Districts spend more on cyber schools as enrollment grows Jul 14, 2008
Between 2000 and 2007, school districts in Luzerne County spent almost $6 million on cyber charter school tuitions, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. During 2006-07, the most recent data available, $2,359,881 was paid by districts to cyber charter schools for the tuition of 302 students. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Rendell set to signature bill for education funds Jul 8, 2008
Across the state, the study concluded only 7 percent of Pennsylvania's 501 school districts met the standard in terms of spending per student, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The signing will take place in the board meeting room of the high school, located at 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Upper Darby. (The Delaware County Times, PA)
Two former educators stripped of state accreditation Jun 30, 2008
Last week, it released a list of Notification of Certificate Actions for 22 teachers across the state. John Birkenhead, a former history teacher for the Wilkes-Barre Area School District at Meyers High School, surrendered his certification on April 16 to teach history for grades seven through 12. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
School board approves budget Jun 19, 2008
4 percent on property tax increases following the approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Education of three exceptions under the Taxpayer Relief Act, also known as Act 1. These exceptions pertain to retirement contributions, employee healthcare benefits, and payments on debt incurred for the new building projects, and allow the school district to increase property taxes up to 6. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Grads leave behind the comfort of home Jun 11, 2008
And after she called graduation a "bittersweet" event, and before she certified the students as kosher in the eyes of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Superintendent Amy Sichel took the time to thank Burt for his years of service. "It's the last graduation for Dr. Burt," Sichel said. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Pennsylvania ranks top in technology training May 26, 2008
Dickinson College in Carlisle hosted the fair, which was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Chester County Intermediate Unit, and state education officials touted it as one of many advances in making Pennsylvania a top state in technology training. It looks like their efforts might be working. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
School officials starting energy awareness walk in M'dale May 25, 2008
The Pennsylvania Department of Education and Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak have supported the walk and are partners. Kindja said he hopes students throughout the country have the same opportunities he and Steinly had, which is another reason they want to raise energy awareness. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Pa. education board panel approves student member proposal May 22, 2008
Pennsylvania Department of Education. National Association of State Boards of Education. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Berlin students star in reading DVD May 16, 2008
Kindergarten teacher Josh Spangler wrote a grant application proposing the DVD to the Pennsylvania Department of Education s State Parent Advisory Council. A 500 grant was awarded. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Mom says God led her to Russia for children May 11, 2008
It also included fighting for her children s rights to receive the education they needed and attending meetings with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. A number of factors contributed to her initial decision to adopt. (Wilkes Barre Citizen's Voice, PA)
Meyersdale eyes possible merger May 9, 2008
The Pennsylvania Department of Education projects Meyersdale s enrollment to drop to 835 students by 2017. Karlie said there were about 1,500 students in the district when he started working there 20 years ago. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Act 1 partially offsets school district tax increase May 8, 2008
The school board gained some flexibility following the approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Education of three exceptions under the Pennsylvania Taxpayer Relief Act, also known as Act 1, which allowed the district to exceed the state cap of 4. 4 percent on property tax increases. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Forbes Contractors Return With Request May 8, 2008
No word has been passed down from the Pennsylvania Department of Education as to if the school year will begin after Labor Day. Building and grounds. (Fulton County News, PA)
Cost of expansion at school OK'd Apr 17, 2008
After the upcoming hearing, the district must wait 30 days to take the public's comments into consideration, and then the project plans will be sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for approval, McGuinn said. Following approval, the bid process can begin. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Parents work to save the music in Somerset Apr 9, 2008
The Pennsylvania Department of Education projects Somerset s enrollment to drop by about 300 students by the 2011-12 school year. School enrollment has been decreasing, he said. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
New Report Shows Writing Skills Improving Among Pennsylvania Eighth Graders Apr 4, 2008
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education. Link to this page. (PR Newswire)
Holdren loses state teaching certification Apr 3, 2008
The decision was handed down by the Professional Standards and Practices Commission of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which reviewed Holdren s teaching credential following a Jan. 14 hearing. Holdren was convicted of reckless endangerment by a Luzerne County jury in September for allowing her then 11-year-old son to carry a loaded. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Web sites give access to teacher wages Apr 1, 2008
The paper's Web site says the data, provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, represent 2006-07 salaries for 151,000 public school teachers and administrators. State education department spokesman Leah Harris said the data appear to reflect base salaries. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Northwest Area board, teachers fail to hold new talks Mar 31, 2008
The Pennsylvania Department of Education will calculate the length a strike can last, based on getting in 180 days of instruction by June 15. During Thursday s meeting, the school board set June 11 as the last day of school. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
School notes Mar 31, 2008
Every year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sponsors a Youth Art Month during March. Art teachers are allowed to select three pieces of student artwork to send to the event. (Scranton Times, PA)
Northwest teachers notify board of intention to strike Mar 29, 2008
The Pennsylvania Department of Education was still researching it, Tkatch said. Department officials could not be reached for comment. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Education Technology Expert Kathleen Brautigam Joins Affinity Technology Consultants Mar 28, 2008
March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Kathleen Brautigam, Former Director of Education Technology for the Pennsylvania Department of Education, has joined Affinity Technology Consultants, a leading professional and advisory services and consulting firm. Brautigam will serve as Affinity's Manager of Education Technology Strategy. (PR Newswire)
Time to speak up: surveys are in the mail Mar 15, 2008
The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that the district have a strategic plan, but does not specify how to gather the data necessary to make a needs analysis. The plan, according to Liberaski, is that Essex 3 will provide preliminary findings to NPSD by next month to present to 150 community members, parents and business leaders at another Futures Conference planned for April 23-24 at the PineCrest Country Club in Montgomery Township. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Library Awarded Keystone Grant Mar 7, 2008
The Fulton County Library recently received the exciting news that it was awarded a $500,000 Keystone Grant from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Pennsylvania Department of Education, with funds provided from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation fund. The grant will allow the library to conduct major renovations and expansion to better serve the community. (Fulton County News, PA)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
