Pennsylvania Schools Spend $15,798 Per Year On Each Student

Though the exact figure differs from school district to school district, Pennsylvanians spend a lot of money to educate their children. We are the 10th largest spender in the nation when it comes to education, according to a report in Governing.   

Here are some details.

* We spend $15,798 per pupil, with revenues that amount to $19,780 per pupil. 

* Most of the money spent is derived locally (54.9%) with the state (38.7%) and federal government (6.4%) contributing much smaller amounts. In most states, the state government contributes far more tto public education. 

* The lion's share of the money received is spent on instruction ($9,719). Only $679 goes to school administrators. 

* Pennsylvania has dramatically increased spending (13.2%) over the last three years 

Lehigh Valley School Districts Get Lousy Report Cards

The Lehigh Valley fares poorly in the latest Niche rating of public school districts. This ranking is based on "rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with test scores, college data, and ratings collected from millions of Niche users."

Parkland School District is ranked 21st in the state, which is nice. Its grade is A plus, which is even nicer. There were 18 generally positive reviews, too. But from there it goes downhill.

#64 - East Penn School District
#72 - Wilson Area School District
#80 - Nazareth Area School District (Although the reviews were generally good, one student complained that "I was bullied and was treated unfairly because of my race at this school. The administration did nothing and I had to handle this on my own. I pray for any kid that has to go to this school. My best advice is to get your education and make it out on top. Don't worry about people, worry about your future."
#87 - Southern Lehigh School District
#96 - Palisades School District
#105 - Salisbury Tp School District
#112 - Northwestern Lehigh School District
#117 - Saucon Valley School District
#141 - Whitehall Coplay School District
#145 - Bethlehem Area School District (There were an amazing 29 reviews, and only one was negative)
#155 - Northampton Area School District
#161 - Lehighton Area School District
#208 - Easton Area School District

After #262, Niche stops ranking the schools and assigns a grade instead.

B minus:
Pen Argyl Area School District
Bangor Area School District
Catasauqua Area School District
Northern Lehigh School District

C Minus:

Allentown City School District.

Interestingly, there were 13 reviews of Allentown from former students who were generally positive. One former student said it is "like being in a melting pot of different cultures and races." Another complimented the teachers as "encouraging" and "well-rounded."

How Much Did State Spend on LV Schools?

Though I avoid covering school districts if I can, I'll be the first to agree it's where most public money is spent. In the state Budget that has finally been adopted for 2015/2016, all Lehigh Valley Schools saw increases, which you can see on the Department of Education website.

The funding below is just for basic, and not special, education. As you can see,all Lehigh Valley school districts received small increases, excepting Bethlehem. The increase in funding for Bethlehem was 6.9%, and really stands out in comparison to other school districts. The smallest increase - 1.6% - went to Northwestern Lehigh.

State subsidies to school districts have dropped from over 50% in the 1970's to just 35%.

Northampton

Bangor - from $9,457,706 to $9,723,681. 2.0% increase
Bethlehem - from $29,326,976 to $31,357,385. 6.9% increase
Easton - from $20,016,858 to $20,662,708. 3.2% increase
Nazareth - from $8,687,012 to $8,865,486. 2.1% increase
Northampton - from $13,394,465 to $13,864,989. 3.5% increase
Pen Argyl - from $4,749,299 to $4,896,869. 3.1% increase
Saucon Valley - from $2,949,230 to $3,022,603. 2.5% increase
Wilson - from $5,393,334 to $5,580,981. 3.5% increase

Lehigh

Allentown - from $100,898,826 to $103,531,954. 2.6% increase
Catasauqua - from $4,068,869 to $4,162,157. 2.3% increase
East Penn - from $11,209,456 to $11,552,729. 3.1% increase
Northern Lehigh - from $6,948,973 to $7,147,259. 2.9% increase
Northwestern Lehigh - from $5,597,871 to $5,685,419. 1.6% increase
Parkland - from $7,066,468 to $7,260,292. 2.7% increase
Salisbury - from $2,260,802 to $2,325,184. 2.8% increase
Southern Lehigh - from $4,368,501 to $4,461,447. 2.1% increase
Whitehall- from $7,405,210 to $7,563,722. 2.1% increase

Armstrong: Allentown's Children Deserve Better

Message to ASD Parents

The Allentown School District is facing very difficult times. Less federal funding, almost flat state funding and dramatically increasing employee related costs have compromised our financial situation. This is not a one year problem; unless something changes, the same troubling dynamic could be in place for the next few years.

In spite of the lost revenues and increased costs, the Allentown School District, like every other PA school district, is mandated by the state to produce a balanced budget. The board has only three avenues to achieve the balance and close the projected 20 million dollar budget gap, raise taxes, cut expenses and spend down the reserve fund. In spite of the hardship that will be imposed on the district’s homeowners, taxes will have to be raised by the maximum allowed by the state. Since, however, the budget cannot be balanced with just a tax increase, the board has directed the administration to produce a plan to reduce spending. The resulting cost reduction plan calls for the furloughing of 140 district employees. With the combination of tax increases and employee furloughs we are closer to balance, but the district may be forced to spend some of the vital reserve fund. That is the extent of the problem.

