Pleasant Valley School District (Pennsylvania)

In 2012, Pleasant Valley School District declined to Warning AYP status due to declining student achievement at the high school, the middle school and the elementary school.[31] In 2011, Pleasant Valley 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.[32][33] Pleasant Valley School District achieved AYP status each year from 2006 to 2010.[34]

• 2005 - Maling Progress in School Improvement Status
• 2004 - declined to School Improvement Status
• 2003 - Warning status due to lagging student achievement.

In 2013, Pleasant Valley School District's graduation rate was 85.7%. In 2012, the district's graduation rate was 86%.[35] In 2011, the graduation rate was 93%.[36] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Pleasant Valley High School's rate was 78% for 2010.[37]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 - 94%[38]
• 2009 - 94%[39]
• 2008 - 92%[40]
• 2007 - 92%[41]

Pleasant Valley High School is located at Route 209, Brodheadsville. In 2013, enrollment was reported as 2,001 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 38% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 15.79% of pupils received special education services, while 6.45% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 101 teachers.[42] Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Effective with the 2012-13 school year, the ninth grade was shifted to the High School building from the Middle School.

In 2010, there were 1,537 pupils enrolled in grades 10th through 12th, with 428 pupils qualifying for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 107 teachers, yielding a 14:1 student–teacher ratio.[43] Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act mandates.

2013 School Performance Profile

Pleasant Valley High School achieved 84.4 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 81% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 68.97% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 37% showed on grade level science understanding.[44] 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.[45]

In 2012, Pleasant Valley High School declined further to Corrective Action II 4th Year status due to chronic, low student academic achievement and a low graduation rate.[46] In 2011, Pleasant Valley High School declined again to Corrective Action II 3rd Year status due to chronic low student academic achievement. In 2010, the high school was in Corrective Action II 2nd Year status due to continuing low student academic achievement.[47] In compliance with No Child Left Behind, the administration was mandated to notify parents about the low achievement and that they could transfer their child to a successful school in the district.[48] Additionally, the administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop a School Improvement Plan and to submit it for state approval.

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.[49]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 69% on grade level, (13% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[50]
• 2011 - 70%, (13% below basic). State - 69.1%[51]
• 2010 - 69%, (14% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders are on grade level.[52]
• 2009 - 65% (17% below basic). State - 65%[53]
• 2008 - 59% (22% below basic). State - 65%[54]
• 2007 - 65% (15% below basic). State - 65%[55]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 66% on grade level (18% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[56]
• 2011 - 65%, (15% below basic). State - 60.3%[57]
• 2010 - 62%, (19% below basic). State - 59%
• 2009 - 58%, (17% below basic). State - 56%.
• 2008 - 39% (35% below basic). State - 56%
• 2007 - 45% (31% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 35% on grade level (12% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[58]
• 2011 - 36% (17% below basic). State - 40%[59]
• 2010 - 32% (17% below basic). State - 39%
• 2009 - 42% (15% below basic). State - 40%[60]
• 2008 - 26% (21% below basic). State - 39%

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 25% of Pleasant Valley 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.[61] 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.[62] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

In 2013, Pleasant Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 476. The Math average score was 489. The Writing average score was 458. 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.[63]

In 2012, Pleasant Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 479. The Math average score was 489. The Writing average score was 462. 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, 310 Pleasant Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 479. The Math average score was 486. The Writing average score was 455.[64] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[65] 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.[66]

The Pleasant Valley School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 28.5 credits to graduate, including: Math 4 credits, English 4 credits, social studies 4 credits, science 4 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Health 1 credit, Drivers Ed theory 0.5 credits, Arts/Humanities 2 credits, Computer Lit 0.5 credits and 6 PSSA Enhancement/electives.[67] Each student in Pleasant Valley High School, sophomores and juniors, must be registered for at least 8.0 credits per year. Seniors are required a minimum of 6.5 credits. Students who score below the proficient level on the 11th grade PSSA test must enroll in and demonstrate proficiency in a 9-week 1⁄2 credit course in Math and/or Reading prior to graduating called PSSA Enhancement.

