Line Mountain School District

Line Mountain School District
Where All Students Can Learn....Where Fair Is Not Always Equal...Where Assessment Drives Instruction...
Address
185 Line Mountain Road Herndon, Pennsylvania, Northumberland County 17830-7325 United States
Information
Type	Public
Closed	Dalmatia Elementary School and Leck Kill Elementary School (May 2013)
School board	9 locally elected members
Superintendent	David M Campbell salary $93,000 (2012) (Contract July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2017)
Administrator	Philip S Rapant, Business manager salary $69,074 Dunn, Amy Special Ed. & Title I Supervisor $67,400 Harro, Keith, Technology Director Lagerman, Timothy, Director Of Plant Operations Biegert, Sarah Food service Lagerman, Jeffrey, Coordinator Athletics $67,000
Principal	Roadcap, Jeffrey salary $77,277
Principal	Menko, Jeanne, salary $72,000
Staff	90 non teaching staff members[1]
Faculty	91 teachers 2011, 101 in 2010
Grades	K-12
Age	5 years to 21 years for special education students
Pupils	1,216 pupils (2016))[2] 1,229 pupils (2015)[3] 1,249 pupils (2014),[4] 1,222 pupils (2013)[5] 1,250 pupils (2011) 1,231 (2009-10)[6] 1,226 pupils (2006)
• Kindergarten	77 (2014)[7] 72 (2014),[8] 78 (2012), 123 (2010)
• Grade 1	104 (2014) 99 (2012), 111
• Grade 2	74 (2014) 96 (2012), 106
• Grade 3	100 (2014) 97 (2012), 105
• Grade 4	98 (2014) 107 (2012), 86
• Grade 5	99 (2014) 99 (2012), 92
• Grade 6	105 (2014) 102 (2012), 91
• Grade 7	99 (2014) 96 (2012), 92
• Grade 8	102 (2014) 98 (2012), 83
• Grade 9	100 (2014) 99 (2012), 89
• Grade 10	102 (2014) 91 (2012), 115
• Grade 11	90 (2014) 81 (2012), 80
• Grade 12	79 (2014) 79 (2012), 81 (2010)
Medium of language	English
Color(s)	Royal blue and gold
Mascot	Eagles
Budget	$19,959,489 (2016-17)[9] $18.9 million (2015-16)[10] $18.8 million (2014-15)[11] $17,236,460 (2013-14)[12] $16.9 million (2012-13) $16,707,263 (2011-12) $17.9 million (2010-11)
Per pupil spending	$13,243 (2008) $14,386.72 (2010) [13] $19,938.25 (2013)[14]
New Line Mountain iPhone App	http://myapp.is/LineMountain
Website	http://eschool.linemountain.com/

The Line Mountain School District is a small, rural public school district serving portions of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The district covers an area of 154.5 square miles (400 km²). Municipalities within its boundaries are the borough of Herndon and multiple townships, including Lower Augusta Township, Little Mahanoy Township, Zerbe Township, West Cameron Township, Jackson Township, Upper Mahanoy Township, Washington Township, Jordan Township, and Lower Mahanoy Township. According to 2000 federal census data, it served a resident population of 8,975. By 2010, the District's population increased to 9,184 people.^[15] The educational attainment levels for the population 25 and over were 86.8% high school graduates and 10.3% college graduates.^[16] The District is one of the 500 public school districts of Pennsylvania.

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 38.4% of the District’s pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty Level as shown by their eligibility for the federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012.^[17] In 2009, the residents' per capita income was $16,400, while the median family income was $41,919 a year.^[18] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501^[19] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010.^[20] In Northumberland County, the median household income was $41,208 in 2014.^[21] By 2013, the median household income in the United States rose to $52,100.^[22] In 2014, the median household income in the USA was $53,700.^[23]

During the 2008-2009 academic year, 1,234 students were enrolled in the Line Mountain School District. In 2008, the District reported employing: 110 teachers, 113 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 10 administrators. Line Mountain School District received more than $8.8 million in state funding in school year 2007-2008. According to District officials, in school year 2009-10, Line Mountain School District provided basic educational services to 1,213 pupils through the employment of 110 teachers, 139 full-time and part-time support personnel, and ten (10) administrators. Line Mountain School District received more than $8.8 million in state funding for the school year 2009-10. The District provided basic educational services to 1,213 pupils in 2011-2012. It employed: 100 teachers, 191 full-time and part-time support personnel and 10 administrators during the 2011-12 school year. The District received $9.5 million in state funding in the 2011-2012 school year.

Schools

• Line Mountain Elementary School (formerly Trevorton Elementary) K - 4th
• Line Mountain High School 9th through 12th
• Line Mountain MIddle School - 5th through 8th

High school students may choose to attend Northumberland County Career Technology Center for training in the trades. For the 2014-15 school year, 35 resident students chose to enroll in public, cyber charter schools, rather than attend the District's schools.^[24] The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit CSIU16 provides the District with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, speech and visual disability services and professional development for staff and faculty.