These cuts will negatively impact the quality of education your child receives. Although the district and the school board are striving to preserve and even improve education in the ASD, it is important that you understand the board of directors does not have the ways or means necessary to provide a better alternative. The best we can do is to draw up similarly depressing plans which include tax increases, employee furloughs and spending down the reserve fund. Therefore, concerned parents may want to contact both their state and federal representatives. Urge these leaders to assist Pennsylvania’s 4th largest school district in its mission to provide a quality education to some of the state’s poorest children. The district needs legislative relief from the exploding costs of public pensions, employee benefits, and prevailing wage mandates, just to name a few. Any additional funds could also offset potential cuts in all day kindergarten and Arts programming.

Remember, public education should be the nation’s number one anti-poverty program. It will be this area’s poorest children who will be harmed the most if much needed assistance isn’t received by the state and federal government. Certainly, Allentown’s children deserve better than this.

Blogger's Note: In addition to being my favorite conservative writer, Scott Armstrong is an Allentown School Director.

Freedom HS Salutes 487 Graduating Seniors

Kristoff Riley and his proud family

Freedom High School said goodbye to its graduating Seniors at a packed Stabler Arena on June 5. Teacher after teacher hugged graduates. Graduates hugged each other. Nearly 5,000 proud family members snapped pictures on cell phones and cameras. Secretaries from the Principal's office - mini-moms - recited the names of just about every one of  the 487 students as they were awarded their diplomas. The theme resonating from each speaker, whether student or faculty, was one of family.

In fact, that was the theme among most of the speakers. 

The ceremony started when Freedom's Fife and Drum Corps presented Valedictorian Alexa S. Curto, who smiled her entire way to the stage. She was followed by the entire class.

Laura Scheirer, John Buchner and Paul Skersis

"We put the riot back in Patriot," announced Class President John T. Buchner. He was referring to the infamous Riot Squad. Also called Freedom Family, they led Freedom Patriots in cheers during this year's basketball season. Nearly 1,000 raucous fans, one of them dressed as Moses, tossed T-shirts in the air as Freedom beat intra-city rival Liberty High School in double OT during an exciting game at the end of the season.

After the graduation ceremony, the Riot Squad led Seniors in a final cheer. This time, instead of T-shirts, the Oxford caps worn at commencement exercises sailed high into the air.

Graduating Senior Courtney L. Barrow, speaking to the audience, claimed something special happened in the last year. A divided class suddenly came together, not just for basketball games, but in everything. AP enrollment soared. A scholastic scrimmage team placed second throughout the state. There were 17 Freddy nominations in musical theater. "The Freedom family feeling was contagious," she stated.

Another graduate, Paul W. Skersis, spoke of a school that was divided among jocks, bandies, cheerleaders and other groups. But this year, "the proverbial walls fell."

Dr. Joseph Roy, Superintendent of Bethlehem's Schools, noticed. He credited Freedom's departing Seniors with exhibiting "more school community spirit than any class I saw."

Joanne Carraghan, one of the "mini moms" in the Principal's office, marveled at the graduating class. She stated there were "no barriers" and that the Seniors "embraced everyone."

Moon Nguyen, with sis Nina and om Queenie

Each of the 487 graduates was individually recognized, learning of his or her individual awards only when his or her name was called. Seth Herndon Watlington, for example, learned of his appointment to the Naval Academy when he was called to the stage. He walked on with his square graduation cap, but left with a Navy baseball cap.

Before leaving, Principal Michael LaPorta recognized the students who will enter military service. They received a standing ovation.

Michael Faccinetto, President of the School Board, stated in his remarks that most people in the workforce are "disengaged." But there appears to be little danger of that from this graduating class.

From Left: Principal Michael LaPorta, Super. Joseph Roy, School Board Prez  Michael  Faccinetto

Bethlehem School District to Target Undervalued Properties

A cavernous but largely empty auditorium at East Hills Middle School was the venue for February 27's Bethlehem School Board meeting. Those few hardy souls who did appear were greeted by a 33-page agenda as school officials and board members peered over Mac Notebooks. But when the meeting started, directors raced through the agenda, finishing business in less than an hour. School Board President Michael Faccinetto explained to onlookers that the new agenda, which organizes school district business by committee, should streamline meetings.

He was correct. Every agenda item passed unanimously, with little or no discussion. In fact, the lengthiest portions of the meeting were the occasional rounds of applause for honored students and administrators. Teachers union president Jolene Vitalos tried for a round of applause herself, announcing "pom pom" awards for teachers who go "beyond the call of duty."

Only one item of actual school district business - a contract that will allow the school district to go after properties it believes are under-assessed - was discussed after Bethlehem resident Randy Toman questioned several provisions. An agreement with Keystone Realty Advisors, a New Jersey firm, will give that firm a finder's fee if it discovers properties whose assessments are too low, and the district is ultimately successful in increasing the valuation in what is called a "reverse appeal."

Faccinetto corrected Toman's assertion that Keystone Realty would be paid upfront, noting that payment (30% of the increased taxes for three years) would only be made as taxes are collected. Superintendent Joseph Roy added, "All the risk is on that firm. ... It comes back to the Board to decide which ones we want to pursue."

Without comment, board members also unanimously approved a three-year energy savings agreement with Tangent Energy Solutions. In exchange for reducing electrical consumption up to ten times between June and September, the school district will earn $387,200, including a $69,789 advance payment.

The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for March 19, 7 PM, at the East Hills Middle School auditorium.