Palmerton Area School District

In 2012, Palmerton Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status as a whole even though three of the schools did not achieve AYP status.[61] In 2011, Palmerton Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress based on student performance.[62][63]

• 2006 to 2010 - achieved AYP status each year
• 2005 - Making Progress in School Improvement Level I AYP status[64]
• 2004 - declined to School Improvement Level I AYP status due to chronic low student achievement
• 2003 - Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement

Palmerton Area High School is located at 3525 Fireline Rd, Palmerton. By 2016, Palmerton Area High School enrollment had declined to 451 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 29% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 11.9% of pupils received special education services, while 3% of pupils were identified as gifted.[65] The school employed 33 teachers.[66] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[67] The junior high and senior high share a single building.

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 84.2 out of 100 points Palmerton Area High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 86.5% of students were on grade level in reading.literature and 73% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 81% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[68] 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.[69] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.[70]

2015 School Performance Profile

Palmerton Area High School achieved out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 74.5% of the high school's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 62% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, just 56% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[71][72]

2014 School Performance Profile

Palmerton Area High School achieved a SPP of 58.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, just 68.87% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 47% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, just 46% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[73][74]

2013 School Performance Profile

Palmerton Area High School achieved a SPP of 74.7 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 78% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 58.8% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 32.6% showed on grade level science understanding.[75][76]

AYP History

In 2012, Palmerton Area High School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, due to missing all academic metrics measured.[77] Effective with Spring 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSA's to 11th graders.

• 2011 - achieved AYP status.[78]
• 2003 - 2010 - achieved AYP status each school year.[79]

For PSSA result history, as well as, SAT and AP course info at Palmerton Area High School see the high school's wiki article.

Palmerton Area Junior High School is located at 3529 Fireline Rd, Palmerton. It shares a building with the high school. In 2016, enrollment was just 300 pupils, in grades 7th and 8th, with 35% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 13% of pupils received special education services, while 3.6% of pupils were identified as gifted.[80] According to a 2016 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[81] The school is a Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2014, Palmerton Area Junior High School reported an enrollment of 312 pupils, in grades 7th and 8th, with 109 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 20 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.[82] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of Palmerton JHS teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[83] The school was a Title I school.

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 54.3 out of 100 points. Palmerton Area Junior High School PSSA mandated testing results were: just 40% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while only 25% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 50% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.[84] In 7th grade, 54% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 25% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Statewide just 31% of eighth graders demonstrated on grade level in math and 58% of eighth graders were on grade level in reading. In science, 57.7% of eighth graders showed on grade level proficiency. Among 7th graders, just 37% of students demonstrated on grade evel skills in mathematics. In seventh grade reading, 58% were on grade level.[85]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE withheld the school's SPP scores. It was reported that just 50% of 8th grade students at Palmerton Area Junior High School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, just 31% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills.[86] In science, 63% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, just 47% were on grade level in reading, while 18% showed on grade level math skills. No eighth grade writing scores were reported.[87] 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. Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[88]

2014 School Performance Profile

Palmerton Area Junior High School achieved 72.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature, 75% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 67% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 70% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 58% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[89][90]

2013 School Performance Profile

Palmerton Area Junior High School achieved 74.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, 72% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 68% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 56% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 69% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[91] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.

AYP History

In 2012, Palmerton Area Junior High School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, due to missing 50% of academic metrics measured.[92]

• 2011 - achieved AYP status[93]
• 2010 - Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement[94]
• 2009 - achieved AYP status[95]
• 2008 - achieved AYP status[96]
• 2007 - Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement[97]
• 2003 - 2006 - achieved AYP status

PSSA Results:

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are NCLB related examination given in the Spring of each school year. Sixth and seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999, as a state initiative.[98] Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science.[99] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[100] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[101]

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 50% on grade level (26% below basic). State - 59%[106]
• 2011 - 54% (24% below basic). State - 58.3%
• 2010 - 51% (28% below basic). State - 57% [107]

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Palmerton Area School District did not implement a no-cost dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school.[108] The process identifies students at risk for dropping out by examining the pupil's: attendance, behavior and course grades. Interventions are implemented to assist at-risk pupils to remain in school. The program is funded by federal and private dollars.[109]

