Administrative Task Force
Presented December 15, 2009
Updated May 2010
1
Task Force Objectives
Given the context of the national economic crisis and the difficulties Keene faces during this budget cycle that will require addressing fiscal realities…
• Comprehensively review Keene’s administrative structure and determine where efficiencies and cost savings may be found.
• Determine the financial benefits of sharing one principal between two of Keene’s smaller elementary schools. Address the variety of issues that would accompany such a decision and determine whether those issues could be managed so that education for Keene students would not suffer.
• From objectives 1 and 2, present recommendations on how to move forward.
2
Step 1: District by District Comparisons
• The committee looked at how Keene’s district costs compare to:– four “like” districts recommended to us by Mark
Joyce Director of the NH School Administrators’ Association (Portsmouth, Exeter/Exeter Regional, Hampton/Winnacunnet Cooperative, and Londonderry)
– five additional districts studied after an initial review of data (Concord, Laconia, Salem, Rochester, Merrimack)
3
Comparative Factors
• School Level– Per pupil spending
– % Free Reduced participation
– % SPED rate
– School performance
– Average school size
– A broad array of administrative costs, broken out subgroup by subgroup
• City Level– Per capita income
– Total tax rate
– Keene only – a quick look at the overall tax rate and tax breakdown over time
4
The committee analyzed these districts across a number of measures:
A Word about Numbers
Throughout this report and the accompanying presentation there is a plethora of numbers. The Task Force tried, whenever possible, to use the most recent numbers for which comparative data was available. In many cases, this turned out to be 2008-2009.
For certain categories of information, such as per pupil spending, the most recent data available at the time was from 2007-2008. Our staffing comparison data (from A12B forms) was from 2008-2009. Because 2008-2009 per pupil expenditures are now available, those slides have been updated.
Many of these numbers are subject to change even within the same year (for instance, enrollment). For this reason, some numbers must be treated as close approximations.
5
A Word About DOE ReportsFor comparative data, we relied heavily on standard NH Department of Education reports. In some cases, this limited the ability of the Task Force to see data in precisely the way we might like. • For instance, the DOE per pupil expenditure report is for grades K-12.
The DOE class size reports only include grades 1-8 and are divided 1-2,3-4 and 5-8 (grouping 5th graders with 6th-8th graders).
• Consolidated A12B forms provided a district by district comparison of staffing numbers, but did not allow us to drill down into elementary, middle and high school staffing. Though we continue to seek these kinds of customized reports, progress is slow due to staffing cuts at the DOE (the department in question has been reduced from 12 employees to 5 in recent years).
• Preschool added an additional element of complexity. In general, we tried to keep preschool separate because preschool is not contained in the per pupil expenditure or class size reporting. However, while we could exclude preschool enrollments and preschool teachers from most charts, we could not separate out all preschool staff. This short-coming, however, was applied equally across all districts studied.
6
DISTRICT AND CITY LEVEL DEMOGRAPHICS
7
District Enrollments (As of Oct 2008)
8
9951,225 1,273
2,2512,600
2,994
3,656
4,499 4,6315,004 5,119 5,278
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
Districts are K-12 unless otherwise noted. These enrollment numbers include preschool enrollments. Preschool staffing and enrollments are not included in staffing ratios or per pupil expenditure later in the presentation.
2007-2008 Early Exit and Drop Out Data by District
9
0.8% 1.0% 1.4% 1.4% 1.7%2.6% 2.9% 2.9% 2.9%
5.8%
3.2% 3.8%5.4% 5.5%
6.7%
9.9%11.0% 11.1% 11.3%
21.2%
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
Annual DropOut % 4 Yr Cum. Rate
In 2007-2008, Keene’s drop-out rate equated to 52 students. In 2008-2009 (numbers not yet certified by the DOE), the number of students dropping out without earning a GED is 20.
% Special Education by District as of 12/1/2008
10
13% 14% 15% 15% 16% 16% 17%19% 20%
21%
37%
47%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
2008-2009 Free/Reduced Participation by District
11
6.15% 6.68% 7.09%
10.39%
12.85% 13.29%
17.99%
20.73% 20.87% 21.69%
25.34%
37.80%
43.48%
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
30.00%
35.00%
40.00%
45.00%
50.00%
2007 City Level – Demographics
12
City
Residents with
income below
the poverty
level in 2007:
Residents with
income below
50% of the
poverty level in
2007:
Median
Household
Income 2007
Per Capita
Income 2007
Mean prices in
2007: All
housing units:
Cost of Living
Index (U.S.