In August 2012, the school board voted to close both Dalmatia Elementary School and Leck Kill Elementary School at the end of the 2012-13 school year.^[25]

Governance

Line Mountain School District is governed by 9 locally elected board members (serve four-year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.^[26] The Districts is divided into three electoral regions, with 3 directors chosen from each region. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act (renamed Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in December 2015) which mandates the district focus its resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.^[27] The school board is required by state law to post a financial report on the district in its website by March of each school year.^[28]

The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board. The School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. These contracts must be in writing and are subject to public discloure under the state’s Right to Know Act. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent regarding renewal of the employment contract.^[29] Pursuant to Act 141 of 2012 which amended the Pennsylvania School Code, all school districts that have hired superintendents on/after the fall of 2012 are required to develop objective performance standards and post them on the district’s website.^[30]

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the Line Mountain School Board and District Administration a "F" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.^[31]

Academic achievement

In 2016, Line Mountain School District ranked 297th out of 496 Pennsylvania public school districts, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. ^[32] The ranking is based on the last 3 years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams (literature, Algebra 1, Biology I) in high school.^[33] Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools (Saint Clair Area School District, Midland Borough School District, Duquesne City School District). The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.

Overachievers Ranking

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Line Mountain School District ranked 195th.^[40] The editor describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."^[41]

• 2012 - 240th
• 2011 - 197th

District AYP status history

In 2012, Line Mountain School District achieved AYP status ^[42] In 2011, Line Mountain School District also achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance.^[43] Line Mountain School District achieved AYP status each year from 2003 to 2010.^[44]

Graduation rate

In 2016, Line Mountain School District's graduation rate was 90.59%.^[45]

• 2015 - 96.2%^[46]
• 2014 - declined to 75%.^[47]
• 2013 - declined to 83.3%.
• 2012 - declined to 85.8%.^[48]
• 2011 - 93%.^[49]
• 2010 - declined to 76%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.^[50][51]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 - 87% ^[52]
• 2009 - 94% ^[53]
• 2008 - 91%^[54]
• 2007 - 91%^[55]
• 2006 - 89%^[56]

High School

Line Mountain High School is located at 187 Line Mountain Road, Herndon. In 2014, enrollment was 365 pupils in 9th through 12th grades.^[57] Forty percent of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 15% of pupils received special education services, while 6% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 44 teachers.^[58] Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

In 2013, enrollment was reported as 544 pupils in 7th through 12th grades, with 13.7% of pupils receiving special education services. Additionally 6% of pupils were identified as being gifted.^[59] The school employed 44 teachers.^[60] Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the School reported an enrollment of 566 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 192 of its pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. The school employed 40 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.^[61] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under federally No Child Left Behind Act.^[62]

In October 2015, Pennsylvania Auditor General DiPasquale reported that Line Mountain Junior Senior High School was among the 561 academically challenged schools that have been overlooked by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.^[63] He also reported the Pennsylvania Department of Education failed to take any action to remediate these poorly performing schools to raise student academic achievement or to provide them with targeted professional assistance.^[64]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 75 out of 100 points. Line Mountain High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 75.5% of students were on grade level in reading.literature and 64.9% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 65.9% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.^[65] 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.^[66] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.^[67]

2015 School Performance Profile

Line Mountain High School achieved 62.6 out of 100. The PDE reported that 71% of the Line Mountain High School's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 49% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 54% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[68] 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.^[69][70]

2014 School Performance Profile

Line Mountain High School achieved 55.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 77% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 51.7% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, only 48% showed on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[71][72] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.^[73] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.^[74][75] Compared with last year, the percentage of schools that earned below 60 declined by nearly 1 percent per Secretayr of Education Carolyn Dumaresq. She reported that this is an indication that student achievement is improving as school resources are being used better.^[76]

2013 School Performance Profile

Line Mountain Junior Senior High School achieved 78.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 77% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 78% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 60% showed on grade level science understanding. In 8th grade, 75% demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[77] 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, Line Mountain High School was in Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due low student academic achievement.

• 2007 - 2011 achieved AYP status.^[78]
• 2006 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging academic achievement
• 2005 - achieved AYP status
• 2004 - declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging academic achievement
• 2003 - achieved AYP status

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. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. PSSAs are NCLB related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012. The PSSAs for 11th graders included: 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 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.^[79] 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.^[80]

11th Grade Reading:

• 2012 - 69% on grade level. (12% below basics). In Pennsylvania, 67% of 11th graders on grade level.^[81]
• 2011 - 65.4% (17% below basic). State - 69% .^[82][83]
• 2010 - 64% (19.7% below basic). State - 67% ^[84]
• 2009 - 58%, State - 65% ^[85]
• 2008 - 63%, State - 65%
• 2007 - 65%, State - 65%
• 2006 - 60%, State - 65% ^[86]
• 2005 - 62%, State - 65% ^[87]

11th Grade Math:

In 2011, Line Mountain 11th graders ranked 14th out of 18 Central Pennsylvania High Schools in the CSIU 16 region for math achievement.^[88] In 2010, Line Mountain 11th graders ranked 14th out of 18 Central Pennsylvania High Schools in the CSIU 16 region for math achievement.^[89] In 2009, Line Mountain ranked 15th out of 18 Central Pennsylvania High Schools.^[90]

