Columbia Borough School District: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|School district in Pennsylvania}} |
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{{Infobox School |
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{{about|the Pennsylvania school district|other uses|Columbia School District (disambiguation)}} |
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{{Infobox school district |
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| name = Columbia Borough School District |
| name = Columbia Borough School District |
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| native_name = |
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| latin_name = |
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| image = Map of Lancaster County Pennsylvania School Districts.png |
| image = Map of Lancaster County Pennsylvania School Districts.png |
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| imagesize = 300 px |
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| caption = Map of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Public School Districts. Columbia Borough School District is the small orange area surrounded by green at the left (west) side of the map. |
| caption = Map of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Public School Districts. Columbia Borough School District is the small orange area surrounded by green at the left (west) side of the map. |
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| location = |
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| streetaddress = 200 North Fifth Street |
| streetaddress = 200 North Fifth Street |
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| region = |
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| city = Columbia |
| city = Columbia |
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| state = Pennsylvania |
| state = Pennsylvania |
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| province = |
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| county = Lancaster |
| county = Lancaster |
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| postcode = |
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| postalcode = |
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| zipcode = 17512 |
| zipcode = 17512 |
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| country = United States |
| country = United States |
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| country1 = |
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| coordinates = |
| coordinates = |
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| schoolnumber = |
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| schoolboard = |
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| district = |
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| authority = |
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| religion = |
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| oversight = |
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| affiliation = |
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| superintendent = Dr. Robert Hollister |
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| trustee = |
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| founder = |
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| specialist = |
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| president = |
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| head of school = |
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| principal = |
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| principal1 = |
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| viceprincipal = |
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| viceprincipal1 = |
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| asst principal = |
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| assistant_principals = |
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| dean = |
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| administrator = |
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| rector = |
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| chaplain = |
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| director = |
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| custodian = |
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| staff = |
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| ranking = |
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| roll = |
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| school code = |
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| national_ranking = |
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| classes = |
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| lower_age = |
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| schooltype = |
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| type = Public |
| type = Public |
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| system = |
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| fees = |
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| tuition = |
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| revenue = |
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| endowment = |
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| budget = |
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| enrolment = 1443 |
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| products = |
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| grades = K-12 |
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| age range = |
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| language = |
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| athletics = |
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| conference = |
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| slogan = |
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| song = |
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| fightsong = |
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| motto = |
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| accreditation = |
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| rival = |
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| mascot = Crimson Tide |
| mascot = Crimson Tide |
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| yearbook = |
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| opened = |
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| established = |
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| founded = |
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| closed = |
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| students = |
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| sixth_form_students = |
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| pupils = |
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| alumni = |
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| nobel_laureates = |
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| enrollment = 1363 pupils in 2009-2010 <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education Enrollment and Projections by LEA July 2010</ref> |
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| gradeK = 117 |
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| grade1 = 120 |
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| grade2 = 121 |
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| grade3 = 105 |
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| grade4 = 107 |
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| grade5 = 91 |
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| grade6 = 97 |
