federal Head Start preschool program with an additional funding on an annual basis. The program is available to low income children residing within the district through private providers. In 2013, Pennsylvania contributed $39,178,000 to Head Start. In 2010, Head Start received $37.6 million in Pennsylvania state education dollars. Since 2003, Pennsylvania has more than doubled the number of preschoolers in publicly funded pre-kindergarten through a multipronged system including: school-based pre-kindergarten, Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts through private providers, Early Intervention, Head Start and Head Start Supplemental, and the school district's use of Accountability Block Grants. Over 100,000 Pennsylvania preschoolers participate in state taxpayer funded pre-kindergarten programs. In 2013, the federal government spent $8 billion for preschool programs nationwide.[265] In 2013, Pennsylvania was awarded a $51.7 million federal grant to fund early learning programs.[266] The funding will be used to create 50 Early Childhood Education Community Innovation Zones in areas where the lowest-performing public schools, including charter schools, exist. The federal dollars were not be used to provide seats for children in preschools. Instead the money was used to build state bureaucracy and added training for teachers/providers.[267]

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. The School District applied to participate in 2006-07, but was denied funding by PA Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak. In 2007-08 and in 2008-09 did not apply for funding in spite of repeated requests from the board to do so.[268][269][270][271] Among the public school districts in Cambria County, the highest award was given to Greater Johnstown School District which received $463,166. 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.

Northern Cambria Elementary School successfully applied to participate and received a Science It's Elementary grant in 2008-09.[272] For the 2008-09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 66,973 students across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.[273] In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Education initiated an effort to improve science instruction in the Commonwealth's public elementary schools. Called Science: It's Elementary, the program was a hands on instruction approach for elementary science classes that develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills.[274] To encourage schools to adopt the program's standards aligned curriculum, the state provided a grant to cover the costs of materials and extensive mandatory teacher training.[275] The district was required to develop a three-year implementation plan for the participating school. The school district administration was required to appoint a district liaison who was paid $3,000 by PDE to serve as the conduit of all information between the district and the Department and its agents along with submitting orders and distributing supplies to implementing teachers. For the 2006-07 state education budget, $10 million was allocated for the program.[276] The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget. The grant was discontinued in the state's 2011 budget by Governor Edward G. Rendell.

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 Northern Cambria School District received $24,245.[277] In 2003-04, Governor Rendell signed into law the EAP for targeted tutoring at a funding level of $38 million. Almost 35,000 students in 82 academically challenged school districts received extra help in the first year. The program was continued at the same funding level in 2004-05. In 2005-06, the program received $66 million in funding and expanded to support tutoring in 175 school districts and Career and Technical Centers.

Northern Cambria School District participated in a pilot year of the state's Hybrid learning initiative. Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning uses three learning models to increase student achievement: instruction from the teacher, group activities, and self-instruction through digital content. According to state testing results, among the pilot schools, 88 percent achieved higher academic performance in hybrid classes compared to traditional classes in the same district or statewide benchmarks, 75 percent reported better academic achievement, and all of them met or exceeded academic growth.[278] In 2013-14, the state awarded $633,000 in federal Title 2A funds to accelerate teacher training in the implementation of hybrid learning programs in 50 school buildings in 34 school entities. In 2012, $1.1 million was awarded to 15 districts to launch the first hybrid pilot schools in the state that included more than 1,900 students and 48 teachers.[279] Northern Cambria School District received $19,500.

Northern Cambria School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants;[280][281] 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;[282] 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; Project 720 High School Reform grants (discontinued effective with 2011-12 budget); nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

The Northern Cambria School District received an extra $2,027,455 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.[283][284] The funding was limited to the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.[285] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, the Governor and the Pennsylvania School Board Association, to use the funds for one-time expenditures like acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Northern Cambria School District officials applied 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.[286] 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.[287] 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.[288][289][290]

Northern Cambria School Board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program.[291] 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.[292][293] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

All local taxing authorities are required by the Local Tax Enabling Act to exempt disabled veterans and members of the armed forces reserve who are called to active duty at any time during the tax year from any local services tax and to exempt from any local services tax levied at a rate in excess of $10 those persons whose total income and net profits from all sources within the political subdivision is less than $12,000 for the tax year. The Local Tax Enabling Act also authorizes, but does not require, taxing authorities to exempt from per capita, occupation, and earned income taxes and any local services tax levied at a rate of $10 or less per year, any person whose total income from all sources is less than $12,000 per year.