• 2012 - 67% on grade level. (16% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
• 2011 - 56% (20% below basic). State - 60.3%
• 2010 - 54.7%, (22.7% below basic). State - 59%
• 2009 - 46%, State - 56% ^[91]
• 2008 - 49%, State - 56% ^[92]
• 2007 - 46%, State - 53% ^[93]
• 2006 - 35%, State - 52%
• 2005 - 33%, State - 51%

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 53% on grade level (5% below basic) with 63% of Boys and409% of Girls on grade level In Pennsylvania 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 44% (12% below basic) with 49% of Boys and 39% of Girls on grade level. State - 40%^[94]
• 2010 - 59%, State - 39% ^[95]
• 2009 - 34%, State - 40% ^[96]
• 2008 - 40%, State - 39%

Science in Motion Line Mountain Junior Senior 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.^[97] Susquehanna University provided the experiences in the region.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 16% of the Line Mountain Junior-Senior High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.^[98] Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.^[99] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

SAT scores

2015 43 Line Mountain School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 473. The Math average score was 461. The Writing average score was 441.^[100] The College Board also reported that statewide 96,826 pupils took the exams with average scores declining in all three measurers to: 495 in reading, 511 in math and 484 in writing.^[101]

2014 46 Line Mountain School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 492. The Math average score was 479. The Writing average score was 463.^[102] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.^[103]

2013 48 Line Mountain School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 494. The Math average score was 503. The Writing average score was 467. The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.^[104]

2012 - Sixty-one (61) Line Mountain School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 486. The Math average score was 490. The Writing average score was 454. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the USA, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

2011 - Forty-four (44) Line Mountain Junior Senior High School students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 470. The Math average score was 488. The Writing average score was 461.^[105] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[106] In the United States, 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing.^[107]

Graduation requirements

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The Line Mountain School Board has determined that a pupil must complete 31 courses to graduate, including: a required class every year in Mathematics, English, social studies, science, Physical Education, Health/Safety 3 courses, Computer course 1, Humanities 1 course and electives - 5.^[108]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students were required to complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.^[109] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.^[110] Students must develop an individualized Career Plan.

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2019, ^[111] public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.^[112] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.^[113]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.^[114][115] For the class of 2019, a Composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements.^[116] In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit - 49% on grade level.^[117] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

Dual enrollment

Line Mountain Junior Senior High School offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.^[118] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.^[119] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.^[120] For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $10,645 for the program. The state grants were discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell in 2010.

ACE Line Mountain School District students have access to Bloomsburg University's Summer College and Advanced College Experience (ACE) during the summer of their sophomore, junior and senior years (after high school graduation). Tuition is deeply discounted to 75% of the regular rate.^[121] Successful students earn college credits that can be transferred to other Pennsylvania public colleges and universities through the Pennsylvania TRAC system.

AP Courses

In 2013, Line Mountain Junior Senior High School offered 2 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Line Mountain Junior Senior High School less than 10 of the students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.^[122]

In 2014, Line Mountain High School offered 1 AP course. Fewer than ten (10) of the pupils who took the course achieved a 3 or better on the end of course exam.^[123] In 2016, the School offered 5 AP courses with less than 10% f pupils taking the courses achieving a 3 or better on the associated AP exam.

Middle School

Line Mountain Middle School is located at 187 Line Mountain Road, Herndon. It occupies the same building as the high school. The enrollment was reported as 409 pupils are enrolled in grades 5th through 8th. Thirty-six percent (36%) of pupils were eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level and 7% receive special education services, while 2% of its pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 32 teachers in 2014.^[124] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), 1% of its teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[125]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 76.5 out of 100 points. Line Mountain Middle School PSSA mandated testing results were: 63% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while 42% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 72% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.^[126] In 7th grade, 61% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 59% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 61% were on grade level in reading and only 45% were on grade level in math. In 2016, 65% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, just 39% of 5th grade students showed on grade level math skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported.

2015 School Performance Profile

The PDE reported that 70% of 8th grade students at Line Mountain Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, 29% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 81% of the school's eighth graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 64% were on grade level in reading, while 25% showed on grade level math skills. Among 6th graders, 63% were on grade level in reading and 38% were on grade level in mathematics. In 2015, 55% of 5th grade students were on grade level in reading. In mathematics, 42% of 5th grade students showed on grade level math skills. No fifth grade writing scores were reported.^[127] 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 Pennsylvania sixth (6th) graders, 60.7% were reading on grade level, while 39.7% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills.^[128]

2014 School Performance Profile

Line Mountain Middle School achieved 75.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 76.9% were on grade level. In Algebra 1/Math, 82.5% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, just 72% of 8th graders showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, only 74.7% of the 5th and 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[129]

PSSAs

Seventh grades are 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. 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. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.^[130]

Eighth Grade PSSAs

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 60% on grade level. (5% below basic). State - 59% of 8th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 66% (15% below basic). State - 58.3%. Ranked 12th out of 18 Central PA Schools for Science.
• 2010 - 65%, State - 57%. Ranked 10th out of 18 Central PA Schools for Science.^[135]
• 2009 - 65%, State - 57%
• 2009 - 69%, State - 54%
• 2008 - 59%, State - 52%^[136]

Seventh Grade PSSAs

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Line Mountain School District did not implement a free state dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school.^[137] The process identifies students at risk for droping 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.^[138]

Line Mountain Elementary School

Line Mountain Elementary School (formerly Trevorton Elementary School) is located at 542 West Shamokin Street, Trevorton. In 2014, the School's enrollment was 474 pupils in grades preschool through 4th, with 41% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 12.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted.^[139] 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.^[140] The school is a federally designated Title I school. The School employed 39 teachers.

