Upper Dauphin School District

In 2015, the Upper Dauphin Area School District's graduation rate was 97%.[31]

• 2014 - 90.9%.[32]
• 2013 - 87%.[33]
• 2012 - 90%.[34]
• 2011 - 96%.[35]
• 2010 - 89%, the PDE issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[36]

Former calculation graduation rate

• 2010 - 90%[37]
• 2009 - 94%[38]
• 2008 - 92%[39]
• 2007 - 92%[40]

In 2012, Upper Dauphin Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[41] In 2011, Upper Dauphin Area 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.[42][43] Upper Dauphin Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003 the district was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement.[44]

Upper Dauphin Area High School is located at 220 N Church Street, Elizabethville. In 2015, enrollment declined further to 386 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 34% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 10% of pupils received special education services, while 0.26% of pupils were identified as gifted.[45] In 2014, enrollment was reported as 396 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 33% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 13.3% of pupils received special education services, while less than 1% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 27 teachers.[46] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

In 2013, the school's enrollment was 402 pupils in grades 9th through 12, with 32% of pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Thirteen percent of pupils received special education services. The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that 100% of its teachers were rated Highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act in 2013.[47]

In 2010, Upper Dauphin Area High School had 412 students enrolled in grades 9th through 12th, with 85 students receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 27 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1.[48] The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that 10 teachers were rated Non-Highly qualified under No Child Left Behind in 2012.[49] High school student parking fees are $50, effective with the 2011-12 school year.

2015 School Performance Profile

Upper Dauphin Area High School achieved 76 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 76.8% of the High School's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 67% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 58.5% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[50] Statewide, 53 percent of schools with an eleventh grade achieved an academic score of 70 or better. Five percent of the 2,033 schools with 11th grade were scored at 90 and above; 20 percent were scored between 80 and 89; 28 percent between 70 and 79; 25 percent between 60 and 69 and 22 percent below 60. The Keystone Exam results showed: 73 percent of students statewide scored at grade-level in English, 64 percent in Algebra I and 59 percent in biology.[51][52]

2014 School Performance Profile

Upper Dauphin Area High School achieved a score of 72.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 83% of pupils were on grade level. In Algebra 1, only 62% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology, just 43% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[53][54] 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%.[55]

2013 School Performance Profile

Upper Dauphin Area High School achieved a score of 56.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 74% were on grade level. In Algebra 1 66.67% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 35% showed on grade level science understanding.[56] In 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued the PSSA for 11th graders. Instead students take a Keystone Exam at the end of the specific course.

AYP History

In 2012, Upper Dauphin Area High School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and math. In 2011 and 2010, the Upper Dauphin Area High School achieved AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) status.[57] Upper Dauphin Area High School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress each school year beginning in 2003.

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 69% on grade level, (27% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[58]
• 2011 - 67% (13% below basic). State - 69.1% [59]
• 2010 - 70%, State - 67%
• 2009 - 69%, State - 65%
• 2008 - 75%, State - 65%
• 2007 - 65%, State - 65%[60]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 53% on grade level (26% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[61]
• 2011 - 65%, (19% below basic). State - 60.3%
• 2010 - 64%, State - 59%
• 2009 - 71%, State - 56% [62]
• 2008 - 51%, State - 56%
• 2007 - 60%, State - 53%

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 29% on grade level (11% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[63]
• 2011 - 32%, (22% below basic). State - 40%
• 2010 - 31%, State - 39%
• 2009 - 48%, State - 40%
• 2008 - 24%, State - 39%[64]

Science in Motion Upper Dauphin Area High School did not take 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.[65] Susquehanna University provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 39% of Upper Dauphin Area School District 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.[66][67] Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, 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.[68] 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, 49 Upper Dauphin Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 509. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 478.[69] 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.[70]

In 2013, 39 Upper Dauphin Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 485. The Math average score was 479. The Writing average score was 467. 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.[71]

In 2012, 41 Upper Dauphin Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 482. The Math average score was 464. The Writing average score was 481. 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, 42 Upper Dauphin Area students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 476. The Math average score was 463. The Writing average score was 462.[72] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[73] 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.[74]

The Upper Dauphin Area High School does not offer the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits while still enrolled in high school. The program is offered through over 400 school districts with the assistance of a state grant.