Property tax rates in 2014-2015 were set by the school board at 50.1600 mills.[294] 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.[295] 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 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[296] 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.[297] 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.[298]

The average yearly property tax paid by Cambria County residents amounts to about 2.4% of their yearly income. Cambria County ranked 1048th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[308] 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.[309] 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%).[310] Pennsylvania's 2011 tax burden of 10.35% ranked 10th highest out of 50 states. The tax burden was above the national average of 9.8%. Pennsylvania's taxpayers paid $4,374 per capita in state and local taxes, including school taxes.[311]

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 the district's 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.[312]

In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation eliminating six of the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[313] 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.[314][315] 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.[316]

The School District Adjusted Index history for the Northern Cambria School District:

For the 2014-15 budget year, Northern Cambria School Board applied for an exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit, due to the rapidly escalting cost of the teachers pensions. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[322] 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.[323]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Northern Cambria School Board applied for an exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit, due to rising teacher pension costs. 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.[324]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Northern Cambria School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: special education costs and rising teacher pension costs. In 2012-13, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 12.36% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). For 2012-2013 budget year, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; while 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[325]

For the 2011-12 school year, Northern Cambria School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. In 2011-12, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make an 8.65% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund. Each year, Northern Cambria 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.

In 2014, Northern Cambria School District approved 2,345 homestead properties to receive $134 each.[326] 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.[327]

In 2009, Northern Cambria School District approved 2,307 homestead properties to receive $136 in property tax relief.[328] The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (40,000 m²) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. 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 Cambria County, the highest tax relief went to Ferndale Area School District which was set at $214.[329] 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.[330] The tax relief was started by Governor Edward G. Rendell with passage of the state gaming law in 2004. Rendell promised taxpayers substantial property tax relief from legalized gambling.[331] In Cambria County, 54% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. This was among the lowest participation rates in Pennsylvania.[332]

In Pennsylvania, the homestead exclusion reduces the assessed values of homestead properties, reducing the property tax on these homes. The homestead exclusion allows homeowners real property tax relief of up to one half of the median assessed value of homesteads in the taxing jurisdiction (county, school district, city, borough, or township).[333]

Some Northern Cambria School District residents, including: low income residents aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older, can qualify for the state's Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners.[334] Residents must apply annually to receive up to $650. The Property tax/rent rebate program is funded by revenues from the Pennsylvania Lottery. In 2012, these property tax rebates were increased by an additional 50 percent for senior households in the state, so long as those households have incomes under $30,000 and pay more than 15% of their income in property taxes.[335]

In 2014, Northern Cambria School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Northern Cambria Elementary School received $5,000 which was used to purchase the Healthy Beginnings Program to promote student wellness.[350] 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. Northern Cambria High School also received a $7,588 Healthy High 5 grant in 2011. The funds were used to fund Get Moving Keep Moving program. The Middle School was also funded receiving $9,540 to fund Those AWKWARD Middle School Years intervention.[351]

The Northern Cambria teams are call the Colts with the school colors being black and gold. The black color was adopted from the previous Barnesboro High School and the gold from Spangler High School. The Northern Cambria Track and Sports Complex (Charles Miller Track) is located behind the high school. The school football field is not at the high school, but at a site about one mile away. The school's girls volleyball team won the PIAA A state championship in 2005, 2009, 2018 & 2019.[357] The boys basketball team won the PIAA Class B state championship in 1965.[358]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[359]

Northern Cambria High School offers the following PIAA sports:

Varsity

Middle School Sports:

According to PIAA directory July 2015[360]

In 2014, Northern Cambria School District discontinued offering its own wrestling team due to a lack of participation.[361] Students can access a wrestling program through a cooperative program with Cambria Heights School District.[362]

Northern Cambria competes in District 6 of the PIAA. In most sports, Northern Cambria is either in the A or AA classification. District championships include:

2009 Girls Volleyball State Champion - Class A
The 2009 girls volleyball team won the PIAA championship at the A classification, defeating Reading Holy Name 3 sets to 0. They defeated Nativity BVM 3 sets to 0 in the state semifinals. The championships were held at Central York High School.