Towamensing Elementary School is located at 7920 Interchange Road, Lehighton, Pennsylvania. In 2016, Towamensing Elementary School's enrollment was 362 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 30% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 24% of the pupils receive special education services, while 3% are identified as gifted.[110] 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.[111] The school is not a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2014, enrollment was 370 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 88 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 25 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[112] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[113] The school provided full-day kindergarten to identified pupils since 2008.[114][115]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 81.5 points out of 100 points Towamensing Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were among 6th graders, just 57% were on grade level in reading and only 35% were on grade level in math. Among 5th graders, 81% of students were on grade level in reading, while 64% of fifth grade students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 71% were on grade level in reading, while 60% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 95% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, only 68% were on grade level in reading and 65% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[116][117]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 62% of 6th graders at Towamensing Elementary School (TES) were on grade level in reading and 53% were on grade level in math. Among fifth graders, just 59% of students at TES were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, only 39% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 75% were on grade level in reading, while 57% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 97% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 70% were on grade level in reading and 62% were on grade level in mathematics.[118] 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.[119]

2014 School Performance Profile

Towamensing Elementary School achieved a score of 86.6 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 68% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 80.8% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 75.5% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, 81% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 88% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[120]

2013 School Performance Profile

Towamensing Elementary School achieved a score of 84 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 66% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 70% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 72% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 70% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[121] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.

AYP status history

In 2012, Towamensing Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status, due to missing all academic metrics measured.[122] From 2003 to 2011, Towamensing Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.

PSSA History

Each year, in the Spring, in order to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Law, 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.[123] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[124][125][126] 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.[127] The first cohort of children who attended Accountability Block Grant funded full-day kindergarten in the state reached third grade and took the PSSAs in the spring of 2008. At Palmerton ASD the first full-day kindergarten group reached third grade testing in 2011.

4th Grade Science

• 2012 - 87% (2% below basic). State - 82%
• 2011 - 92% (2% below basic). State - 82.9%
• 2010 - results not publicly reported

S S Palmer Elementary School is located at 298 Lafayette Avenue, Palmerton. In 2016, the school's enrollment was 467 pupils in grades 2nd through 6th, with 50.5% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 15.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1.7% are identified as gifted.[132] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.[133] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2014, enrollment was 457 pupils in grades 2nd through 6th, with 203 pupils receiving a free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 27 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.[134] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[135][136]

2016 School Performance Profile

SS Palmer Elementary School School Performance Profile was 69 out of 100 points. In sixth grade, 60% of the students were reading on grade level, while 52% of pupils demonstrated on grade level math skills.[137] In 5th grade, 57% of students in 5th grade were on grade level in reading, while 35% of students demonstrated on grade level mathematics skills. In 4th grade, 45% were on grade level in reading, while 27% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 65% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 59% were on grade level in reading and 56% showed on grade level mathematics skills.[138][139]

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE withheld the school's SPP. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, In sixth grade, 52% of the students were reading on grade level, while just 35% of pupils demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among 5th graders, 53% of students at Palmer Elementary School were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In mathematics, 40% of 5th grade students showed on grade level skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported. In 4th grade, 51% were on grade level in reading, while only 24% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 76% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 50% were on grade level in reading and 39% were on grade level in mathematics.[140][141]

2014 School Performance Profile

SS Palmer Elementary School achieved a score of 69.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, only 63% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 72% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, % were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, 87.5% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 48.7% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[142]

2013 School Performance Profile

SS Palmer Elementary School achieved a score of 80 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 68.9% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 78.6% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 75% were on grade level (3rd-6th grades). In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 59% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.[143]

AYP History

In 2012, S S Palmer Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading achievement.[144] From 2003 to 2011, Palmer Elementary School achieved AYP level status each school year.[145] According to results of the annual PSSA testing, just 70% of the pupils were reading on grade level in 3rd through 6th grades. Second grade was not tested in reading or math. In mathematics, 78% of the pupils (3rd through 6th grade) demonstrated on grade level skills.

