Punxsutawney Area School District


Punxsutawney Area School District is a midsized, rural/suburban public school district located in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania and Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Punxsutawney Area School District encompasses approximately. In Indiana County, Canoe, Banks, and North Mahoning Townships are part of district boundaries. Punxsutawney, Worthville, Big Run, and Timblin are Jefferson County boroughs that are served. The townships of Bell, Gaskill, Young, Perry, Porter, Ringgold, Olver, McCalmont, and Henderson are also part of the district. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 22,055 people. According to District officials, in school year 2007-08, Punxsutawney Area School District provided basic educational services to 2,589 pupils. Punxsutawney Area School District employed: 213 teachers, 203 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 14 administrators. Punxsutawney Area School District received more than $21.1 million in state funding in school year 2007-08.
Punxsutawney Area School District operates 2 schools, including one K - 6 Building, The Punxsutawney Area Elementary School and the Punxsutawney Area High School which includes students in 7-12th Grade. Students may also attend Jefferson County -DuBois Area Vocational Technical School.

Governance

The school district is governed by 9 individually elected board members, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills. The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the Punxsutawney Area School Board and district administration a " D-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.

Academic achievement

Punxsutawney Area School District was ranked 338th out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2012. The ranking was based on student academic achievement as demonstrated on the last three years of the PSSAs for: reading, writing math and science. The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th and the 11th grade in high school. Adapted examinations are given to children in the special education programs.
;Overachiever statewide ranking:
In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times also reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Punxsutawney Area School District ranked 154th. In 2011, the district was 224th. The editor describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced-price lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."
;District AYP status history:
In 2011, Punxsutawney Area School District achieved Adequate Yearly Progress. In 2011, 94 percent of the 500 Pennsylvania public school districts achieved the No Child Left Behind Act progress level of 72% of students reading on grade level and 67% of students demonstrating on grade level math. In 2011, 46.9 percent of Pennsylvania school districts achieved Adequate Yearly Progress based on student performance. An additional 37.8 percent of school districts made AYP based on a calculated method called safe harbor, 8.2 percent on the growth model and 0.8 percent on a two-year average performance. Punxsutawney Area School District achieved AYP status each year from 2006 to 2010.
In 2011, the graduation rate was 87%. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Punxsutawney Area High School's graduation rate was 92% for 2010.
;According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
Punxsutawney Area High School is located at 500 North Findley Street, Punxsutawney. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, for the 2019-2020 school year the projected number of students is 896 for 7-12th grade., In 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 1,019 pupils in grades 8th through 12th, with 400 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 74 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 14:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.
In 2010 and 2011, Punxsutawney Area High School achieved AYP status.
;PSSA results:
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 18% of the Punxsutawney Area High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges. 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. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

Punxsutawney Area 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 offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions. For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of 21,094 for the program.

SAT scores

From January to June 2011, students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was. The Math average score was. The Writing average score was. Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479. In the United States, 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing.

SAT scores

From January to June 2011, 148 Punxsutawney Area students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 477. The Math average score was 496. The Writing average score was 489. Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479. In the United States, 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing.

Graduation requirements

The School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 22 credits to graduate, including: mathematics 4 credits, English - 4 credits, social studies 3 credits, science 3 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Health 0.5 credits, Computer Applications, Career Education, Family and Consumer Science and electives. All students must achieve at the proficient or advanced level on the eleventh grade PSSA, the twelfth grade PSSA re-take tests, or the mid or end of the year 12th grade local assessments to graduate.
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.
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class of 2017, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature 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. In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit - 49% on grade level. Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

