Tamaqua Area School District

Tamaqua Area School District
Address
138 West Broad Street
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, Schuylkill County 18252-0112
United States
Information
Type Public
School board 9 elected members
Superintendent Carol Makuta
Administrator
  • Mr Raymond J Kinder, Asst Superintendent
  • Mrs Connie Ligenza, Business Manager
  • Terri Klingaman, Confidential Recordkeeper
  • Mrs. Kristin Melnick, Director of Nutritional Services
  • Ruth A. Gardiner, Director, Special Education
  • Ken Dunkelberger, Director of Technology
  • Charlie Petro, Network Administrator
  • Zac Blihar, Software Support Supervisor
  • Michael W. Hromyak, Jr., Athletic Director & PR Com. Coordinator
  • Art Oakes, Facilities Manager
  • Mary Ellen Francis, Transportation Director
Principal Mr. Stephen Toth, High School Principal
Principal Mr. Christopher Czapla, Middle School Principal
Principal Mr. Steven Behr, Elementary Principal
Staff 172 non teaching staff
Faculty 110 in 2010 [1]
Grades K-12
Age 5 years old to 21 years for special education
Pupils 2057 (2009-2010)[2]
 • Kindergarten 181
 • Grade 1 148
 • Grade 2 171
 • Grade 3 138
 • Grade 4 139
 • Grade 5 175
 • Grade 6 159
 • Grade 7 166
 • Grade 8 148
 • Grade 9 157
 • Grade 10 154
 • Grade 11 152
 • Grade 12 159
 • Other Enrollment projected to be 2053 in 2019
Color(s) Blue, and White         
Rival Marian Catholic High School (Pennsylvania)
Budget

$26.7 million (2013-14) [3] $25.3 million (2012-13)

$27,470,664 (2010-11)[4]
Per pupil spending $11,281 in 2008
Per pupil spending $11,816.47 in 2010
Website

The Tamaqua Area School District is a public school district in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. It is centered on the borough of Tamaqua and the townships of Rush Township, Walker Township, Schuylkill Township, and West Penn Township. It encompasses approximately 123 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 17,042. According to District officials, in school year 2007-08 the Tamaqua Area School District provided basic educational services to 2,284 pupils through the employment of 164 teachers, 101 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 21 administrators. In school year 2009-10, Tamaqua Area School District provided basic educational services to 2,076 pupils. It employed: 164 teachers, 106 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 10 administrators. Tamaqua Area School District received more than $10.8 million in state funding in school year 2009-10.

Tamaqua Area School District operates three elementary schools: Rush Elementary School, Tamaqua Elementary School, and West Penn Elementary School; one middle and one high school.

Governance

Tamaqua Area 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.[5] 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, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring skills in reading and mathematics.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the 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.[6]

Academic achievement

The Tamaqua Area School District was ranked 320th out of 497 Pennsylvania school districts, in 2013, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on student academic performance on the last three years of PSSA results in: reading, writing, mathematics and science.[7] The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th and the 11th grade in high school. Adapted examinations are given to children in the special education programs.

Overachiever statewide ranking

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Tamaqua Area School District ranked 403rd. [11] 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."[12]

In 2009, the academic achievement, of the students in the Tamaqua Area School District, was in the 44th percentile among all 500 Pennsylvania school districts Scale (0-99; 100 is state best) [13]

District AYP status history

In 2012, Tamaqua Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).[14] 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.[15]

Graduation rate

In 2012, Tamaqua Area School District's graduation rate was 86%.[16] In 2011, the District's graduation rate was 98%.[17] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Tamaqua Area High School's rate was 82% for 2010.[18]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

High school

Tamaqua Area High School is located at 500 Penn Street, Tamaqua. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 661 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 158 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 35 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 18:1.[23] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[24]

In 2012, Tamaqua Area Senior High School achieved AYP status through Safe Harbor Standards.[25] In 2011, Tamaqua Area Senior High School declined to Warning status due to low math achievement and lagging reading achievement of 11th graders. In 2010, the High School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).[26]

PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math
11th Grade Science

Science in Motion Tamaqua Area High School does not take advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.[42] Wilkes University provides the experiences to schools in the region.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 33% of Tamaqua Area 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.[43] 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.[44] 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.

Dual enrollment

Tamaqua Area High School offers the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program in: English, Sociology, Statistics, Public Speaking and Calculus at Lehigh Carbon Community College. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[45] In 2010 the district received 9,710.00. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[46] 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.[47] In 2010, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students, from the Commonwealth, due to a state budget crisis.

SAT scores

In 2012, 68 Tamaqua Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 503. The Math average score was 516. The Writing average score was 497. 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.

In 2011, 85 Tamaqua Area Senior High School students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 481. The Math average score was 501. The Writing average score was 468.[48] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[49] 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.[50]

Advanced placement

Tamaqua High School offers Advanced Placement courses in English, Biology, US History, European History, Spanish, Calculus and Physics. Students are responsible to pay for their own AP exam fees.