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must 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.[68] Completion of the graduation projects earns the student 0.5 credit towards graduation. 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.[69]

By Pennsylvania 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 Keystone Exams.[70] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[71]

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.[72][73] 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.[74] 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.[75] 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.

Pleasant Valley 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. By state regulation, 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. For the first few years of the program, the state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books[76] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[77] For the 2009-10 funding year, Pleasant Valley School District received a state grant of $7,422 for the program.[78]

In 2013, Pleasant Valley High School offered 12 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Pleasant Valley High School 15% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[79]

Pleasant Valley Middle School is located at Route 115, Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania. In 2013, enrollment was 902 pupils, in grades 7th and 8th, with 41% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 17% of pupils received special education services, while 9.53% of pupils were identified as gifted.[80] The school was not a federally designated Title I school. According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[81] The school was part of a District-wide realignment of schools which shifted ninth grade to the High School and brought seventh grade to the middle school in 2012-13.

In 2010, Pleasant Valley Middle School had 1,056 students enrolled in grades 8th and 9th, with 354 students receiving the federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 82 teachers, yielding a 13:1 student–teacher ratio.[82] The attendance rate rose from 90% in 2010 to 94% in 2011.[83] The school was a Title I school.

2013 School Performance Profile

Pleasant Valley Middle School achieved 79.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, 78.8% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 81% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 68% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, just 65% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[84]

AYP History: In 2011 and 2012, Pleasant Valley Middle School remained in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in both reading and mathematics.[85]

• 2009 and 2010 - AYP status
• 2008 - Making Progress to School Improvement Level I
• 2007 - declined to Corrective Action Level I due to chronic, low academic achievement in math
• 2006 - declined to School Improvement Level II.
• 2005 - Making Progress to School Improvement Level I The school was mandated by the PDE to develop a School Improvement plan to raise student achievement.
• 2004 - declined to School Improvement Level I due to lagging academic achievement
• 2003 - Warning AYP status

PSSA Results: PSSAs are given in the Spring of each school year. Seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I, take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999.[86] 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.[87] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[88] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[89]

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 61% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 59%[99]
• 2011 - 57% (22% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 53% (26% below basic). State – 57%[100]
• 2009 - 47% (26% below basic). State - 55%[101]
• 2008 - 49%, (18% below basic). State - 52%[102]

Pleasant Valley Intermediate School (PVI) was established in 2000. It is located at 477 Polk Township Road, Kunkletown, Pennsylvania. In 2013, Pleasant Valley Intermediate School's enrollment was 1,192 pupils in grades 4th through 6th, with 39.9% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 17.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while 9.98% are identified as gifted.[103] The school is a Title I school. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. In 2012-13, the school was part of the district-wide realignment where seventh grade was moved to the middle school building.

In 2010, Pleasant Valley Intermediate School had 1,391 students enrolled in grades 5th and 7th, with 509 students receiving the federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 111 teachers, yielding a 12:1 student–teacher ratio.[104] The school had a principal, two assistant principals and 76 support-staff personnel.[105] In order to focus on academic success, fifth-grade students receive one hour of Math instruction and 90 minutes of combined Reading and Language Arts instruction daily. Sixth-grade students receive one hour each of Math, Reading, and Language Arts instruction for each student daily. Seventh-grade students have a 42-minute rotating class schedule within instructional teams of five teachers. Pleasant Valley Intermediate School houses a district operated self-contained life-skilled for students in grades 4–6. PVI is 4–6 grades as of the 2012–2013 school year. The attendance rate was 94% in 2010 and 2011.[106]

Pleasant Valley Intermediate School achieved a score of 73.3 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, 64% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 4th through 6th. In math, 77% were on grade level (4th–6th grades). In 4th grade science, 87.7% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing 65% of fifth grade pupils demonstrated on grade-level skills.[107]

In 2011 and 2012, Pleasant Valley Intermediate School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status under No Child Left Behind.[108]

• 2010 – Making Progress - School Improvement level I[109]
• 2009 - declined to School Improvement level I due to lagging academic achievement in reading and mathematics[110]
• 2008 - declined to Warning AYP status[111]
• 2007 - achieved AYP status
• 2006 - Warning AYP status

