Penn Cambria School District

In 2012, Penn Cambria School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[25] In 2011, Penn Cambria School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of Pennsylvania public school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.[26][27] School District achieved AYP status each year from 2003 to 2010.[28]

In 2014, the district's graduation rate was 87.5.[29]

• 2013 - 86.72% [30]
• 2012 - 87.22%.[31]
• 2011 - 91.82%.[32]
• 2010 - 87.22%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[33]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2009 - 95% [34]
• 2008 - 98.6% [35]
• 2007 - 98.6% [36]

Penn Cambria High School is located at 401 Linden Avenue, Cresson. In 2014, enrollment was reported as 521 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 34.93% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 15.93% of pupils received special education services, while 2.7% of pupils were identified as gifted.[37] The school employed 36 teachers.[38] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Penn Cambria High School is the sole high school operated by the Penn Cambria School District.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012, the school reported an enrollment of 527 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 140 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. In 2012, the school employed 36 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[39] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[40]

2014 School Performance Profile

Penn Cambria High School achieved 87.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 90.9% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 84.5% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 78.9% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[41] 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%.[42]

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.[43] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[44][45]

2013 School Performance Profile

Penn Cambria High School achieved 81.7 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 86% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 70% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 51.5% showed on grade level science understanding.[46] 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.[47]

AYP History

In 2012, Penn Cambria High School declined to School Improvement Level I Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, due to lagging achievement in reading and mathematics.[48] Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's lagging student achievement. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school district must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.[49] The high school was eligible for targeted, extra funding called School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.[50]

• 2011 - declined to Warning AYP status.[51]
• 2010 - achieved AYP status[52]
• 2009 - declined again to Warning AYP status due to lagging academic achievement[53]
• 2007 and 2008 - achieved AYP status[54]
• 2006 - declined to Warning AYP status
• 2003-2005 - achieved AYP status

PSSA results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, 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.[55] 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.[56]

11th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 70% on grade level, (15% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[57]
• 2011 - 76% (12% below basic). State - 69.1%[58]
• 2010 - 67% (16% below basic). State - 66%[59]
• 2009 - 59% (21% below basic). State - 65%[60]
• 2008 - 65% (13% below basic). State - 65%[61]
• 2007 - 73% (14% below basic). State - 65%[62]

11th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 72% on grade level (19% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[63]
• 2011 - 69% (12% below basic). State - 60.3%[64]
• 2010 - 63% (18% below basic). State - 59%[65]
• 2009 - 59% (20% below basic). State - 56%[66]
• 2008 - 49% (30% below basic). State - 56%[67]
• 2007 - 60% (20% below basic). State - 53%[68]

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 53% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[69]
• 2011 - 56% (11% below basic). State - 40%[70]
• 2010 - 49% (11% below basic). State - 39%
• 2009 - 38% (18% below basic). State - 40%[71]
• 2008 - 20% (20% below basic). State - 39%[72]
• 2007 - students field tested. Results withheld from the public by PDE.

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 12% of the Penn 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.[73][74] 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.[75][76] 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.

Penn Cambria High School offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. Penn Cambria School District has a contract with Mount Aloysius College and St. Francis University to offer these courses. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[77] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[78] 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.[79] In his 2010-11 budget, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students, from the Commonwealth, due to a state budget crisis. For the 2009-10 funding year, Penn Cambria School District received a state grant of $3,449 for the program.[80]

AP Courses Penn Cambria High School did not offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses in 2013 or 2014.

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The Penn Cambria School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 26 credits to graduate, including: a required class every year in English, social studies, science, math 4 or 5 credits, arts/humanities 3 credits, computer science 1 credit, Physical Education/health 2 credits and electives 3 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.[81] 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.[82]

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.[83] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[84]

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.[85][86] 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.[87] 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.[88] 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.

