West Greene School District

In July 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) released a report identifying one of West Greene School District schools as among the lowest-achieving schools for reading and mathematics in 2012, West Greene High School was among the 15% lowest-achieving schools in the Commonwealth. In 2011, Springhill-Freeport Elementary School was also among the lowest-achieving schools in Pennsylvania. In 2013, West Greene High School remained on the Commonwealth's lowest achieving schools list.[20] Parents and students may be eligible for scholarships to transfer to another public or nonpublic school through the state's Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program passed in June 2012.[21] The scholarships are limited to those students whose family's income is less than $60,000 annually, with another $12,000 allowed per dependent. Maximum scholarship award is $8,500, with special education students receiving up to $15,000 for a year's tuition. Parents pay any difference between the scholarship amount and the receiving school's tuition rate. Students may seek admission to neighboring public school districts. Each year the PDE publishes the tuition rate for each individual public school district.[22] West Greene schools are the only ones in Greene County on the lowest 15% achievement list. Fifty Fifty-threec schools in Allegheny County are among the lowest-achieving schools in 2011. According to the report, parents in 414 public schools (74 school districts) were offered access to these scholarships. For the 2012–13 school year, eight public school districts in Pennsylvania had all of their schools placed on the list, including: Sto-Rox School District, Chester Upland School District, Clairton City School District, Duquesne City School District, Farrell Area School District, Wilkinsburg Borough School District, William Penn School District and Steelton-Highspire School District.[23] Funding for the scholarships comes from donations by businesses which receive a state tax credit for donating.

In 2012, West Greene School District declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to missing 14 of 16 academic metrics measured.[24] In 2011, West Greene 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.[25] West Greene School District achieved AYP status each year from 2006 to 2010.[26]

• 2005 - Making Progress - School Improvement 1
• 2004 - School Improvement 1 due to low student achievement
• 2003 the district was in Warning status due to lagging student achievement

In 2013, West Greene School District's graduation rate declined further to 77%.[27] In 2012, West Greene School District's graduation rate was 79%.[28] In 2011, the district's graduation rate was 86%.[29] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. West Greene School District's rate was 88% for 2010.[30]

Former calculation graduation rate

• 2010 – 97% [31]
• 2009 – 84%
• 2007 – 91% [32]

West Greene Senior High School is located at 1352 Hargus Creek Road, Waynesburg. In 2013, West Greene Senior High School's enrollment was reported as 256 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 44% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 20% of pupils received special education services, while 3% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 20 teachers.[33] Per the PA Department of Education 5% of the school's teachers were rated "Non‐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 285 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 116 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. The school is a federally designated Title I school. West Greene High School employed 21 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.[34] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 19 courses were taught by teachers who were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[35]

In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education identified West Greene High School as a School Improvement Tier II school which was eligible for large-scale interventions to improve student achievement through School Improvement Grants. Tier II schools are the State's persistently lowest-achieving secondary schools.[36] The schools is on the state's list of 144 persistently low achievement – failing schools.

2013 School Performance Profile

West Greene High School achieved 54.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 72% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 32% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 30% showed on grade level science understanding.[37] 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.[38]

AYP History

In 2012, West Greene High School declined to Warning AYP status due to missing all measured academic metrics in reading and mathematics. Achievement in all three areas had dropped precipitously.[39] In 2011 and 2010, West Greene High School achieved AYP status.[40]

PSSA Results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[41]

In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.[42]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 59% on grade level, (25% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[43]
• 2011 - 67% (17% below basic). State - 69.1%[44]
• 2010 - 57% (25% below basic). State - 67%. (71 pupils enrolled)[45]
• 2009 - 55%, State – 65%
• 2008 - 54%, State – 65%[46]
• 2007 - 54%, State – 65%

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 30% on grade level (43% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[47]
• 2011 - 63% (32% below basic). State - 60.3%[48]
• 2010 - 52% (37% below basic). State - 59% [49]
• 2009 - 44.5%, State – 56%[50]
• 2008 - 44%, State – 56%
• 2007 - 44%, State – 53%[51]

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 29% on grade level (27% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[52]
• 2011 - 36% on grade level (23% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.[53]
• 2010 - 34% (28% below basic). State – 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
• 2009 - 29%, State – 40%[54]
• 2008 - 22%, State – 39%[55]

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 50% of the West Greene 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.[56] 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.[57] 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.

