Carlisle Area School District


The Carlisle Area School District is a midsized, suburban, public school district that serves the boroughs of Carlisle and Mount Holly Springs and Dickinson Township and North Middleton Township in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Carlisle Area School District encompasses approximately. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 34,794. in 2009, the residents' per capita income was $22,214, while the districts' median family income was $52,276. In school year 2007-08 the Carlisle Area School District provided basic educational services to 4,729 pupils through the employment of 376 teachers, 295 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 36 administrators, according to school district officials. The Carlisle Area School District received more than $18.3 million in state funding in school year 2007–08.
Carlisle Area School District operates ten schools including: Carlisle High School, Lamberton Middle School, Wilson Middle School, Bellaire Elementary School, Crestview Elementary School, Hamilton Elementary School, LeTort Elementary School, Mooreland Elementary School, Mount Holly Springs Elementary School and North Dickinson Elementary School. The district is served by the Capital Area Intermediate Unit 15 which offers a variety of services, including a completely developed K-12 curriculum that is mapped and aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards, shared services, a group purchasing program and a wide variety of special education and special needs services.
In 2011, the district agreed to participate in a pilot program to develop a new way to evaluate teachers that in part takes into account student achievement. Several Cumberland County school districts are participating. The pilot program had 104 K-12 entities, including: nine career and technical centers, nine charter schools and nine intermediate units. In 2012, Carlisle Area schools began using the new evaluation method and provided feedback to the Department of Education. This new evaluation was not used to determine an educator's official 2011-12 assessment.

Governance

Carlisle Area 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 School Board enters into individual employment contracts for these positions. In Pennsylvania, public school districts are required to give 150 days notice to the Superintendent regarding renewal of the employment contract.
The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a "C-" 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

The Carlisle Area School District was ranked 183rd out of 500 Pennsylvania school districts, in 2014, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking is based on the last 3 years of student academic achievement as demonstrated by PSSAs results in: reading, writing, math and science and the three Keystone Exams in high school. Three school districts were excluded because they do not operate high schools. The PSSAs are given to all children in grades 3rd through 8th. Adapted PSSA examinations are given to children in the special education programs. Writing exams were given to children in 5th and 8th grades.
In 2012, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Carlisle ranked 220th. The paper 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."
In 2013, Carlisle Area School District's graduation rate declined to 86%. In 2012 Carlisle Area School District's graduation rate improved to 90%. In 2011, Carlisle Area School District's graduation rate was 87%. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Carlisle Area School District's rate was 88% for 2010.
;According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
Carlisle Area High School is located at 623 West Penn St. In 2013, enrollment was reported as 1,468 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 25% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 11.7% of pupils received special education services, while 4.7% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 107 teachers. Per the PA Department of Education 1% of the teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 1,479 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 325 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 111 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 13:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 13 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
;2013 School Performance Profile:
Carlisle Area High School achieved 80 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 85% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 70% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology, just 37%% showed on grade level science understanding at the end of the course. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools, achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, beginning in 2012, they take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.
;AYP history:
In 2012, Carlisle Area High School declined further to School Improvement I level Adequate Yearly Progress status due to low reading and math achievement. In 2011, Carlisle Area High School declined to Warning status.
; PSSA Results
Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.
In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade year.
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According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 37% of the Carlisle 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

Carlisle Area High School offers the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits while still enrolled in high school. The school has an articulation agreement with Central Penn College. Over 400 school districts in Pennsylvania offer this state-funded program.

Graduation requirements

The Carlisle Area School Board has determined that students must earn 24 credits to graduate, including: English 4 credits, 3 credits Math, 3 credits Science, 3 credits Social Studies, 2 credits in arts, 2 PE/health credits, 1 Safety credit, and 6 electives.
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. Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2017, public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams. The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.
Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Schools are mandated to provide targeted assistance to help the student be successful. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate. For the class of 2019, a Composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements. 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.

SAT scores

In 2013, Carlisle Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 526. The Math average score was 524. The Writing average score was 505. The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.
In 2012, 226 Carlisle Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 517. The Math average score was 516. The Writing average score was 493. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the US, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.
In 2011, 240 Carlisle Area School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 524. The Math average score was 516. The Writing average score was 500. 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.

