Tunkhannock Area School District

In 2012, Tunkhannock Area school district declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to missing multiple academic metrics.[34] In 2010 and 2011, Tunkhannock Area School District achieved AYP status even though the high school is in Corrective Action I due to chronic low student achievement.[35] In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania Public School Districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance. Tunkhannock Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2005 to 2010, while in 2003 and 2004 the district was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.[36]

In 2014, Tunkhannock Area School District's graduation rate was 89.18%.[37]

• 2013 - 92.67%[38]
• 2012 - 86.9%
• 2011 - 95%.[39]
• 2010 - 81%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[40]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 - 95% [41]
• 2009 - 96%[42]
• 2008 - 93%[43]
• 2007 - 93%[44]

Tunkhannock High School is located at 120 West Tioga Street, Tunkhannock. By 2014, enrollment declined to 836 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 34.78% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 17% of pupils received special education services, while 4% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 57 teachers.[45] Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 1,023 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 279 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school is not a federally designated Title I school. Tunkhannock High School employed 81 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[46] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 3 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind Act.[47]

2014 School Performance Profile

Tunkhannock Area High School achieved 64.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 67% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 46% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 38.7% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[48][49] 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%.[50]

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.[51] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[52][53]

2013 School Performance Profile

Tunkhannock Area High School achieved 69.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 76% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 58% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 34% showed on grade level science understanding.[54] 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.[55]

AYP history

In 2012, Tunkhannock High School declined further to Corrective Action Level II AYP status, due to chronic, low student achievement. The school missed all 6 academic metrics measured.[56] In 2011, Tunkhannock High School declined further to Corrective Action Level 1 AYP status due to continuing low student achievement in reading and mathematics.[57] In 2011, Tunkhannock High School declined to School Improvement II AYP status due to continuing lagging student achievement.[58] The administration was required to by the federal No Child Left Behind law to notify parents of the schools poor performance and to make them aware of their right to transfer their child to another school in the district that was achieving AYP status.[59] Additionally, the Tunkhannock High School administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school district must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.[60] The High School is eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.[61]

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 67% on grade level, (17% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[62]
• 2011 - 72% (12% below basic). State - 69.1%[63]
• 2010 - 69% (16% below basic). State - 66%[64]
• 2009 - 61% (46% below basic). State - 65%[65]
• 2008 - 64% (35% below basic). State - 65%[66]
• 2007 - 69.8% (30% below basic). State - 65%[67]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 58% on grade level (24% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[68]
• 2011 - 58% (18% below basic). State - 60.3%[69]
• 2010 - 66% (35% below basic). State - 59%[70]
• 2009 - 55.6% (44% below basic). State - 56%.[71]
• 2008 - 63.6% (38% below basic). State - 56%[72]
• 2007 - 70.6% (28% below basic). State - 53%[73]

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 41% on grade level (11% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[74]
• 2011 - 39% (11% below basic). State - 40%[75]
• 2010 - 42% (12% below basic). State - 39%
• 2009 - 41% (14% below basic). State - 40%[76]
• 2008 - 36% (10% below basic). State - 39%[77]

Science in Motion Tunkhannock High School took advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.[78] Wilkes University provides the enrichment experiences to the school.

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 15% of Tunkhannock 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.[79] 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.[80] 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 2014, Tunkhannock Area High School students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 496. The Math average score was 500. The Writing average score was 479.[81][82] 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.[83]

In 2013, 146 Tunkhannock Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 403. The Math average score was 494. The Writing average score was 471. 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.[84]

In 2012, 161 Tunkhannock Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 484. The Math average score was 476. The Writing average score was 465. 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, 171 Tunkhannock students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 491. The Writing average score was 466.[85] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[86] 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.[87]

Tunkhannock 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. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[88] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[89] Under state rules, other students that reside in the district, who attend a private school, a charter school or are homeschooled are eligible to participate in this program.[90]

For the 2009-10 funding year, the Tunkhannock Area School District received a state grant of $82,852 for the program.[91] In 2010, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students, from the Commonwealth, due to a state budget crisis.

Tunkhannock Middle School is located at 200 Franklin Avenue, Tunkhannock. In 2014, enrollment was 786 pupils, in grades 5th through 8th, with 44% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 16% of pupils received special education services, while % of pupils were identified as gifted.[92] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[93]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 854 pupils in grades 5th through 8th, with 300 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 74 teachers, yielding a very low student–teacher ratio of 11.5:1.[94] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 19 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[95]

2014 School Performance Profile

Tunkhannock Area Middle School achieved 71.4 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 68% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 72% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, only 68% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, just 58% of the 5th and 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[96]

2013 School Performance Profile

Tunkhannock Area Middle School achieved 64.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 68.8% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 74% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 63% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 50% of the 5th and 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[97] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.