The Upper Dauphin Area School Board has determined that students must earn 25 credits to graduate, including: English 4 credits, Math (Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra II) 4 credits, Science 3 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Health and Physical Education 2 credits and Electives 8 credits.[75]

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.[76] 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.[77]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class of 2017, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature by passing the Keystone Exams for the subject.[78][79][80] 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.[81] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

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.[82][83] 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.[84] Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

In 2014, Upper Dauphin Area High School offered 2 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Students may take the AP exam if they take an AP course. The fee for each AP Exam was $91 (2014).[85] The school normally retains $9 of that fee as a rebate to help with administrative costs. In 2012, the fee was $89 per test per pupil. Upper Dauphin Area 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 regardless of the student's score on the AP exam. At Upper Dauphin Area High School less than 10% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[86] Upper Dauphin Area High School did not offer Advance Placement (AP) courses in 2013. In 2015, the school offered 2 AP courses, with none of the pupils who took the course earning a 3 or better on the associated AP exam given by the College Board.

Upper Dauphin Area Middle School is located at 5668 State Route 209. Lykens. In 2015, enrollment declined to 368 pupils, in grades 5th through 8th, with 39% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 12% of pupils received special education services, while 1.9% of pupils were identified as gifted.[87] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[88] In 2014, enrollment was 394 pupils, in grades 5th through 8th, with 41% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 14.7% of pupils received special education services, while less than 1% of pupils were identified as gifted.[89]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school had 387 students enrolled in grades 5th through 8th, with 113 students receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 23 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 16:1.[90] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind Act.[91]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE reported that 64% of 8th grade students at Upper Dauphin Area Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, 40% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 70% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 47% were on grade level in reading, while 34% showed on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 68% were on grade level in reading and 43% were on grade level in mathematics. Among fifth graders, 77% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 31% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported.[92] Statewide 58% of eighth (8th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 29% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 7th graders were 58% on grade level in reading and 33% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among sixth (6th) graders, 60.7% were reading on grade level, while 39.7% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[93]

2014 School Performance Profile

Upper Dauphin Area Middle School achieved 85.1 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 73% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 77.7% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 71.8% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 81% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[94]

2013 School Performance Profile

Upper Dauphin Area Middle School achieved 75.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, 67% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics, 73.9% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, just 60.67% of the 8th graders demonstrated n grade level understanding. In writing, 55.75% of the 8th grade students were on grade level.[95]

AYP History

In 2012, Upper Dauphin Area Middle School again achieved AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) status using Growth Model and using Safe Harbor.[96] In 2011, Upper Dauphin Middle School was in Warning status. In 2010, the school achieved AYP status.[97] From 2003 to 2009, Upper Dauphin Area Middle School achieved AYP status each school year.

PSSA Results:

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are NCLB related examination given in the Spring of each school year. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. 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.[98] 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.[99] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[100] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[101]

8th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 86% on grade level, 60% advanced (5% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.[102]
• 2011 - 88%, 70% advanced (6% below basic). State - 81.8%.[103]
• 2010 - 83%, State - 81%[104]
• 2009 - 83%, State - 80%[105]
• 2008 - 62%, State - 78%
• 2007 - 66%, State - 75%

8th Grade Math

• 2012 - 92% on grade level, 66% advanced. State - 76% [106]
• 2011 - 85%, 58% advanced, (5% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 - 82%, State - 75%
• 2009 - 73%, State - 71%
• 2008 - 68%, State - 70%
• 2007 - 73%, State - 67%

8th Grade Science

• 2012 - 72% on grade level (13% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 68%, (13% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 64%, State - 57%
• 2009 - 49%, State: 54%
• 2008 - 45%, State - 52%[107]

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Upper Dauphin Area School District did not implement a free dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school.[108] The process identifies students at risk for dropping out by examining the pupil's: attendance, behavior and course grades. Interventions are implemented to assist at-risk pupils to remain in school. The program is funded by federal and private dollars.[109]

Upper Dauphin Area Elementary School is located at 5668 State Route 209. Lykens. In 2015, the school's enrollment was 445 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 48.7% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 11% of the pupils receive special education services, while 0.45% are identified as gifted.[110] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school provides full-day kindergarten.[111] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2014, the school's enrollment was 464 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 49.5% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 10.3% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted.[112] 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.[113] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2010, Upper Dauphin Area Elementary School had 456 students enrolled in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 166 students receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 23 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 20:1.[114] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[115]