West Greene 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 offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[58] West Greene is currently partnered with The University of Pittsburgh to offer these courses. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[59] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.[60]

The graduation requirements for the West Greene School District are as follows: Successful completion of 26 credits. Included in the 26 credits are the following requirements: four credits of Language Arts, Social Studies 4 credits, Mathematics 4 credits, Science 4 credits, four years of Physical Education and health for 1.5 credits, Computer/Technology 1 credit, Senior Graduation Project 1 credit and Electives 6.5 credits.[61] Students must meet specific requirements to be promoted each year from 6th through 11th grades.

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students were required to complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.[62] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[63]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2017, public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[64][65][66] 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.[67] 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.[68] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

In 2013, West Greene School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 498. The Math average score was 470. The Writing average score was 459. 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.[69]

In 2012, 31 West Greene School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 511. The Math average score was 509. The Writing average score was 470. 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, 40 West Greene School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 493. The Math average score was 489. The Writing average score was 471.[70] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[71] 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.[72]

The Pennsylvania Department of Education compared the SAT data of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania to students in urban areas. From 2003 to 2005, the average total SAT score for students in rural Pennsylvania was 992, while urban students averaged 1,006. During the same period, 28 percent of 11th and 12th graders in rural school districts took the exam, compared to 32 percent of urban students in the same grades. The average math and verbal scores were 495 and 497, respectively, for rural students, while urban test-takers averaged 499 and 507, respectively. Pennsylvania's SAT composite score ranked low on the national scale in 2004. The composite SAT score of 1,003 left Pennsylvania ranking 44 out of the 50 states and Washington, DC.[73]

The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that 71 percent of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania chose to continue their education after high school in 2003, whereas 79 percent of urban high school graduates opted to continue their education.

In 2013, High School offered 6 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At West Greene High School 7% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[74]

West Greene Middle School is located at 1352 Hargus Creek Road, Waynesburg. In 2013, enrollment was 172 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 51.7% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 13.9% of pupils received special education services, while 4% of pupils were identified as gifted.[75] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[76]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the school reported an enrollment of 182 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 91 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. West Greene Middle School is a federally designated Title I school. West Greene Middle School employed 18 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 10:1.[77] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 17 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[78]

2013 School Performance Profile

West Greene Middle School achieved 70.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 54% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 71% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 63% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 56% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[79]

AYP status

In 2012, West Greene Middle School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading and math achievement.[80] In 2011, West Greene Middle School improved to achieving AYP status.[81] In 2011, the school achieved a 92% attendance rate.[82]

• 2010 - Making Progress: in School Improvement I AYP status due to chronic low student achievement.
• 2009 - School Improvement I due to chronic low student achievement.[83]
• 2004-2008 - achieved AYP status
• 2003 - Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics

PSSA results 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.[84] 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.[85] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[86] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[87]

8th grade Science

• 2012 - 58% on grade level (19% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 41% (39% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 31% (39% below basic). State – 57%
• 2009 - 52%, State – 55%.[94]
• 2008 - 47%, State – 52%[95]

Graysville Elementary School is located at 1029 West Roy Furman Highway, Graysville. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 268 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 47% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 14.5% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.1% are identified as gifted.[98] Graysville Elementary School provides full-day kindergarten.[99] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, Graysville Elementary School reported an enrollment of 243 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 118 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. Graysville Elementary School provides full-day kindergarten. The school employed 24.5 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 9:1.[100] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[101]

2013 School Performance Profile

Graysville 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 68% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 76% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 76.8% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 89% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 77.78% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[102]

AYP history

In 2012, Graysville Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement. In 2011, Graysville Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[103] From 2004 through 2010, the school achieved Adequate Yearly Progress each school year. In 2003, Graysville Elementary School was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics.

PSSA results

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 88%, (0% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 86%, (2% below basic). State - 82.9%
• 2010 - 80%, (9% below basic). State - 81%

Springhill-Freeport Elementary School and Graysville Elementary School were closed in December 2015 with the completion of a new combined elementary school near Rogersville.[108]

The District Administration reported that 17 or 2.06% of its students were gifted in 2010. The highest percentage of gifted students reported among all 500 school districts and 100 public charter schools in Pennsylvania was North Allegheny School District with 15.5% of its students identified as gifted.[118] 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.[119][120]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, West Greene School District receives 30.5% of its annual revenue from the state.[155]

For the 2014–15 school year, West Green School District will receive $3,160,140 in State Basic Education funding. The district will also receive $81,449 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.[156] 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.[157]

In the 2013–2014 school year, West Greene School District received $3,161,639 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding a 1% increase over prior funding. This is $32,344 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, West Greene School District received $52,075 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Greene County, Central Greene School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 1.6%. 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.[158] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland district, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.[159] As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[160]

For the 2012–13 school year, the West Greene School District received $3,181,370.[161] 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. West Greene School District received $52,075. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[162] 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, West Greene School District received $3,129,295 in state Basic Education Funding.[163] Additionally, the district will receive $52,075 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011–2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011.[164] In 2010, West Greene School District reported that 403 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty levels.