AYP History

In 2012, Tunkhannock Middle School achieved AYP status through special allowances.

• 2011 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.
• 2010 - achieved AYP status[98]
• 2009 - Making Progress in Corrective Action level I[99]
• 2008 - remained in Corrective Action level I[100]
• 2007 - declined to Corrective Action level I[101] Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes and to offer the parent the opportunity to transfer to a successful school within the district.
• 2006 - School Improvement Level II
• 2005 - Making Progress - School Improvement Level I
• 2004 - School Improvement Level I. The Administration was required by the PDE to write a plan to raise student academic achievement. They were also mandated to provide after school tutoring assistance to pupils. The MIddle School was eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.[102]
• 2003 - Warning AYP status

PSSA Results:

The fifth grade is tested in reading, mathematics and writing each year. The sixth and seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999, as a state initiative.[103] Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science.[104] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[105] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[106]

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 60% on grade level (20% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 60% (21% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 72% (12% below basic). State – 57%
• 2009 - 57% (24% below basic). State - 55% [114]
• 2008 - 61%, State - 52%[115]
• 2007 - tested, but results not made public.

Evans Falls Elementary School is located at 2055 Sr 29 South, Tunkhannock. In 2014, the school's enrollment was 236 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 44% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 11.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[116] 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.[117] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 230 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 85 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 17 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.[118] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[119]

2014 School Performance Profile

Evans Falls Elementary School achieved a score of 88.4 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013–14, only 81% 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, 85% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, just 91% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[120]

2013 School Performance Profile

Evans Falls Elementary School achieved a score of 92 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 83% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 85% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 82% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 95% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[121]

AYP history

In 2010 and 2011, Evans Falls Elementary School achieved AYP status.[122] In 2011, 81% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 94% of the students in 3rd and 4th grades were on grade level and 65% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 98% of the pupils were on grade level.[123]

Mehoopany Elementary School is located at 400 Scottsville Road, Mehoopany. In 2014, the school's enrollment was 211 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 54% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 12% of the pupils receive special education services, while none of the students are identified as gifted.[124] 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.[125] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 174 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 87 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 17 teachers, yielding an exceptionally low student–teacher ratio of 9:1.[126] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[127]

2014 School Performance Profile

Mehoopany Elementary School achieved a score of 81.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013–14, only 71% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 77% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 82.8% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[128]

2013 School Performance Profile

Mehoopany Elementary School achieved a score of 74.5 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 71% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 84% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 76% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, just 68% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[129]

AYP history

In 2012, Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status.[130] In 2010 and 2011, Mehoopany Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2011, only 78% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 87% of the students in 3rd and 4th grades were on grade level and 58% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 89% of the pupils were on grade level.[131]

Mill City Elementary School is located at RR 2, Dalton. In 2014, the school's enrollment was 214 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 48% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 8% of the pupils receive special education services, while none of the students were identified as gifted.[132] 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.[133] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 216 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 95 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 19 teachers, yielding a low student–teacher ratio of 11:1.[134] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[135]

2014 School Performance Profile

Mill City Elementary School achieved a score of 85.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013–14, only 76% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 77% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 81% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 100% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[136]

2013 School Performance Profile

Mill City Elementary School achieved a score of out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 80% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 84% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, just 92.7% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[137]

AYP History

In 2010 through 2012, Mill City Elementary School achieved AYP status.[138] In 2011, just 79% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 81% of the students in 3rd and 4th grades were on grade level and 56% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 75% of the pupils were on grade level.[139]

Roslund Elementary School is located at 99 Digger Drive, Tunkhannock. In 2014, the school's enrollment was 317 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th with 38% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 9% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.[140] 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.[141] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 342 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 144 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 28 teachers, yielding a low student–teacher ratio of 12:1.[142] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[143]

2014 School Performance Profile

Roslund Elementary School achieved a score of 81.4 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science and mathematics achievement. In 2013–14, only 69% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 71% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 86% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 87% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[144]

2013 School Performance Profile

Roslund Elementary School achieved a score of 82 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, 75% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 76% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 85% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 86% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[145]

AYP History

In 2010 through 2012, Roslund Elementary School achieved AYP status.[146][147] In 2011, 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In math, 86% of the students in 3rd and 4th grades were on grade level and 52% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 92% of the pupils were on grade level.[148]

The District Administration reported that 53 or 1.7% of its students were gifted in 2009.[161] 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.[162][163]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, School District receives 45.9% of its annual revenue from the state.[200]

For the 2014–15 school year, Tunkhannock Area School District received $10,716,252 in State Basic Education funding. The district also received $320,122 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.[201] 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.[202]

For the 2013–14 school year, Tunkhannock Area School District received a 1.5% increase or $10,715,039 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $156,645 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Tunkhannock Area School District received $170,061 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Wyoming County, Tunkhannock Area received the highest percentage increase in BEF. 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.[203] The state funded the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[204]

For the 2012–13 school year, Tunkhannock Area School District received $10,728,455 in basic education funding.[205] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 includes $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which is an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. The state also provides $100 million for the Accountability Block grant. Tunkhannock Area School District received $170,061 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The state will also provide $544.4 million for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[206] This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation.