AP Courses

In 2013, Carlisle Area High School offered 17 Advanced Placement courses at a higher cost than regular courses. The student pays the fee for the exam which was $89 per test per pupil in 2012. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Carlisle Area High School 42.76% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.

Cyber school

The district offers a Virtual Academy which permits students to earn a Carlisle Area School District diploma through taking online courses. The student continues to have access to all programs, including extracurriculars and school events.

Lamberton Middle School

Lamberton Middle School is located at 777 S. Hanover Street. In 2013, enrollment was 561 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 25.8% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 14.8% of pupils received special education services, while 5.5% of pupils were identified as gifted. According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 516 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 116 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 43 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.
;2013 School Performance Profile:
Lamberton Middle School achieved 78.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 80% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 80% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 65.9% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 79.7% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.
;AYP history
In 2012, Lamberton Middle School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress AYP status. In 2011 and 2010, the school was in AYP status. From 2005 through 2009, LAMBERTON Middle School achieved AYP status. In 2004, the school declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement. In 2003, the school achieved AYP status. The attendance rate was 95% in 2010 and 2011.
;PSSA results
Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999, as a state initiative. Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education. In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.
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Wilson Middle School is located at 900 Waggoner's Gap Road. In 2013, enrollment was 601 pupils, in grades 6th through 8th, with 36.7% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 14% of pupils received special education services, while 2.5% of pupils were identified as gifted. According to a 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Wilson Middle School reported an enrollment of 539 pupils in grades 6th through 8th, with 168 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 44 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 the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
;2013 School Performance Profile:
Wilson Middle School achieved 82.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement. In reading, just 74.96% of the students were on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 78.6% of the students showed on grade level skills. In Science, only 59% of the 8th graders demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 80% of the 8th grade students demonstrated on grade level writing skills.
;AYP history:
In 2012, Wilson Middle School declined to Warning AYP status. In 2011, the school achieved AYP status. The attendance rate was 95% in 2010 and 2011.
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In the Spring of each school year, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. The fifth grade is evaluated in reading, mathematics and writing. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.

Bellaire Elementary School

Bellaire Elementary School is located at 905 Waggoner's Gap Road. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 413 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th with 31% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 14% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2.4% are identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. Bellaire Elementary School provides full-day kindergarten. The school is not a federally designated Title I school.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 404 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 151 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 27 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.
;2013 School Performance Profile:
Bellaire Elementary School achieved a score of 83.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 76% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 83% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, just 72% were on grade level. In 4th grade science, 81% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 81.6% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.
;AYP history
In 2012, Bellaire Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging academic achievement. In 2011, the school achieved Adequate Yearly Progress status. From 2003 to 2010, Bellaire Elementary achieved Adequate Yearly Progress each school year.
In 2012, only 76% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 76% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 50% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 87% of the pupils were on grade level.

Crestview Elementary School

Crestview Elementary School is located at 240 Longs Gap Road. In 2013, Crestview Elementary School's enrollment was 518 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 23% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 10% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2.5% are identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides half day kindergarten. The school is not a federally designated Title I school.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 518 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 119 pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to family poverty. The school employed 30 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 17:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind Act.
;2013 School Performance Profile:
Crestview Elementary School achieved a score of 89.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, 83% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 83% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 87% were on grade level. In 4th grade science, 89% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 80% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.
;AYP history:
From 2003 through 2012, Crestview Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.
In 2012, 83% of Crestview's students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In math, 84% of the students in 3rd through 5th grades were on grade level and 56% scored advanced. In 4th grade science, 95% of the pupils were on grade level.