Graduation requirements

The Tamaqua Area School Board has determined that students must earn 22 credits to graduate, including: 4 credits of Language Arts, 3.5 credits of Social Studies, 3 credits of Mathematics, 3 credits of Science, 1.5 credits of Humanities, 1.5 credits of Health, Computer Application I and enough electives to achieve 22 credits.[51]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must 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.[52] The project is a 4-year process at Tamaqua Area High School that focuses on career opportunities.[53] This project includes job shadowing, college visits, community service, research papers, and more.[54]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class of 2017, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature through the Keystone Exams. The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade. Students have several opportunities to pass the exam, with those who do not able to perform a project in order to graduate.[55][56][57] 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.[58] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 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.

Programs

The high school offers instruction through an alternative education program for students with behavioral issues and a virtual campus program. Students may also elect to attend one of the Schuylkill County Area Vocational-Technical Schools which are located in Frackville and at Marlin (near Minersville). The district is responsible for transportation from the high school.[59]

Middle school

Tamaqua Area Middle School is located at 502 Penn Street, Tamaqua. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 481 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 158 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 27 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 17:1.[60] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[61] Tamaqua Area Middle School is located on a 101-acre site.

In 2012, Tamaqua Area Middle School remained in Warning AYP status due to lagging reading scores of special education students. In 2011, the School declined to Warning AYP status.[62] In 2010, Tamaqua Area Middle School achieved AYP status.[63]

PSSA Results
8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Math
8th Grade Science

7th Grade Reading
  • 2012 - 79% on grade level (7% below basic). State – 76%
  • 2011 - 75% (10% below basic). State – 76%
  • 2010 - 72% (15% below basic). State - 73%
  • 2009 - 68%, State - 71.7%
  • 2008 - 70%, State - 70%
  • 2007 - 77%, State - 66%
7th Grade Math
  • 2012 - 86% (5% below basic). State - 80%
  • 2011 - 79% (9% below basic). State - 78.6%
  • 2010 - 76% (10% below basic). State - 77%
  • 2009 - 81%, State - 75%
  • 2008 - 79%, State - 72%
  • 2007 - 82%, State - 67%

6th Grade Reading
  • 2012 - 70% (11% below basic). State - 68%
  • 2011 - 72% (11% below basic). State - 69.9%
  • 2010 - 69% (10% below basic). State - 68%
  • 2009 - 65%, State - 67%
  • 2008 - 68%, State - 67%
  • 2007 - 61%
6th Grade Math
  • 2012 - 80% (8% below basic). State - 77%
  • 2011 - 87% (5% below basic). State - 78.8%
  • 2010 - 81% (9% below basic). State - 78%
  • 2009 - 75%, State - 75.9%
  • 2008 - 72%, State - 72%
  • 2007 - 68%

West Penn Township Elementary School

West Penn Township Elementary School is located at 185 School Drive, New Ringgold. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 247 pupils in grades kindergarten through 6th, with 49 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 10 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 25:1.[70] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[71]

In 2010 through 2012, West Penn Township Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.[72] In 2011, only 74% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 84% of the students in 3rd through 6th grades were on grade level and 40% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 96% of the pupils were on grade level.[73] In 2012, 82% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 87% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 47% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils were on grade level, with 50% advanced.[74]

Tamaqua Elementary School

Tamaqua Elementary School is located at Boyle Avenue, Tamaqua. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 562 pupils in grades preschool through 5th, with 263 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 28 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 20:1.[75] The school is a Title I school. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[76]

In 2012, Tamaqua Elementary School declined further to School Improvement level I status due to chronic low student reading and math achievement.[77] In 2011, Tamaqua Elementary School declined to Warning status due to lagging student reading and especially math achievement. In 2010, the school achieved AYP status.[78] In 2011, only 63% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th with 19% below basic. In math, just 71% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 10% scored below basic. In 4th grade science, 84% of the pupils were on grade level.[79] In 2012, 82% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 87% of the students in 3rd through5 grades were on grade level and 47% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 93% of the pupils were on grade level.[80]

Rush Elementary School

Rush Elementary School is located at 50 Meadow Avenue, Tamaqua. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported offering kindergarten, kindergarten plus and first grade.[81] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[82]

Virtual school

In 2012, Tamaqua Area School District established a virtual school giving students, who reside in the District, access to a locally run online education. The move was prompted by students leaving the district's traditional schools to attend one of Pennsylvania's 12 statewide cyber schools. The District Administration reported that 9 students are enrolled in its virtual school in 2012.

Special education

In December 2012, Tamaqua Area School District administration reported that 418 pupils or 19.7% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 52% of identified students have a specific learning disability.[83] In December 2009, the District administration reported that 387 pupils or 18.4% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.[84]

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.[85][86]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for special education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving 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.[87] The Special Education funding structure is through the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds and state appropriations. IDEA funds are appropriated to the state on an annual basis and distributed through intermediate units (IUs) to school districts, while state funds are distributed directly to the districts. Total funds that are received by school districts are calculated through a formula. The Pennsylvania Department of Education oversees four appropriations used to fund students with special needs: Special Education; Approved Private Schools; Pennsylvania Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind; and Early Intervention. The Pennsylvania 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.[88] Over identification 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.[89] The state requires each public school district and charter school to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[90] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive that schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[91]

Tamaqua Area School District received a $1,214,003 supplement for special education services in 2010.[92] 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 2010-11. 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.[93][94] Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The District must apply for this added funding.