In 2013, Line Mountain Elementary School reported 412 pupils in preschool through 6th grade. The school provides taxpayer funded preschool to 4 years old and a full day kindergarten. The school reported that 39% of the pupils were from economically disadvantaged homes. In 2013, the administration failed to report Highly Qualified status on its teachers. The school is a federally designated Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the Trevorton Elementary School reported an enrollment of 361 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 140 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 29 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1.^[141] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 78 out of 100 points. Line Mountain Elementary School PSSA mandated testing results were: 4th grade - 64% were on grade level in reading, while just 52% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 85% of fourth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding of science concepts in the state standards. Among the school's third graders, 76% were on grade level in reading and 70% showed on grade level mathematics skills.^[142][143]

2015 School Performance Profile

In 4th grade, 57% of Line Mountain Elementary School were on grade level in reading, while 48% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 85% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 69% were on grade level in reading and 52% were on grade level in mathematics.^[144] 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.^[145]

2014 School Performance Profile

Line Mountain Elementary School achieved a score of 89.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2013-14, 80% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd and 4th. In 3rd grade, 83% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 82% were on grade level (3rd-4th grades). In 4th grade science, 94% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding.^[146]

2013 School Performance Profile

Line Mountain Elementary School achieved a score of 85.3 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012-13, only 74% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 6th. In 3rd grade, 76% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 85% were on grade level (3rd-5th grades). In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing only 79% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.^[147]

AYP Status

In 2009 through 2012, Trevorton Elementary School achieved the AYP status.^[148] The attendance rate was 95% in both 2009 and 2010.^[149] In 2013, all preschool through 4th grade students were consolidated into this school building.

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 goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.^{[150][151][152]} 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.^[153]

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 95%, 63% advanced. State - 82%
• 2011 - 100%, 83% advanced. State - 83%
• 2010 - 90%. State - 81%
• 2009 - 94%. State - 83%
• 2008 - 96%, State - 81%

Preschool and Head Start

Line Mountain offers residents two different, taxpayer funded preschools. Both programs serve breakfast and lunch to the students. They are open to children ages 3–5 inclusive. The programs are held daily when school is open. Pre-K Counts is a state funded preschool program, while Head Start is a federal and state funded program for low income families.^[164] The programs are run by the CSIU16 in the District's buildings.

Closed schools

Dalmatia Elementary School

In 2010, all 5th and 6th graders were consolidated to Trevoton Elementary School. In 2009 through 2012 Dalmatia Elementary School achieved AYP status.^[165] The school had a 95% attendance rate in 2009 and 2010.^[166] The school was closed in June 2013. Students moved to Line Mountain Elementary School (formerly Trevorton ES).

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 98% on grade level. 75% advanced. State - 82%
• 2011 - 95.9% on grade level. State - 82.9%
• 2010 - 92%, State - 81% ^[173]
• 2009 - 89%, State - 83%
• 2008 - 95%, State - 81%

Leck Kill Elementary School

In both 2012 and 2011, Leck Kill Elementary School achieved AYP status. In 2010, all 5th and 6th graders in the District were consolidated to Trevoton Elementary School.^[174] The attendance rate was 95% in 2010 and 2009.^[175] The school was closed in June 2013. Students moved to Line Mountain Elementary School (formerly Trevorton ES).

PSSA Results

4th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 100% on grade level with 87% advanced. State - 82%
• 2011 - 88.3%, 82% advanced. State - 82.9%
• 2010 - 93%. State - 81%
• 2009 - 100%. State - 83%
• 2008 - 93%, State - 81%

Leck Kill Elementary School achieved 100% of Low Income 3rd graders on grade level in 2010 in both reading and mathematics.^[179]

Special education

In December 2015, the District administration reported that 161 pupils or 13.2% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 47.6% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.^[180] In 2012, the District administration reported that 170 pupils or 13.9% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 38.8% of the identified students having a specific learning disability. In 2011, the District administration reported that 177 pupils or 13.9% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 42% of the identified students having a specific learning disability.^[181] In 2010, the District Administration reported that 168 pupils or 13.4% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 45% of identified students having a specific learning disability. In 2009, Line Mountain School District administration reported that 171 pupils or 13.9% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.^[182]

In 2007, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak testified before the Pennsylvania House Education Committee regarding full day kindergarten. He claimed that districts which offered the program would see a significant decrease in special education students due to early identification and early intervention. He asserted the high cost of full day kindergarten would be recouped by Districts in lower special education costs.^[183] Line Mountain School District has provided full day kindergarten since 2004. The District has seen a slight decrease in the percentage of special education students it serves, which has yielded no savings.