Hamilton Elementary School

Hamilton Elementary School is located at 735 Clay Street, Carlisle. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 377 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th with 61.8% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 16% of the pupils receive special education services, while 1% are identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full-day kindergarten. The Hamilton Elementary School is a federally designated Title I school.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, enrollment was 375 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 218 pupils receiving a free or reduced price lunch. The school employed 23 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. 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. The school provided full-day kindergarten to all its pupils.
;2013 School Performance Profile:
Hamilton Elementary School achieved a score of 78.7 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 62.7% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, just 67% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 65.7% were on grade level. In 4th grade science, just 72% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 76% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level skills.
;AYP History:
In 2010, 2011 and 2012, Hamilton Elementary School achieved AYP status.
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Letort Elementary School is located at 110 E South Street, Carlisle. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 260 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 60% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 10% of the pupils receive special education services, while 3% are identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full-day kindergarten. The school is a federally designated Title I school.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, enrollment was 268 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 151 pupils receiving a free or reduced price lunch. The school employed 17 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 the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school provided full-day kindergarten to all its pupils.
;AYP history:
In 2012, Letort Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement in reading and mathematics. In 2010 and 2011, the school achieved AYP status.
;2013 School Performance Profile:
Letort Elementary School achieved a score of 73 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 67% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, only 76% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 66% were on grade level. In 4th grade science, just 65.8% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 70% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.
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Mooreland Elementary School is located at 329 Wilson Street, Carlisle. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 308 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 25% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 16.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while 2.6% are identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides half day kindergarten. The school is not a federally designated Title I school.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, enrollment was 301 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 75 pupils receiving a free or reduced price lunch. The school employed 18.6 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. 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. The school provided half day kindergarten to all its pupils.
;2013 School Performance Profile:
Mooreland Elementary School achieved a score of 93.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, 85% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 88% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 85.9% were on grade level. In 4th grade science, 88% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 78% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills. Mooreland Elementary School was the highest achieving school in the Carlisle Area School District.
;AYP history:
From 2003 through 2012, Mooreland Elementary School achieved AYP status each school year.
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Mount Holly Springs Elementary School is located at 110 Mooreland Ave, Mount Holly Springs. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 224 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 50% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 21% of the pupils receive special education services, while less than 1% are identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides full-day kindergarten. The school is a federally designated Title I school.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, enrollment was 228 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 109 pupils receiving a free or reduced price lunch. The school employed 19 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. 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. The school provided full-day kindergarten to its pupils.
;2013 School Performance Profile:
Mount Holly Springs Elementary School achieved a score of 76.9 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, only 70% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 76.9% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, just 64% were on grade level. In 4th grade science, 87% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, only 63% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.
;AYP history:
In 2012, Mount Holly Springs Elementary School declined to Warning AYP status due to lagging reading and math achievement. In 2011, Mount Holly Springs Elementary School achieved AYP status.
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North Dickinson Elementary School is located at 51 N Dickinson School Road, Carlisle. In 2013, the school's enrollment was 212 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 14% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 19.8% of the pupils receive special education services, while 5% are identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under No Child Left Behind. The school provides half day kindergarten. The school is not a federally designated Title I school.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, enrollment was 200 pupils in grades kindergarten through 5th, with 26 pupils receiving a free or reduced price lunch. The school employed 13.8 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 the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school provided half day kindergarten to all its pupils.
;2013 School Performance Profile:
North Dickinson Elementary School achieved a score of 89.1 out of 100. The score reflects on grade level: reading, science, writing and mathematics achievement. In 2012–13, 84% of the students were reading on grade level in grades 3rd through 5th. In 3rd grade, 91.6% of the pupils were reading on grade level. In math, 84% were on grade level. In 4th grade science, 91% of the pupils demonstrated on grade level understanding. In writing, 86% of 5th grade pupils demonstrated on grade level writing skills.
;AYP history:
From 2003 through 2012, North Dickinson Elementary School achieved AYP status.
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In December 2012, Carlisle Area School District administration reported that 752 pupils or 15% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with % of the identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2010, the district administration reported that 698 pupils or 14.4% of the district's pupils received Special Education services, with 26% of identified students having a specific learning disability. In December 2009, the district administration reported that 717 pupils or 14.9% of the district's pupils received Special Education services.
In order to comply with state and federal laws, the school district engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data ; hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Special Education administration. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the district seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the district or contact the Coordinator of Special Education.
In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for Special Education services. The funds were distributed to districts based on a state policy which estimates that 16% of the district's pupils are receiving special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.
Carlisle Area School District received a $2,656,752 supplement for special education services in 2010. In 2011-12 the school received the same level of funding, from the state, as 2010–11.
For the 2011–12 school year, all Pennsylvania public school districts received the same level of funding for special education that they received in 2010. This level funding is provided regardless of changes in the number of pupils who need special education services and regardless of the level of services the respective students required.
In 2009, Carlisle Area School District was identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Least Restrictive Environment monitoring. One hundred ninety-six schools districts were selected in 2008–09. The district received an alert letter from the PDE - Bureau of Special Education. School districts were placed in one of three categories: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. The district was placed in Tier Three for the category of "other settings". The monitoring is a product of the PDE addressing its voluntary settlement in Gaskin V Pennsylvania which ordered that special education students spend most of their school day in regular education classrooms with supplementary aids and services to assist. In 2010, the district remained on the Tier 3 monitoring list.