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| grade7 = 103 |
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| grade8 = 111 |
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| grade9 = 101 |
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| grade10 = 117 |
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| grade11 = 91 |
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| grade12 = 85 |
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| grade13 = |
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| other_grade_label = |
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| other = Enrollment projected to be 1403 in 2015 |
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| communities = |
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| feeders = |
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| free_label = |
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| free_text = |
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| footnotes = |
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| picture = |
| picture = |
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| website= {{url|columbiabsd.org|Columbia Borough School District}} |
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}} |
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The '''Columbia Borough School District''' is a diminutive, urban, public [[school district]] serving the Borough of [[Columbia, Pennsylvania|Columbia]] in [[Lancaster County, Pennsylvania]].<ref name=stats>[http://www.pde.state.pa.us/k12statistics/lib/k12statistics/ColumbiaBoroughSD09_05.pdf Columbia Borough School District]</ref> Columbia Borough School District encompasses approximately 2 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 10,311. |
The '''Columbia Borough School District''' is a diminutive, urban, public [[school district]] serving the Borough of [[Columbia, Pennsylvania|Columbia]] in [[Lancaster County, Pennsylvania]].<ref name=stats>[http://www.pde.state.pa.us/k12statistics/lib/k12statistics/ColumbiaBoroughSD09_05.pdf Columbia Borough School District]</ref> Columbia Borough School District encompasses approximately 2 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 10,311.It is a member of Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit (IU) 13. |
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The district operates four schools: Park Elementary School, Columbia Middle School -Taylor Campus, Columbia Middle School -Hill Campus, and Columbia High School. |
The district operates four schools: Park Elementary School, Columbia Middle School -Taylor Campus, Columbia Middle School -Hill Campus, and Columbia High School. |
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==References== |
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==Academic achievement== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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In 2010, the Columbia Junior Senior High School and Park Elementary School were cited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as one of the persistently, lowest-achieving schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/47405771/Persistently-failing-schools-Pennsylvania-Title-I-School-Improvement-List-Jan-11-2011 |title=Persistently failing schools Pennsylvania Title I School Improvement List January 11, 2011 |author=Pennsylvania Department o Education |date=January 11, 2011}}</ref> |
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Columbia Borough School District was ranked 473rd out of 498 Pennsylvania School Districts in 2011 by the [[Pittsburgh Business Times]]. The ranking was based on five years of student academic performance based on the PSSA's on reading, mathematics and writing, as well as, three years of science.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/events/pennsylvania_schools/statewiderank.html |title=Pennsylvania School District Rankings, |author1=Pittsburgh Business Times |date=April 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723231609/http://www2.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/events/pennsylvania_schools/statewiderank.html |archivedate=2011-07-23 |df= }}</ref> |
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*2010 - 466th<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/feature/schools/statewide_rankings.html |title=Pennsylvania School District Rankings, |author1=Pittsburgh Business Times |date=April 30, 2010}}</ref> |
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*2009 - 462nd |
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*2008 - 470th |
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*2007 - 471st out of 501 Pennsylvania school districts<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2007/05/21/daily24.html |title=Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County |author=Pittsburgh Business Times |date=May 23, 2007}}</ref> |
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In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Columbia Borough School District was in the bottom 7th percentile of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Scale (0-99; 100 is state best).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://projects.mcall.com/PSSA-results/district/113361503/COLUMBIA%20BOROUGH%20SD/ |title=Columbia Borough School District 2009 PSSA Results |author=The Morning Call |year=2010}}</ref> |
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===Graduation rate=== |
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In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Columbia Borough High School's rate was 70% for 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennsylvania_department_of_education/7237/info/757639 |title=New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=March 15, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914150409/http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennsylvania_department_of_education/7237/info/757639 |archivedate=2010-09-14 |df= }}</ref> |
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;Traditionally calculated graduation rate: |
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*2010 - 81% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/District/DataTable/c36/113361503 |title=Columbia Borough School District Report Card 2010 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=March 2011}}</ref> |
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*2009 - 83% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/District/DataTable/c36/113361503 |title=Columbia Borough School District Report Card 2009 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education}}</ref> |
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*2008 - 79% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://thetimes-tribune.com/data-center/grading-our-schools/2008-graduation-rates-1.85916?appSession=675214951217164 |title=2008 Lancaster County School Districts Graduation rates 2008 |author=The Times Tribune |year=2009}}</ref> |
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*2007 - 79% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/23571629/PA-High-School-Graduation-Info-by-School-District-2007 |author=Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children |title=High School Graduation rate 2007 |accessdate=February 19, 2011}}</ref> |
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===High school=== |