Palmerton Area School District Administration reported that 39 or 2.02% of its students were gifted in 2009. The highest percentage of gifted students reported among all 500 school districts and 100 public charter schools in Pennsylvania was North Allegheny School District with 15.5% of its students identified as gifted.[171] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness are also considered for eligibility.[172][173]

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Palmerton Area School District receives 37.8% of its annual revenue from the state.[214][215]

In December 2014, the Pennsylvania Education Funding Reform Commission conducted a hearing.[216][217] 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).[218][219][220]

For the 2016-17 school year, Palmerton Area School District received $6,499,358 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This was a 2.8% increase over 2015-16 funding to the district. The highest percentage of BEF increase in Carbon County was 10.6% awarded to Jim Thorpe Area 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.[221] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.[222] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher's pension fund.[223] 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 $3,095,494 to Palmerton Area School District, in January 2016.[224] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public schools, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.[225] The dispersement did not follow the new Basic Education Fair Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in June 2015.[226] Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in Basic Education funding under Governor Wolf.[227][228]

In compliance with a legislative mandate that was passed with veto proof majorities in the Pennsylvania House and Pennsylvania Senate,[229] the final BEF funding was determined for 2015-16, in April 2016. Palmerton Area School District received $6,321,919 in Basic Education Funds for the 2015-16 school year. This was a 2.19% increase yielding a $135,519 increase over the previous school year funding. The district also received $303,548 in Ready to Learn funding from the state.[230]

For the 2014-15 school year, Palmerton Area School District received $6,238,671 in State Basic Education funding. The district received $237,301 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget included $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding.[231] The Education budget also included 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 paid $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 2013-14 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.[232]

In the 2013-14 school year, the Palmerton Area School District received a 2.1% increase or $6,241,862 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $129,337 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Palmerton Area School District received $115,408 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services.[233] Among the public school districts in Carbon County, Jim Thorpe Area School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 4%. The district had 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.[234] The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland School District, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent.[235] As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS (Pennsylvania school employee pension fund) with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.[236]

For the 2012-13 school year, the Palmerton Area School District received $6,112,461.[237] 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. Palmerton Area School District received $313,247 in ABG funding. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS.[238] 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, Palmerton Area School District received a $6,111,612 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[239] Among the PA school districts in Carbon COunty Jim Thorpe Area School District received the highest percentage increase a 4.24% increase.[240] Additionally, the Palmerton Area School District received $313,247 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount was a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.[241] The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District of Allegheny County, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.[242] In 2010, the District reported that 551 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[243] Some Pennsylvania public school districts experienced a reduction of total funding due to the termination of federal stimulus funding which ended in 2011.

In the 2010-11 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 6.28% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $6,699,719. Among the districts in Carbon County, the highest increase went to Jim Thorpe Area School District which got an 11.05% increase. One hundred fifty Pennsylvania school districts received the base 2% increase. The highest increase of BEF in 2010-11 went to Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County, which received a 23.65% increase in state funding.[244] 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 set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the second year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.[245]

In the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided Palmerton Area a 6.97% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $6,304,005. Among the districts in Carbon County, the highest increase went to Panther Valley School District which got a 14.06%. Ninety (90) Pennsylvania public school districts received the base 2% increase. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received a 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009.[246] The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal.[247]

The state Basic Education Funding to the Palmerton Area School District in 2008-09 was $5,893,252.23. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 511 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007–2008 school year.[248] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania spent $7,824 Per Pupil in the year 2000. This amount increased up to $12,085 by the year 2008.[249][250]

All Pennsylvania school districts also receive additional funding from the state through several 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.[251] By 2015, Pennsylvania was spending over $27 billion on public education (local, state and federal resources combined).[252]

Beginning in 2004-05, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania's school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher skills training; All Day Kindergarten; lower class size in Kindergarten through 3rd grade; literacy and math coaching programs (provides teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction); before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010-11, the Palmerton Area School District applied for and received $313,247. in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to reduced class size K-3rd grade and to provide Teacher Training to improve instruction.[253][254] For 2012-13, Palmerton Area received $115,408 in ABG funding.[255]

Beginning in the 2014-15 budget, the State funded a new Ready to Learn Grant for public schools. A total of $100 million is allocated through a formula to districts based on the number of students, level of poverty of community as calculated by its market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) and the number of English language learners. Ready to Learn Block Grant funds may be used by the districts for: school safety; Ready by 3 early childhood intervention programs; individualized learning programs; and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.[256]

Palmerton Area School District received $303,548 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in addition to State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, transportation reimbursement, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees and other state grants which the district must apply to receive.

