Crestwood officials to discuss expansion Mar 3, 2008
The plans will then be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education and an architect will be authorized to begin the design development stage. As we discuss potential expansion, the board needs to make sure our space will accommodate future growth, said Superintendent Dave McLaughlin-Smith. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Adults find hope in GED program Feb 17, 2008
It just comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Education instead of a school district, and it s just as good, Gavlick said. No one can legally turn you away from a job based on that. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Firm outlines plans for Tennent Feb 14, 2008
The feasibility study, required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, provides a formal review of all the educational buildings in the district and its needs. "By looking at all the buildings, the school board is able to see the big picture and make an informed decision about the high school," Centennial School District Superintendent Michael Masko said. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Governor’s education budget will mean more for Luzerne County Feb 11, 2008
No specific data is yet available, but Pennsylvania Department of Education Spokesman Michael Race said the funding increases should enable more schools to take part in desired programs. Our goal is to have every school that wants to participate be able to participate, Race said. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
SF Discusses Feasibility of Tax Rebate For Drivers Jan 25, 2008
Tammi Ifert, Title 1 instructor, and elementary Principal Kendra Trail will be participating in the Pennsylvania Department of Education s Indicators for Success Improvements, Performance and Results. The event will be held in Hershey on February 25-27. (Fulton County News, PA)
Berlin updating technology at schools Jan 25, 2008
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the classroom coach helps teachers integrate technology into effective teaching strategies to enhance student learning. He said that so far, he is getting good feedback on technology upgrades from students and faculty. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Northwest Area fires suspended instructor Jan 24, 2008
The Professional Standards and Practices Commission of the Pennsylvania Department of Education reviewed Holdren s teaching credentials at a hearing on Jan. 14. Superintendent Dr. Nancy Tkatch said a decision on her future has been made, but the district cannot release it publicly for 30 days. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Northwest teacher submits resignation Jan 23, 2008
Holdren s teaching credentials have been under review by the Professional Standards and Practices Commission of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Following a Jan. 14 hearing, the commission is expected to give its decision to the Northwest Area School District, which can release it to the public 30 days later, Tkatch said. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Affirms Order Declaring Charter School Enrollment Caps Illegal Jan 23, 2008
For example, in the PSSA scores released by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in August 2007, the Chester Community Charter School's students scored 60 in math, as compared to 21 for students in the Chester Upland School District's schools, as a whole, and 57 in reading, as compared to 27 for the District's students. Also commenting on the Commonwealth Court's decision was Magisterial District Judge Spencer B. Seaton, Jr., chairman of Chester Community Charter School's board of directors. (PR Newswire)
Rockwood OKs budget with tax hike Jan 23, 2008
The first route is by attaining tax exceptions from the Pennsylvania Department of Education that will allow them to increase taxes over the index. Officials said they planned on getting 150,000 in exceptions, or about three-fourths of a mill. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Students brew bio-diesel fuel from used cooking oil Jan 22, 2008
Jessica and Robert Sellers, a senior at Chambersburg Area Senior High School, created several test batches before coming up with the correct formula using equipment purchased with a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. We found out what worked and what didn't, Jessica added. (Waynesboro Record Herald, PA)
Sentinel Morning Update: Carlisle approves North Dickinson Elementary expansion Jan 18, 2008
She told board members that according to Pennsylvania Department of Education standards, the school should hold only about 150 students. Current enrollment is 214. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
School board OKs district's prelim budget for '08-'09 Jan 17, 2008
The district must apply for the exceptions to the Pennsylvania Department of Education by Feb. 7, and the PDE must grant or deny the exceptions by Feb. 27, the memo states. The total preliminary budget for next year is $43,840,605, an increase of $2,307,530, or 5. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Fifth-grader asks school board why her classroom has too few textbooks Jan 17, 2008
A pilot program in Mowrey Elementary this year, funded by a Pennsylvania Department of Education grant, uses the modules, Walker said, and science teachers in the other three elementary schools are educating students using themed activities and worksheets until the DOE can provide enough funding for a similar program in their elementary schools ... n Walker expressed concerns about the upcoming Pennsylvania Department of Education vote that will likely create a graduation competency exam, saying... (Waynesboro Record Herald, PA)