The Challenge Program offers $250.00 cash incentives to Penn Cambria High School students who excel in the categories of: Academic Improvement, Attendance, Community Service and Academic Excellence. The program partners with businesses to motivate students both in and out of the classroom by encouraging good habits in students that will last throughout their education and into their future careers. For the 2010-2011 school year, the top 10% of students in each of the categories will be eligible to win $250.00.[89]

In 2014, 91 Penn Cambria School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 483. The Math average score was 485. The Writing average score was 451.[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, 91 Penn Cambria School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 488. The Math average score was 496. The Writing average score was 457. 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, 84 Penn Cambria School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 483. The Math average score was 498. The Writing average score was 455. 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, 79 Penn Cambria School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 454. The Math average score was 489. The Writing average score was 430.[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] The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that 71 percent of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania chose to continue their education after high school in 2003, whereas 79 percent of urban high school graduates opted to continue their education.

Penn Cambria Middle School is located at 401 Division Street, Gallitzin. In 2014, enrollment was 542 pupils, in grades 5th through 8th, with 39% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 18% of pupils received special education services, while 1.5% of pupils were identified as gifted.[98] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[99] Penn Cambria Middle School uses the Accelerated Reader program to strengthen reading skills.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012, Penn Cambria Middle School reported an enrollment of 548 pupils, in grades 5th through 8th, with 201 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 34 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.[100] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[101]

2014 School Performance Profile

Penn Cambria Middle School achieved 87 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 74.8% were reading on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 80.9% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 66% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 81% of the 5th and 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[102]

2013 School Performance Profile

Penn Cambria Middle School achieved 78.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 74% of the students were reading on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 81% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 70% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 76.7% of the 5th and 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[103]

AYP History

In 2011 and 2012, Penn Cambria Middle School achieved AYP status.[104] From 2008 through 2010, Penn Cambria Middle School achieved AYP status each school year. In 2007, the school declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.[105] From 2003-2006, Penn Cambria Middle School achieved AYP status each year.

PSSA Results:

Fifth graders are tested in reading, math and writing. Testing of 5th grade began as a state initiative in 1995. Sixth and seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006 (NCLB). 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.[106] 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.[107] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[108] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[109]

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 67% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 59%[116]
• 2011 - 72% (10% below basic). State - 58.3%
• 2010 - 63% (23% below basic). State - 57% [117]
• 2009 - 72% (17% below basic). State - 55% [118]
• 2008 - 50% (29% below basic). State - 52% [119]
• 2007 - tested, but results not made public.

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Penn Cambria School District has not implemented the state's dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the middle school.[124] 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.[125]

Penn Cambria Intermediate School is located at 376 Wood Street, Lilly. In 2014, the school's enrollment was 271 pupils in grades 3rd and 4th, with 43% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 17% of the pupils receive special education services, while none are identified as gifted.[126] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 97% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.[127] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012, enrollment was 273 pupils in grades 3rd and 4h, with 110 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 20 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.[128] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 3% of its teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[129]

2014 School Performance Profile

Penn Cambria Intermediate School achieved a score of 78.3 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 78% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 90% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 92% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[130]

2013 School Performance Profile

Penn Cambria Intermediate School achieved a score of 75.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 81% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 87% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 90.7% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, just 82% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[131]

AYP status history

In 2012, Penn Cambria Intermediate School declined to Warning AYP status, due to lagging reading achievement.[132] In 2011, Penn Cambria Intermediate School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[133]

• 2010 - remained in Warning AYP status[134]
• 2009 - declined to Warning AYP status, due to lagging reading achievement[135]
• 2003-2007 - achieved AYP status each school year[136]

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 are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.[137] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[138][139][140] 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.[141]

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 87%, (4% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 94%, (1% below basic). State - 82.9%
• 2010 - 87%, (4% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 - 93%, (2% below basic). State - 83%
• 2008 - 90%, (0% below basic). State - 81%

Penn Cambria Primary School is located at 400 Main Street, Lilly. In 2014, the school's enrollment was 277 pupils in grades 1st and 2nd, with 45.8% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 16.6% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[149] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.[150] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012, enrollment was 263 pupils in grades 1st and 2nd, with 107 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 18 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[151] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[152]

AYP status

This school is considered a Feeder School by the state. This means it provides grades below 3rd grade. It does not administer PSSAs to its pupils. Since this school feeds into schools that are held accountable because of their 3rd grade PSSA results, this school receives AYP results based on the district's results. In 2008 and earlier, the school provided 3rd grade which was tested in reading and mathematics. In those years the school achieved AYP status 2003 to 2008.[153]

