West Perry School District

District AYP status history

In 2012, West Perry School District remained in Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, Only one of its schools achieved AYP status in 2012.^[58] In 2011, West Perry School District declined to Warning AYP status. 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.^[59]

• 2006 - 2010 - Achieved AYP status each school year
• 2005 - Making Progress - School Improvement Level 1 AYP
• 2004 - declined to School Improvement Level 1 AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics^[60]
• 2003 - Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.^[61]

Districts in School Improvement status are required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop an Improvement Plan and to submit it for approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. They are also required to notify parents of the low academic achievement in the schools.

Graduation rate

In 2016, West Perry School District's graduation rate declined to 86.11%.^[62]

• 2015 - 88%.^[63]
• 2014 - 87.74%.^[64]
• 2013 - 92%^[65]
• 2012 - 74%.^[66]
• 2011 - 71%.^[67]
• 2010 - 69%, In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.^[68]

Traditional method of reporting

• 2010 - 85%^[69]
• 2009 - 82%^[70]
• 2008 - 82%^[71]
• 2007 - 85%^[72]

High school

West Perry Senior High School is located at 2608 Shermans Valley Road, Elliottsburg. In 2016, enrollment was reported as 811 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 30.8% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 16% of pupils received special education services, while 3.9% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[73] In 2014, enrollment was reported as 802 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 32.79% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty.^[74] In 2013, enrollment was reported as 836 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 29.8% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 16.8% of pupils received special education services, while 4.24% of pupils were identified as Intellectual giftedness.^[75] The school employed 55 teachers.^[76] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The School is not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the School reported 886 pupils enrolled in grades 9th through 12th, with 235 students eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. West Perry Senior High School employed 66 teachers, for a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.^[77]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 77.9 out of 100 points. West Perry Area High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 76% of students were on grade level in reading/literature and just 67% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I, at the end of the course. In Biology I, 65.6% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.^[78] 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.^[79] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.^[80]

2015 School Performance Profile

West Perry High School achieved 79.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 77% 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, 59.6% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[81] 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.^[82][83]

2014 School Performance Profile

West Perry Senior High School achieved 73.7 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - only 67% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, just 62.7% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, only 50.9% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[84][85] 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%.^[86]

2013 School Performance Profile

West Perry High School achieved 63.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 81.8% of tested pupils were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 59% showed on grade level math skills. In Biology, just 50% of pupils showed on grade level science understanding at the end of their Biology course.^[87] 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.^[88]

AYP history

In 2012, West Perry Senior High School was in Making Progress: in School Improvement I. In 2011, West Perry Senior High School declined to School Improvement I status due to poor student achievement in both reading and mathematics. In 2010, the school was in Warning status due to low student performance.^[89] The school administration was required to develop a school improvement plan that focused on raising student academic achievement. The school was eligible to receive additional federal school improvement funds.

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.^[90]

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.^[91]

11th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 69% on grade level, (18% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[92]
• 2011 - 62% (18% below basic). 69.1% ^[93]
• 2010 - 60%, State - 67%
• 2009 - 61%, State - 65%
• 2008 - 48%, State - 65%
• 2007 - 61%, State - 65% ^[94]
• 2006 - 63%, State - 69%^[95]

11th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 57% on grade level (28% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
• 2011 - 46%, (32% below basic). State - 60.3%
• 2010 - 47%, State - 59% ^[96]
• 2009 - 44%, State - 56%
• 2008 - 35%, State - 56%
• 2007 - 49%, State - 53%
• 2006 - 51%, State - 52%

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 48% on grade level (9% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[97]
• 2011 - 37% (16% below basic). State - 40%
• 2010 - 37%, State - 39% ^[98]
• 2009 - 48%, State - 40%^[99]
• 2008 - 25%, State - 39%^[100]

Science in Motion West Perry High School took advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.^[101] Gettysburg College provides the experiences in the region.