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In 2010, Columbia Junior Senior High School AYP status declined to '''Corrective Action II 1st Year''' due to chronic low achievement of its 11th grade students. In 2009, the school was also in '''Corrective Action II 1st Year'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c36/113361503/2515 |title=Columbia Junior Senior High School - School AYP Overview |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=March 2011}}</ref> As required by the federal [[No Child Left Behind]] law, students were sent a letter that they were entitled to transfer to a successful high school within the district.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rschooltoday.com/school578/FCK/File/School%20Choice/2010%20Parent%20letter%20Adequate%20Yearly%20Progress.pdf |title=School Improvement Notice - School Choice letter |author=Columbia Borough School District Administration |date=July 2010}}</ref> |
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;'''PSSA Results''' |
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;'''11th Grade Reading''' |
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*2010 - 53% on grade level (29% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders on grade level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10D113361503.PDF |title=Columbia Junior Senior High School Report Card 2010 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=March 2011}}</ref> |
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*2009 - 48% (21% below basic), State - 65% |
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*2008 - 54% (22% below basic), State - 65% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514 |title=2008 PSSAs: Reading, Mathematics and Writing Results |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2008}}</ref> |
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*2007 - 44% (32% below basic), State - 65% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2006-2007_pssa_and_ayp_results/507511 |title=2007 PSSAs: Reading, Mathematics and Writing Results |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2007}}</ref> |
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'''11th Grade Math:''' |
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*2010 - 35% on grade level (32% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level. |
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*2009 - 41% (36% below basic), State - 56% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442 |title=2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education}}</ref> |
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*2008 - 38% (30% below basic), State - 56% |
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*2007 - 36% (38% below basic), State - 53% |
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;'''11th Grade Science:''' |
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*2010 - 13% on grade level (27% below basic). State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level. |
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*2009 - 25% (30% below basic), State - 40% |
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*2008 - 14% (36% below basic), State - 39% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514 |title=Pennsylvania Department of Education Science PSSA results by school and grade 2008 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education}}</ref> |
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Attendance at Columbia Junior Senior High School in [[Columbia, Pennsylvania]] during the 2005-2006 school year was 85.12%, a dramatic improvement over the 75.73% scored in the prior year. Students were 41.7% proficient in math, 57.3% proficient in reading.<ref>[http://www.paayp.com/2578_data_table.html Columbia Junior Senior High School]</ref> |
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'''College remediation:''' According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released '''in January 2009, 42% of Columbia 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/23970364/Pennsylvania-College-Remediation-Report |title=Pennsylvania College Remediation Report |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=January 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>National Center for Education Statistics</ref> 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. |
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{{LancoPA-SAT|float=right}} |
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====Dual enrollment==== |
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The 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 and programs 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.<ref>2010-2011 Pennsylvania Department of Education - Dual Enrollment Guidelines.</ref> Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.patrac.org/ |title=Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center |author=Commonwealth of Pennsylvania}}</ref> |
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For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $5,411.00 for the program.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education Dual Enrollment Fall Grants 2009-10. August 2009</ref> |
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====Graduation requirements==== |
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The Columbia Borough School Board has determined that 24 credits are required for graduation, including English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Science 3 credits, Math 4 credits, Physical Education 1 credit, Arts/Humanities 2 credits, Speech 0.5 credit, Health 0.5 credit and Electives 5 credits.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rschooltoday.com/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi |title=Columbia Borough School District Course Selection Guide |author=Columbia Borough School District Administration |date=November 2010}}</ref> |
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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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/s4.24.html |title=Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements |author=Pennsylvania State Board of Education}}</ref> At Columbia Borough School District students complete a career research project during the required Speech class in their junior year. Additionally, forty hours of Service Learning are required of all Columbia Junior Senior High students as a prerequisite for graduation. |
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By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class of 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/47925315/Pennsylvania-Keystone-Exams-Overview-Sept-2010 |title=Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 2011}}</ref> |
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===Junior high school=== |
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; 8th Grade Reading: |
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* 2010 - 69% on grade level (18% below basic). State - 81% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/54501037/Columbia-Borough-School-District-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2010 |title=Columbia Junior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=March 2011}}</ref> |
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* 2009 - 65%, (18% below basic), State - 80% |
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* 2008 - 73%, (17% below basic), State - 78% |
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* 2007 - 59%, (17% below basic), State - 75% |
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; 8th Grade Math: |
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* 2010 - 54% on grade level (23% below basic). State - 75% |
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* 2009 - 56% (25% below basic), State - 71% |