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006 to 2009. The Palmerton Area School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07. In 2007-08, Palmerton Area School District received $208,799. The district received $45,413 in 2008-09.[257][258] Among the public school districts in Carbon County, the highest award was given to Jim Thorpe Area School District which received $258,394. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

The Environmental Education Grant Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that 5 percent of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Department of Environmental Protection be set aside for environmental education. In 2011, Palmerton Area School District was awarded $3000 to have students in grades 3 - 6 take field trips to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center to study water quality, forest ecology, birds and geology and will use hands-on resources as part of classroom and field experiences.[259]

The state's EAP funding provides for the continuing support of tutoring services and other programs to address the academic needs of eligible students. Funds are available to eligible school districts and full-time career and technology centers (CTC) in which one or more schools have failed to meet at least one academic performance target, as provided for in Section 1512-C of the Pennsylvania Public School Code. In 2010-11, the Palmerton Area School District received $51,164.[260] In 2003-04, Governor Rendell signed into law the EAP for targeted tutoring at a funding level of $38 million. Almost 35,000 students in 82 academically challenged school districts received extra help in the first year. The program was continued at the same funding level in 2004-05. In 2005-06, the program received $66 million in funding and expanded to support tutoring in 175 school districts and Career and Technical Centers.

Project 720 was a high school reform program implemented for three years under the Rendell administration. The intent was to increase academic rigor and improve the instruction of teachers in the Commonwealth's high schools. Teachers were expected to use data driven instructional practices and to meet the needs of diverse learners.[261] The 720 in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades.[262] High schools applied for funding and were required to agree to report to the PDE their plans, their actions and the outcomes. In 2007-08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. Palmerton Area School District was one of 161 PA public school districts to apply, receiving $174,000 funding over three years.[263][264] For 2010-11, Project 720 funding was decreased to $1.7 million by Governor Rendell. The grant program was discontinued effective with the 2011-12 state budget.[265]

The district did not participate in: PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell);[266] 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant;[267] 2013 Safe Schools and Resource Officer grants; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;[268] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Palmerton Area School District received an extra $1,506,322 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[269][270] The funding was limited to the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.[271] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, Governor Edward Rendell and the Pennsylvania School Board Association, 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.

Palmerton Area School District officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided over one million dollars, in additional federal funding, to improve student academic achievement.[272] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[273] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[274][275][276]

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to be used to improve the quality of teacher instructions to pupils. The goal is to provide each child in public schools with "High Quality" teachers and principals as defined by the state.[277] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.[278] Beginning in 2002, the federal funding committed to Title II was $3,175,000,000.

Public school district administrations must apply to the state annually for the Title II funds. In 2009 and 2010, Palmerton Area received $181,714 in Title I funds through the ARRA grant program. In 2012-13, Palmerton Area School District received $84,939 in federal Title II funding.[279] In 2014-15, Palmerton Area School District applied for and received $81,951.[280]

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.[281] Upon registering for school a language survey is done for all new enrollment pupils, typically in kindergarten or preschool. They identify the primary language spoken at home. This data is collected and submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which in turn notifies the federal government.[282][283]

In 2012-13, Palmerton Area School District received $2,173 in Title III funding for English language learners.[284] For 2014-15, Palmerton Area School District received $1,711 in Title III funding.[285]

The Palmerton Area School Board elected to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program.[286] 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.[287][288] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Palmerton Area School Board levies a $5 per person per year Local Services tax. All local taxing authorities are required by the Local Tax Enabling Act to exempt disabled veterans and members of the armed forces reserve who are called to active duty at any time during the tax year from any local services tax and to exempt from any local services tax levied at a rate in excess of $10 those persons whose total income and net profits from all sources within the political subdivision is less than $12,000 for the tax year. The Local Tax Enabling Act also authorizes, but does not require, taxing authorities to exempt from per capita, occupation, and earned income taxes and any local services tax levied at a rate of $10 or less per year, any person whose total income from all sources is less than $12,000 per year.

