Newport School District (Pennsylvania)

District AYP status history

In 2012, Newport School District achieved AYP status In 2011, Newport 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 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.^[44] Newport School District achieved AYP status each year from 2004 to 2010, while in 2003 the District was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.^[45]

Graduation rate

In 2016, the District’s graduation rate increased to 94.44%.^[46]

• 2015 - 92.91%.^[47]
• 2014 - 91.76%.^[48]
• 2013 - 90%.^[49]
• 2012 - 80%. The graduation rate for males was 70%, while the graduation rate for females was 90%.^[50]
• 2011 - 82%.^[51] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.
• 2010 - 82% new four year rate^[52]

Former calculation graduation rate

• 2010 - 87% ^[53]
• 2009 - 91% ^[54]
• 2007 - 88%^[55]
• 2006 - 87% ^[56]

High school

Newport High School is located at 500 Caroline Street, Newport. In 2016, enrollment continued to decline with just 311 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 47% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal federal poverty level. Additionally, 22% of pupils received special education services, while 2.89% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[57] The school employed teachers.^[58] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.^[59]

In 2013, enrollment was reported as 333 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 33% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 22% of pupils received special education services, while 3% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 27 teachers.^[60] Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Newport High School had 370 pupils, in grades 9th through 12th, with 130 students receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 29 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.^[61]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP declined to 62.6 out of 100 points. Newport High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 80% of students were on grade level in reading.literature and 67% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 67% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.^[62] The requirement that pupils pass the Keystone Exams in reading, algebra I and bIology I in order to graduate was postponed until 2019 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly because less than 60% of 12 grade pupils statewide would have been eligible for graduation from high school due to failing one or more Keystone Exams.^[63] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.^[64]

2015 School Performance Profile

Newport High School achieved 63.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 78% of the High School’s students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 71% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 70% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[65] 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.^[66][67]

2014 School Performance Profile

Newport High School achieved 76.8 of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 82.8% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 67.5% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 57.69% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[68][69] 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%.^[70]

2013 School Performance Profile

Newport High School achieved 86.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 81% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 76% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 60% showed on grade level science understanding.^[71] 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.^[72]

The Newport High School was an inaugural participant in Project720. It was a participant in Project540 through the University of Pennsylvania. The high school offers an academy system which allows students to specialize in one of two areas; Arts & Humanities or Science & Industry. AP courses are offered in all core subject areas and full-range agricultural education, business education and technology education programs are available for all students. Approximately 50 students attend Cumberland Perry Career and Technical School annually.

AYP history

In 2012, Newport High School achieved AYP status even though it missed all measured metrics and the graduation rate. In 2011, the school was in Making Progress: in School Improvement I AYP status. Newport High School is in School Improvement Level 1 status due to chronically low academic achievement through 2010.^[73] The school is eligible for School improvement grants to raise student academic achievement.

In August 2010, the high school was required by the No Child Left Behind law to notify students that they could transfer out of the Newport High School to another high school within the district due to Newport High School's chronic low achievement in reading and mathematics.^[74]

In a November 2010 report by The 21st Century Partnership for STEM Education, Newport High School was cited as the most regressed district in Pennsylvania on the 11th Grade Math PSSA from 2004 to 2010. The study found the 11th grade math average dropped almost 30 percentage points on the test.^[75]

In a February 2011, Newport School District Strategic Plan Report to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the school administration acknowledged it had not revised the curriculum, nor implemented other academic achievement improvement strategies that had been stated in its 2008 strategic plan.^[76]

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.^[77]

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.^[78]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 63% on grade level, (19% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[79]
• 2011 - 61% (15% below basic). State - 69.1% ^[80]
• 2010 - 53%, State - 67% ^[81]
• 2009 - 58.7%, State - 65%
• 2008 - 58%, State - 65%
• 2007 - 59%, State - 65%
• 2006 - 52%, State - 65%

11th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 49%, on grade level (28% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[82]
• 2011 - 45%, (29% below basic). State - 60.3%
• 2010 - 25%, State - 59% ^[83]
• 2009 - 41%, State - 56% ^[84]
• 2008 - 49%, State - 56%
• 2007 - 44%, State - 53% ^[85]
• 2006 - 49%, State - 52% ^[86]

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 36% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 44% (16% below basic). State - 40% ^[87]
• 2010 - 29%, State - 30%
• 2009 - 26%, State - 40%
• 2008 - 34%, State - 39% ^[88]

Science in Motion Newport 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.^[89] Elizabethtown College provides the experiences to schools in the region.

Middle school

Newport Middle School is housed on the third floor of the middle/high school building. In 2016, enrollment was 254 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 53% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 19.6% of pupils received special education services, while less than 1% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[120] According to a 2014 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 95% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[121]

In 2013, enrollment was 260 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 43% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 22% of pupils received special education services, while 2.6% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[122] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[123] In 2010, Newport Middle School had 246 pupils enrolled in grades 6th through 8th, with 97 receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 24 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 10:1.^[124] The school offers a full range of activities in addition to a core curriculum.