The District engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Instructional Support Team or Student Assistance Team. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the District or contact the Supervisor of Special Education.^[184]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.^[185] Pennsylvania's Special Education funding system assumes that 16% of the district's students receive special education services. It also assumes that each student's needs accrue the same level of costs.^[186] The state requires each district to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.^[187] Overidentification of students in order to increase state funding has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.^[188] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.^[189]

Line Mountain School District received a $723,333 supplement for special education services in 2010.^[190] For the 2011-12, 2012–13, and 2013-14 school years, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.^[191] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The District must apply for this added funding. For the 2014-15 school year, Line Mountain received $737,386 in state special education funding. For the 2016-17 school year, Line Mountain received an increase to $769,208 in state special education funding.^[192]

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 44 or 3.51% of its students were gifted in 2009.^[193] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.^[194]

Bullying and School Safety

The Line Mountain School District administration reported there were three incidents of bullying in the District in 2012. Additionally, there were 15 assaults on pupils and no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in five incidents at the schools resulting in one arrest.^[195] Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center which then publishes the compiled reports online.

The Line Mountain School District administration reported there was 1 incident of bullying in the district in 2009. And a single incident in 2011.^[196][197]

The Line Mountain School Board has provided the District's antibully policy online.^[198] All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.^[199] The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.^[200]

Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.^[201]

Safe School grant

In 2013, Line Mountain School District did not participate in a state Safe Schools Targeted Grant. The maximum of $25,000 grants were awarded through a competitive application process.^[202] The funds must be used for research based interventions, like: peer mediation, staff training in managing behavioral issues and creating a positive school climate. The District also did not participate in the state's School Resource Officer and Police Officer grants.^[203]

Wellness policy

Line Mountain School Board established a district wellness policy in 2012.^[204] The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 – 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006." Most districts identified the superintendent and school foodservice director as responsible for ensuring local wellness policy implementation.^[205]

The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education, physical activity, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.^[206] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

The Line Mountain School District offers a free school breakfast and free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.^[207] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.^[208]

In 2013, the USDA issued new restrictions to foods in public schools. The rules apply to foods and beverages sold on all public school district campuses during the day. They limit vending machine snacks to a maximum of 200 calories per item. Additionally, all snack foods sold at school must meet competitive nutrient standards, meaning they must have fruits, vegetables, dairy or protein in them or contain at least 10 percent of the daily value of fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D.^[209] In order to comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 all US public school districts are required to raise the price of their school lunches to $2.60 regardless of the actual cost of the lunch.^[210]

Line Mountain School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses are available in each building to conduct annual health screenings (data reported to the PDE and state Department of Health) and to dispense prescribed medications to students during the school day. Students can be excluded from school unless they comply with all the State Department of Health's extensive immunization mandates. School nurses monitor each pupil for this compliance.^[211] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant

In 2011, Line Mountain School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Trevorton Elementary received $9,999 which was used to purchase in-school SPARK curriculum and related materials.^[212] Beginning in 2006, Highmark Foundation engaged in a 5-year, $100 million program to promote lifelong healthy behaviors in children and adolescents through local nonprofits and schools.

Budget

Pennsylvania public school districts budget and expend funds according to procedures mandated by the General Assembly and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). An annual operating budget is prepared by school district administrative officials. A uniform form is furnished by the PDE and submitted to the board of school directors for approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year on July 1.

Under Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, all school districts of the first class A, second class, third class and fourth class must adopt a preliminary budget proposal. The proposal must include estimated revenues and expenditures and the proposed tax rates. This proposed budget must be considered by the Board no later than 90 days prior to the date of the election immediately preceding the fiscal year. The preliminary budget proposal must also be printed and made available for public inspection at least 20 days prior to its adoption. The board of school directors may hold a public hearing on the budget, but are not required to do so. The board must give at least 10 days’ public notice of its intent to adopt the final budget according to Act 1 of 2006.^[213]

Teacher contracts

In July 2016, Line Mountain School Board and teachers' union agreed to a seven-year contract that covers from 2012-2021. Among the terms of the new agreement, teachers hired since 2012 receive a $4000-a-year signing bonus up to $16,000. Additionally, the salary matrix is increased by $500 and the average step increase is $1,620. A new health insurance plan offers teachers a discount on their contribution to their employer health insurance if they agree to participate in a wellness program. Otherwise they pay just 12% of their health insurance annual cost.^[214] By Pennsylvania Right-to-Now law, all residents are entitled to read the contract upon request at the central office.^[215]

In May 2016, the Teachers union abruptly declared a strike for May 12 after the school board voted against a report from a state arbitrator.^[216] The Line Mountain Teachers union has voted to approve the report the previous week.^[217] In June 2015, the Line Mountain Teachers Union rejected a proposal by a state-appointed arbitrator which would have awarded the teachers a 19% raise.^[218] The Line Mountain School Board had already approved the plan.^[219] In August 2015, the Line Mountain Teachers Union announced the intent to strike September 16, after rejecting a Board offer which included 50% raises for some teachers.^[220] Teachers walked the picket line from September 16 to October 5 when they were required to return to work by state law.^[221] Due to the strike, extended holiday breaks were canceled for the school year.