Gifted education

Tamaqua Area School District Administration reported that 42 or 2.02% of its students were gifted in 2009.[95] By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The primary emphasis is on enrichment and acceleration of the regular education curriculum through a push in model with the gifted instructor in the classroom with the regular instructor. This approach permits such specialized instructional strategies as tiered assignments, curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, learning stations, independent projects and independent contracts. Students identified as gifted attending the High School have access to honors and advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment with local colleges. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student’s building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.[96]

Technology plan

The District has 40 Smartboard K-12. It also has more than 1000 laptops and personal computers. The district reports making professional development in the effective use of technology a priority. It credits the effective use of technology as an important part of the students improvement in reading and math scores.[97]

Bullying policy

The Tamaqua Area School District administration reported there were no recognized incidents of bullying in the district in 2009.[98][99]

The Tamaqua Area School Board has provided the district's anti-bully policy online.[100] 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.[101] 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.[102]

Education standards relating to student safety and anti-harassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.[103]

Wellness policy

Tamaqua Area School Board established a district wellness policy in June 2006.[104] 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."

The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level intending that the individual needs of each district 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.[105] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval. A study was conducted of the submitted policies (n=499). It found that the majority of districts complied with the mandates of the law. Most districts identified the superintendent and school food service director as responsible for ensuring local wellness policy implementation.[106]

The District offers both 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 at the school for a fee. 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.[107] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[108]

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.[109]

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant

In 2011, four schools in Tamaqua Area School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Tamaqua Area Senior High School received $10,000 which was used to purchase equipment for its Bike Challenge Program which uses mountain biking concepts in physical education programming. Tamaqua Area Middle School received $9,995 to purchase equipment to enhance the physical education program by incorporating spinning by use of Trixter bikes. Tamaqua Area Elementary School received $9,341 to purchase equipment for its Exergaming for Fitness program which uses video games. West Penn Elementary received $10,000 to purchase equipment for its Exergaming for Fitness program which uses video games in physical education programming.[110] 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.[111]

In 2011, the average teacher salary in Tamaqua Area School District was $53,085 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $17,907 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $70,993.80.[112] The District reported employing 164 teachers and administrators with the top salary of $114,361 in 2011-12.

In 2009, Tamaqua Area School District reports employing over 170 teachers with a starting salary of $38,000.[113] The average teacher salary was $53,065 while the maximum salary is $107,068.[114] In Pennsylvania, the average teacher salary for Pennsylvania's 124,100 public school teachers was $54,977 in 2008.[115] As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation.[116] Additionally, Tamaqua Area School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days and 10 paid sick days, life insurance and other benefits.[117] According to State Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.[118]

In 2007, Tamaqua Area School District employed 149 teachers. The average teacher salary in the District was $50,313 for 180 school days worked.[119]

Tamaqua Area School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $634.23 per pupil. The district is ranked 465th out of 500 in Pennsylvania for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.[120]

In 2008, Tamaqua Area School District reported spending $11,281 per pupil. This ranked 403rd in the commonwealth.[121] In 2010, the District’s per pupil spending had increased to $11,666.67.[122] In 2011, Pennsylvania’s per pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States.[123] In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759.[124] The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01.[125]

Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09.[126] Pennsylvania’s total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.[127]

Reserves

In 2009, Tamaqua Area School District reported a $3,108,938 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.[128] In 2010, Area School District Administration reported an increase to $4,500,052 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The District also reported zero in its unreserved-designated fund in 2010. In 2012, the District reported having $5,345,894 in reserves. 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.[129] By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.[130]

Audit In October 2, 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.[131] In December 2012, the Pennsylvania Auditor General again audited the District. It found that membership reporting errors and a lack of internal controls resulted in the district not receiving their entitled state reimbursement.

Tuition Students who live in the Tamaqua Area 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 Tamaqua Area 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 Tamaqua Area School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $8,311.23, High School - $8,898.35.[132]

Tamaqua Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax 1%, Occupation Privilege Tax $5, Assessed Occupation Tax $225.00, per capita taxes $10,[133] a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.05%, 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. Interest earnings on accounts also provide nontax income to the District. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax, regardless of the level of the individual’s personal wealth.[134] 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.[135]

State basic education funding

For the 2013-14 school year, the Tamaqua Area School District will receive a 2% increase or $6,619,629 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $$130,965 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the District. Additionally, Tamaqua Area School District will receive $128,439 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in Schuylkill County, both Blue Mountain School District and Saint Clair Area School District received the highest percentage increase at 2.2%. Tamaqua Area School District Administration 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 Pennsylvania public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest percentage increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding.[136] 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.[137]