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* 2008 - 69% (20% below basic), State - 70% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=PSSA Results Math and Reading School 2008 |accessdate=February 2011}}</ref> |
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* 2007 - 52% (30% below basic), State - 67% |
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; 8th Grade Science: |
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* 2010 - 38% on grade level (43% below basic). State - 57%. |
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* 2009 - 33% (39% below basic), State - 54% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=PSSA Science results 2008-09 |accessdate=February 2011}}</ref> |
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* 2008 - 48% (26% below basic), State - 52% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Science Results by School and Grade 2008 |accessdate=February 2011}}</ref> |
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; 7th Grade Reading: |
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* 2010 - 61% on grade level (26% below basic). State - 73% |
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* 2009 - 59% (17% below basic), State - 71.7% |
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* 2008 - 53% (21% below basic), State - 70% |
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; 7th Grade Math: |
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* 2010 - 67% on grade level (19% below basic). State - 77% |
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* 2009 - 64% (12% below basic), State - 75% |
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* 2008 - 71% (17% below basic), State - 72% |
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===Park Elementary School=== |
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In 2010, Park Elementary is in '''School Improvement II, Making Progress''' due to chronic low achievement of its students. As required by No Child Left Behind, the school notified its pupils they could transfer to Taylor Elementary School.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rschooltoday.com/school578/FCK/File/School%20Choice/parkSchool%20Choice%202010.pdf |title=Park Elementary School School Choice Letter |author=Columbia Borough School Administration |date=August 2, 2010}}</ref> In both 2009 and 2010, the school reported a 95% attendance rate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/School/DataTable/c36/113361503/7056 |title=Park Elementary School - School AYP Data Table |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=March 2011}}</ref> |
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;PSSA results: |
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;6th grade Reading: |
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*2010 - 43% (36% below basic), State - 68% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S113361503000007056.PDF |title=PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=March 2011}}</ref> |
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*2009 - 61% (23% below basic), State - 67% |
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;6th grade Math: |
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*2010 - 58% (18% below basic), State - 78% |
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*2009 - 73% (18% below basic), State - 75% |
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;5th grade Reading: |
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*2010 - 54% (32% below basic), State - 64% |
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*2009 - 55% (31% below basic), State - 64% |
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;5th grade Math: |
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*2010 - 71% (15% below basic), State - 74% |
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*2009 - 68% (12% below basic), State - 73% |
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;4th grade Reading: |
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*2010 - 52% (21% below basic), State - 73% |
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*2009 - 37% (43% below basic), State - 72% |
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;4th grade Math: |
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*2010 - 70% (12% below basic), State - 84% |
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*2009 - 55% (21% below basic), State - 81% |
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;4th grade Science: |
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*2010 - 69% (7% below basic), State - 81% |
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*2009 - 57% (12% below basic), State - 83% |
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;3rd grade Reading: |
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*2010 - 78% (13% below basic), State - 75% |
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*2009 - 68% (20% below basic), State - 77% |
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;3rd grade Math: |
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*2010 - 79% (41% advanced), State - 84% |
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*2009 - 82% (36% advanced), State - 81% |
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Attendance at Park Elementary School in [[Columbia, Pennsylvania]] during the 2005-2006 school year was 95.11%, slightly higher than the 94.32% scored in the prior year. Students were 75.9% proficient in math, 64.7% proficient in reading.<ref>[http://www.paayp.com/7056_data_table.html Park Elementary]</ref> |
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===Taylor Elementary School=== |
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In 2010, Taylor Elementary School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress in 2010 and 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/School/DataTable/c36/113361503/2514 |title=TAYLOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - School AYP Data Table |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=March 2011}}</ref> The attendance rate was 95% in both 2009 and 2010. |
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;PSSA results: |
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;6th grade Reading: |
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*2010 - 45% (18% below basic), State - 68% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S113361503000002514.PDF |title=TAYLOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=March 2011}}</ref> |
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*2009 - 70% (15% below basic), State - 67% |
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;6th grade Math: |
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*2010 - 76% (16% below basic), State - 78% |
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*2009 - 80% (10% below basic), State - 75% |
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;5th grade Reading: |
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*2010 - 74% (13% below basic), State - 64% |
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*2009 - 44% (15% below basic), State - 64% |
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;5th grade Math: |
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*2010 - 79% (3% below basic), State - 74% |
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*2009 - 68% (5% below basic), State - 73% |
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;4th grade Reading: |
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*2010 - 70% (18% below basic), State - 73% |
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*2009 - 78% (8% below basic), State - 72% |