In 2014, the Board and teachers' union were negotiating a new employment contract. The union rejected several proposals and issued a strike threat.^[222] The Line Mountain Teachers Union and Line Mountain School Board agreed to non-binding arbitration by a neutral party.^[223][224] The Board published the salary schedule online.^[225][226]

In 2013, the average teacher salary in Line Mountain School District was $48,032 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $18,686 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $66,719.^[227] In 2012, the District employed 129 teachers and administrators with an average salary of $50,196 and a top salary of $103,000.^[228][229] Pennsylvania teacher salaries (2013–14) are searchable in a statewide database provided by the Pittsburgh TribLive News.^[230]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Line Mountain School District was $48,259.03 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $17,572.96 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $65,831.99.^[231]

In 2009, Line Mountain School District reported employing over 120 teachers with a starting salary of $33,600 for 180 student days/ 185 contract days and a top salary of $98,000.^[232] In addition to salary teachers receive an extensive benefits package which includes: 10 paid sick days (which accumulate), paid personal days, reimbursement for college courses, life insurance and a defined benefit pension. Teachers, with the district for more than 10 years, receive a retirement bonus of $65 per unused sick day.^[233] The school days is limited to seven hours and 30 minutes. Teachers receive a paid, duty-free, 30-minute lunch and a daily planning period. Teachers receive additional pay when they are asked to work beyond the regular school day. This includes: advising clubs and sports coaching.

In 2007, Line Mountain School District employed 91 teachers. The average teacher salary in the District was $47,418 for 185 days worked. The District's average teacher salary was the second highest of all the Northumberland County school districts in 2007.^[234]

Per pupil spending Line Mountain School District administrative costs per pupil were $723.52 in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.^[235] In 2007, the board approved a five contract with David Campbell as superintendent. His initial salary was $88,000 plus an extensive benefits package including life and health insurance.^[236] The Pennsylvania School Board Association tracks salaries for Pennsylvania public school employees. It reports that in 2008 the average superintendent salary in Pennsylvania was $122,165.^[237] In 2011, the school board awarded another 5-year contract to David Campbell as Superintendent with a beginning salary of $103,000. and a top salary of $115,000 in 2017. Mr Campbell elected to freeze his salary for one year in 2011 due to the district's financial challenges.^[238]

Line Mountain School District administration reported that per pupil spending in 2008 was $13,243 which ranked 159th in the state' 501 school districts.^[239] In 2010, Line Mountain School District reported $15,392.36 in per pupil spending. In 2011, Pennsylvania's per pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.^[240] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.^[241] The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.^[242]

Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.^[243] Pennsylvania's total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.^[244]

The Line Mountain Board of School Directors adopted a preliminary budget for the 2011-2012 school year of $17,830,186.^[245]

Reserves In 2008, the Line Mountain School District reported a balance of $$1,923,913.00, in its unreserved-undesignated fund. The unreserved-designated fund balance was reported as zero.^[246] In 2010, Line Mountain School District Administration reported an increase to $2,438,413 in its fund balances. In 2014, the Board reported that its reserves had grown to $4,455,003.^[247] Pennsylvania public school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.^[248] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.^[249]

In 2012, the Line Mountain School Board was informed that the District was owed $567,000 in delinquent occupation taxes and per capita taxes for the years 1987 through 2005.^[250]

Audits In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and the school board, including possible conflicts of interests in the actions of board members.^[251] In 2012, another audit was conducted with findings that were also reported to the School Board.

Tuition Students who live in the Line Mountain School District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Line Mountain School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the Line Mountain School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $7,988.54, High School - $9,099.30.^[252]

Vacant Building sales In May 2014, the Line Mountain School Board voted to sell its two vacant school buildings. The Leck Kill Elementary School property sold for $50,222 and Dalmatia Elementary School sold for $25,100.^[253]

The Line Mountain School District is funded by a combination of: a local occupation assessment tax 430%, a 1% earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.50%, per capita tax (Section 679) $5, per capita tax (Act 511) $5, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the individual's wealth.^[254] The average Pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 a year plus they receive federal Social Security benefits: both are free of Pennsylvania state income tax and local income tax which funds local public schools.^[255]

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Line Mountain School District receives 56.1% of its annual revenue from the state.^[256] This exceeds some education advocates goal of the state providing 50% of district funding.^{[257][258][259]}

For the 2016-17 school year, Line Mountain School District received $6,252,027 in Basic Education Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a 2.3% increase over 2015-16 funding to the District. The highest percentage of BEF increase in Northumberland County was 3.3% awarded to Shikellamy School District under the state’s Basic Education Funding formula. Additionally, Line Mountain received $210,320 in Ready to Learn grant and an increase in special Education state funding. 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.^[260] The state also funded Ready to Learn grants at $250 million and Special Education funding received a $20 million increase.^[261] The state also paid $492 million to the school employee social security fund and another $2.064 billion to the teacher’s pension fund.^[262]

For the 2015-16 school year, Governor Tom Wolf released a partial Basic Education Funding (BEF) of $2,910,914 to Line Mountain School District, in January 2016.^[263] This was part of $10.3 billion in school funding withheld from the public school, by the Governor since the summer of 2015.^[264] The dispersment did not follow the new Basic Education Funding formula which had been established by the Pennsylvania General Assemby in 2015.^[265] Ten (10) Pennsylvania school districts received no increase in Basic Education funding under Governor Wolf.^[266][267] In April 2016, Governor Wolf announced his finalized dispersement of 2015-16 state Basic Education Funding. Line Mountain School District received a 1.98% increase for a total funding of $6,285,623.^[268] The highest increase in funding statewide was awarded by Governor Wolf to Wilkinsburg Borough School District which got a 48.07% increase in state Basic Education Funding. The average BEF increase among the Commonwealth's 500 public school districts for 2015-16 was 2.21%. In Northumberland County, the highest percentage increase was awarded to Shikellamy School District - 2.79%.