The Widener University 'Elder Pennsylvanian Survey' Finds Pennsylvania's Baby Boomers Anticipate Working Longer, Retiring Later to Help Offset Looming Health Care Costs Jan 16, 2008
Widener University, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, recently released "The Widener Elder Pennsylvanian Survey," aimed at investigating the outlook of this demographic ... Brucker is the principle investigator on a Pennsylvania Financial Gerontology Survey funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, as well as co-author of "The Widener Elder Pennsylvanian Survey: Baby Boomers to Centenarians Volume 1." The telephonic survey, conducted in cooperation with... (PR Newswire)
Former Somerset teacher surrenders certification Jan 10, 2008
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Stephen W. Shaffer surrendered his teaching certificate in November because of a personal, romantic, sexual relationship with (a) student. Leah Harris, department spokeswoman, said the department was only familiar with the reason for Shaffer s action because of an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
State urges tougher graduation requirements Jan 9, 2008
According to Pennsylvania Department of Education Spokesman Michael Race, many students perform poorly on the PSSAs which cover reading, writing and math but are still allowed to graduate without displaying an appropriate level of academic proficiency. The goal behind the GCAs is to ensure students are prepared for life after high school, whether in college or in the workplace, Race said. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
ABCs, thanks to Pre-K Counts Jan 6, 2008
Leah Harris, a Pennsylvania Department of Education spokeswoman, said the amount to be requested by the governor is not known yet, but she said the proposed funding would likely be the same or grow for the next fiscal year. State Rep. (Scranton Times, PA)
Rockwood schools to ask voters for 5.35-mill tax increase Dec 27, 2007
To exceed the index, district officials need to receive tax exceptions from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Somerset County Court of Common Pleas. The increase can also be passed by popular vote on April 22. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Hurdles to revitalization not so high Dec 24, 2007
He stressed LCCC was following the procedure all community colleges follow, and fulfilled all the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The county has traditionally supported capital projects, Leary said. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
School district in search of leader Dec 24, 2007
30-day news archives. "Although the salary for the position is negotiable, the general range is between $95,000 and $110,000, Sumner said.Of the applicants, half live out of state and half live in Florida, including two in Brevard. Three applicants are women and two applicants graduated from a Brevard public high school, including one who currently lives in Idaho. A ninth applicant applied for the position but recently withdrew.Isabel Rincon moved from California to Melbourne in late August and... (Florida Today)
Suspended Northwest Area teacher jailed again Dec 22, 2007
Holdren s teaching credentials are still being reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, said Northwest Area Superintendent Nancy Tkatch. Holdren will remain on unpaid suspension until the state agency makes a determination, she said. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
House arrest given to teacher whose son took gun to school Dec 21, 2007
Holdren remains on unpaid suspension while the status of her teaching certificate is reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Her son was expelled from the district because of the incident and has not applied for reinstatement. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
School plans get approval Dec 20, 2007
- Several documents required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for construction reimbursements for the new West and Kennedy Elementary schools were approved. - Thomas Gilbride, who is no relation to board President Tom Gilbride, was appointed as recycling coordinator and daytime foreman, at a salary of $52,741. (Scranton Times, PA)
Rockwood board considers tax increase Dec 20, 2007
To get a tax increase over the Act 1 index, Rockwood would have to qualify for exceptions from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Somerset County Court of Common Pleas. Bowers said that he and other members of the board and administration would be in contact with the department to see how many exceptions the district may qualify for. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Budget includes 4.8 percent tax increase Dec 20, 2007
4 percent hike allowed under state law, but the district may apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for an exception, Victor Orlando, the district's business administrator, told the board. The tax increase, if enacted, will result in a real estate tax bill f $4,174 - an increase of $202 - for a homeowner with a property assessed at the township average of $165,095, Orlando said. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Wyoming Area resolution will limit tax increases Dec 19, 2007
According to business manager Tom Melone, the resolution will restrict the board from raising property taxes by more than 5. 44 mills for Luzerne County residents and 3. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Athens Area School District: Board resolves to limit potential tax hike Dec 12, 2007