In 2011-12, Tunkhannock Are School District received a $10,558,394, allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[207][208] Additionally, the Tunkhannock Area School District received $170,061 in Accountability Block Grant funding. Tunkhannock Area School District received $170,061 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 is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011.[209] 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.[210] In 2010, the district reported that 1,289 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[211]

In the 2010-2011 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $11,023,457 to Tunkhannock Area School District. Among the districts in Wyoming County, the highest increase went to Lackawanna Trail School District which got a 2.25% 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.[212] 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 received was set by then 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 districts at a far greater rate than others.

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.43% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $10,814,893. Among the districts in Wyoming County, Tunkhannock Area School District received the highest increase. 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.[213] 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.[214]

The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008-09 was $10,558,393.78. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1,144 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[215]

Beginning in 2004–2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania's school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010–11, Tunkhannock Area School District applied for and received $461,589 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide full-day kindergarten.[216][217]

Tunkhannock Area School District receives state funding to provide preschool through H.A.N.D.S. OF Wyoming County. For the 2011 school year, Pre-K Counts was funded at the 2010 levels of $83.6 million statewide in Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget. The state also supplements the federal Head Start preschool program with an additional $37.6 million. Pre-K Counts funding was initiated during the Rendell administration. In 2007-08 the state funded Pre-K Counts at $75 million.[218] In 2009-10 the district received $209,350 to provide preschool to 17 children.[219][220] In 2012, the district received $221,590 for PreK Counts programs.

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. Tunkhannock Area School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07 or in 2007–08. The district received $154,610 in 2008–09.[221] The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide due to a massive state financial crisis.

The 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, Tunkhannock Area School District received $67,184.[222]

The Tunkhannock Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants; PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell); 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant; 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;[223] Project 720 High School Reform grants (discontinued effective with 2011-12 budget) nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Tunkhannock Area School District received an extra $3,569,062 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[224] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010-2011 school years.[225] 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.

Tunkhannock Area School District officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided nearly one million dollars in additional federal funding to improve student academic achievement.[226] 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.[227] 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.[228][229][230]

Property tax rates in 2014-15 were set by the Tunkhannock Area School Board at 72.0000 mills.[231] 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 and 85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[232] When the 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.[233] 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.[234]

The average yearly property tax paid by Wyoming County residents amounts to about 3.73% of their yearly income. Wyoming County ranked 304th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[241] 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.[242] 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%).[243]

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.[244] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[245] 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.[246][247]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Tunkhannock Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011–2012.[248]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Tunkhannock Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. In 2014–15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[253] 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.[254]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Tunkhannock Area School Board applied for one exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit due to rapidly increasing teacher pension costs. For the school budget year 2013–14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[255]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Tunkhannock Area School Board applied for 2 exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: special education and increasing mandated teacher pension costs. For 2012–2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. 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.[256]

For the 2011–12 school year, the Tunkhannock Area School Board applied for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index for the teachers' pensions. Each year, the Tunkhannock Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[257]

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.[258]

In 2012, Tunkhannock Area School District approved homestead properties received $218.[259] The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least 10 contiguous acres (4.0 ha) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The amount of property tax relief each Pennsylvania public school district receives is announced by the PDE in May of each year. The amount of tax relief is dependent on the total tax revenue collected on the casino slots in the previous year. Thirty five percent of the slots tax revenues are used for property tax relief. In Wyoming County, the highest tax relief went to Lackawanna Trail School District which was set at $222.[260] 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.[261][262]

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).[263]

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 can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently people who have an income of substantially more than $35,000 still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This tax rebate can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief. In 2012, the Pennsylvania Secretary of the Treasury reported issuing more than half a million property tax rebates totaling $238 million.[264] 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.[265]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[270]

According to Pennsylvania's Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.[271][272]

Tunkhannock Area School District has failed to provide its athletics disclosure form on its web site.[273] Article XVI-C of the Public School Code requires the disclosure of interscholastic athletic opportunities for all public secondary school entities in Pennsylvania. All school entities with grades 7-12 are required to annually collect data concerning team and financial information for all male and female athletes beginning with the 2012–13 school year and submit the information to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Beginning with the 2013–14 school year, all non-school (booster club and alumni) contributions and purchases must also be reported to PDE.[274]

The district funds:

Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2013[275]