West Perry Middle school

West Perry Middle School is located 2620 Shermans Valley Road, Elliottsburg. In 2016, enrollment declined further to 548 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 40% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 18% of pupils received special education services, while 2% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[135]

In 2015, West Perry Middle School enrollment declined to 566 pupils in grades 6th-8th. In 2014, enrollment declined again to 577 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 37% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. In 2013, enrollment was 610 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 38% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 17.7% of pupils received special education services, while 2.95% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[136] According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 98% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[137] The School was not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school had 642 pupils enrolled in grades 6th through 8th, with 208 students eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school employed 49 teachers, for a student–teacher ratio of 13:1.^[138] The middle school's combined 7th and 8th grades ranked 470th out of 829 Pennsylvania middle schools for student academic achievement in 2008–2009.^[139]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 80.4 out of 100 points. West Perry Middle School PSSA mandated testing results were: 60% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 25% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 61.5% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.^[140] In 7th grade, 66% of the school's pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 39% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 69% were on grade level in reading and only 39% were on grade level in math.

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE withheld SPP scores in 2015. It was reported that 65% of 8th grade students at West Perry Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, 26% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 67% of the school’s 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 53% were on grade level in reading, while 24% showed on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 64% were on grade level in reading and just 36% were on grade level in mathematics.^[141] 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.^[142]

2014 School Performance Profile

West Perry Middle School achieved 88.9 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% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 68% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 86% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[143]

2013 School Performance Profile

West Perry Middle School achieved 88.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 74% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 78% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 60% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 82% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[144]

Blain Elementary School

Blain Elementary School is located 132 Blain Road, Blain. In 2016, the School's enrollment was 323 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 45% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 11% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.^[166] 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.^[167] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2014, Blain Elementary School's enrollment was 321 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 50% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty.^[168] In 2013, Blain Elementary School's enrollment was 304 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 50% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 13% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.^[169] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides half day kindergarten.^[170] The school is a federally designated Title I school. The school has provided full day kindergarten to all its pupils since 2009-10.^[171]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Blain Elementary School had 294 pupils enrolled in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 131 students eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 23 teachers, for a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.^[172] In 2010-2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Education identified Blain Elementary School as one of the lowest achieving schools in the Commonwealth. Parents qualified for an Opportunity Scholarship to transfer their child to another school in the area. In 2013, Blain Elementary School was off the list. It remained off the list in 2015-16.

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 62.3 out of 100 points. Blain Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: just 45% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 32% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, only 44% were on grade level in reading, while just 32% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 80% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 71% were on grade level in reading and 62% showed on grade level mathematics skills.^[173][174]

2015 School Performance Profile

The SPP was withheld by the PDE. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 65% of 5th grade students at Blain Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, just 39% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 57% were on grade level in reading, while 49% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 88% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 54% were on grade level in reading and just 36% were on grade level in mathematics.^[175] 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.^[176]

2014 School Performance Profile

Blain Elementary School achieved a score of 83.3 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 67% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, just 65.7% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 67.7% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 92% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 75% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[177]

2013 School Performance Profile

Blain Elementary School achieved a score of 71 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 58% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 74% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, just 64% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 80% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 60% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[178]

AYP history

From 2004 to 2012, Blain Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status each school year.^[179] In 2003, Blain Elementary School was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement. The attendance rate was 95%. In 2010 the attendance rate was reported as 95%. It was also 95% in 2009.^[180]

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.^[181] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.^{[182][183][184]} 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.^[185]

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 78%, (12% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 80%, (2% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 87%, (5% below basic). State - 81%
• 2009 - 89%, (4% below basic), State - 83%
• 2008 - 86%, State - 81%

Carroll Elementary School

Carroll Elementary School is located 6670 Spring Road, Shermans Dale. In 2016, the School's enrollment declined to 385 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 40% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 10% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted.^[191]

In 2014, Carroll Elementary School's enrollment was 396 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 43.6% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty.^[192] In 2013, Carroll Elementary School's enrollment was 373 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 40% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 10% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.6% are identified as gifted.^[193] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides half day kindergarten and is a federally designated Title I school.^[194] The School has provided full day kindergarten since 2009-10.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Carroll Elementary School had 395 pupils enrolled in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 134 students eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The School employed 27 teachers, for a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[195] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[196]