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;4th grade Math: |
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*2010 - 80% (7% below basic), State - 84% |
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*2009 - 81% (8% below basic), State - 81% |
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;4th grade Science: |
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*2010 - 77% (7% below basic), State - 81% |
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*2009 - 89% (3% below basic), State - 83% |
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;3rd grade Reading: |
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*2010 - 76% (11% below basic), State - 75% |
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*2009 - 77% (17% below basic), State - 77% |
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;3rd grade Math: |
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*2010 - 69% (2% below basic), State - 84% |
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*2009 - 79% (5% below basic), State - 81% |
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Attendance at Taylor Elementary School, during the 2005-2006 school year, was 95.25%, slightly lower than the 96.23% scored in the prior year. Students were 71.3% proficient in math, 65.6% proficient in reading.<ref>[http://www.paayp.com/5236_data_table.html Taylor Elementary]</ref> |
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== Comparison to other Lancaster County school districts 2006 == |
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Of the 117 schools in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, only 13 failed to reach all their Adequate Yearly Progress goals, none of them were in the Columbia Borough School District. |
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{{LancoPSSA|right}} |
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==Special education== |
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In December 2009, the district administration reported that 322 pupils or 23.4% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://penndata.hbg.psu.edu/BSEReports/Public%20Reporting/2008_2009/PDF_Documents/Speced_Data_Report_SD274_243_Final.pdf |title=Columbia Borough School District Special Education Data Report LEA Performance on State Performance Plan (SPP) Targets School Year 2008-2009 |author=Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education |date=January 31, 2011}}</ref> |
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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 Student Support Team/Evaluation 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 request a multidisciplinary evaluation in writing to the Special Education Department.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rschooltoday.com/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi |title=Columbia Borough School District Special Education Services |author=Columbia Borough School District Administration |year=2010}}</ref> |
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In 2010, the Commonwealth 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/proposed_special_education_funding_-/539261 |title=Pennsylvania Special Education Funding |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education}}</ref> |
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Columbia Borough School District received a $1,176,993 supplement for special education services in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AvscmN--D7LbdEhsSW1pY3lxZnBfSWZEdnU2WE5hUWc&hl=en#gid=0 |title=Special Education Funding from Pennsylvania State_2010-2011 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=July 2010}}</ref> |
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===Gifted education=== |
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The District Administration reported that 28 or 2.04% of its students were gifted in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://penndata.hbg.psu.edu/BSEReports/docs/Ad_Hoc_Gifted_0910_from_Revised_Count.pdf |title=Gifted Students as Percentage of Total Enrollment by School District/Charter School |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=Revised December 1, 2009 Child Count (Collected July 2010) |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193200/http://penndata.hbg.psu.edu/BSEReports/docs/Ad_Hoc_Gifted_0910_from_Revised_Count.pdf |archivedate=2016-03-04 |df= }}</ref> 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. The principal acts as the case manager for the referral process. A 60 calendar day time-line begins when the signed Permission to Evaluate form is received. 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter16/chap16toc.html |title=CHAPTER 16. Special Education For Gifted Students |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania School Board |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref> Through the strategic planning process, the Superintendent must ensure that Columbia Borough School District provides a continuum of program and service options to meet the needs of all mentally gifted students for enrichment, acceleration, or both. The district's program is based on student needs and provides differentiated curriculum using acceleration, enrichment and pull-out options.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rschooltoday.com/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi?butName=Gifted&cId=&permission=3&username= |title=Columbia Borough SD Gifted Program |author=Columbia Borough School District Administration |year=2010}}</ref> |
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==Bullying Policy== |
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The Columbia Borough School District Administration reported that there were no incidents of bullying occurring in the schools in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.safeschoolsreports.state.pa.us/historic/historic/2009/9620b9c4-494e-4a15-a41e-cd67f0ce3261.pdf |title=Columbia Borough School District Safety Reports 2009 |author=Pennsylvania Center for Safe Schools}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.safeschools.state.pa.us/Main.aspx?App=6a935f44-7cbf-45e1-850b-e29b2f1ff17f&Menu=dbd39a1f-3319-4a75-8f69-d1166dba5d70&res= |title=Pennsylvania Safe Schools Online Reports |author=Pennsylvania Center for Safe Schools}}</ref> |
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The school board prohibits [[bullying]] by district students and employees.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.psba.org/districts_policies/c/137/POLCOLU248.pdf |title=Unlawful Harassment Policy 248 |author=Columbia Borough School Board |date=November 15, 2007}}</ref> The Board directs that complaints of bullying and harassment shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.psba.org/districts_policies/c/137/POLCOLU249.pdf |title=Bullying/Cyberbullying Policy 249 |author=Columbia Borough School Board |date=January 15, 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2007&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1067 Regular Session 2007-2008 House Bill 1067, Act 61 Section 6 page 8]</ref> District administration are required to annually provide the following information with the district's Safe School Report: the board’s bullying policy, a report of bullying incidents in the school district, and information on the development and implementation of any bullying prevention, intervention or education programs. 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.center-school.org/bullyingprevention/about.php |author=Center for Safe Schools of Pennsylvania, |title=Bullying Prevention advisory}}</ref> |