For the 2012-13 school year, the Tamaqua Area School District received $$6,488,664.[138] 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. Tamaqua Area School District received $128,439 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.[139] 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 Pennsylvania public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

In 2011-12, Tamaqua Area School District received a $6,488,664 allocation, of state Basic Education Funding.[140][141] Additionally, the Tamaqua Area School District received $128,439 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania state Education budget included $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount was a $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) over the enacted State appropriation for 2010-2011.[142] The highest increase in state basic education funding was awarded to Duquesne City School District of Allegheny County, which got a 49% increase in state funding for 2011-12.[143] In 2010, the district reported that 882 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[144]

For 2010-11 the Tamaqua Area School District received a 2.43% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $7,082,939 payment.[145] The highest increase in BEF awarded, among Schuylkill County public school districts, went to Minersville Area School District which received 9.96%. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase. 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. Fifteen (15) Pennsylvania public school districts received a BEF increase of greater than 10%. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where each district received at least the same amount as it received the prior school year, even when enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each public school district received was determined by then Governor Edward Rendell and the Secretary of Education, Dr. Gerald Zahorchak, through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.[146] This was the second year of Governor Rendell’s policy to fund some public school districts at a far greater rate than others.[147]

In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided Tamaqua Area School District with a 6.57% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,915,134. The District also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low-income students, for special education costs, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more.[148] Shenandoah Valley School District was the highest increase in Schuylkill County with a 14.50% increase in basic education funding, for the 2009-10 school year. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.[149]

The state Basic Education Funding to the District in 2008-09 was $6,488,663. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 535 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.[150] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania spent $7,824 Per Pupil in the year 2000. This amount increased up to $12,085 by the year 2008.[151][152]

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 Tamaqua Area School District applied for and received $348,616 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to achieve Class size reduction in K-3 and to hire teachers to instruct other teachers in improving math and reading instruction.[153][154]

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. Tamaqua Area School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07 nor in 2007-08. For the 2008-09, school year the Tamaqua Area School District received $125,812. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.[155] In Schuylkill County the highest award was given to North Schuylkill School District which received $245,673. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

Science It’s Elementary grant

Tamaqua Elementary School successfully applied to participate and received a Science It’s Elementary grant. For the 2008-09 school year, the program was offered in 143 schools reaching 2,847 teachers and 66,973 students across Pennsylvania.[156] In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Education initiated an effort to improve science instruction in the Commonwealth’s public elementary schools. Called Science: It’s Elementary, the program is a hands on instruction approach for elementary science classes that develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills.[157] To encourage schools to adopt the program’s standards aligned curriculum, the state provided a grant to cover the costs of materials and extensive mandatory teacher training.[158] The District was required to develop a three-year implementation plan for the participating school. They had to appoint a district liaison who was paid $3000 by PDE to serve as the conduit of all information between the district and the Department and its agents along with submitting orders and distributing supplies to implementing teachers. For the 2006-07 state education budget, $10 million was allocated. The 2006-07 State Education Budget provided $635 million in new spending for pre-K through 12th grades for the 2006-07 school year. This marks an 8-percent increase over 2005-06 public school funding.[159] The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget. The grant program was expanded to $14.5 million in the 2008-09 budget. The grant was discontinued in the state’s 2011 budget by Governor Edward G. Rendell.

Other grants

Tamaqua Area School District did not participate in: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education annual grants, Education Assistance Grants, 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Blue Raider Foundation grants

Blue Raider Foundation ia a local entity that focuses on enrichment funding to Tamaqua public schools. In 2012 it awarded $3000 in grants to individual teachers in the Tamaqua Area School District. The Blue Raider Foundation is a 501(c) 3 corporation.[160]

Federal Stimulus grant

Tamaqua Area School District received an extra $1,886,272 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[161] The funding was limited to the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 school years.[162] 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

Tamaqua Area School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district up to one million dollars in additional federal funding for improving student academic achievement.[163] Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[164] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[165]

Common Cents state initiative

The Tamaqua Area 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.[166] After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

The Tamaqua Area School Board set property tax rates at 33.36 mills for the 2013-14 school year. 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. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; and 2) Act 511 tax collections (Local Tax Enabling Act), which are around 15% of revenues for school districts.[167] The school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, necessitating a state board equalization of the tax rates between the counties.