PSSA results

Pleasant Valley Elementary School is located 476 Polk Township Road, Kunkletown. In 2013, the school's enrollment is 1,036 pupils in grades Kindergarten through third grade, with 39% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 13.5% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2.21% are identified as gifted.[118] The school is a federally designated Title I school. 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 half-day kindergarten.[119] As a part of the district-wide realignment the 4th grade was moved to another building in 2012–13.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, enrollment was 1,165 pupils in grades Kindergarten through 4th, with 408 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 93 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 12:1.[120] 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.[121]

2013 School Performance Profile

Pleasant Valley Elementary School achieved a score of 87.3 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 82% of the 3rd grade pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 91.5% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades).[122]

AYP History

In 2012, Pleasant Valley Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading.[123] In 2011, the Pleasant Valley Elementary School achieved AYP status.

• 2008-2010 - achieved AYP status each year
• 2007 - declined to Warning AYP status
• 2004-2006 - achieved AYP status

PSSA History

Each year, in the Spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade was tested in reading, math and science.[124] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[125][126][127] 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.[128]

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 93%, (0% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 90%, (2% below basic). State - 82.9%
• 2010 - 91%, (3% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 - 91%, (1% below basic). State - 83%
• 2008 - 90%, (3% below basic). State - 81%

Polk Elementary School is located at 630 Interchange Road, Kresgeville. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 304 pupils in kindergarten through third grade, with 38.8% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 20% of the pupils receive special education services, while 4.93% are identified as gifted.[131] 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 half-day kindergarten.[132] The school is not a federally designated Title I school. In May 2014, the school board voted to close the school due to district-wide realignment to cope with steadily declining enrollment.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Polk Elementary School's enrollment was 401 pupils in grades kindergarten through fourth, with 120 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 31 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 12:1.[133] The school provided half-day kindergarten to all its pupils.[134]

2013 School Performance Profile

Polk Elementary School achieved a score of 84.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, 3rd grade, 78.8% of the third grade pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 90% were on grade level (3rd grade).[135]

AYP History

In 2011 and 2012, Polk Elementary School achieved AYP status.[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. Polk Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress status every year 2006-2010. Polk Elementary School and Chestnuthill Elementary school were the only Pleasant Valley School District schools to achieve AYP every year it was measured.[137]

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 95%, (0% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 89%, (3% below basic). State - 82.9%

Pleasant Valley School District Administration reported that 300 or 5.10% of its students were gifted in 2010. The Administration reported that 264 or 3.87% of its students were gifted in 2009.[155] 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.[156][157]

In 2013, Pleasant Valley School District has not participated in a state Safe Schools Targeted Grants. The maximum of $25,000 grants were awarded through a competitive application process.[167] The funds must be used for research based interventions, like: peer mediation, staff training in managing behavioral issues and creating a positive school climate. Pleasant Valley School District did not participate in 2012 nor in 2013.

In 2013-2014, Pennsylvania began a grant program providing funding for programs to address school violence and security. Eligible schools and municipalities could apply for up to $60,000 for a school resource officer and up to $40,000 for a school police officer.[168] Pleasant Valley School District did not apply.[169]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, School District receives 42.1% of its annual revenue from the state.[210]

For the 2013–14 school year, the Pleasant Valley School District received a 1.8% increase or $21,497,053 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $379,209 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Pleasant Valley School District received $455,248 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Allegheny County, South Fayette Township School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 5.5%. The district has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth's budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[211] 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.[212] 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.[213]

For the 2012–13 school year, the Pleasant Valley School District received $21,117,844.[214] 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. Pleasant Valley School District received $455,248 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[215] 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, Pleasant Valley School District received a $21,118,631, allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[216][217] Additionally, the School District received $455,248 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.[218] The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.[219] In 2010, the district reported that 1,870 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[220]