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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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/chap4toc.html |title=Pennsylvania Academic Standards |author=Pennsylvania State Board of Education}}</ref> |
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==Budget== |
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In 2009, the district reported employing over 100 teachers with a starting salary of $36,892 for 180 days for pupil instruction.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://php.app.com/PAteachers09/results.php?county=Lancaster&LEAname=Columbia+Borough+SD&school=%25&lname=&fname=&assignment=%25&Submit=Search|title=Columbia Borough School District Payroll Report |author=Asbury ark Press |year=2009}}</ref> The average teacher salary was $53,924 while the maximum salary was $108,160.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.openpagov.org/k12_payroll.asp |title=Columbia Borough School District Salary Information |author=Openpagov.org |accessdate=May 3, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119134801/http://www.openpagov.org/k12_payroll.asp |archivedate=November 19, 2010 |df= }}</ref> |
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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.<ref>Teachers need to know enough is enough, ''PaDelcoTimes'', April 20, 2010.</ref> Additionally, Columbia Borough School District teachers receive a defined benefit [[pension]], [[health insurance]], reimbursement for professional development courses, 2 paid personal days, 10 sick days, 5 paid bereavement days and many other benefits. Teachers are paid an additional hourly rate, if they are required to work outside of the regular school day. The school day is 7 hours 35 minutes for teachers. Retirees receive payment for each unused accumulated sick day. Teachers who perform additional duties receive additional in compensation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.openpagov.org/k12_payroll.asp |title=Columbia Borough School District Teachers Union Employment Contract 2008-2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119134801/http://www.openpagov.org/k12_payroll.asp |archivedate=2010-11-19 |df= }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2010/02/post_24.html |title=Legislature must act on educators' pension hole. |publisher=The Patriot News |date=February 21, 2010}}</ref> |
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In 2007, the district employed 110 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $49,690 for 180 school days worked.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://projects.mcall.com/teacher_pay/county/LANCASTER/ave_salary/1/ |author=Fenton, Jacob, |title=Average classroom teacher salary in Lancaster County, 2006-07. |publisher=The Morning Call |accessdate=May 3, 2011}}</ref> |
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Columbia Borough School District administrative costs per pupil in 2008 was $622.45 per pupil. This ranked 416th among Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://projects.mcall.com/school_consolidation/state/county/0/14/ |author=Fenton, Jacob. |title=Pennsylvania School District Data: Will School Consolidation Save Money?, ' |publisher=The Morning Call |date=Feb 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507051342/http://projects.mcall.com/school_consolidation/state/county/0/14/ |archivedate=2012-05-07 |df= }}</ref> |
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In 2008, Columbia Borough School District reported spending $12,517 per pupil. This ranked 218th in the commonwealth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/38541513/Per-Pupil-Spending-in-Pennsylvania-Public-Schools-in-2008-Sort-Spending |title=Per Pupil Spending in Pennsylvania Public Schools in 2008 Sort by Administrative Spending}}</ref> |
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; Reserves |
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In 2009, the district reported $1,293,850 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $1,406,932.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/48409780/PA-School-District-Finances-AFR-General-Fund-Balance-9697-0809 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Fund Balances by Local Education Agency 1997 to 2008}}</ref> |
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In December 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Significant findings were reported to the administration and school board.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/Reports/School.html#Lancaster |title=COLUMBIA BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT |date=December 2010}}</ref> |
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The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cax.aers.psu.edu/taxreform/TaxOptions.htm |title=Which Local Taxes Are Available in Pennsylvania? |author=Penn State Cooperative Extension |year=2007}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/personal_income_tax/11409 |title=Personal Income Tax Information |author=Pennsylvania Department of Revenue |date=May 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213001542/http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/personal_income_tax/11409 |archivedate=2009-12-13 |df= }}</ref> |
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===State basic education funding=== |
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For 2010-11 the Columbia Borough School District received a 2% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $6,799,051 payment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/40153192/PA-Basic-Education-Funding-Printout2-2010-2011 |title=PA House Appropriations Committee Basic Education Funding-Printout2 2010-2011 |author=Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee |date=August 2010}}</ref> In 2010, [[Conestoga Valley School District]] received an 18,51% increase, which was the highest increase in BEF among Lancaster County public school districts. [[Kennett Consolidated School District]] in [[Chester County, Pennsylvania|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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=4571&mode=2 |title=Pennsylvania Budget Proposal, |author=Office of Budget, |date=February 2010}}</ref> |
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In the 2009-2010 budget year, the [[Commonwealth of Pennsylvania]] provided Columbia Borough School District an 8.61% increase in Basic Education funding for a total of $6,665,736. The state Basic Education funding to the district in 2008-09 was $6,137,298.55. The district also received supplemental funding for English language learners, Title 1 federal funding for low-income students, for district size, a poverty supplement from the commonwealth and more.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/2009-2010_education_budget/509747 |title=Basic Education Funding by School District 2009-10 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=October 2009}}</ref> Columbia Borough School District received the highest increase in Lancaster County for the 2009-10 school year at 8.61%. Among the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, [[Muhlenberg School District]] in [[Berks County]] received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/21865360/Basic-Education-Funding-Pennsylvania-Public-Schools-2009-10 |title=Pennsylvania Department of Education Report on Funding by school district |date=October 2009}}</ref> |