Gifted education

The District Administration reported that 162 or 3.39% of its students were gifted in 2009. By law, the district must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness must also be considered for eligibility.

Budget

Pennsylvania public school districts budget and expend funds according to procedures mandated by the General Assembly and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. An annual operating budget is prepared by school district administrative officials. A uniform form is furnished by the PDE and submitted to the board of school directors for approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year on July 1.
Under Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of the Special Session of 2006, all school districts of the first class A, second class, third class and fourth class must adopt a preliminary budget proposal. The proposal must include estimated revenues and expenditures and the proposed tax rates. This proposed budget must be considered by the Board no later than 90 days prior to the date of the election immediately preceding the fiscal year. The preliminary budget proposal must also be printed and made available for public inspection at least 20 days prior to its adoption. The board of school directors may hold a public hearing on the budget, but are not required to do so. The board must give at least 10 days’ public notice of its intent to adopt the final budget according to Act 1 of 2006.
The Carlisle Area School Board extended the teachers contract through August 2014 - providing Carlisle Area School District teachers with a 3 percent raise in 2012–13, and a 3.1 percent pay increase in 2013–14. This in comparison to a pay freeze for Federal Civilian employees for 2012–2013. Carlisle Area School District teachers will contribute 16 2/3 percent of their health care plan premiums for 2012–2014. This compares to Federal Civilian employees being required to pay 25 percent or more of their health care plan premiums. The district provides up to 50% of assessment fees for National Board Certification, and pay when the candidate attains certification. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation, including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.
Carlisle Area School District teacher and administrator retirement benefits are equal to at least 2.00% x Final Average Salary x Total Credited Service. After 40 years of service, a teacher can retire with 100% of the average salary of their final 3 years of employment. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.
In a 2013 state audit of the district, the PA Auditor General cited the district for adding certain reimbursements to the employee's salary for retirement purposes. This improperly raised the person's retirement benefit. This was done for 40 high ranking employees.
In 2013, the average teacher salary in Carlisle Area School District was $55,894 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers received was $18,218 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $74,112. The district employed 564 teachers and administrators, with an average salary of $57,357 and a top salary of $148,864.
In June 2011, Carlisle Area Teacher Union agreed to a 2% pay raise in 2011–12, rather than the 4% pledged in the contract, while the school board approved a $66.1 million budget with a 3.5% real estate tax increase - generating another $1.2 million in revenue for the schools. In 2011, the average teacher salary in CASD was $53,987 a year, while the cost of the benefits teachers receive was $14,617.77 per employee, for a total annual average teacher compensation of $68,605.19. According to a study conducted at the American Enterprise Institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation is roughly 50 percent higher than they would likely receive in the private sector. The study found that the most generous benefits that teachers receive are not accounted for in many studies of compensation, including: pension, retiree health benefits and job security.
In 2010, Carlisle Area School District employed 419 teachers and administrators. The average teacher salary in the district was $56,601 for 181 days worked. The top salary was $143,000.
In 2007, Carlisle Area School District employed 323 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $48,548 for 181 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 Carlisle Area School District teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, vision insurance, Dental insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, a retirement bonus and other benefits. In 2011, the starting salary is $45,505. At Carlisle Area School District, the median teacher salary, in 2009, was $52,973, while the highest salary was $139,485.