That figure represents the maximum allowable increase as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. With the current millage rate of 40. (Sayre Evening Times, PA)
Early Abington School District budget ups real estate taxes Dec 12, 2007
4 percent index, the maximum allowed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the school district. The exceptions to the index - which need PDE approval - include about $207,700 in special education funding and $110,500 in health care-related benefits and would equate to an additional $13 for a taxpayer owning the $141,130 house. (Springfield Sun, PA)
ESL programs on the increase Dec 9, 2007
Mechanicsburg Area School District has seen a steady increase in its number of ESL students, from 44 in school year 2000-01 to 78 in 2005-06, according to statistics kept by the district and the Pennsylvania Department of Education ... Pennsylvania Department of Education spokesman Michael Race said people should not read too much into the school district data. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Summit focuses on keeping youth in the area Dec 8, 2007
Jay Cannon, state administrator of career counseling service with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, said getting a child on a career path needs to start at an early age to help students turn dreams into reality. The world of work has changed drastically, he said. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
W-B Area officials credit staff for awards at Meyers, GAR Dec 5, 2007
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Title 1 is a form of federal funding available for disadvantaged students. It is currently provided to nearly every school district in the state. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Educators decry a lack of 'global focus' in classrooms Nov 30, 2007
"Respect is a key word, both for traveling Americans and towards foreign visitors or immigrants here. A lot more work remains to be done if we are to understand the thought processes and cultural nuances." Mike Race, deputy press secretary with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, points out that educators now refer to "world" languages instead of "foreign" languages ... To foster cultural exchange, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has begun a sister school exchange. (Pennsylvania Northeast Business Journal, PA)
Abington School Board preparing to 'jump through hoops' Nov 28, 2007
Now, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Web site, there are 18 steps for the school district to accomplish in order to adopt the final budget. The deadline to adopt the 2008-09 budget is June 30; the Abington School District will hold all of its budget hearings during regular and supplemental meetings, the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, respectively, so it is slated to adopt its final budget June 24. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Lake-Lehman calendar change prompts unfair labor charge Nov 22, 2007
Based on the calendar approved by the board before classes started, the Pennsylvania Department of Education determined the strike could last through Nov. 8 to get the 180 days in by June 15, or by Nov. 26 to get them in by June 30, the absolute deadline. At the time the teachers called the strike, the school calendar set the last day at June 13. (Wilkes Barre Citizen's Voice, PA)
CF Conducts Short Meeting Nov 22, 2007
For the past four years, the Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Association of Federal Program Coordinators have given Keystone Achievement Awards as a public recognition of the fine work and commitment of Pennsylvania educators and students to our shared goal of increasing student achievement for all students, stated Gerald Zahorchak, Pennsylvania Department of Education secretary of education, in a letter sent to the district. We hope you will view these awards as a sign of our... (Fulton County News, PA)
Little mention made of strike at Lake-Lehman Nov 20, 2007
n Sixth-grader Kaylee Hillard had an acrylic painting on display in Harrisburg in October as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Education s annual art exhibit, Lehman-Jackson Principal Marilyn Glogowski said. Hillard received a certificate from state Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
School Board still must pare budget Nov 20, 2007
Recognized 13 schools for achieving Adequate Yearly Progress from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for two consecutive years. The 12 elementary schools that achieved the distinction are: John Adams, John Audubon , George Bancroft, John F. Kennedy, Lincoln-Jackson, John Marshall, McNichols Plaza, William Prescott, Robert Morris, Charles Sumner, John Whittier and Francis Willard. (Scranton Times, PA)
Autism rates on the increase Nov 15, 2007
Statistics show autism growth Statistics compiled by the Pennsylvania Department of Education demonstrate the alarming growth of autism diagnoses. Statewide, the number of students (preschoolers in early intervention programs as well as students attending public or charter schools through age 21) with autism increased twentyfold in little more than a decade -- from 498 in 1993-94 to 10,315 in 2005-2006. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Study puts $22 billion price tag on educating Pa. students Nov 15, 2007
Pennsylvania Department of Education. Local News. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Few air views on school plans Nov 15, 2007
The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires districts to have the hearings in order to qualify for any kind of reimbursement. After a presentation about plans for Kennedy Elementary, which with the $12. (Scranton Times, PA)