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP declined to 57 points out of 100 points. Newport Middle School PSSA mandated testing results were: 55% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 33% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 57% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.^[125] In 7th grade, just 44% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while only 23% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 57% were on grade level in reading and only 33% were on grade level in math

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE withheld SPP scores. It was reported that 60% of 8th grade students at Newport Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, only 27% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 61% of the school’s 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 52% were on grade level in reading, while 47% showed on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 50% were on grade level in reading and 26% were on grade level in mathematics.^[126] 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.^[127]

2014 School Performance Profile

Newport Middle School achieved 84.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 74% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 82.9% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 62%% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 81% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[128]

2013 School Performance Profile

Newport Middle School achieved 77.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 71% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 78% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 58% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 59% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[129]

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Newport School District did not implement a no cost dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school.^[130] 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.^[131]

Elementary School

Newport Elementary School is located at 559 North 5th Street, Newport. In 2016, the School's enrollment was 477 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 60% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 19% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.^[146] 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.^[147] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2013, Newport Elementary School's enrollment was pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 52,8% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 17% of the pupils receive special education services, while no children were identified as gifted.^[148] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. Newport Elementary School provides full day kindergarten.^[149] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Newport Elementary School had 564 pupils, in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 261 students receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 49 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 11:1.^[150] Newport Elementary School offers small class sizes and specials in art, music, speech, technology, science, and health & PE. The elementary features full-day kindergarten, a student-operated television studio, and an elementary student assistance program.

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP just 64 out of 100 points Newport Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 68% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 43% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 62% were on grade level in reading, while only 39% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 78% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 53% were on grade level in reading and 55% showed on grade level mathematics skills.^[151][152]

2015 School Performance Profile

The SPP withheld by the PDE. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 63% of 5th grade students at Newport Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, just 42% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 66% were on grade level in reading, while only 44% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 87% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, just 60% were on grade level in reading and only 43% were on grade level in mathematics.^[153] Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 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.^[154]

2014 School Performance Profile

Newport Elementary School achieved a score of 72.3 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 65% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 80% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 76% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 87% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 30.6% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[155]

2013 School Performance Profile

Newport Elementary School achieved a score of 71.8 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 67% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 75% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 80 were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 81% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 59% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[156]

AYP History

In 2012, Newport Elementary school declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement. Although the student achievement was universally below state level in 2011, the School was rated as making Adequate Yearly Progress.^[157] In 2010, the District reported a 95% attendance rate at the elementary school. The school achieved AYP status in 2009 and 2010. In 2008, the School declined to Warning AYP status due to low student academic achievement.^[158] The school provided All Day Kindergarten since 2008.

PSSA Results

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. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.^[159] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.^{[160][161][162]} 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.^[163]

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 90%, (1% below basic), State – 82%
• 2011 - 83%, (3% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 77% on grade level, State - 81%
• 2009 - 84%, State - 83%
• 2008 - 69%, State - 81%

Gifted education

The Newport School District Administration reported that 19 or 1.61% of its students were gifted in 2009.^[184] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to dual enrollment with local colleges. 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.^[185]

Safe School grant

In 2013, Newport School District did not participate in a state Safe Schools Targeted Grant. The maximum of $25,000 grants were awarded through a competitive application process.^[194] The funds must be used for research based interventions, like: peer mediation, staff training in managing behavioral issues and creating a positive school climate. The District also did not participate in the state's School Resource Officer and Police Officer grants.

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Newport School District receives 50.7% of its annual revenue from the state.^[232]

In December 2014, the Pennsylvania Education Funding Reform Commission conducted a hearing.^[233][234] The commission developed a new basic education funding formula which sets a new way to distribute state basic education dollars. It abolished the practice of "hold harmless" funding, which gave districts at least the same as they got the previous school year regardless of declining enrollment. The plan became law in June 2016 (House Bill 1552).^{[235][236][237]}

For the 2017-18 school year, Newport School District received $5,864,313 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania again increased its public education spending to a record high of $5.995 billion. It was a $100 million increase, 1.7% increase over the 2016-17 state appropriation.^[238] Additionally, the state continued to fund its Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $25 million increase to $1,121 billion.^[239] The state also paid $529.5 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.304 billion to the teacher’s pension fund, an increase of 7.6% over the state’s 2016-17 payment. The state maintained its $100 million reimbursement to school districts for transportation costs. Governor Wolf had proposed cutting the funding by 50% shifting the costs to local taxpayers.^[240][241]

For the 2016-17 school year, Newport School District received $3,467,058 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a 2.2% increase over 2015-16 funding to the District. This was the highest percentage of BEF increase in Perry County under the state’s Basic Education Funding formula. For the 2016-17 school year, Pennsylvania increased its public education spending to a record high of $5,895 billion. It was a $200 million increase, 3.51% increase over the 2015-16 appropriation.^[242] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.^[243] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher’s pension fund.^[244] Statewide Conestoga Valley School District received a 13.3% increase in state BEF funding. Five PA public school districts received an increase of 10% or greater in Basic Education funding over their 2015-16 funding.

