Budget
Norwin School District received $198,147 in a settlement against Bank of America in 2011. The bank acknowledged engaging in illegal bid rigging which over charged the district for bonds sold in 2001.
In 2009, the district reports employing over 341 teachers with a starting salary of $31,650 for 188 days (180 days for pupil instruction). The average teacher salary was $57,622 while the maximum salary is $131,353. The teachers work 8 hours, including a prep period and a paid lunch period. 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, Norwin School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance (with a small employee premium contribution), professional development reimbursement, 3 paid personal days, 10 sick days which accumulate, 5 paid bereavement days and other benefits. Teachers receive a supplemental bonus at the end of each school year based on their years at Norwin from $250 –$500 per year. Teachers receive a terminal leave payment which includes payment for unused sick days. The district provides the president of the local teachers' union with 1 paid day per week to perform union business, including travel outside the district. Additionally, the union receives 25 paid days for union business. The union pays for a substitute teacher. 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 282 teachers with the average teacher salary in the district was $51,349 for 180 days worked.
In 2008, Norwin School District reported spending $10,007 per pupil. This ranked 477th in the commonwealth out of 500 school districts.
In 2009, the district had over $4.1 million dollars in its undesignated reserves fund, according to an annual audit.
In January 2011, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.
For the 2011-12 school year the district experienced 11 professional retirements and 2 resignations with 6.5 professional positions not replaced and 4 instructional aide positions eliminated. For the school year the district will spend $28.6 million on salaries and $10.8 million for employee benefits. The athletic and activity budget exceeds $1.1 million
Norwin administrative costs in 2008 were $616.53 per pupil. The district ranks 420th of 500 school districts for administrative spending. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398, in 2008. Additionally, the district provides an extensive benefit package to all administrators.
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 of level of wealth.
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