Sayre Area School District: Board approves ‘Common Cents' initiative; Program to explore possible shared services with neighboring districts ... Sayre Elks honor veterans at Tioga Nursing ... Town of Barton: Council approves 2008 budget; Spending plan contains less than half-percent tax hike ... ';var marqueewidth="350px";var marqueeheight="25px";var marqueebgcolor="#FFFFFF";////NO NEED TO EDIT BELOW THIS LINE////////////var pauseit=1;var marqueespeed=1 //slow speed down by 1 for NSvar copyspeed=marqueespeedvar pausespeed=(pauseit==0)? copyspeed: 0var iedom=document.all||document.getElementByIdif (iedom)document.write(''+marqueecontent+'')var actualwidth=''var cross_marquee, ns_marqueefunction populate(){if (iedom){cross_marquee=document.getElementById? document.getElementById("iemarquee") : document.all.iemarqueecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"cross_marquee.innerHTML=marqueecontentactualwidth=document.all? temp.offsetWidth : document.getElementById("temp").offsetWidth}else if (document.layers){ns_marquee=document.ns_marquee.document.ns_marquee2ns_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8ns_marquee.document.write(marqueecontent)ns_marquee.document.close()actualwidth=ns_marquee.document.width}lefttime=setInterval("scrollmarquee()",20)}window.onload=populate;function scrollmarquee(){if (iedom){if (parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))cross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)-copyspeed+"px"elsecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"}else if (document.layers){if (ns_marquee.left>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))ns_marquee.left-=copyspeedelsens_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8}}if (iedom||document.layers){with (document){document.write('')if (iedom){write('')write('')write('')write('')}else if (document.layers){write('')write('')write('')}document.write('')}}Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Pictured here are Sayre High School's students of the month for October, recognized by Principal Sam Cessna at Monday night's school board meeting. They are, from left, Mollie Robinson, seventh grade; Alex Lyons, eighth grade; Katie Sealander, 11th grade; and Luke Skerpon, 12th grade.Photo by Amanda Baird Sayre Area School District: Board approves ‘Common Cents' initiative; Program to explore possible shared services with neighboring districts Nov 13, 2007
District Superintendent Dean Hosterman explained that Common Cents is an initiative developed by Gov. Ed Rendell and the Pennsylvania Department of Education in which PDE will put forth 1 million to send consultants into accepted school districts to study those districts' current operations and suggest ways to share certain services with neighboring districts to streamline those operations and save money. We already use a lot of shared services, said Hosterman, who cited student transportation... (Sayre Evening Times, PA)
Some districts struggle to provide ESL Nov 9, 2007
"The Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines issued in their basic education circulars make it clear that a school district enrolling children can make no inquiry as to an individual's immigration status," says Eric Forsyth, director of administrative services for the East Stroudsburg School District. While the district has no data to substantiate experts' data, East Stroudsburg works to meet other challenges it sees. (Pennsylvania Northeast Business Journal, PA)
CASD outlines ‘vision for change' at career center Nov 2, 2007
n Possible recertification of FCCTC programs by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The CASD does not think that should be necessary. (Waynesboro Record Herald, PA)
Athens Area School District: Officials pleased with latest PSSA results Oct 25, 2007
PDE (Pennsylvania Department of Education) has added a new community' titled Standards Aligned Systems on their Education Hub. The purpose of Standards Aligned Systems is to aid in continual school and district improvement. (Sayre Evening Times, PA)
Pennsylvania First Lady Urges Students to Become Leaders Oct 23, 2007
PennCORD is a coalition led by the Governor's Office of the First Lady, the National Constitution Center, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. It represents a unique union of educational, advocacy and governmental organizations that are committed to improving civic learning for Pennsylvania students in grade K-12. (PR Newswire)
Free career development classes Oct 20, 2007
The program is sponsored by Mount Aloysius College and is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Career and Technical Education. All services are free and confidential. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Three-year teachers' contract OK'd Oct 18, 2007
4 percent, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Web site. Another potential cost-saving device in the contract is the early retirement incentive, which will be offered if 10 teachers or more decide to retire at the end of the school year. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Milton nixes state proposal Oct 18, 2007
No motion was made to approve the Pennsylvania Department of Education Shared Services/Common Cents Initiative. Superintendent Dr. William Clark did not support the offer. (Milton Standard Journal, PA)
Teachers walk the line Oct 16, 2007
It will take a day or two for the Pennsylvania Department of Education to notify the union how long the strike can last, he said. Unofficial consensus is 14 to 16 days, maximum. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Clear backpacks 'no longer an item of discussion' Oct 11, 2007