In the 2010–11 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $22,736,142 to Pleasant Valley School District. Among the districts in Monroe County, the highest increase went to East Stroudsburg Area School District which got a 7.50% increase in state funding. 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.[221] The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where a district received at least the same amount as the year before, even where enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district receives was set by Governor Edward G. 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 the Governors policy to fund some districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009–10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.56% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $22,295,357. Among the districts in Monroe County, the highest increase went to Stroudsburg Area School District which got a 6.34%. The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $21,123,735.70. Ninety school districts received a 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.[222] The amount of increase each school district receives was set by the Governor and the Secretary of Education, as a part of the state budget proposal.[223] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1,605 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[224]

Beginning in 2004–05, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania's school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students, For 2010-11, the district applied for and received $1,235,658 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to increase instructional time, to reduce class size K-3rd grade and to provide social and health services to students.[225][226]

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006-2009. The Pleasant Valley School District was denied funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 the district received $95,590. The district received $31,989 in 2008-09 for a total funding of $127,579.[227] In Monroe County the highest award was given to Pocono Mountain School District - 1,419,802. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073.

Pleasant Valley Elementary School successfully applied to participate in the Science It's Elementary grant in 2008–09. For the 2008–09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 2,847 teachers and 66,973 students across Pennsylvania.[228] 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 is a hands on instruction approach for elementary science classes that develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills.[229] 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.[230] The district was required to develop a three-year implementation plan for the participating school. They had to appoint a district liaison who was paid $3000 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. The 2006-07 State Education Budget provided $635 million in new spending for pre-K through 12th grades for the 2006–07 school year. This marks an 8-percent increase over 2005–06 public school funding.[231] The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget.

The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010-11 the School District received $166,371.[232]

The Pleasant Valley School District received an extra $2 million in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[233] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.[234] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised to use the funds for one-time expenditures like acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software. According to the superintendent the money was used for operating costs, such as salaries and benefits, and for debt service. The district also used the money for materials and supplies, computers, professional development, behavioral and health services and testing materials for school psychologists. The district had planned to buy all of that with state funds before the grant was made.[235]

The district received an extra $3,154,645 million for teacher jobs and $671,020 for modernization.[236]

Pleasant Valley School District officials applied for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided nearly two million dollars in additional federal funding to improve student academic achievement.[237] 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.[238] 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.[239][240][241]

The school board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.[242] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Property tax rates in 2014-15 were set by the Pleasant Valley School Board at 146.0160 mills.[243] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. 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.[244]

The average yearly property tax paid by Monroe County residents amounts to about 5.52% of their yearly income. Monroe County ranked 115th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[252] 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.[253] 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%).[254]

Pleasant Valley School District provides a targeted rebate on property taxes to low income senior citizens (less than $18,500 a year).[255] They must apply each year for the tax benefit.

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.[256] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[257] The following 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.[258][259]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Pleasant Valley School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[260]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Pleasant Valley School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit: special education costs and escalating teacher pension costs, which rose over $888,489 in 2014. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[265] 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.[266]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Pleasant Valley School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit: teacher pension costs and special education spending. 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.[267]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Pleasant Valley School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: School Construction Grandfathered Debt and rapidly escalating 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.[268]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Pleasant Valley School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: teacher pension costs and special education costs. Each year, the Pleasant Valley School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[269]

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.[270]

Pleasant Valley School Board applied for three exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011:School Construction Grandfathered Debt, Special Education costs and teacher pension costs.[271] For 2009-10 school budget, the board applied for several exceptions to exceed the Index: Maintenance of Revenue Sources, Maintenance of Local Tax Revenue and for School Construction Grandfathered Debt.[272] 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.[273]

In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for Pleasant Valley School District was $458 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 8,900 property owners applied for the tax relief.[274] 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. In Monroe County, 58% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[275] In Monroe County, the highest amount of tax relief in 2010, went to property owners in Pleasant Valley School District. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District of Delaware County who received $632 per approved homestead.[276] This was the third year they were the top recipient.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants may exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently, individual with income much more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for this state funded tax rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief and the Pleasant Valley senior tax relief programs.[277]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[286] In 2013-14, the district reported spending $1,289,195 on student activities, excluding transportation and facility costs.[287]

The district funds:

Varsity

Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2013 [288]