2005 Girls Volleyball State Champion - Class A
The 2005 girls volleyball team won the PIAA championship at the A classification, defeating the Marian Catholic Fillies 25-8, 26-24, 25-13. They defeated the Reading Central Catholic Cardinals 22-25, 25-16, 25-17, 25-15 in the state semifinals. The championships were held at Central York High School. Northern Cambria finished the year with a record of 27-0.[363]

1965 Boys Basketball State Champion - Class B
In 1965 the boys basketball team (competing in Class B) won the school's first state championship, defeating the representative from Eastern Pennsylvania, Montrose, by a score of 78 to 69. The game was played at the Pitt Field House on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh. Montrose was the defending state champions and also came into the game with a 53-game unbeaten streak. The Colts' victory ended Montrose's bid to tie the state record for consecutive wins. Northern Cambria finished the year with a record of 27-1, with their lone loss coming to DeMatha Catholic High School of Maryland.[364]

2011 Boys A Basketball Round of 16
The 2011 team became the first boys basketball team at the school to win a boys state basketball playoff game in over 40 years. They beat Union(Rimersburg) in the first round. Tony Rocco led the Colts that game with 20 points and 11 steals. In the round of 16 they lost to Rocky Grove.

2010 Boys A Basketball Round of 32
The 2010 team won the Heritage Conference and playoffs looked bright. However, in the first round they played Reading Central Catholic, the favored team in the state tournament to win. They kept the game close with a gap of just 7 going into the 4th quarter, but Reading deemed too much for the Colts. Northern Cambria shot a horrid 9%(3-31) from the 3-pt line, usually their specialty, or they might have pulled off the upset. Marcus Dawkins, a member of Reading Central Catholic, dunked on Joe Yuhas's head in the game and also threw the ball of the backboard to himself on a fast break and dunked it. Marcus Dawkins is black. This team also won the Cambria Heights Christmas basketball tournament in 2009. Named to the all-tourney team was Anthony Penksa, Josh Stiles, and Tony Rocco. Left off of the all-tourney was Joe Yuhas. To this day Joe is still salty about the whole ordeal. He weeps alone in his room for hours and hours when thinking back.

2008 Girls AA Basketball State Runner-Up
The 2008 team became the first girls basketball team at the school to make the state playoffs. In the first round (the round of 32), NC defeated District 7's #7 seed Beaver 56-47. In the second round, they defeated District 7's #4 seed Ford City 54-18. NC defeated District 10's #2 seed Girard in the state quarterfinals 41-30 at Slippery Rock. In the Western Final, the Colts defeated District 6 rival Bishop McCort 45-42. They lost in the state final to York Catholic 52-40 at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College. In the District 6 playoffs, NC defeated Southern Huntingdon 60-48 in the semifinals and then defeated Bishop McCort in the District 6 championship 65-48 at the War Memorial in Johnstown.

2006 Girls A Volleyball State Runner-Up
The Colts finished as state runners-up in A volleyball in 2006. Northern Cambria defeated District 7 Champion Geibel Catholic in the state semifinals, defeating the Gators 25-22, 21-25, 21-25, 25-21, 15-10. The Colts then lost to Reading Central Catholic 25-22, 25-12, 25-15 in the state championship game. The championships were held at Central York High School. It was the third straight year that Northern Cambria made it to the championship match in girls volleyball (they won the title in 2005).[365]

2004 Girls A Volleyball State Runner-Up
In 2004, Northern Cambria defeated Reading Central Catholic 25-21, 19-25, 25-20, 26-24 in the state semifinals. They then lost in the finals to District 10 Champion Cochranton 25-17, 25-23, 25-20. The championships were held at Robert Morris University outside of Pittsburgh.[366]

2007 Girls A Volleyball State Semifinalist
The volleyball team continued its success in 2007. This time, however, the Colts fell in the state semifinals, losing to the Cochranton Cardinals, the District 10 Champion, 3 sets to 1. The championships were held at Central York High School.

2006 Girls A Softball State Semifinalist
In 2006, the Northern Cambria softball team reached the state's final four. The Colts lost to eventual state champion Blue Ridge in the state semifinals. The game was played in Williamsport, PA. Northern Cambria lost the District 6 Championship that year to Southern Huntingdon. They rebounded, however, by defeating Northern Bedford and East Juniata to reach the final four. The Colts played in the "eastern" half of the state bracket.