For the 2010–11 budget year, West Greene School District received just a 2% increase in state Basic Education Funding for a total of $3,259,804. The highest increase in Greene County 4.97% was given to the Central Greene School District. 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.[165] One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010–11. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.[166]

For the 2009–2010 school budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.13% increase in Basic Education Funding to West Greene School District, for a total of $3,195,886.[167] Among the school districts in Greene County, the highest increase went to Southeastern Greene School District which got a 6.92%. 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.[168] The amount of increase each school district receives is set by then Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak as a part of the state budget proposal given each February.[169] 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.[170][171]

The state Basic Education Funding to the district in 2008–09 was $4,787,151.79. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 388 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[172]

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 the 2010–11 school year, the district applied for and received $141,344, in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district uses the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for 52 pupils. This was the 5th year the full day program was offered.[173][174]

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 instructional use of the computers. The program was funded from 2006 to 2009. West Greene School District did not apply to participate in 2006–07 or in 2007–08. West Greene School District received $74,691 in 2008–09.[175] In Greene County the highest award was given to Southeastern Greene School District at $344,563. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

The state's Education Assistance Program funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010–11, the school district received $64,593.[176]

West Greene School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education grants, PA Science Its Elementary grants (The grant was discontinued in 2010 by Governor Rendell due to a massive state budget crisis), 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant; the 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;[177] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

The district received an extra $734,421 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[178] The funding is for the 2009–10 and 2010–2011 school years.[179]

District officials applied for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided over one million dollars in additional federal funding to improve student academic achievement. 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.[180] 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.[181]

In the summer of 2011, the district administration did not apply for School Improvement Grant funding, from the federal government (over $9.9 million available). The High School was eligible for funding. The grant stipulates the funds be used for improving student achievement using one of four federally dictated strategies. The strategies are: transformation, turnaround, restart with new faculty and administration or closure of failing schools. Transformation calls for a change in faculty and administration evaluations, mandated training in proven teaching techniques and rigorous curriculum change that focuses on student achievement. The Pennsylvania Education Secretary awarded $66 Million to reform Pennsylvania's lowest-achieving schools.[182]

For 2010–11, West Greene School District did not apply for a School Improvement Grant. It was eligible for funding due to the chronic, low achievement at the high school and middle school.[183]

In 2010, Pennsylvania received $141 million from the federal department of education, to turn around its worst-performing schools. The funds were disbursed via a competitive grant program.[184] The Pennsylvania Department of Education has identified 200 Pennsylvania schools as "persistently lowest-achieving," making them eligible for this special funding.[185] Pennsylvania required low performing schools to apply or provide documentation about why they had not applied. The funds must be used, by the district, to turn around schools in one of four ways: school closure, restart - close the school and reopen it as a charter school. The other two options involve firing the principal. One would require at least half the faculty in a chronically poor performing school be dismissed. The second involves intensive teacher training coupled with strong curriculum revision or a longer school day.[186]

The Central Greene School Board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.[187] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Property tax rates in 2014–15 were set, by the West Greene School Board, at 19.5000 mills.[188] 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. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and all government property (local, state and federal). Additionally, service-related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes.

On the local level, Pennsylvania 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.[189] When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.[190] 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.[191]

The average yearly property tax paid by Greene County residents amounts to about 2.77% of their yearly income. Greene County ranked 746th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[201] 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.[202] 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%).[203]

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.[204]

In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[205] 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.[206][207]

The School District Adjusted Index for the West Greene School District 2006–2007 through 2011–2012.[208]

For the 2013-14 budget year, West Greene School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2013–2014, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 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 the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[211]

For the 2012-13 budget year, West Greene 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.[212]

For the 2011–12 school year the West Greene School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index.[213] 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 publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[214]

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.[215]

The West Greene School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2011.[216] In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.[217]

In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the West Greene School District was $84 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 1,350 property owners applied for the tax relief.[218] 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 Greene County, 37% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.[219] In Greene County, the highest amount of tax relief in 2010, went to property owners in Central Greene School District. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania went to the residents of Chester Upland School District of Delaware County who received $632 per approved homestead.[220] This was the third year they were the top recipient.

• 2009 – $87 for 1,300 properties.
• 2008 – $105 for 1,075 properties.

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, individual with income much more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.[221]

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%).[222]

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[227]

The district funds:

Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2012 [228]