Average =
100)
Merrimack 1.9% 0.7% $87,229 $34,586 $302,969 117.4
Londonderry 2.3% 1.5% $89,714 $36,225 $302,766 117.0
Hampton 3.9% 1.4% $74,892 $41,641 $406,994 122.4
Salem 4.1% 1.6% $75,851 $35,417 $333,438 119.7
Concord 8.0% 3.1% $52,120 $27,211 $251,198 118.6
Rochester 8.4% 3.0% $55,080 $24,891 $188,511 112.4
Exeter 8.7% 5.0% $57,817 $33,378 $240,615 119.9
Laconia 8.9% 3.0% $47,895 $24,875 $222,575 91.2
Portsmouth 9.3% 3.9% $59,013 $37,271 $373,703 126.8
Keene 10.7% 5.7% $47,917 $27,206 $220,901 92.2
City Level – A Comparison of Per Capita Income (2007)
13
City Level Comparison of the Total Tax Rates (2008) and Property Valuation
City 2008 /Equalized Valuation of School
Districts for Local Taxes (with Utilities)
Local Educ. Other Local State Education Total Tax Rate
SALEM 4,623,083,845 6.03 5.64 2.15 13.82
PORTSMOUTH 3,781,039,963 4.89 8.08 2.1 15.07
HAMPTON 3,031,631,500 6.42 7.35 2.23 16.00
LACONIA 2,151,357,301 6.99 7.57 2.22 16.78
LONDONDERRY 3,392,542,383 11.19 5.32 2.17 18.68
ROCHESTER 2,357,398,865 9.09 8.43 2.21 19.73
MERRIMACK 3,219,721,756 12 5.47 2.28 19.75
CONCORD 3,882,616,366 8.91 9.23 2.1 20.24
EXETER 1,591,018,998 11.16 6.91 2.19 20.26
KEENE 1,927,581,987 11.9 13.18 2.2 27.28
14
Per Capita Income (2007) with Total Tax Rate (2008) Overlay
15
Cost of Living Index Comparison
16
91.2 92.2
100
112.4117 117.4 118.6 119.7 119.9 122.4
126.8
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Laconia Keene U.S. Average Rochester Londonderry Merrimack Concord Salem Exeter Hampton Portsmouth
Cost of Living Index (100= U.S. avg)
Keene -Local and State Education Taxes –% of Total Tax (1999 and 2008)
17
61.57%
31.21%
7.21%
1999
Local and State Ed.
City
County51.71%
38.76%
9.53%
2008
Local and State Ed.
City
County
Education is only one piece (51.71%) of the Keene tax burden.
Keene - % Change in Taxes Raised –1999 to 2009
18
DISTRICT LEVEL STAFFING COMPARISONS
Based on Data from the FY 2009 Department of Education District Staffing A12B
19
Limits of the Data and Comparisons
• This is a district by district comparison. It does not provide building level information, or even a breakdown among elementary*, middle and high school staffing levels. It’s a big picture, high altitude view.
• It may be helpful to focus more on the direction of the information and less on any specific number.
• This data can give a broad view of where the Keene School District is now; any adjustments that may need to be made will require thoughtful planning.
*Elementary staffing ratios do not include preschool staff or preschool enrollments. DOE per pupil expenditure data is also K-12.
20
Number of Students Per Employee
21
Of the eight K-12 districts, the average number of Students/ Employee is 6.2
Keene averages 5.2 Students/Employee
On the other end of the graph: Salem has 1,376 more students than Keene, but employs 12 fewer people overall.
This category includes all of the positions reported by school districts on form A12B:
• full-time kindergarten teachers
• regular and special education classroom teacher
• instructional aides
• principals & assistant principals
• guidance counselors
• library specialists and staff
• clerical staff and all other non-teaching support staff.