In other business, the board accepted a Classrooms for the Future grant of $457,470 for the district's technology initiative from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Friday is a districtwide in-service day for staff technology training. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Suspended teacher appears in front of judge, no longer deemed a threat Oct 5, 2007
Holdren will remain on unpaid suspension until the Pennsylvania Department of Education rules how the conviction affects her certifications. jconmy@citizensvoice. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
State initiative can help schools cut costs Oct 4, 2007
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has allotted $1 million to the "Common Cents" program, which promotes shared services within intermediate units and with nearby intermediate in order to save money. "I plan to research this immediately. It's something I would like us to pursue," said Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18 human resources director Russ Bigus. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
District working for state funding Sep 28, 2007
Dallara explained that the state has a pool of money from which it pays career-tech centers and comprehensive high schools a per-pupil reimbursement for students who take courses that are pproved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Schools must offer a minimum of eight career-tech courses to qualify. (Waynesboro Record Herald, PA)
Somerset Area School Board seeks changes in funding allocations Sep 26, 2007
Shaulis contacted the Pennsylvania Department of Education to find out why the subsidy formula is inequitable. I don t know why this has been going on for so long, he said. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
HHS To Benefit From Major Technology Grant Sep 21, 2007
The more than 366 thousand grant, entitled lassrooms for the Future is through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. It'll allow for the purchase of more computers, projectors, smart boards, etc. (Honesdale Wayne Independent, PA)
Mom makes mad dash for door after guilty verdict Sep 20, 2007
The Pennsylvania Department of Education will be notified of the conviction and make a determination on how it affects Linnea Holdren's certification, said Superintendent Nancy Tkatch. The Holdrens' son, who is now 12, was expelled from the district. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Board mulls steps to meet standards Sep 20, 2007
Last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which is responsible for monitoring adequate yearly progress, required 45 percent of juniors to score in the proficient or advanced range in mathematics on the PSSAs, and 58. 7 percent of them did so, Ostrum said. (Springfield Sun, PA)
MMI Preppers start first-ever soccer team Sep 17, 2007
Grant amounts were decided based on enrollment figures in four core subjects: math, science, English and social studies, said Pennsylvania Department of Education spokesman Michael Race. "We're pretty excited," said George Joseph, network systems analyst for Hazleton Area. (Wilkes Barre Citizen's Voice, PA)
Letter to the editor/East: What's best for Penn Hills taxpayers? Sep 13, 2007
The Pennsylvania Department of Education projected in March 2006 that student enrollment in grades 10-12 would drop 360 students, or 26 percent over the next nine years. This could mean that in the 2014-15 school year, the ninth grade could be moved to the high school without an $84. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Sayre Area School District: District to hire ‘Classrooms for the Future' coach Sep 11, 2007
Classrooms for the Future is a relatively new program developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Sayre Area School District this year received a grant from the state of over 171,000 to institute the program's initiatives. (Sayre Evening Times, PA)
LCCC's master plan reshapes Nanticoke Sep 5, 2007
These plans are coming to life, now that the Pennsylvania Department of Education has approved the $20 million first phase of Luzerne County Community College's master plan. It calls for renovation of existing buildings and the creation of new ones, like a culinary arts center at Main and Market streets and the purchase of the Kanjorski Center on East Main Street for a health sciences facility. (Wilkes Barre Citizen's Voice, PA)
Lone red mark irritates district Sep 5, 2007
Presenting then preliminary data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education during an Aug. 28 school board meeting, it was learned the school district attained AYP for this year. However, one of its nine schools did not earn AYP as required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 - the senior high school. (Ambler Gazette, PA)
School Board member returning donation Sep 5, 2007
In the only formal action addressing the school plan, the board voted 6-1 to submit parts A and B of a process known as PlanCon, to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The parts deal with project justification and schematic design. (Scranton Times, PA)
State changes teaching guidelines Sep 5, 2007
Faculty from the Penn State College of Education met with the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help design the new regulations for education certification. Changes include a mandatory dual certification for special education students, said Jacqeline Edmondson, associate dean for teacher education and undergraduate programs at the College of Education. (Daily Collegian, PA)