;Administrative costs
Carlisle Area School District administrative costs in 2008 were $668.30 per pupil. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398, in 2008. The district provides an extensive benefit package to all administrators equal to that provided to the teachers. On July 1, 2010, John Friend assumed superintendent duties with a five-year contract. His initial one-year salary for 2010-11 was set at $143,000. Christina Spielbauer will assume Assistant Superintendent position in July 2009 at a salary of $96,000. Gary Worley, Assistant Superintendent's salary effective July 1, 2009 will be paid $120,000 annually. His role will be to supervise the High School and Middle School principals.
;Per-pupil spending
In 2008, Carlisle Area School District administration reported that per-pupil spending was $12,127 which ranked 257th among Pennsylvania's then 501 public school districts. In 2010, the district's per-pupil spending had increased to $13,867.44, which ranked 218th among 500 school districts. In 2013, The district's per-pupil spending was reported as $13,312.73. In 2011, Pennsylvania's per-pupil spending was $13,467, ranking 6th in the United States. In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000–01. In 2007, the Pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures was reported as $12,759. Among the fifty states, Pennsylvania's total per pupil revenue ranked 11th at $15,023 per student, in 2008–09. Pennsylvania's total revenue per pupil rose to $16,186 ranking 9th in the nation in 2011.
;Closures
In 2002, the Carlisle Area School Board considered closing LeTort Elementary school due to a low enrollment of 160 pupils. Estimates reported the district would save $9 million over five years. It is still open in 2011 with a declining enrollment of 125 pupils.
; Reserves
In 2008, Carlisle Area School District reported an unreserved designated fund balance of zero and an unreserved-undesignated fund balance of $11,615,997.00. In 2010, Carlisle Area School District Administration reported an increase to $285,123 in the unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The district also reported $5,133,836 in its unreserved-designated fund in 2010. In 2013, the district reported having $18,280,124 in reserves. $11,077,138 were unreserved. Pennsylvania public 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 2005, the total reserve funds held by Pennsylvania public school districts was $1.9 billion. By 2013, reserves held by Pennsylvania public school districts, as a whole, had increased to over $3.8 billion.
;Energy project:
Carlisle Area School District installed 5,178 solar panels and seven inverters on 6.2 acres of the district's main campus. The project was proposed to generate 1.5 million kilowatt-hours per year, or 17 percent of the district's annual electrical usage. Proponents claimed the solar array will save the district $150,000 per year in energy costs and avoid air emissions from traditional electricity generation. Additionally, the district established a renewable energy lab with a website, to educate students and the community. The district partnered with Dickinson College to share resources and expertise regarding energy generation, efficiency, conservation and career development. Carlisle Area School District was required to match a PEDA-ARRA grant of $1 million with more than $3.8 million of additional funds.
;Audits:
In December 2010, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the Carlisle Area School District. The findings were reported to the school board and administration. A prior audit of pupil membership data reported to Department of Education for the 2005–06 and 2004-05 school years found that district personnel could not provide adequate documentation to support resident, nonresident and vocational education membership days reported for either school year. As a result, the auditors were unable to verify if the district received the correct amount for subsidies and reimbursements based on membership data.
;Tuition
Students who live in the district's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Carlisle Area School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the district's schools. The 2012 tuition rates are Elementary School - $8,443.35, High School - $9,025.04.
Carlisle Area School District is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax - 1.6%, a local real property tax, a real estate transfer tax 0.5%, and a per capita tax, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants 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 of the income level.