Property tax rates in 2016-17 were set by the Palmerton Area School Board at 55.5293 mills.[289] A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region.[290] Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and 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.[291][292][293]

Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[294] When a Pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in two or more counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties.[295] In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.[296]

The average yearly property tax paid by Carbon County residents amounts to about 5.02% of their yearly income. Carbon County ranked 228th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[307] 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.[308] For 2014-15, the total real estate taxes collected by all school districts in Pennsylvania rose to $12,280,755,102, which was a $333,324,778 over the previous year's collection.[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] real Pennsylvania's 2011 tax burden of 10.35% ranked 10th highest out of 50 states. The tax burden was above the national average of 9.8%. Pennsylvania's taxpayers paid $4,374 per capita in state and local taxes, including school taxes.[311]

The 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 property taxes above their annual Act 1 Index unless they either: allow the district's voters to approve the increase through a vote by referendum or they receive an exception from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The base index for the school year is published by the PDE in the fall of each year. Each individual school district's Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as local property values and the personal income of district residents. Originally, Act 1 of 2006 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the Pennsylvania 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.[312]

In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation eliminating six of the exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[313] Several exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school's share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.[314][315] The legislature also froze the payroll amount public school districts use to calculate the pension-plan exception at the 2012 payroll levels. Further increases in payroll cannot be used to raise the district's exception for pension payments.

A specific timeline for Act I Index decisions is published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[316]

The School District Adjusted Index history for the Palmerton Area School District:

For the 2016-17 budget year, Palmerton Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the district's Act 1 Index limit.[326] 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).[327] This was in addition to the 6.20% social security employer match payment.[328]

For the 2015-16 budget year, Palmerton Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the district's 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.[329]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Palmerton Area School Board applied for one exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit, due to escalating teacher pension costs. In 2014-15, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 21.4% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS).[330] 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.[331]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Palmerton Area School Board applied for an exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit, due to rising teacher pension costs. In 2013-14, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 16.93% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). 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 pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit.[332]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Palmerton Area School Board applied for two (2) exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index:increased teacher pension costs as well as rising special education costs. In 2012-13, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make a 12.36% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund (PSERS). For 2012-2013 budget year, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; while 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.[333]

For the 2011-12 school year, Palmerton Area School Board applied for two exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index, due to Maintenance of Local Tax Revenue and increasing teacher pension costs. In 2011-12, all Pennsylvania school districts were required to make an 8.65% of payroll payment to the teacher's pension fund. Each year, the school board has the option of adopting either: 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index.

According to a state report, for the 2011-2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district's index. Of the districts who sought exceptions: 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.[334]

The Palmerton Area School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2010-11.[335]

In 2016, Palmerton Area School District approved homestead properties received $203.[336] Among public school districts in Carbon County, Lehighton Area School District receives the highest tax relief at $253 per approved homestead. The amount received by the district must be divided equally among all the approved residences and farmsteads.[337]

In 2009, Palmerton Area School District approved homestead properties to receive $192 in property tax relief.[338] 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 (40,000 m²) and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. The amount of property tax relief each Pennsylvania public school district receives is announced by the PDE in May of each year. The amount of tax relief is dependent on the total tax revenue collected on the casino slots in the previous year. Thirty five percent of the slots tax revenues are used for property tax relief. In Carbon County, Lehighton Area School District received the most at $244.[339] The highest property tax relief provided, among Pennsylvania school districts, goes to the homesteads of Chester Upland School District in Delaware County which received $632 per approved homestead in 2010. Chester-Upland School District has consistently been the top recipient since the programs inception.[340] The tax relief was started by Governor Edward G. Rendell with passage of the state gaming law in 2004. Rendell promised taxpayers substantial property tax relief from legalized gambling.[341]

In Pennsylvania, the homestead exclusion reduces the assessed values of homestead properties, reducing the property tax on these homes. The homestead exclusion allows homeowners real property tax relief of up to one half of the median assessed value of homesteads in the taxing jurisdiction (county, school district, city, borough, or township).[342]

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for several groups of Palmerton Area School District residents, including: low income 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.[343] The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently people who have an income of substantially more than $35,000 still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This tax rebate can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief. In 2012, the Pennsylvania Secretary of the Treasury reported issuing more than half a million property tax rebates totaling $238 million.[344] 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.[345]

Palmerton Area coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[371]

According to Pennsylvania's Safety in Youth Sports Act, all Palmerton Area sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.[372][373]

The district funds:

Varsity

Junior High School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2016[374]