California Area School District - Budget

Budget

In 2009, the district reports employing over 80 teachers with a starting salary of $$35,475 for 180 days for pupil instruction and 186 days total. The average teacher salary was $52,148 while the maximum salary is $111,885. 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. Additionally, California Area School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 11 sick days, 4 paid bereavement days, 3 personal days and many other benefits. Teachers work 7 hours and 15 minutes. Teachers are guaranteed daily prep periods. Teachers are paid extra if they are required to work outside of the regular school day Teachers receive a severance bonus the amount of which depends on length of service. 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.

In 2007, the district employed 66 teachers and the average teacher salary in the district was $44,790 for 180 days worked. As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation.

The district administrative costs were $1,012.30 per pupil in 2008. This ranked 58th among Pennsylvania school districts for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil.

In 2008, California Area School District reported spending $13,676 per pupil. This ranked 124th in the commonwealth.

Reserves

In 2009, the district reported $1,473,485 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $1,248,983.

In January 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.

The district is funded by a combination of: a local income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax, 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. 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 income level.