State basic education funding

According to a report from Representative Todd Stephens office, Carlisle Area School District receives 28.9% of its annual revenue from the state.
For the 2014–15 school year, Carlisle Area School District will receive $11,826,074 in State Basic Education funding. The district will also receive $454,498 in new Ready To Learn Block grant. The State's enacted Education Budget includes $5,526,129,000 for the 2014-2015 Basic Education Funding. The Education budget also includes Accountability Block Grant funding at $100 million and $241 million in new Ready to Learn funding for public schools that focus on student achievement and academic success. The State is paying $500.8 million to Social Security on the school employees behalf and another $1.16 billion to the state teachers pension system. In total, Pennsylvania's Education budget for K-12 public schools is $10 billion. This was a $305 million increase over 2013-2014 state spending and the greatest amount ever allotted by the Commonwealth for its public schools.
In the 2013–2014 school year, Carlisle Area School District received a 2.2% increase or $11,826,074 in Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding. This is $258,945 more than its 2012-13 state BEF to the district. Additionally, Carlisle Area School District received $205,579 in Accountability Block Grant funding to focus on academic achievement and level funding for special education services. Among the public school districts in County, School District received the highest percentage increase in BEF at 5.5%. The district has the option of applying for several other state and federal grants to increase revenues. The Commonwealth's budget increased Basic Education Funding statewide by $123 million to over $5.5 billion. Most of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts received an increase of Basic Education Funding in a range of 0.9% to 4%. Eight public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% to 16%. The highest increase in state funding was awarded to Austin Area School District which received a 22.5% increase in Basic Education Funding. The highest percent of state spending per student is in the Chester-Upland district, where roughly 78 percent comes from state coffers. In Philadelphia, it is nearly 49 percent. As a part of the education budget, the state provided the PSERS with $1,017,000,000 and Social Security payments for school employees of $495 million.
For the 2012–13 school year, the Carlisle Area School District received $11,565,597 in state Basic Education funding. The Governor's Executive Budget for 2012-2013 included $9.34 billion for kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, which was an increase of $49 million over the 2011-12 budget. In addition, the Commonwealth provided $100 million for the Accountability Block Grant program. The state also provided a $544.4 million payment for School Employees’ Social Security and $856 million for School Employees’ Retirement fund called PSERS. This amount was a $21,823,000 increase over the 2011-2012 appropriations for Basic Education Funding, School Employees' Social Security, Pupil Transportation, Nonpublic and Charter School Pupil Transportation. Since taking office, Corbett's first two budgets have restored more than $918 million in support of public schools, compensating for the $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost at the end of the 2010–11 school year.
In the 2011–12 school year, Carlisle Area School District received $11,565,597 in state Basic Education Funding. Additionally, the district will receive $205,579 in Accountability Block Grant funding. The enacted Pennsylvania State Public Education Budget includes $5,354,629,000 for the 2011-2012 Basic Education Funding appropriation. This amount is a $233,290,000 increase over the enacted State appropriation for 2010–2011. The Pennsylvania Department of Education reports that 1,448 Carlisle Area School District pupils received a federal free and reduced-price lunch, due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. In 2010, the district reported that 1,449 pupils received a free or reduced-price lunch due to their family meeting the federal poverty level.
For the 2010–11 school year, Carlisle Area School District received a 3.90% increase in state Basic Education Funding resulting in a $12,632,929 payment. In Cumberland County the highest increase went to Camp Hill School District which was awarded a 13.99% increase in state BEF. Kennett Consolidated School District in Chester County received the highest increase in the state at 23.65% increase in funding for the 2010–11 school year. One hundred fifty school districts received the base 2% increase in 2010–11. The amount of increase each school district receives is determined by the Governor and the Secretary of Education through the allocation set in the state budget proposal made in February each year.
In the 2009-2010 budget year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 5.12% increase in Basic Education Funding for a total of $12,158,246 to Carlisle Area School District. Seven county school districts received increases of less than 6% in Basic Education Funding in 2009–10. Shippensburg Area School District received an 8.43% increase. In Pennsylvania, over 15 school districts received Basic Education Funding increases in excess of 10% in 2009. Muhlenberg School District in Berks County received the highest with a 22.31% increase in funding. The state's Basic Education Funding to the Carlisle Area School District in 2008-09 was $11,565,596.80. The state's hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued where a district received at least the same amount as the year before, even where enrollment had significantly declined. The amount of increase each school district received was set by Governor Edward Rendell and then Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, as a part of the state budget proposal given each February. This was the first year of Governor Rendell's policy to fund some districts at a far greater rate than others. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1,136 students qualified for free or reduced-price lunch due to low family income in 2008.
All Pennsylvania school districts also receive additional funding from the state through several other funding allocations, including Reimbursement of Charter School Expenditures; Special Education Funding; Secondary Career & Technical Education Subsidy; PA Accountability Grants; and low achieving schools were eligible for Educational Assistance Program Funding. Plus all Pennsylvania school districts receive federal dollars for various programs including: Special Education funding and Title I funding for children from low income families. In 2010, Pennsylvania spent over $24 billion for public education - local, state and federal dollars combined.