For the 2014-15 school year, Line Mountain School District received $5,999,590 in State Basic Education funding. The District also received $105,050 in Accountability Block Grant funding and $85,569 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.^[269] 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 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.^[270]

For the 2013-14 school year, Line Mountain School District received a 1.6% increase or $6,002,934 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding (BEF). This is $92,965 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Line Mountain School District received $105,050 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Northumberland County, Shikellamy School District received the highest percentage increase at 1.9%. 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.^[271] 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.^[272]

For the 2012-13 school year, Line Mountain School District received $5,988,214.^[273] 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. Line Mountain School Board received $105,050 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.^[274] 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 2011-12, Line Mountain School District received $5,909,962 in state Basic Education Funding.^[275] Additionally, the District received $78,245 in Accountability Block Grant funding.^[276] 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.^[277] 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.^[278] The Pennsylvania Department of Education reports that 442 pupils received a federal free and reduced-price lunch, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.

For the 2010-11 school year, Line Mountain School District received a 4.83% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $6,333,727 payment.^[279] Milton Area School District received 6.46% increase which was the highest increase in BEF in Northumberland County. Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010-11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010-11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.^[280]

For the 2009-10 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 2.23% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $6,041,861. Among Northumberland County school districts, Line Mountain School District received the lowest BEF increase from the state for 2009. Mount Carmel Area School District received the highest with a 6.23% increase. Fifteen Pennsylvania school districts were given an increase greater than 10%. Hazleton Area School District received a 13.36% increase. The highest increase went to Muhlenberg School District of Berks County which received a 22.31% increase, in state funding, for the 2009-10 school year.^[281]

In 2008-09, the state Basic Education Funding to the Line Mountain School District was $5,909,969.00. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 371 students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.^[282]

Accountability Block Grants

Beginning in 2004-2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania's school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010-11 the Line Mountain School District applied for and received $222,377, in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide additional instruction time to develop new courses and to provide full-day kindergarten.^[283]>^[284]

Education Assistance grant

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 Line Mountain School District received $30,564.^[285]

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Line Mountain School District was denied for funding, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, in 2006-07. In 2007-08, the District did not apply for the grant. For the 2008-09 school year, the Line Mountain School District received $82,277. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.^[286]

Environmental Education Grant

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 2010, Line Mountain School District did not apply.^[287] It also did not apply in 2011.^[288]

Ready to Learn grant

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.^[289]

Line Mountain School District received $85,569 in Ready to Learn Grant dollars in 2014-15, in addition to: State Basic Education funding, Special Education funding, Accountability Block Grant funding, reimbursement for Social Security payments for employees, reimbursement for PSERS payment and other state grants which the district must apply to receive. For 2016-17 Line Mountain received $210,320 in the state's Ready to Learn grant.

Other grants

Line Mountain School District did not participate in multiple state grants: Pennsylvania Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-2010 budget by Governor Rendell); 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants;^[290] nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal grants

Line Mountain School District received an extra $1,433,778 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.^[291] This was in addition to all regular, annual state and federal funding.^[292] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.^[293] 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.

Race to the Top grant

Line Mountain School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant. When approved for the grant, the district would have received hundreds of thousands of additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the written consent of the school board, the school administration and the teachers' union. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.^[294] Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state Race To The Top application judging will occurred in June 2010.^{[295][296][297]}

English language learners grant

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to assist in educating immigrant children and children who are identified as limited English proficient.^[298] 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.^[299]

In 2012-13, Line Mountain School District received $1,901 in Title III funding for English language learners.^[300] For 2014-15, Line Mountain School District received $1,711 in Title III funding.^[301]

Title II grants

The Federal government provides annual grants to schools to be used to improve the quality of teacher instructions to pupils. The goal is provide each child in public schools with "Highly Quality" teachers and principals as defined by the state.^[302] The funds are sent to the state Department of Education which distributes them to each school district and charter school.^[303] Beginning in 2002, the federal funding committed to Title II was $3,175,000,000.

Public school district administrations must apply to the state annually for the Title II funds. In 2012-13, Line Mountain School District received $$56,468 in federal Title II funding.^[304] In 2014-15, Line Mountain School District applied for and received $53,514.^[305]

Common Cents state initiative

The Line Mountain School Board did 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.^[306] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

Line Mountain School Board set property taxes for 2016-17 at 72.3800 mills.^[307] 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.^[308] Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. Additionally, service related, disabled US military veterans may seek an exemption from paying property taxes. 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.^[309]

The average yearly property tax paid by Northumberland County residents amounts to about 2.23% of their yearly income. Northumberland County ranked 1219th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.^[320] 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.^[321] 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%).^[322]

Act 1 Index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index, unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2010-2011 school year was 2.9 percent, but it can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increasing rising 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 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.^[323]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Line Mountain School District 2006-2007 through 2012-2013.^[324]