West Perry School District has provided full-day kindergarten since 2010.^[197] Proponents of full day kindergarten claim it will reduce special education numbers and it will raise primary student academic achievement in reading.^[198] Those outcomes have not been realized in the West Perry School District. Reading achievement in particular has not improved.^[199]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 78.7 points out of 100 points. Carroll Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 58% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while 50% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, just 51% were on grade level in reading, while only 37% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 79% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, just 52% were on grade level in reading and 50% showed on grade level mathematics skills.^[173][174]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 53% of 5th grade students at Carroll Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, just 34% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 49% were on grade level in reading, while only 20% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 65% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, just 49% were on grade level in reading and 28% were on grade level in mathematics.^[200] 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.^[201]

2014 School Performance Profile

Carroll Elementary School achieved a score of 72.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 62% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 67.2% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 67% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 68.8% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 63% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[202]

2013 School Performance Profile

Carroll Elementary School achieved a score of 77.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-20, only 60% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 74% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, just 66% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 76% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 60% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[203]

AYP History

In 2012, Carroll Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics.^[204] From 2003 through 2011 - achieved AYP status each school year.^[205] In 2011, 2010 and 2009 the attendance rate was 94%.^[206]

PSSA Results

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 64% (15% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 74% (6% below basic). State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 79%, State - 81%
• 2009 - 70%, State - 83%
• 2008 - 83%, State - 81%

New Bloomfield Elementary School

New Bloomfield Elementary School is located 300 West High Street, New Bloomfield. In 2016, the School's enrollment declined further to 400 pupils in grades Kindergarten through 5th, with 38.5% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 15.7% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted.^[213]

In 2014, New Bloomfield Elementary School's enrollment was 416 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 40% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty.^[214] In 2013, New Bloomfield Elementary School's enrollment was 455 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 43% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 14% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted.^[215] 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 in 2013.^[216] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, New Bloomfield Elementary School had 437 pupils enrolled in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 146 students eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 31 teachers, for a student–teacher ratio of 14:1.^[217] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[218]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 75.7 out of 100 points. New Bloomfield Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 61% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 52% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 64% were on grade level in reading, while 61% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 86% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 70% were on grade level in reading and 54% showed on grade level mathematics skills.^[173][174]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 60% of 5th grade students at New Bloomfield 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, 58% were on grade level in reading, while 58% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 82% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 62% were on grade level in reading and 58% were on grade level in mathematics.^[219] 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.^[220]

2014 School Performance Profile

New Bloomfield Elementary School achieved a School Performance Score of 75 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 63.5% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 66% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 74.5% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 81% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 57.8% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[221]

2013 School Performance Profile

New Bloomfield 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 62% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 78% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, only 71% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, just 78% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 44% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[222]

AYP History

In 2012, New Bloomfield Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics.^[223] In 2011 and 2010, New Bloomfield Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[224] In 2010, New Bloomfield Elementary School reported a 95% attendance rate. In 2009 the attendance rate was also 95%.^[225]

PSSA History:

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 84% (2% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 84% (2% below basic), State – 82.9%
• 2010 - 84%, State – 81%
• 2009 - 86%, State – 83%
• 2008 - 84%, State – 81%

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 76 or 2.85% of its students were gifted in 2009.^[247] 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. 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.^[248]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, West Perry School District receives 45.5% of its annual revenue from the state.^[282]

In December 2014, the Pennsylvania Education Funding Reform Commission conducted a hearing. 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).^{[283][284][285]}

For the 2017-18 school year, West Perry School District received $8,705,408 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.^[286] 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.^[287] 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.^[288]

For the 2016-17 school year, West Perry School District received an increase to $8,622,911 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a 2.1% increase over 2015-16 funding to the District. The highest percentage of BEF increase in Perry County was 2.2% awarded to both Greenwood School District and Newport School District, 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.^[289] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.^[290] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher’s pension fund.^[291] 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. The District also received $394,553 in Ready To Learn funds and an increase in special education funding from the state.