Number of Students Per Employee
22
5.25.4
5.8 5.9 5.96.3 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6
6.8 6.8
7.3
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
Average Number of Students Per Teacher
23
Of the eight K-12 districts, the average number of Students/ Teacher is 12.8
Keene averages 12.0 Students/Teacher
This category includes all full time equivalent teaching positions reported by school districts on form A12B:
• full-time equivalent kindergarten teachers
• regular and special education classroom teacher
• “specials” teachers, Title I and ESL teachers are reported as classroom teachers
Average Number of Students Per Teacher
24
10.410.8
11.412.0 12.1 12.4 12.5 12.8
13.2 13.4 13.614.5
14.9
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
Average Number of Students Per Aide (Tutors and Paraprofessionals)
25
SPED aides (tutors and paras):SPED aides are tutors or paraprofessionals based on individual student need as noted in the student’s IEP.
The average number of Students/SPED Aide in the eight K-12 districts is 35.5
Keene averages 23.1 Students/SPED Aide
Regular instructional aides (paras):In Keene, Regular instructional aides are a subset of paraprofessionals providing classroom support, including Title I paras.
The average number of Students/Regular Aide in the eight K-12 districts is 183.3
Keene averages 78.1 Students/Regular Aide
Note: Preschool paras and aides are included in this data for all districts. The consolidated A12B data used did not allow them to be separated out.
Average Number of Students Per Regular Instructional Aide (Paras)
26
0.0
77.8 78.1
115.3 122.2 126.9137.5
148.3
177.9 183.3193.1
366.2
406.5
0.0
50.0
100.0
150.0
200.0
250.0
300.0
350.0
400.0
450.0
Average Number of Students Per SPED Aide (Tutors and Paras)
27
20.323.1
27.4
33.335.5 35.8 37.1
41.8 42.2 43.4 43.6
54.5
82.7
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
Average Number of Students Per Aide: Comparing Keene (K-5) to Exeter (K-5)
28
Because Keene’s instructional aide numbers are spread across the K-12 district, a true comparison to Exeter (K-5) cannot be made based on the original data.
However, we know that 70% of Regular aides are in the elementary schools (32.2 positions out of 45.9 total)
We also know that 68.9% of SPED aides are at the elementary level (106.2 positions out of 155 total).
With this information, we can compare Keene (K-5) to Exeter (K-5)
36.7
77.8
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
Keene (K-5) Exeter (K-5)
Students Per Regular aide
11.1
20.3
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
Keene (K-5) Exeter (K-5)
Student SPED aide
Students Per Non Instructional Professional
29
Students Per Non Instructional Professional:
The average number of Students/Non Instructional professional in the eight K-12 districts is 137.6.
Keene averages 78.1 Students/Non Instructional Professional
This category includes non-teaching education professionals who have not been reported as teachers such as nurse, resource officer, curriculum coordinator, OT/ PT therapist, reading specialist, speech pathologist, psychologist and technology coordinator
Average Number of Students Per Non Instructional Professional
30
68.9 75.3 76.1 78.193.9
106.1121.5
136.6 137.6155.5
166.3185.1
307.7
0.0
50.0
100.0
150.0
200.0
250.0
300.0
350.0
Students Per Clerical Position
31
Students Per Clerical Position
The average number of Students/Clerical position in the eight K-12 districts is 159.5.
Keene averages 116.3 Students/Clerical position
This category includes all of the clerical support staff in the schools such as clerical workersin the principals’ or guidance offices. This count does not include clerical staff in the superintendents’ office.
Average Number of Students Per Clerical Position
32
106.1 110.5 116.3127.4
134.4142.7
149.4155.9 159.5
171.4
191.7
218.5
236.1
0.0
50.0
100.0
150.0
200.0
250.0
Number of Students Per Support Positions (Other)
33
Students Per Support Position
The average number of Students/Other Support position in the eight K-12 districts is 58.2.