2003 Girls A Softball State Semifinalist
In 2003, the Colts softball team lost to Chartiers-Houston in the state semifinals. Northern Cambria lost a 1-0 lead late in the game and lost 2-1 in eight innings. The Colts won the school's first District 6 Championship in girls sports by defeating Southern Huntingdon. They then defeated Northern Bedford and Leechburg to reach the state semifinals. Northern Cambria defeated Leechburg 1-0 in 13 innings. The Colts played in the "western" half of the state bracket.[367]

2008 Girls A Volleyball State Quarterfinalist
Northern Cambria advanced to the state tournament by defeating Bishop Guilfoyle in 3 sets to 0 sets to win the district 6 championship for the 5th straight year. They then defeated Elderton in the first round of the state playoffs in a 5 set match. In this match-up, Elderton won the first two sets but NC rallied to take it in 5. The quarterfinal round (final 8) was played at Central York High School. The Colts finished fourth in their pool (North Star, Maplewood, and Reading Holy Name) and did not advance to the semifinals.

2009 Girls A Basketball State Quarterfinalist
The girls basketball team finished 2nd in District 6, losing to Bishop Guilfoyle High School in the d6A finals. In the first round of states, they defeated Lancaster Country Day at Central Cambria High School. They then rallied to defeat Tri-Valley High School at Big Springs High School. In the final 8, they lost a nail-biter to Benton High School.

2009 Girls A Softball State Quarterfinalist
The girls softball team defeated Bishop Guilfoyle High School in the district 6 semifinals to earn a state playoff bid. They lost the d6 championship to Claysburg-Kimmel High School. In the first round of the state playoffs, the Colts defeated Fannett-Metal High School 4-3 at Everett High School. In the final 8, they lost to Vincentian Academy 7-3.

2007 Boys A Basketball First Round - Round of 32
The boys basketball team made the PIAA playoffs by finishing fourth in District 6 A. The team lost to Harmony in the district semifinals. They then lost to Saltsburg in the consolation game. In the first round of the state playoffs, the team lost to defending PIAA A champion Elk County Catholic.

2002 Boys AA Basketball First Round - Round of 32
In 2002, the boys basketball team made the state playoffs for the third straight year. The team lost to District 5's North Star. The team lost to Tyrone in the District 6 semifinals but defeated Homer Center to finish 3rd in District 6.

2001 Boys AA Basketball First Round - Round of 32
The 2001 basketball team won the District 6 AA championship by defeating Westmont Hilltop. They lost in the first round of the state playoffs to District 7's Wilkinsburg.

2000 Boys AA Basketball First Round - Round of 32

• Janae Dunchack has won four individual state gold medals in the high jump competition in track and field.
• Gus Yahner 2014 PIAA Pole Vault State Champion.

Northern Cambria's athletic teams compete in the Heritage Conference. Most of the schools in this conference are in Indiana County. The conference consists of the following teams:

• The Blairsville High School Bobcats
• The Homer-Center High School Wildcats
• The Ligonier Valley High School Rams (Westmoreland County)
• The Marion Center High School Stingers
• The Northern Cambria High School Colts (Cambria County)
• The Penns Manor High School Comets
• The Purchase Line High School Dragons
• The Saltsburg High School Trojans
• The United High School Lions

Recent conference championships include:

• 2012 Boys Basketball
• 2010 Boys Basketball
• 2010 Girls Volleyball
• 2010 Girls Track and Field
• 2010 Boys Basketball
• 2009 Girls Volleyball
• 2009 Girls Track and Field
• 2009 Girls Basketball
• 2008 Girls Volleyball
• 2008 Girls Track and Field
• 2008 Girls Basketball
• 2007 Girls Volleyball
• 2007 Girls Track and Field
• 2007 Girls Basketball (shared with Penns Manor)
• 2007 Boys Basketball (shared with Blairsville)
• 2006 Girls Volleyball
• 2006 Girls Track and Field
• 2006 Girls Basketball
• 2005 Girls Volleyball
• 2005 Girls Track and Field
• 2005 Girls Softball
• 2004 Girls Volleyball
• 2004 Girls Track and Field
• 2004 Girls Softball
• 2003 Girls Softball
• 2003 Girls Track and Field
• 2003 Girls Basketball (shared with Marion Center)