The average yearly property tax paid by Schuylkill County residents amounts to about 2.84% of their yearly income. Schuylkill County ranked 700th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.[177] 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.[178] 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%).[179]

Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not authorized to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011-2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but the Act 1 Index can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio (MV/PI AR) greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of .75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year.[180] In June 2011, the Pennsylvania General Assembly eliminated six of the ten exceptions to the Act 1 Index.[181] Several exceptions were maintained: 1) costs to pay interest and principal on indebtedness incurred prior to September 4, 2004 for Act 72 schools and prior to June 27, 2006 for non-Act 72 schools; 2) costs to pay interest and principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs and services (beyond what is already paid by the State); and 4) costs due to increases of more than the Index in the school’s share of payments to PSERS (PA school employees pension fund) taking into account the state mandated PSERS contribution rate.[182][183]

The School District Adjusted Index for the Tamaqua Area School District 2006-2007 through 2011-2012.[184]

  • 2006-07 - 5.2%, Base 3.9%
  • 2007-08 - 4.5%, Base 3.4%
  • 2008-09 - 5.9%, Base 4.4%
  • 2009-10 - 5.5%, Base 4.1%
  • 2010-11 - 3.9%, Base 2.9%
  • 2011-12 - 1.8%, Base 1.4%
  • 2012-13 - 2.2%, Base 1.7% [185]
  • 2013-14 - 2.3%, Base 1.7% [186]

For the 2013-14 budget year, Tamaqua Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed their Act 1 Index limit. For the school budget year 2013-14, 311 Pennsylvania public school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index. Another 171 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 89 school districts received approval to exceed the Index in full while others received a partial approval of their request. For special education costs, 75 districts received approval to exceed their tax limit. For the pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. Eleven Pennsylvania public school districts received an approval for grandfathered construction debts.[187]

For the 2012-13 budget year, Tamaqua Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012-2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. 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.[188]

For the 2011-12 budget year, the Tamaqua Area School Board did not apply for an exception to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year, Tamaqua Area 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 published annually, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.[189]

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.[190]

The Tamaqua Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budget in 2009-10 nor in 2010-11.[191] 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.[192]

Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Tamaqua Area School District was $141 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 4,967 property owners applied for the tax relief. Schuylkill Haven Area School District received $195 which was the highest property tax relief allotted in Schuylkill County for 2009.[193] The tax relief was subtracted from the total annual school property on the individual's 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.[194] Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the Chester-Upland School District in Delaware County at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.[195] This was the second year they were the top recipient.

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 home owners. The maximum rebate for both home owners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, consequently individuals who have income substantially more than $35,000, may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.[196]

Extracurriculars

Tamaqua Area School District offers an extensive variety of clubs, activities and 20 sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies.[197] No student (enrolled in grades 7 through 12) is permitted to participate in cocurricular activities, have driving privileges or obtain a parking permit unless the student and the student’s parent/guardian has signed a consent to mandatory testing and authorization for Release of Information form, authorizing the random drug testing of their student.[198] in 2012, the Board cut golf, tennis and cheerleading due to budget constraints caused by the escalating teacher pension funding mandates.

In June 2013, the District agreed to permitting the Tamaqua Area Girls' Youth Softball Association to build a softball field at Rush Elementary School. The club received a $11,975 grant from Baseball Tomorrow Fund to fund the project.[199]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private non-public school, cyber charter school, charter school and those home-schooled, 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.[200]

Sports

The High School provides:

Boys
  • Baseball - AAA
  • Basketball - AAA
  • Cross Country - AA
  • Football (Varsity & Junior Varsity) - AA
  • Golf - AA
  • Soccer - AA
  • Swimming and Diving - AA
  • Tennis - AA
  • Track and Field - AAA
  • Wrestling - AA
Girls
  • Basketball - AA
  • Cross Country - AA
  • Golf - AA
  • Soccer (Fall) - AA
  • Softball - AA
  • Swimming and Diving - AA
  • Girls' Tennis - AA
  • Track and Field - AA
  • Volleyball - AA

Middle School

Boys
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Football (7th & 8th Grade)
  • Track and Field
  • Wrestling