PSSA results:

Penn Cambria Pre-Primary School is located at 205 6th Street, Cresson. In 2014, the school's enrollment was 144 pupils in preschool and kindergarten, with 43.7% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. None of the pupils receive special education services and none were identified as gifted.[156] 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. The district has provided full-day kindergarten since 2003 using state grant dollars.[157] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012, enrollment was 172 pupils in preschool and kindergarten, with 74 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 9.7 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 17:1.[158] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[159] The school provided full-day kindergarten to all its pupils.[160] The school was a federally designated Title I school. In 2007-08, the school provided kindergarten and first grade.[161]

The Penn Cambria District Administration reported that 36 or 2.08% 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.[180] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.[181][182]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Penn Cambria School District receives 64.8% of its annual revenue from the state.[214] This exceeds the education advocates stated goal of the Commonwealth providing 50% of district funding.[215]

For the 2014-15 school year, Penn Cambria School District received $9,299,669 in State Basic Education funding. The district received an additional $124,043 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.[216] 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.[217]

In the 2013-2014 school year, the Penn Cambria School District received a 1.4% increase or $9,296,449 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $126,618 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Penn Cambria School District received $121,843 in Accountability Block Grant (ABG) 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 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.[218] 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.[219] 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.[220]

For the 2012-13 school year, Penn Cambria School District received $9,169,831.13.[221] 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. Penn Cambria School District received $121,843 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The State also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[222] 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.

For the 2011-12 school year, Penn Cambria School District received a $9,169,831.13 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[223][224] Additionally, the Penn Cambria School District received $330,711 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.[225] 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.[226] In 2010, the district reported that 627 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[227] 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 a 3.92% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $9,867,036. 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.[228] 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.[229]

In the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 3.54% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $9,494,415. 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.[230] 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.[231]

The state Basic Education Funding to the Penn Cambria School District in 2008-09 was $9,169,831. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 712 district students received free or reduced- price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[232] 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.[233][234]

All Pennsylvania public 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.[235] By 2015, Pennsylvania was spending over $27 billion on public education (local, state and federal resources combined).[236]

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 Penn Cambria School District applied for and received $330,711 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten.[237][238] In 2009, 100% of the kindergarteners in Penn Cambria School District attended full-day kindergarten.[239] In 2011-2012 and 2012-2013, the district received $121,843.[240]

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.[241] Penn Cambria School District received $124,043 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.

Penn Cambria School District receives state funding to provide taxpayer-funded preschool at the elementary schools. For the 2013-14 school year, Penn Cambria received a Pre K Counts grant of $133,620.[242] For the 2011 school year, Penn Cambria School District was a high priority for funding due to the 39% poverty level of children in the district's attendance area.[243][244][245] 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. Penn Cambria School District received state funding in 2007-08.[246] In 2009-10, the district received $120,955 to provide preschool to 24 children.[247][248]

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.[249] In 2013, Pennsylvania was awarded a $51.7 million federal grant to fund early learning programs.[250] 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.[251]

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 Penn Cambria School District received $99,449, in 2006-07. The district received another $241,143, in 2007-08. Finally, the district received $26,468 in 2008-09.[252] 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.

The Environmental Education Grant Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that 5 percent of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Department of Environmental Protection be set aside for environmental education. In 2012, Penn Cambria School District was awarded $2,950.[253]

Penn Cambria School District was awarded a $280,332 competitive literacy grant. It is to be used to improve reading skills birth through 12th grade. The district was required to develop a lengthy literacy plan, which included outreach into the community. The funds come from a Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, also referred to as the Keystones to Opportunity grant It is a five-year, competitive federal grant program designed to assist local education agencies in developing and implementing local comprehensive literacy plans. Of the 329 pre-applications by school districts reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, School District was one of only 148 entities that were invited to submit a full application. In Cambria County, one other school district was awarded funding for one year.[254] The funds must be used for teacher training, student screening and assessment, targeted interventions for students reading below grade level and research-based methods of improving classroom instruction and practice. Districts must hire literacy coaches. The coaches work with classroom teachers to enhance their literacy teaching skills. Pennsylvania was among six other states, out of the 35 that applied, to be awarded funding. Pennsylvania received $38 million through the federal program. The Department of Education reserved 5% of the grant for administration costs at the state level. The top Pennsylvania grant recipient was Pittsburgh School District which was awarded $1,9983,014.