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $2,723,187 to Newport School District, in January 2016.^[245] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.^[246] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.^[247]

In compliance with a legislative mandate that was passed with veto proof majorities in the PA House and Senate,^[248] the final BEF funding was determined for 2015-16, in April 2016. Newport School District received $5,721,027 in Basic Education Funds for the 2015-16 school year. This was a 1.4% increase yielding a $80,813 increase over the previous school year funding. The District also received another $178,587 in Ready to Learn funding from the state.^[249]

For the 2014-15 school year, Newport School District will receive $5,622,899 in State Basic Education funding. The District will also receive $158,269 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.^[250] 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.^[251]

For the 2013-14 school year, the Newport School District will receive a 1.5% increase or $5,624,780 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $82,161 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Newport School District will receive $81,880 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Perry County, West Perry School District received the highest percentage increase at 2.1%. 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.^[252] 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.^[253]

For the 2012-13 school year, Newport School District received $5,624,499 in State Basic Education funding.^[254] The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 includes $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which is an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. The state also provides $100 million for the Accountability Block grant. Newport School District received $81,880 in ABG funds. The state also provided $544.4 million for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[255] This amount is a $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett’s first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In 2011-12 school year, Newport School District received $5,542,619 in state Basic Education Funding.^[256] Additionally, Newport School District received $81,880 in Accountability Block Grant funding. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 480 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2010–11 school year.^[257]

For the 2010-11 school year, Newport School District received a 2% increase in state Basic Education Funding (BEF) resulting in a $5,883,294 payment.^[258] West Perry School District received a 5.14% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF in Perry County. Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. Fifteen (15) Pennsylvania public school districts received a BEF increase of greater than 10%. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was determined by then Governor Edward G. Rendell and then Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, Gerald Zahorchak through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.^[259] This was the second year of Governor Rendell's plan for the state to fund some school districts at a much higher rate than others.

In the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 4.07% increase in Basic Education Funding to Newport School District, for a total of $5,767,935. Newport School District received the lowest increase in funding from the state, among all the public school districts in Perry County. The district also received supplemental funding for: Title I (federal funding for low-income students), for district size, a poverty supplement from the Commonwealth and more. Among Perry County public school districts, the highest state funding increase was 6.39% to Susquenita School District.^[260] 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. Seventy school districts received the minimum 2% increase in 2009. The Muhlenberg School District of Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state funding in 2009. Individual district basic education funding increase was determined by then Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak in the annual budget process.

The state Basic Education funding to the Newport School District in 2008-09 was $5,542,619.13. Newport School District received $5,542,619.13 in state BEF funding in 2007-08. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 403 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.^[261]

Other grants

The District did not participate in: Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell),^[270] Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants,^[271][272] nor the 2012 and 2013 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant.^[273] Newport School District also has not participated in 2012 and 2013 state Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants.^[274]

Common Cents state initiative

The school board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.^[275] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Federal grant funding

Newport School District received $1,084,472 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[276]

Real estate taxes

The Newport School Board property tax rates for school year 2016-17 were raised by the school board to 14.1831 mills.^[294] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. 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, nonprofit hospitals, 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. Unlike other states, under Pennsylvania state tax policy, natural gas and oil pipelines are exempted from property taxes.^[295]

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. 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 (Local Tax Enabling Act), which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.^[296]

The average yearly property tax paid by Perry County residents amounts to about 3.11% of their yearly income. Perry County ranked 539th of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[308] 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.^[309] 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%).^[310]

Property tax relief

In 2013, Newport School District 2,177 approved homestead properties received $194.^[340] The amount received by the District must be divided equally among all approved residences.^[341] In 2012, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling, for the Newport School District, was $193 per approved permanent primary residence. The amount of property tax relief each school district receives is announced by the PDE in May each year. It is dependent on the amount of tax revenue collected on the casino slots in the previous year.

In 2010, the tax relief was $194. In Newport School District, 2129 property owners applied for the tax relief.^[342] In 2009, the District's property tax relief was set at $194 for 2,174 approved homesteads. This was the highest tax relief to homestead owners residing in Perry County in 2010. 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 acres (40,000 m²) contiguous and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The highest property tax relief in Pennsylvania was given to residents in Chester Upland School District in Delaware County, at $632 in 2009 and 2010.^[343] In Perry County, 88.04% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009. This was among the highest participation rates in Pennsylvania.^[344]

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, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This tax rebate can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Gambling Property Tax Relief. In 2012, the Pennsylvania Secretary of the Treasury reported issuing more than half a million property tax rebates totaling $238 million.^[345] The Property tax/rent rebate program is funded by revenues from the Pennsylvania Lottery. In 2012, these property tax rebates were increased by an additional 50 percent for senior households in the state, so long as those households have incomes under $30,000 and pay more than 15% of their income in property taxes.^[346]