Girls
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Track and Field

References

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  2. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Tamaqua Area School District Enrollment and Projections".
  3. ↑ Light, Mia., Tamaqua Area taps fund balance to balance budget, Standard Speaker, June 19, 2013
  4. ↑ Galski, Sam., Tamaqua Area will raise taxes, offset other costs, Standard Speaker, June 17, 2010
  5. ↑ Pennsylvania General Assembly (2010). "Pennsylvania Public School Code Governance".
  6. ↑ The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives. "The Pennsylvania Project". Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  7. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times (April 4, 2013). "Guide to Pennsylvania Schools Statewide ranking".
  8. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Honor Roll Ranking 2012, April 6, 2012
  9. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Honor Roll Ranking 2010, May 6, 2010
  10. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times (May 23, 2007). "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County,".
  11. ↑ Pittsburgh Business Times, Statewide Overachivers Ranking Information, April 4, 2013
  12. ↑ "Overachiever statewide ranking". Pittsburgh Business Times. May 6, 2010.
  13. ↑ "2009 PSSA RESULTS Tamaqua Area School District,". The Morning Call. Retrieved February 2011. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  14. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Tamaqua Area School District AYP Overview 2012".
  15. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Public School District AYP History, 2011
  16. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Tamaqua Area School District AYP Data Table 2012".
  17. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tamaqua Area School District AYP Data Table 2011, September 29, 2011
  18. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented".
  19. ↑ "Tamaqua Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2010" (PDF). Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  20. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 14, 2010). "Tamaqua Area High School Academic Achievement Report Card data table 2010".
  21. ↑ The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "Schuylkill County Graduation Rates 2008".
  22. ↑ Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. "High School Graduation rate 2007". Retrieved January 31, 2011.
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  24. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Tamaqua Area Senior High School, September 29, 2011
  25. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Tamaqua Area Senior High School AYP Overview 2012".
  26. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tamaqua Area Senior High School AYP Overview 2011, September 29, 2011
  27. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2012). "2011-2012 PSSA and AYP Results".
  28. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results".
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  30. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 14, 2010). "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results".
  31. ↑ "The 2008 PSSA Mathematics and Reading School Level Proficiency Results (by Grade and School Total)". August 2008.
  32. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Math and Reading results by School and Grade 2007".
  33. ↑ Pittsburgh Post Gazette (October 15, 2012). "How is your school doing?".
  34. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tamaqua Area High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011
  35. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tamaqua Area Senior High School Academic Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010
  36. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tamaqua Area Senior High School Academic Report Card 2009, September 14, 2009
  37. ↑ "Math PSSA Scores by District 2007-08 Tamaqua Area School District Results". The Times-Tribune. June 25, 2009.
  38. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012".
  39. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA results in Science".
  40. ↑ The Times-Tribune (2009). "Grading Our Schools database, 2009 Science PSSA results".
  41. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Report on PSSA Science results by school and grade 2008".
  42. ↑ The Pennsylvania Basic Education/Higher Education Science and Technology Partnership, Science in Motion annual report, 2012
  43. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report".
  44. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics
  45. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Department of Education - Dual Enrollment Guidelines.".
  46. ↑ "Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement.". March 2010.
  47. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. (April 29, 2010). "Report: PA College Credit Transfer System Makes Higher Education More Affordable, Accessible".
  48. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011".
  49. ↑ College Board (September 2011). "SAT Scores State By State - Pennsylvania".
  50. ↑ "While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady". NJ.com. September 2011.
  51. ↑ Tamaqua Area Senior High School Administration, Course Selection Guide 2010, 2010
  52. ↑ "Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements".
  53. ↑ Tamaqua ASHS Guidance. "Graduation Project".
  54. ↑ "Tamaqua Area High School Graduation Project Information and Forms". Schoolwires. Retrieved 28 February 2011.
  55. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Keystone Exam Overview" (PDF).
  56. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview".
  57. ↑ Pennsylvania State Board of Education (2010). "Rules and Regulation Title 22 PA School Code CH. 4".
  58. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Keystone Exams".
  59. ↑ Tamaqua Area School District Administration. "Tamaqua Area High School Program of Studies" (PDF).
  60. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data –Tamaqua Area Middle School, 2010
  61. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Tamaqua Area Middle School, September 29, 2011
  62. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tamaqua Area Middle School AYP Overview, April 6, 2011
  63. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tamaqua Area Middle School AYP Overview, 2010
  64. ↑ Pittsburgh Post Gazette (October 15, 2012). "How is your school doing?".
  65. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tamaqua Area Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 14, 2010
  66. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tamaqua Area Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009, September 14, 2009
  67. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tamaqua Area Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2008, August 15, 2008
  68. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Tamaqua Area School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012" (PDF).
  69. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tamaqua Area Middle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011
  70. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data – West Penn Township Elementary School, 2010
  71. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers West Penn Township Elementary School, September 29, 2011
  72. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, West Penn Township Elementary School AYP Overview 2012, September 21, 2012