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding of $4,188,392 to West Perry School District, in January 2016.^[292] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.^[293] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.^[294]

In compliance with a legislative mandate that was passed with veto proof majorities in the PA House and Senate,^[295] the final BEF funding was determined for 2015-16, in April 2016. West Perry School District received $8,936,940 in Basic Education Funds for the 2015-16 school year. This was a 3.6% increase yielding a $136,579 increase over the previous school year funding. The District also received $310,655 in Ready to Learn funding from the state.^[296]

For the 2014-15 school year, West Perry School District received $8,313,618 in State Basic Education funding. The District also received $154,147 in Accountability Block Grant funding and $155,755 in the new created Ready To Learn Block grant. The State’s enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.^[297] 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.^[298]

In the 2013-14 school year, the West Perry School District received a 2% increase or $8,310,055 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $162,922 more than its 2012-2013 state BEF to the District. This was the highest percentage increase awarded to the public school district in Perry County. Additionally, West Perry School District received $154,147 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. 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.^[299] 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.^[300]

For the 2012-13 school year, West Perry School District received $8,147,133.^[301] 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 Perry School District received $8,147,133. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.^[302] 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 Perry School District received $8,153,693 in state Basic Education Funding.^[303][304] Additionally, West Perry School District received $154,147 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. 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.^[305] Districts experienced a reduction in funding, due to the loss of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.

For 2010–11 school year, the West Perry School District received a 5.14% increase in state Basic Education Funding for a total of $9,026,262. This was the highest increase given to the school districts in Perry County. One hundred and fifty Pennsylvania school district received the base 2% increase. The highest increase was given to Kennett Consolidated School District of Chester County which received a 23.655 increase in state funding.^[306] This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others. The amount of increase each Pennsylvania public school district received was determined by then Governor Edward G. Rendell and Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.^[307] In 2010, the District reported that 846 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

In the 2009–2010 budget, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided West Perry School District a 5.60% increase in Basic Education Funding (BEF) for a total of $8,622,711. This was a higher increase, in Basic Education Funding, than the two other school districts in Perry County received for 2009-2010. Susquenita School District got a 6.39% increase in BEF in 2009. Fifteen Pennsylvania public school districts received BEF increases that exceeded 10%. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest, a 22.31% increase, in Basic Education Funding from the state.^[308]

The state Basic Education funding to the West Perry School District in 2008–09 was $8,165,782.58. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 724 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.^[309]

All Pennsylvania public 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.^[310]

Federal Stimulus grant

West Perry School District received an extra $1,902,762 in ARRA – Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[322] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 724 students in the district received free or reduced meals due to low family income in 2008.^[323] The funding was limited to the 2009–10 and 2010-2011 school years.^[324] 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.

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.^[329] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Enrollment

Since 2005, enrollment at West Perry School District has declined by more than 300 pupils.^[330]

In February 2009, Governor Edward Rendell proposed that Pennsylvania consolidate its 500 schools districts to 100 districts. He argued that consolidation with adjacent school districts would achieve substantial cost savings. Consolidation of two central administrations into one would not require the closing of any schools. The proposal called for the savings to be redirected to improving lagging student academic achievement, to enriching the academic programs or to reducing residents' property taxes.^[331] In March 2011, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Fiscal Responsibility Task Force released a report which found that consolidating school district administrations with one neighboring district would save the Commonwealth $1.2 billion without forcing the consolidation of any schools.^[332]

Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of school districts in the nation. In Pennsylvania, 80% of the school districts serve student populations under 5,000, and 40% serve less than 2,000. Less than 95 of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts have enrollment below 1250 students, in 2007.^[333] This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity.^[334] In a survey of 88 superintendents of small districts, 42% of the respondents stated that they thought consolidation would save money without closing any schools.^[335] A study of Pennsylvania public school spending, conducted by Standard and Poor's, examined the consolidation of small public school districts in Pennsylvania in 2007. The study found that consolidation of the administration with an adjacent school district would achieve substantial administrative cost savings which varied by district.^[336] Pennsylvania had 2,361 public school districts in 1959. The state compelled mergers reducing the number to 505 by 1980. Mergers slowed through the 1980s after a 1981 court order desegregated and combined the Edgewood, General Braddock, Swissvale, Churchill and Turtle Creek districts into the Woodland Hills district.^[337]