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According to the [[Pennsylvania Department of Education]], 746 district students received free or reduced-price lunches due to low family income in the 2007-2008 school year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/40153087/Pennsylvania-Basic-Education-Funding-2009-10-March-2009 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Funding Report by LEA |date=October 2009}}</ref> |
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====Accountability Block Grants==== |
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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 Columbia Borough School District applied for and received $325,644 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide full-day kindergarten for the seventh year and for teacher training.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/pa_accountability_grants/604468 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Accountability Block Grant report 2010, Grantee list 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/23322599/ACCOUNTABILITY-BLOCK-GRANT-Awards |title=Accountability Block Grant Mid Year report |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education}}</ref> |
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====Classrooms for the Future grant==== |
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The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006 to 2009. Columbia Borough School District received did not apply for funding in 2006-07 or in 2007-08. For the 2008-09, school year the district received $74,691. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future grant awards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/reports/performance/special/specff122208.pdf |title=Special Performance Audit Classrooms For the Future grants |author=Pennsylvania Auditor General |date=2008-12-22}}</ref> |
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====Education Assistance grant==== |
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The state's Education Assistance Program 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 Columbia Borough School District received $119,489.<ref>[http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/educational_assistance_program_funding/604415 Pennsylvania Department of Education - Educational Assistance Program Funding 2010-2011 Fiscal Year]</ref> |
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====School Improvement Grant==== |
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In 2010, Pennsylvania received $141 million from the federal department of education, to turn around its worst-performing schools. The funds were disbursed via a competitive grant program.<ref>[http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/federal_programs/7374/school_improvement/619986 Pennsylvania Department of Education School Improvement information]</ref> The Pennsylvania Department of Education has identified 200 Pennsylvania schools as "persistently lowest-achieving," making them eligible for this special funding.<ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/43863410/Pennsylvania-School-Improvement-Grant-Components-Stat-Requirements Pennsylvania School Improvement Grant Components_Stat_Requirements]</ref> Pennsylvania required low performing schools to apply or provide documentation about why they had not applied. The funds must be used, by the district, to turn around schools in one of four ways: school closure, restart - close the school and reopen it as a charter school. The other two options involve firing the principal. One would require at least half the faculty in a chronically poor performing school be dismissed. The second involves intensive teacher training coupled with strong curriculum revision or a longer school day.<ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/44682099/PA-Department-of-Education-School-Improvement-Federal-Funds-for-School-Reforms-to-Boost-Student-Achievement-Awardees PA Department of Education School Improvement Federal Funds for School Reforms to Boost Student Achievement Awardees 2010]</ref> Two district schools qualified for this funding in 2010. Columbia Borough School District Administration did not apply for the grant.<ref>[http://www.votespa.com/portal/server.pt/community/federal_programs/7374/school_improvement_grant_(sig)/797379 School Improvement grants 2010] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717232355/http://www.votespa.com/portal/server.pt/community/federal_programs/7374/school_improvement_grant_(sig)/797379 |date=July 17, 2011 }}</ref> |
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===Federal Stimulus funding=== |
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The district received an extra $1,851,015 in [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009|ARRA]] - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.recovery.pa.gov/ |title=Lancaster County ARRA FUNDING |author=Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307134051/http://www.recovery.pa.gov/ |archivedate=2011-03-07 |df= }}</ref> The funding was for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://casey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/RA_Lancaster.pdf |title=Lancaster County ARRA stimulus Report, |author=Sen Robert Casey |date=August 5, 2010}}</ref> |
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====Race to the Top grant==== |
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School district officials did not apply for the [[Race to the Top]] federal grant which would have brought the district over one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/25626377/Pennsylvania-Race-to-the-Top-School-Districts-Titleia-Allocations-2009-10 |title=Pennsylvania Race to the Top -School Districts Titleia Allocations 2009-10 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=7201&PageID=510952&mode=2&contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/global/news_releases/governor_s_office/news_releases/pennsylvania_s__race_to_the_top__fueled_by_effective_reforms__strong_local_support.html |title=Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education Press Release |date=January 2009}}</ref> Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/25365273/Pennsylvania-Race-to-the-Top-Letter-to-Superintendents |title=Pennsylvania Race to the Top Letter to Superintendents |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=January 2009}}</ref> In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.<ref>Pennsylvania's 'Race to the Top' Fueled by Effective Reforms, Strong Local Support</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/index.html |title=Race to the Top Fund, |author=U.S. Department of Education |date=March 29, 2010}}</ref> |
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===Common Cents state initiative=== |
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The Columbia Borough School Board chose to not participate in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/common_cents/8781 |title=Common Cents program - Making Every Dollar Count |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |accessdate=February 1, 2011}}</ref> After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement any of the recommended cost savings changes. |
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===Real estate taxes=== |
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The Columbia Borough School Board set property tax rates in 2010-2011 at 25.3700 mills.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/40141929/Pennsylvania-Department-of-Education-Finances-Real-Estate-Tax-Rates-2010-11 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Finances_Real Estate Tax Rates 2010-11}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/summaries_of_annual_financial_report_data/7673/afr_excel_data_files/509047 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education, |title=Act 511 Tax Report, 2004}}</ref> |