Accountability Block Grants

Beginning in 2004–2005, the state launched the Accountability Block Grant school funding. This program has provided $1.5 billion to Pennsylvania's school districts. The Accountability Block Grant program requires that its taxpayer dollars are focused on specific interventions that are most likely to increase student academic achievement. These interventions include: teacher training, all-day kindergarten, lower class size K-3rd grade, literacy and math coaching programs that provide teachers with individualized job-embedded professional development to improve their instruction, before or after school tutoring assistance to struggling students. For 2010–11, the Carlisle Area School District applied for and received $557,992 in addition to all other state and federal funding. The district used the funding to provide all-day kindergarten the 7th year, to provide low class size K-3rd, to provide teacher training to provide research based instruction.

Classrooms for the Future grant

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006–2009. Carlisle Area School District never applied for funding. Of the 501 public school districts in Pennsylvania, 447 of them received Classrooms for the Future state grant awards.

Environmental Education Grant

The Environmental Education Grant Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that 5 percent of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection be set aside for environmental education. In 2010, Carlisle Area School District was awarded $3000 for students to participate in educational programs and activities on solar and wind energy, alternative transportation fuels and green building practices.

Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence

Carlisle Area School District was a recipient of the award in 2010. It cited the installation of a 1000-kW photovoltaic array system which represents about 15 percent of the annual power used by the school district. This will save about $105,000 per year considering the sale of renewable energy credits of $0.25 kWh. The school district received a $1 million Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority award and a $950,000 Commonwealth Financing Authority Solar Energy Program award.

Other grants

Carlisle Area School District did not participate in: PA Science Its Elementary grants ; Education Assistance Grants; 2012 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant; 2012 and 2013 Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Grants nor the federal 21st Century Learning grants.

Federal Stimulus funding

Carlisle Area School District received an extra $2,618,458 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students. This extra federal funding is for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years. Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, the Governor and the Pennsylvania School Board Association, to use the funds for one-time expenditures like acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Race to the Top grant

Carlisle School District officials did not apply for the Race to the Top federal grant which would have brought the district up to one million additional federal dollars for improving student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved in the first round of the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved. A second round of state Race to the Top application judging will occur in June 2010.

Common Cents state initiative

The Carlisle Area School Board chose to not permit the Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Cents program access to the district records. The program called for the state to audit the district, at no cost to local taxpayers, to identify ways the district could save tax dollars. After the review of the information, the district was not required to implement the recommended cost savings changes.

Real estate taxes

The Carlisle Area School Board set the 2015-2016 the property taxes were 13.2436 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Property taxes, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, apply only to real estate - land and buildings. The property tax is not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. Certain types of property are exempt from property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable and educational institutions and government property. Irregular property reassessments have become a serious issue in the commonwealth as it creates a significant disparity in taxation within a community and across a region. Pennsylvania school district revenues are dominated by two main sources: 1) Property tax collections, which account for the vast majority Act 511 tax collections, which are around 15% of revenues for school districts. When the school district includes municipalities in two counties, each of which has different rates of property tax assessment, a state board equalizes the tax rates between the counties. In 2010, miscalculations by the State Tax Equalization Board were widespread in the Commonwealth and adversely impacted funding for many school districts, including those that did not cross county borders.
According to a report prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the total real estate taxes collected by all school districts in Pennsylvania rose from $6,474,133,936 in 1999–00 to $10,438,463,356 in 2008–09. The average yearly property tax paid by Cumberland County residents amounts to about 2.8% of their yearly income. Cumberland County is ranked 724th out of the 3143 United States counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.