Upper Dauphin Area School District adopted a plan for more full-day kindergarten classes for the 2012-13 school year. A lottery for placement in full-day kindergarten versus half day is conducted. The district's Title I allocation (Federal payments for low-income children) increased from $306,461 to $490,688. The additional federal funds is anticipated to offset some of the costs for extra teachers.[116]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, in 4th grade, 56% were on grade level in reading, while 42% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 85% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 42% were on grade level in reading and 51% were on grade level in mathematics. Statewide, 4th graders were 58.6% on grade level in reading and 44.4% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 77.3% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among Pennsylvania third (3rd) graders, 62% were reading on grade level, while 48.5% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[117]

2014 School Performance Profile

Upper Dauphin Area Elementary School achieved a score of 78.3 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 74% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, just 72 of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 78% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 89% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[118]

2013 School Performance Profile

Upper Dauphin Area Elementary School achieved a score of 91.2 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 82% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 83% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 90.53% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.[119]

AYP History

In 2004 through 2012, Upper Dauphin Area Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[120]

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.[121] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[122][123][124] 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.[125]

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 96%, 57% advanced. State - 82%
• 2011 - 90%, 50% advanced. State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 84%, 46% advanced. State - 81%

Upper Dauphin Area School District Administration reported that less than 10 of its students were gifted in 2009.[145] 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.[146][147]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Upper Dauphin Area School District receives 49.6% of its annual revenue from the state.[178]

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $2,683,605 to Upper Dauphin Area School District, in January 2016.[179] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.[180] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.[181][182][183]

For the 2014-15 school year, Upper Dauphin Area School District will receive $5,519,718 in State Basic Education funding. The district will also receive $157,248 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.[184] 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.[185]

For the 2013-14 school year, Upper Dauphin Area School District received a 1.5% increase or $5,517,249 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $83,820 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Upper Dauphin Area School District received $74,793 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among Dauphin County's public school districts, Derry Township School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 5.4%. 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.[186] 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.[187]

For the 2012-13 school year, Upper Dauphin Area School District received $5,433,429.[188] 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. Upper Dauphin Area School District received $74,793 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[189] 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 the 2011-12 school year, Upper Dauphin Area School District received a $5,433,429 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[190][191] Additionally, Upper Dauphin Area School District received $74,794 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.[192] 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.[193] In 2010, the district reported that 349 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[194]

For the 2010-2011 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 4.88% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $5,647,316 to Upper Dauphin Area School District. Among the districts in Dauphin County, the highest increase went to Susquehanna Township School District which got a 15.89% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase statewide went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County which received a 23.65% increase in state basic education funding.[195] 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 Governor'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 3.94% increase in Basic Education Funding to Upper Dauphin Area School District for a total of $5,647,317. Seven Dauphin County school districts received increases of over 4.5% in Basic Education Funding in 2009-10. Susquehanna Township School District received a 10.66% increase. In Pennsylvania, over 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. The amount of increase each school district received was determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[196]

The state's Basic Education Funding to the Upper Dauphin Area School District in 2008-09 was $5,433,429.42[197] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 282 district students received free or reduced- price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[198] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania spent $7,824 Per Pupil in the year 2000. This amount increased up to $12,085 by the year 2008.[199][200]

All Pennsylvania school districts also receive additional funding from the state through several other funding allocations, including Reimbursement of Charter School Expenditures; Special Education Funding; Secondary Career & Technical Education Subsidy; PA Accountability Grants; and low achieving schools were eligible for Educational Assistance Program Funding. Plus all Pennsylvania school districts receive federal dollars for various programs including: Special Education funding and Title I funding for children from low-income families. In 2010, Pennsylvania spent over $24 billion for public education - local, state and federal dollars combined.[201]

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, the Upper Dauphin Area School District applied for and received $203,008. in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the 7th year and for Literacy, for teacher training and math coaching for the teachers.[202][203]

Beginning in the 2014-2015 budget, the State funded a new Ready to Learn Grant for public schools. A total of $100 million is allocated through a formula to districts based on the number of students, level of poverty of community as calculated by its market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) and the number of English language learners. Ready to Learn Block Grant funds may be used by the districts for: school safety; Ready by 3 early childhood intervention programs; individualized learning programs; and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.[204]

Upper Dauphin Area School District received $157,248 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, Accountability Block Grant funding, PreK Counts funding, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

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 Upper Dauphin Area School District did not apply to participate.[205] In Dauphin County the highest award was given to Harrisburg School District - $692,809. 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 by Governor Edward Rendell.