From 2000 through 2010, rural Pennsylvania public school district enrollment has decreased by 8 percent.^[338] In 2010, there were 726,417 children in rural Pennsylvania, or 21 percent of the total rural population. From 2000 to 2010, the number of children in rural counties decreased 7 percent. The decline in the number of children impacted most rural counties with 42 of Pennsylvania’s 48 rural counties experiencing a decline. Cameron County, Elk County and Sullivan County experienced the greatest declines, with a decrease of more than 21 percent in all three counties. Perry County's live birth rate was 609 births in 1990. Perry County's live birth rate in 2000 declined to 511 births, while in 2011 the live birth rate was 555 babies.^[339] Over the past 50 years (1960 to 2010), rural Pennsylvania saw a steady decline in both the number and proportion of residents under 18 years old. In 1960, 1.06 million rural residents, or 35 percent of the rural population, were children.

Act 1 Index

The Special Session Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not permitted 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 it can be adjusted higher on a per district basis by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, depending on a number of factors, such as local property values (Market Aid Ratio) 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, increasing health care 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.^[358]

The School District Adjusted Index for the West Perry School District 2006–2007 through 2010–2011.^[359]

For the 2016-17 budget year, West Perry School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the District's Act 1 Index limit: rising special education costs and escalating teacher pension costs.^[370] In 2016-17, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 32% of payroll payment to the teacher’s pension fund (PSERS). Statewide 299 school districts adopted a resolution to not exceed their Act I index in 2016-17. In 2016-17, all Pennsylvania public school districts were required to make a 30.03% of payroll payment to the teacher’s pension fund (PSERS).^[371] This was in addition to the 6.02% social security employer match payment.^[372]

For the 2015-16 budget year, West Perry School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. 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.^[373]

For the 2014-15 budget year, West Perry 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).^[374] 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.^[375]

For the 2013-14 budget year, West Perry 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.^[376]

For the 2012-13 budget year, West Perry School Board applied for 2 exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: special education and pension costs. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.^[377]

For the 2011-12 school year, the West Perry School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the West Perry 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.^[378]

According to a state report, for the 2011-12 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.^[379]

For the 2010-11 budget, West Perry School Board also did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 index limit.^[380] 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.^[381]

Property tax relief

In 2016, West Perry School Board approved 5,383 homestead properties to receive $137 each in gaming tax relief.^[382] The amount received by the District, from the State's Gaming Fund, must be divided equally among all approved residences.^[383] 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 2013, West Perry School District approved 5,438 homestead properties to receive $136.^[384] The decline in amount was related to more residents applying for tax relief and a decline in table games tax revenues.

In 2010, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the West Perry School District was $137 per approved permanent primary residence. This was among the lowest amounts awarded in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. West Perry School District had 5,403 property owners apply for the tax relief.^[385] In 2009, the tax relief was set at $143 for 5,196 property owners. In Perry County, 88% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.^[386] 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.^[387] This was the second year they were the top recipient.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income West Perry School District residents 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.

Athletics

West Perry's 1989 football team was the last undefeated team in Pennsylvania not to make the state playoffs, a distinction that the school may hold forever since the playoff format has been massively expanded since. Ten years later the football team, led by future University of Georgia and Baltimore Ravens running back Musa Smith, became the first squad in school history to make the post-season. The team faced the Central York Panthers in the first round of the playoffs, winning by a score of 42–0, making the Panthers the eighth team that season the Mustangs had forced the "mercy rule" upon. In the second game, the district finals, the Mustangs faced the Manheim Central Barons (winners of the 10 previous District 3 AAA championships) and were not so fortunate, losing 28–21 with the game ending as West Perry reached the opponent's 1-yard line.

The West Perry baseball team won consecutive state AA titles in 1979 and 1980. The West Perry boys basketball team reached the state AAA semi-finals in 2006.

West Perry School District coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid. Compensation for extracurriculars is outlined in the teacher union contract.^[408] West Perry School District provides its athletics disclosure form on its web site.^[409] 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.^[410]

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.^[411][412]

The District funds:

Middle School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2014^[413] The Schools are in PIAA District 3.