  73. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, West Penn Township Elementary School Report Card 2011, September 29, 2011
  74. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "West Penn Township Elementary School Report Card 2012" (PDF).
  75. ↑ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data – Tamaqua Elementary School, 2010
  76. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Tamaqua Elementary School, September 29, 2011
  77. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tamaqua Elementary School AYP Overview 2012, September 21, 2012
  78. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Tamaqua Elementary School AYP Overview 2011, September 29, 2011
  79. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Tamaqua Elementary School Report Card 2011" (PDF).
  80. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Tamaqua Elementary School Report Card 2012" (PDF).
  81. ↑ Tamaqua Area School District administration, Rush Elementary School information, 2012
  82. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Rush Elementary School, September 29, 2011
  83. ↑ Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education (January 31, 2012). "Tamaqua Area School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets School Year 2011-2012" (PDF).
  84. ↑ Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education (January 31, 2011). "Tamaqua Area School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets School Year 2008-2009" (PDF).
  85. ↑ Tamaqua Area School District (2011). "Special Education Department - Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services".
  86. ↑ Tamaqua Area School District Special Education Department (2011). "TASD Special Education Department".
  87. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Special Education Funding".
  88. ↑ Browne, Patrick., Senate Education Committee Hearing on Special Education Funding & Accountability testimony, November 1, 2011
  89. ↑ Kintisch, Baruch., Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Education Law Center, November 11, 2011
  90. ↑ Amy Morton, Executive Deputy Secretary, Public Hearing: Special Education Funding & Accountability Testimony, Pennsylvania Department of Education, November 11, 2011
  91. ↑ US Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education Clarifies Schools' Obligation to Provide Equal Opportunity to Students with Disabilities to Participate in Extracurricular Athletics, January 25, 2013
  92. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2010). "Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011".
  93. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year".
  94. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, (April 2012). "Investing in PA kids,".
  95. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (Revised December 1, 2009 Child Count (Collected July 2010)). "Gifted Students as Percentage of Total Enrollment by School District/Charter School" (PDF). Check date values in: |date= (help)
  96. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board. "CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students". Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  97. ↑ Tamaqua Area School District Technology Administration (September 10, 2010). "Technology Plan - Strategic plan" (PDF).
  98. ↑ Pennsylvania Office of Safe Schools. "Tamaqua Area School District School Safety Annual Report 2008 - 2009" (PDF). Retrieved February 8, 2011.
  99. ↑ "Pennsylvania Safe Schools Online Reports". February 2011.
  100. ↑ Tamaqua Area School Board (September 16, 2008). "Bullying/Cyberbullying Policy Policy 249".
  101. ↑ "Regular Session 2007-2008 House Bill 1067, Act 61 Section 6 page 8".
  102. ↑ "Center for Safe Schools of Pennsylvania, Bullying Prevention advisory". Retrieved January 2011. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  103. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Academic Standards".
  104. ↑ Tamaqua Area School Board (June 20, 2006). "Tamaqua Area Board Policy - Student Wellness Policy 246".
  105. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education — Division of Food and Nutrition. (July 2008). "Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools for the School Nutrition Incentive,".
  106. ↑ Probart, C.; McDonnell, E.; Weirich, J. E.; Schilling, L.; Fekete, V. (September 2008). "Statewide Assessment of Local Wellness Policies in Pennsylvania Public School Districts". Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 108 (9): 1497–1502. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2008.06.429. PMID 18755322.
  107. ↑ USDA, Child Nutrition Programs - Eligibility Manual for School Meals, 2012
  108. ↑ Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center, The Pennsylvania School Breakfast Report Card, 2009
  109. ↑ USDA, Child Nutrition Programs, June 27, 2013
  110. ↑ Highmark Foundation, 2011 School Challenge Grants, 2011
  111. ↑ Pennsylvania General Assembly, Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, June 27, 2006
  112. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "Investing in Pennsylvania Students".
  113. ↑ "Public School Salaries Tamaqua Area SD, 2009". Commonwealth Foundation. Retrieved February 2011. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  114. ↑ "Tamaqua Area School Payroll report". openpagov. Retrieved February 5, 201. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  115. ↑ Fenton, Jacob,. "Average classroom teacher salary in Schuylkill County, 2006-07.". The Morning Call. Retrieved March 2009. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  116. ↑ Teachers need to know enough is enough, PaDelcoTimes, April 20, 2010.
  117. ↑ "Tamaqua Area School District Teachers Union Employment Contract 2011".
  118. ↑ "Legislature must act on educators' pension hole.". The Patriot News. February 21, 2010.
  119. ↑ Fenton, Jacob., Average classroom teacher salary in Schuylkill County, 2006-07, The Morning Call, March 2009
  120. ↑ Fenton, Jacob. (Feb 2009). "Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?, '". The Morning Call.
  121. ↑ "Per Pupil Spending in Pennsylvania Public Schools in 2008 Sort by Administrative Spending".
  122. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009-10 Selected Data - 2009-10 Total Expenditures per ADM".
  123. ↑ US Census Bureau, States Ranked According to Per Pupil Public Elementary-Secondary School System Finance Amounts: Fiscal Year 2011, May 2013
  124. ↑ US Census Bureau (2009). "Total and current expenditures per pupil in fall enrollment in public elementary and secondary education, by function and state or jurisdiction: 2006-07".
  125. ↑ US Census Bureau (March 2003). "Public Education Finances 2000-01 Annual Survey of Local Government Finances" (PDF).
  126. ↑ United States Census Bureau (2009). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Elementary-Secondary Public School System Finance Amounts: 2008-09" (PDF).
  127. ↑ US Census Bureau (May 2013). "States Ranked According to Per Pupil Public Elementary-Secondary School System Finance Amounts: Fiscal Year 2011" (PDF).
  128. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Fund Balances by Local Education Agency 1997 to 2008".
  129. ↑ Murphy, Jan., Pennsylvania's public schools boost reserves, CentreDaily Times, September 22, 2010
  130. ↑ Melissa Daniels (June 1, 2013). "PA school districts look to cash stash to balance budgets". PA Independent.
  131. ↑ "TAMAQUA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT". October 2009.
  132. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2012). "Pennsylvania Public School District Tuition Rates".