Two Upper Dauphin Area schools successfully applied to participate and received a Science It's Elementary grants in 2008-09. Both Upper Dauphin Area Elementary and Upper Dauphin Area Middle School participated. For the 2008-09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 2,847 teachers and 66,973 students across Pennsylvania.[206] 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.[207] 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.[208] 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.[209] The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget.

The Upper Dauphin Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants;[210][211] Education Assistance Grants; 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;[212] 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;[213] Project 720 High School Reform grants (discontinued effective with 2011-12 budget);[214][215] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Upper Dauphin Area School District received an extra $1,014,959 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[216] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 292 students qualified for free or reduced-price lunch due to low family income in 2008.[217][218] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010-2011 school years.[219] 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.

Upper Dauphin Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would bring the district hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.[220] 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.[221] Pennsylvania was not approved. The failure of many school districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[222]

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to be used to improve the quality of teacher instructions to pupils. The goal is provide each child in public schools with “Highly Quality” teachers and principals as defined by the state.[223] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[224] Beginning in 2002, the federal funding committed to Title II was $3,175,000,000.

Public school district administrations must apply to the state annually for the Title II funds. In 2012-13, Upper Dauphin Area School District received $57,428 in federal Title II funding.[225] In 2014-15, Upper Dauphin Area School District applied for and received $51,639.[226]

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.[227] Upon registering for school a language survey is done for all new enrollment pupils, typically in kindergarten or preschool. They identify the primary language spoken at home. This data is collected and submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which in turn notifies the federal government.[228]

In 2012-13, Upper Dauphin Area School District received $543 in Title III funding for English language learners.[229] For 2014-15, Upper Dauphin Area School District received $855 in Title III funding.[230]

Property tax rates in 2015-16 were set by the school board at 17.6908 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.[232] 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. According to state tax policy, unlike other states, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes.[233]

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.[234] When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two or more counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.[235] 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.[236]

The average yearly property tax paid by Dauphin County residents amounts to about 3.48% of their yearly income. Dauphin County ranked 382nd out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[247] 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.[248] 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%).[249]

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.[250]

In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation eliminating six of the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[251] Several exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school's share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.[252][253] The legislature also froze the payroll amount public school districts use to calculate the pension-plan exception at the 2012 payroll levels. Further increases in payroll cannot be used to raise the district's exception for pension payments.

A specific timeline for Act I Index decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[254]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Upper Dauphin Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[255]

For the 2015-16 budget year, Upper Dauphin Area School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit: for special education cost and for its rapidly rising teacher pension costs. For the school budget 2015-16, 310 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 187 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Regarding the pension costs exception, 172 school districts received approval to exceed the Index limit in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 119 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. No Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[262]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Upper Dauphin 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).[263] For the school budget 2014-15, 316 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above its Act 1 Index limit. Another 181 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeding the Index limit. Districts may apply for multiple exceptions each year. For the pension costs exception, 163 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full, while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 104 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. Seven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for the grandfathered construction debts exception.[264]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Upper Dauphin Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. 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.[265]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Upper Dauphin Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. In Area School District the approved real estate tax rate Increase due to exceptions was 3.7148 mills.[266]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Upper Dauphin Area School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, the school board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[267]

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.[268]

In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted by the PDE, to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.[269]

In 2014, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Upper Dauphin Area School District was $163 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 2570 property owners applied for the tax relief.[270] The decline in amount was related to more residents applying for tax relief and a decline in table games tax revenues. The amount received by the district must be divided equally among all approved residences.[271]

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Upper Dauphin Area School District was $171 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 2450 property owners applied for the tax relief. In Dauphin County, the highest amount of tax relief in 2009, went to Harrisburg City School District at $446.[272] 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 and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Dauphin County, 68.71% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[273] Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.[274] This was the second year they were the top recipient.

According to a report released by the Pennsylvania Auditor General in 2009, in Dauphin County, 68.71% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[275]

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%).[276]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[305]

Upper Dauphin Area School District failed to provide its athletics disclosure form on its web site.[306] 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.[307]

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.[308][309]

The district funds:

Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2012 [310][311]