Eighth grade

;PSSA Results:
;8th Grade Reading
8th Grade Math:
8th Grade Science:
The Punxsutawney Area Middle School no longer exists. It was changed to a K - 6 Grade Elementary Building as of the 2018-2019 School year. The Punxsutawney Area Middle School was located at 465 Beyer Avenue, Punxsutawney. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 727 pupils in grades 4th through 7th, with 347 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 55 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.
;PSSA Results:
7th Grade Reading
7th Grade Math:
6th Grade Reading:
6th Grade Math:
5th Grade Reading:
5th Grade Math:
;4th Grade Reading:
;4th Grade Math:
;4th Grade Science:
Starting with the 2018-2019 school year, all 6 elementary school buildings were closed. The West End School is now used at a central office. All students in K - 6 grade now attend one elementary school located at the former Middle School Location at 465 Beyer Avenue, Punxsutawney, PA. The principal is Dr. Michael Guidice and the Vice-Principal is Mrs. Smelko.
Enrollment for K - 6 for the 2018-2019 school year was 1108, projected enrollment for 2019-2020 is 1113.
CLOSED as of 2018-2019 School Year. Bell Township Elementary School is located at 662 Airport Road, Punxsutawney. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 96 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 52 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a federal Title I school. Bell Township Elementary School employed 6.5 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind. In 2010 and 2011, Bell Township Elementary School achieved AYP status.
;PSSAs:
;3rd Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 92%,. State - 77%
  • 2010 - 79%,. State - 75%
  • 2009 - 94%,. State - 77%
  • 2008 - 91%,. State - 70%
  • 2007 - 87%,. State - 72%
;3rd Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 92%, 56% advanced. State - 83%
  • 2010 - 100%, 25% advanced. State - 84%
  • 2009 - 89%, 47% advanced. State - 81%
  • 2008 - 95%, 66% advanced. State - 80%
  • 2007 - 86%, 50% advanced. State - 78%
Closed as of 2018-2019 school year Jenks Hill Elementary School is located at According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 78 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 60 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a Title I school. The school employed 7.7 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 10:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. In 2010 and 2011, Jenks Hill Elementary School achieved AYP status.
;3rd Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 79%,. State - 77%
  • 2010 - 71%,. State - 75%
  • 2009 - 72%,. State - 77%
  • 2008 - 78%,. State - 70%
  • 2007 - 54%,. State - 72%
;3rd Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 74%,. State - 83%
  • 2010 - 82%,. State - 84%
  • 2009 - 88%,. State - 81%
  • 2008 - 85%, 50% advanced. State - 80%
  • 2007 - 72%,. State - 78%
Closed as of the 2018-2019 school year. Longview Elementary School is located at 19466 Route 119 Hwy North, Punxsutawney. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 90 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 51 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school is a Title I school. The school employed 6.7 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind. In 2010 and 2011, Longview Elementary School achieved AYP status.
;3rd Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 83%,. State - 77%
  • 2010 - 95%, 55% advanced. State - 75%
  • 2009 - 73%,. State - 77%
  • 2008 - 77%,. State - 70%
  • 2007 - 66%,. State - 72%
;3rd Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 78%, 57% advanced. State - 83%
  • 2010 - 95%, 70% advanced. State - 84%
  • 2009 - 86%, 73% advanced. State - 81%
  • 2008 - 92%, 52% advanced. State - 80%
  • 2007 - 66%,. State - 78%
Closed as of the 2018-2019 school year. Parkview Elementary School is located at 478 Main Street, Anita. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 69 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 38 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 6.5 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 10:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind. In 2010 and 2011, Parkview Elementary School achieved AYP status.
;3rd Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 81%,. State - 77%
  • 2010 - 85%,. State - 75%
  • 2009 - 61%,. State - 77%
  • 2008 - 87%,. State - 70%
  • 2007 - 72%,. State - 72%
;3rd Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 81%,. State - 83%
  • 2010 - 85%,. State - 84%
  • 2009 - 72%,. State - 81%
  • 2008 - 81%,. State - 80%
  • 2007 - 72%,. State - 78%
Closed as of the 2018-2019 school year. West End Elementary School is located at 300 Center Street, Punxsutawney According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 149 pupils in grades kindergarten through 3rd, with 90 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. This is a Title I school. The school employed 12 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 12:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind. In 2010 and 2011, West End Elementary School achieved AYP status.
;3rd Grade Reading:
  • 2011 - 89%,. State - 77%
  • 2010 - 70%,. State - 75%
  • 2009 - 63%,. State - 77%
  • 2008 - 9 pupils too few to report data
  • 2007 - 72%,. State - 72%
;3rd Grade Math:
  • 2011 - 87%,. State - 83%
  • 2010 - 80%,. State - 84%
  • 2009 - 81%,. State - 81%
  • 2008 - too few pupils to report data.
  • 2007 - 72%,. State - 78%