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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.<ref>[http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/referendum_exceptions/7456 Pennsylvania Department of Education 2010-11 Act 1 of 2006 Referendum Exception Guidelines.]</ref> |
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The School District Adjusted Index for the Columbia Borough School District 2006-2007 through 2010-2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AqCAjQ6eteArdFFCaWRjMUhzSkl5RTYxMjNJN1RQemc&hl=en#gid=0 |title=Special Session Act 1 of 2006 School District Adjusted Index for 2006-2007 through 2011-2012 |author= Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=May 2010}}</ref> |
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* 2006-07 - 5.5%, Base 3.9% |
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* 2007-08 - 4.8%, Base 3.4% |
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* 2008-09 - 6.3%, Base 4.4% |
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* 2009-10 - 5.9%, Base 4.1% |
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* 2010-11 - 4.2%, Base 2.9% |
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* 2011-12 - 2.0%, Base 1.4% |
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Columbia Borough School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 or in 2010-11.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/40402981/Pennsylvania-SSAct1-Act1-Exceptions-Report-2010-2011-April-2010 |title=Pennsylvania SSAct1_Act1 Exceptions Report 2010-2011 April 2010 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/44453061/Pennsylvania-SSAct1-Exception-requests-Report-2009-2010-May-2009 |title=Pennsylvania SSAct1_Act1 Exceptions Report 2009-2010 May 2009 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=April 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dailyitem.com/0100_news/x1174308659/Local-school-tax-assessments-exceed-state-averages |author1=Scarcella, Frank |author2=Pursell, Tricia |title=Local school tax assessments exceed state averages |publisher=The Daily Item |date=May 25, 2010}}</ref> |
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====Property tax relief==== |
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In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Columbia Borough School District was $287 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 2,219 property owners applied for the tax relief.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wgal.com/download/2009/0501/19345089.pdf |title=Estimated Tax Relief Per Homestead and Farmstead May 1, 2009 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=May 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718034901/http://www.wgal.com/download/2009/0501/19345089.pdf |archivedate=2011-07-18 |df= }}</ref> 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 {{convert|10|acre|m2|adj=pre|contiguous}} and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Lancaster County, the highest property tax relief in 2009 was awarded to the approved property owners in [[School District of Lancaster]] at $446. Pennsylvania awarded the highest property tax relief to residents of the [[Chester-Upland School District]] in [[Delaware County, Pennsylvania|Delaware County]] at $632 per homestead and farmstead in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_relief/7452/property_tax_reduction_allocations/510335 |title=Tax Relief per Homestead 5-1-10. Report |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education, |date=May 2010}}</ref> This was the second year Chester Upland School District was the top recipient. |
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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, 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_rent_rebate/11410 |title=Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education}}</ref> |
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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%).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taxfoundation.org/news/show/26742.html |title=New Census Data on Property Taxes on Homeowners, |author1=Tax Foundation |date=September 22, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906212350/http://www.taxfoundation.org/news/show/26742.html |archivedate=2011-09-06 |df= }}</ref> |
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==Extracurriculars== |
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The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policy<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.psba.org/districts_policies/c/137/colu-contents.asp#100 |title=Interscholastic Athletics School District Interscholastic Athletics Policy 123 |author=Columbia Borough School District |date=September 19, 1991}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.psba.org/districts_policies/c/137/POLCOLU122.pdf |title=Columbia Borough School District Cocurricular Activities Policy 122 |author=Columbia Borough School District |date=September 19, 1991}}</ref> |
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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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/35742869/Governor-Rendell-Says-Home-Schooled-Children-Can-Participate-in-School-District-Extracurricular-Activities |title=Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities, |author=Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release, |date=November 10, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.psba.org/districts_policies/c/137/POLCOLU137_1.pdf |title=Columbia Borough School District Co-Curricular Participation By Home Education Students Policy 137-1 |author=Columbia Borough School District |date=March 16, 2006}}</ref> |
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== See also == |
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* [http://www.columbiabsd.org Official website] |
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== |
==External links== |
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* {{Official website|http://www.columbiabsd.org}} |
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<references/> |
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{{Lancaster County School Districts}} |
{{Lancaster County School Districts}} |
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Latest revision as of 03:28, 24 May 2023
| Columbia Borough School District | |
|---|---|
 Map of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Public School Districts. Columbia Borough School District is the small orange area surrounded by green at the left (west) side of the map. | |
| Address | |
200 North Fifth Street
Columbia , Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17512United States | |
| District information | |
| Type | Public |
| Students and staff | |
| District mascot | Crimson Tide |
| Other information | |
| Website | Columbia Borough School District |
The Columbia Borough School District is a diminutive, urban, public school district serving the Borough of Columbia in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.[1] Columbia Borough School District encompasses approximately 2 square miles. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 10,311.It is a member of Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit (IU) 13.
The district operates four schools: Park Elementary School, Columbia Middle School -Taylor Campus, Columbia Middle School -Hill Campus, and Columbia High School.
References
[edit]External links
[edit]Lancaster County, Pennsylvania schools | |||||||||||||||||
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