Act 1 Adjusted index

The Act 1 of 2006 Index regulates the rates at which each school district can raise property taxes in Pennsylvania. Districts are not allowed to raise taxes above that index unless they allow voters to vote by referendum, or they seek an exception from the state Department of Education. The base index for the 2011–2012 school year is 1.4 percent, but it can be adjusted higher, depending on a number of factors, such as property values and the personal income of district residents. Act 1 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, a catastrophe like a fire or flood, rising health care costs for contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling local tax bases. The base index is the average of the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage, as determined by the PA Department of Labor and Industry, for the preceding calendar year and the percentage increase in the Employment Cost Index for Elementary and Secondary Schools, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor, for the previous 12-month period ending June 30. For a school district with a market value/personal income aid ratio greater than 0.4000, its index equals the base index multiplied by the sum of.75 and its MV/PI AR for the current year. With the 2011 state education budget, the General Assembly voted to end most of the Act 1 exceptions leaving only special education costs and pension costs. The cost of construction projects will go to the voters for approval via ballot referendum.
The School District Adjusted Index for the Carlisle Area School District 2006-2007 through 2010–2011.
For the 2012-13 budget year, Carlisle Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. For 2012–2013, 274 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 223 school districts adopted a preliminary budget leaving open the option of exceeded the Index limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit. For the exception for pension costs, 194 school districts received approval to exceed the Index. For special education costs, 129 districts received approval to exceed the tax limit.
For the 2011–12 school year, the Carlisle Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 Index. Each year the Carlisle Area School Board has the option of adopting either 1) a resolution in January certifying they will not increase taxes above their index or 2) a preliminary budget in February. A school district adopting the resolution may not apply for referendum exceptions or ask voters for a tax increase above the inflation index. A specific timeline for these decisions is publisher each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
According to a state report, for the 2011–2012 school year budgets, 247 school districts adopted a resolution certifying that tax rates would not be increased above their index; 250 school districts adopted a preliminary budget. Of the 250 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget, 231 adopted real estate tax rates that exceeded their index. Tax rate increases in the other 19 school districts that adopted a preliminary budget did not exceed the school district's index. Of the districts who sought exceptions 221 used the pension costs exemption and 171 sought a Special Education costs exemption. Only 1 school district sought an exemption for Nonacademic School Construction Project, while 1 sought an exception for Electoral debt for school construction.
Carlisle Area School Board did not apply for exceptions to exceed the Act 1 index for the budgets in 2009-10 nor in 2010–11. In the Spring of 2010, 135 Pennsylvania school boards asked to exceed their adjusted index. Approval was granted to 133 of them and 128 sought an exception for pension costs increases.

Property tax relief

In 2009, the Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief from gambling for the Carlisle Area School District was $131 per approved permanent primary residence. In the district, 8,425 property owners applied for the tax relief. In Cumberland County, the highest amount of tax relief in 2009, went to Mechanicsburg Area School District at $140. The highest property tax relief, among Pennsylvania school districts, went to the residents of Chester Upland School District of Delaware County who received $632 per approved homestead. The relief was subtracted from the total annual school property tax bill. Property owners apply for the relief through the county Treasurer's office. Farmers can qualify for a farmstead exemption on building used for agricultural purposes. The farm must be at least and must be the primary residence of the owner. Farmers can qualify for both the homestead exemption and the farmstead exemption. In Cumberland County, 75.93% of eligible property owners applied for property tax relief in 2009.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is provided for low income Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Applicants can exclude one-half of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000 may still qualify for a rebate. Individuals must apply annually for the rebate. This rebate can be taken in addition to Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief.
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively high on a national scale. According to the Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the U.S. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid as a percentage of home value and 12th in the country in terms of property taxes as a percentage of income.

Wellness policy

Carlisle Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 -Student Wellness Policy 246. The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation. The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."
The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education and physical education that are aligned with the , campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus. The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the district's policy for approval.
The district has received several grants to fund its fitness programs, including $12,000 from the Carlisle Area Health and Wellness Foundation.

Extracurriculars

Carlisle Area School District offers a wide variety of extracurriculars, including clubs, organizations and an extensive, costly sports program. The district's varsity and junior varsity athletic activities are under the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. Eligibility for participation is determined by several school board policies. The district budgeted $1,181,031 for extracurriculars in 2013–2014.
By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
According to Pennsylvania's Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.
The district funds:
;Boys:
;Girls:
;Middle School Sports:
;Boys:
;Girls:
According to PIAA directory July 2012