  133. ↑ "Tamaqua ASD District Office". 2010-2011 Fiscal Year. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  134. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (April 2010). "Personal Income Taxation Guidelines".
  135. ↑ John Finnerty (2013). "PA teachers pensions". CNHI Harrisburg Bureau.
  136. ↑ Democrat Appropriations Committee, Report on Education funding by LEA, July 2, 2013
  137. ↑ Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, 2013-14 State Budget Highlights, 2013
  138. ↑ Senator Jake Corman (June 28, 2012). "Pennsylvania Education funding by Local School District" (PDF).
  139. ↑ Pennsylvania General Assembly Sen Jake Corman (June 29, 2012). "SB1466 of 2012 General Fund Appropriation".
  140. ↑ PA Senate Appropriations Committee (June 28, 2011). "School District 2011-12 Funding Report".
  141. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (July 2011). "Basic Education Funding".
  142. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding".
  143. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (June 30, 2011). "Basic Education Funding 2011-2012 Fiscal Year".
  144. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, District Allocations Report 2009, 2009-10
  145. ↑ Pennsylvania house Appropriations Committee (August 2010). "PA House Appropriations Committee Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010-2011".
  146. ↑ Office of Budget (February 2010). "Pennsylvania Budget Proposal".
  147. ↑ Office of the Budget (February 2010). "Pennsylvania Budget Proposal 2010,".
  148. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 2009). "Basic Education Funding by School District 2009-10".
  149. ↑ "Pennsylvania Department of Education Report on Funding by school district". October 2009.
  150. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Funding Report by LEA 2009.
  151. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau., Annual Survey of Local Government Finances., 2000
  152. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau., 2008 Survey of Local Government Finances – School Systems, 2010
  153. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant report 2010, Grantee list 2010".
  154. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report".
  155. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General (2008-12-22). "Special Performance Audit Classrooms For the Future grants" (PDF).
  156. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Science: It’s Elementary Grantees Students in 143 Schools Benefit from Intensive Science Curriculum, July 22, 2008
  157. ↑ Patricia Vathis Pennsylvania Department of Education, Grants and Subsidies Science: It’s Elementary, 2006
  158. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2010 – 2011 Science: It’s Elementary Application Guidelines, July 2010
  159. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Governor Rendell Commends Teachers for Enhancing Science Education in Pennsylvania, August 10, 2006
  160. ↑ Leibenguth, Andrew, Blue Raider Foundation awards grants to teachers, Times News online, February 27, 2012
  161. ↑ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Schuylkill County ARRA FUNDING Report". Retrieved February 2011. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  162. ↑ "School stimulus money". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. March 12, 2009.
  163. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Press Release (January 2009). "Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support".
  164. ↑ Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support
  165. ↑ U.S. Department of Education (March 29, 2010). "Race to the Top Fund,".
  166. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Common Cents program - Making Every Dollar Count". Retrieved February 1, 2011.
  167. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education,. "Act 511 Tax Report, 2004".
  168. ↑ Serfass, Donald, Tax millage the lowest, Times News Online, July 18, 2012
  169. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Real Estate Tax Rates by School District 2011-12 Real Estate Mills".
  170. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Finances_Real Estate Tax Rates 2010-11".
  171. ↑ "Tamaqua Area School District Notice of Proposed Final Budget 2010-11" (PDF).
  172. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Financial Elements Reports".
  173. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania School District Real Estate Tax Rates 2008-09".
  174. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Real Estate Tax Millage by School District,".
  175. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District 2006, 2006
  176. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Real Estate Tax Millage by School District, 2005
  177. ↑ Tax-rates.org., The 2013 Tax Resource County Property Taxes 2012, 2012
  178. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania School Finances - Summaries of Annual Financial Report Data 2010-11, 2011
  179. ↑ New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners, Tax Foundation, September 22, 2009.
  180. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2010-11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines".
  181. ↑ Kaitlynn Riely (August 4, 2011). "Law could restrict school construction projects". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  182. ↑ Pennsylvania General Assembly (June 29, 2011). "SB330 of 2011".
  183. ↑ Eric Boehm (July 1, 2011). "Property tax reform final piece of state budget". PA Independent.
  184. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2010). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006-2007 through 2010-2011".
  185. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2012-2013 School District Adjusted Index, May 2012
  186. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2013-2014 School District Adjusted Index, May 2012
  187. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2013-2014, April 2013
  188. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Report on Referendum Exceptions For School Year 2012-2013, March 30, 2012
  189. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Special Session Act 1 of 2006 the Taxpayer Relief Act information".
  190. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2011). "Report on Exceptions".
  191. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 2010). "Pennsylvania SSAct1_Act1 Exceptions Report 2010-2011 April 2010".
  192. ↑ Scarcella, Frank & Pursell, Tricia (May 25, 2010). "Local school tax assessments exceed state averages". The Daily Item.
  193. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2009). "Estimated Tax Relief Per Homestead and Farmstead May 1, 2009" (PDF).
  194. ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General Office, (2010-02-23). "Special Report Pennsylvania Property Tax Relief,".
  195. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, (May 2010). "Tax Relief per Homestead 5-1-10. Report".
  196. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program".
  197. ↑ Tamaqua Area School Board. "Tamaqua Area School District Code of Conduct for Student-Athletes".
  198. ↑ "TASD Drug Testing Policy".
  199. ↑ Republican-Herald., Tamaqua gets grant for new softball field, June 1, 2013
  200. ↑ Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release, (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities,".
  201. ↑ Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (2012). "PIAA School Directory".
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