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, Penn Cambria School District received $40,501.[255] 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.

Project 720 was a high school reform program implemented for three years under the Rendell administration. The intent was to increase academic rigor and improve the instruction of teachers in the Commonwealth's high schools. Teachers were expected to use data driven instructional practices and to meet the needs of diverse learners.[256] The 720 in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades. High school's applied for funding and were required to agree to report to the PDE their plans, their actions and the outcomes. In 2007-08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. Penn Cambria School District was one of 161 PA public school districts to apply, receiving $67,000 funding over three years.[257][258] For 2010-11, Project 720 funding was decreased to $1.7 million by Governor Rendell. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Rendell effective with the 2011-12 state budget.[259]

Penn Cambria School District did not participate in: PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell);[260] 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;[261] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

The district received an extra $2,243,342 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.[262][263] The funding was limited to the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.[264] 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.

Penn Cambria School District officials applied for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided one-half million dollars, in additional federal funding, to improve student academic achievement.[265] 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.[266] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of many other Pennsylvania public school districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[267][268][269]

Penn Cambria School Board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program.[270] 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.[271][272] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Property tax rates in 2014-2015 were set by the school board at 52.8200 mills for Cambria County property owners and 73.8100 mills for those in Blair County.[273] 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.[274] 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.[275] When a Pennsylvania public school district, Like Penn Cambria 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.[276] 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.[277]

• 2013-14 - 51.250 mills for Cambria County property owners and 77.800 mills for those in Blair County.[278]
• 2012-13 - 51.250 mills for Cambria County property owners and 77.040 mills for those in Blair County.[279]
• 2011-12 - 50.030 mills for Cambria County property owners and 79.880 mills for those in Blair County.[280]
• 2010-11 - 50.030 mills for Cambria County property owners and 87.510 mills for those in Blair County.[281]
• 2009-10 - 48.060 mills for Cambria County property owners and 110.940 mills for those in Blair County.[282]
• 2008-09 - 48.060 mills for Cambria County property owners and 113.870 mills for those in Blair County.[283]
• 2007-08 - 46.060 mills for Cambria County property owners and 106.740 mills for those in Blair County.[284]
• 2006-07 - 46.060 mills for Cambria County property owners and 104.830 mills for those in Blair County.[285]
• 2005-06 - 44.000 mills for Cambria County property owners and 88.000 mills for those in Blair County.[286]

In 2010, Blair County commissioners raised the Assessment Ratio Market Value for each property. The district was required to reduce the millage of Blair County property owners so that the total revenues taken were equal to the 2009 level. The county increased the Assessed Value ratio from 75% to 100%.[287]

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.[288] 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.[289] 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%).[290] 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.[291]

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.[292]

In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation eliminating six of the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[293] 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.[294][295] 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.[296]

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

For the 2014-15 budget year, Penn Cambria 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).[302] 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.[303]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Penn Cambria 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.[304]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Penn Cambria School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. In 2012-13, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 12.36% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). For 2012-2013 budget year, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; while 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.[305]

For the 2011-12 school year, Penn 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, the school board has the option of adopting either: 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index.

According to a state report, for the 2011-2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district's index. Of the districts who sought exceptions: 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.[306]

The Penn Cambria School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2010-11.[307] For the 2009-10 school budget, the Penn Cambria School Board also did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Index.[308] 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.[309]

In 2013, Penn Cambria School District approved 3,762 homestead properties to receive $120 each.[310] 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.[311]

In 2009, Penn Cambria School District approved 3,585 homestead properties to receive $126 in property tax relief.[312] 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.[313] 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.[314] 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.[315]

In Cambria County, just 54% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. This was among the lowest participation rates in Pennsylvania.[316]

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).[317]

Some Penn 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.[318] 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.[319]