For the 2016-17 budget year, Line Mountain School Board did not apply for any exceptions to exceed the District';s Act 1 Index limit.^[333][334]

For the 2015-16 budget year, Line Mountain School Board did not apply for exceptions 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.^[335]

For the 2014-15 budget year, Line Mountain School Board applied for one exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit due to escalating teacher pension cots. 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.^[336]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Line Mountain School Board applied for an exception to exceed their Act 1 Index limit due to teacher pension costs. 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.^[337]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Line Mountain School Board applied for three exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index: special education costs, pension costs and construction debt. 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.^[338]

For the 2011-12 school year, the Line Mountain School Board again applied for 4 exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. These were Special Education costs, School Construction Academic Project, School Construction Grandfathered Debt and teacher pension costs. Each year the Line Mountain 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.^[339]

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.^[340] With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly repealed most of the Act 1 tax increase exceptions leaving only special education costs, pension costs and prior voter approved (ballot referendum) debt for construction. The cost of construction projects in the future will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum. Districts can no longer raise property taxes to cover increasing health insurance costs for employees.^[341]

For the 2010-11 budget year, the Line Mountain School Board sought 4 exceptions, including construction costs, health care benefits, pension costs, and maintenance of local tax revenue. .^[342] In 2009-10, the board applied for three exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index.^[343] 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.^[344]

Property tax relief

In 2014, the property tax relief declined to $123 for 2,783 approved Line Mountain School District households and farms.^[345] The amount decreased due to increased enrollment and a decline in casino tax revenues. In 2010, the property tax relief is $131 for 2,613 Line Mountain School District households and farms.^[346] In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Line Mountain School District was $146 per approved permanent primary residence. This was among the lowest amounts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the district, 2349 property owners applied for the tax relief. 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. The highest property tax relief went to the property owners of the Chester Upland School District of Delaware County which got $632 in 2010 and in 2009.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate.

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%).^[347]

Enrollment and Consolidation

The enrollment in the Line Mountain School District was 1,231 in 2010. This enrollment is among the lowest 10% among public school districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A Standard and Poors 2007 study found that an optimal school district size, to conserve administrative costs, was 3000 pupils. Consolidation of administrations with an adjacent school district would achieve substantial administrative cost savings for people in both communities.^[348] According to a 2009 proposal by Governor Edward Rendell, the excessive administrative overhead dollars could be redirected to improving high school student academic achievement, enriching the curriculum programs or to reducing local property taxes.^[349]

The state conducted a study to examine the gains to be made through the consolidation of the Line Mountain School District into neighboring Millersburg Area School District.^[350] The study noted that consolidation could significantly decrease school administrative costs for the communities while significantly improving offerings to students. 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.^[351] The study noted that while the best school districts spent 4% of the annual budget on administration, others spend over 15% on administration.^[352]

More than 40 percent of elementary schools and more than 60 percent of secondary schools in Pennsylvania are projected to experience significant enrollment decreases (15 percent or greater).^[353] Pennsylvania Department of Education data shows that from 1999-2000 to 2008-09 there has been a 12 percent increase in public school staff even as there was a 1 percent decline in enrollment. Pennsylvania schools added 17,345 professional employees and 15,582 support workers over this time, while enrollment declined by 26,960.^[354] Total public school enrollment in 2009 was 1,787,351 pupils. Pennsylvania continues to experience a steady exodus of young people and a loss of population that has resulted in the loss of seats in the US Congress.^[355]

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. This results in excessive school administration bureaucracy and not enough course diversity.^[356] 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.^[357]

Extracurriculars

Line Mountain School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive sports program. The Line Mountain School Board determines eligibility policies to participate in these programs.^[358][359] This includes abiding by the Line Mountain Athletic Department Code of Conduct.^[360] The Fitness Center at the Line Mountain High School is open to residents and students. The District spent $370,719.96 for its sports programs in 2012.^[361]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the District, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.^[362][363]

According to PA Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act 126 of 2014, all volunteer coaches and all those who assist in student activities, must have criminal background checks. Like all school district employees, they must also attend an anti child abuse training once every three years.^[364][365]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.^[366]

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.^[367]

The District funds:

Junior High School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2014^[368][369]

In the fall of 2013, the Line Mountain School Board denied a female student access to the wrestling program. Her parents sued the District seeking access for their child to the middle school wrestling program. In January 2014, U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann ruled in favor of the student and parents, ordering the district to permit her to practice with the team.^[370][371] The family went on to demand the District pay their legal bills of over $140,000.^[372] In July 2014, the final costs to the District for the lawsuit were revealed. The District paid a $10,000 deductible. Their insurance company covered the next $100,000. The District owed another $22,190.94 in attorney's fees.^[373] In December 2014, the lawyers were awarded another $30,000 in fees.^[374]

In the fall of 2011, Line Mountain filed a complaint with the PIAA regarding a student who moved to the Benton Area School District. Line Mountain SD asked the PIAA to deny the wrestler a season of participation due to the transfer. The parents sued and lost.^[375]

References

External links

• Line Mountain School District
• Pennsylvania Department of Education entity information on Line Mountain School District