Budget
In 2007, the district employed 186 teachers and the average teacher salary in the district was $51,724 for 180 days worked. 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, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, personal days, sick days, and other benefits. According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the state teacher retirement fund, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
In 2008 the district administration reported that per pupil spending was $14,270 which ranked 91st among Pennsylvania's 501 school districts. In 2010, Middletown's per pupil spending had increased to $15,069.09. Among the 50 states, Pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including all sources) ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008-09. In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was $12,759.
The district administrative costs per pupil in 2008 were $996.19 per pupil. The district is ranked 61st among Pennsylvania's 500 districts for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In 2007 the school board contracted with Richard P. Weinstein as superintendent. He was given a 5 year contract with a salary of $125,096; raises to be based on an annual evaluation. The terms include that the board cannot cut his pay. He is also getting an extensive benefits package. Additionally, the Board must provide a 1 year notice regarding ending the contract. The contract ends June 30, 2012.
Reserves In 2008, the district reported $1,597,904 in an unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as $888,475. In 2010, Middletown Area Administration reported an increase to $2,980,508 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance had increased to $1,537,329. Pennsylvania school district reserve funds are divided into two categories – designated and undesignated. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.
In January 2012, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. The findings were reported to the school board and administration.
In 2011, the school board approved the construction of two soccer fields at an estimated cost of $420,222.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, 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 income and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless the level of wealth.
Read more about this topic: Middletown Area School District
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