Keene averages 53 Students/Other Support position
This category includes all other support positions not already reported on form A12B including: • social workers, data
processing, maintenance, bus drivers, security and food service workers
Average Number of Students Per Support Position
34
36.8 37.8
45.8
53.0 53.8
58.2 58.2 59.2 59.4 60.5 61.5
69.473.5
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
Other Staffing Categories
Keene Average of eight K-12 districts
Students/ Guidance 188.6 211.6
Students/ Library specialist &Library support 328.7 331.5
35
Students/Guidance The average number of
Students/Guidance in the eight K-12 districts is 211.6
Keene averages 188.6 students/ Guidance
Students/Library:
The average number of Students/Library specialist in the eight K-12 districts is 331.5
Keene averages 328.7 Students/Library specialist
Average K-12 Students Per Principal
36
403.3 438.1 439.4486.0 511.9
597.8 616.0 619.9718.0 740.3
862.5
1273.0
1497.0
0.0
200.0
400.0
600.0
800.0
1000.0
1200.0
1400.0
1600.0
If Keene used the average number (616), the difference is approximately 1 principal position.
Note: Hampton (K-8), Exeter (K-5), Winnacunnet and Exeter Regional are not K-12 districts and are not directly comparable to Keene in this category.
PER PUPIL SPENDING: HIGH SCHOOL, MIDDLE SCHOOL, ELEMENTARY
Note: Per Pupil Spending has been updated to reflect 2008-2009 numbers.
37
2008-2009 High School Cost Per Pupil
38
In 2008-2009, Keene’s average per pupil spending at the high school level was $368 less than the State Average.
When multiplied by Keene’s 2008-2009 high school population of 1784 high school students, Keene spent approximately $656,512 less than Keene would have spent using the average per pupil cost.
$8,859 $9,647
$10,440 $10,731 $11,205 $11,573 $11,670 $11,763
$12,553
$13,781 $14,553
$-
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
$12,000
$14,000
$16,000
Salem Rochester Concord Londonderry Keene State Average
Laconia Merrimack Exeter Regional
Cooperative (6-12 only)
Winnacunnet Cooperative (9-12 only)
Portsmouth
Keene High School Per Pupil Costs vs. State Average Costs Since 2000
39
Year
Keene Average Cost per HS Pupil
State Average
Difference/ Per Pupil
HS Enrollment
Based on enrollments,
what the Difference
translates to:
2008-2009 $ 11,205 $ 11,573 $ (368) 1784 $ (656,512)
2007-2008 $ 10,438 $ 10,877 $ (439) 1850 $ (811,336)
2006-2007 $ 9,893 $ 9,992 $ (99) 1880 $ (186,759)
2005-2006 $ 9,637 $ 9,431 $ 206 1834 $ 378,079
2004-2005 $ 9,214 $ 8,982 $ 232 1844 $ 426,904
2003-2004 $ 8,360 $ 8,503 $ (143) 1861 $ (265,937)
2002-2003 $ 7,973 $ 8,023 $ (50) 1742 $ (86,281)
2001-2002 $ 7,608 $ 7,502 $ 106 1698 $ 180,531
2000-2001 $ 7,687 $ 7,167 $ 520 1659 $ 862,973
Graph of the Difference between Keene High School Costs vs. State Average Costs Since 2000
40
$11,205
$10,438 $9,893
$9,637 $9,214
$8,360
$7,973 $7,608 $7,687
$11,573
$10,877
$9,992
$9,431 $8,982 $8,503
$8,023 $7,502 $7,167
$-
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
$12,000
$14,000
2008-2009 2007-2008 2006-2007 2005-2006 2004-2005 2003-2004 2002-2003 2001-2002 2000-2001
Keene Cost per High School Pupil State Average
Average Cost of Principals + APs Per High School Student
41
$145.81
$238.57 $246.79
$314.53
$-
$50.00
$100.00
$150.00
$200.00
$250.00
$300.00
$350.00
Principal+AP Cost/High School Student
2008-2009 Middle School Cost Per Pupil
42
In 2008-2009 (the most recent year for which per pupil spending data is available), Keene’s average per pupil spending at the middle school level was $1391 more than the State Average.
When multiplied by Keene’s 2008-2009 middle school population of 708 middle school students, Keene spent approximately $984,828 more than Keene would have spent using the average per pupil cost.
8,346.68
9,587.89 10,169.56
10,741.32 11,123.78
$11,160.93 11,271.36
12,551.75 12,566.33
13,492.55 13,629.56
-
2,000.00
4,000.00
6,000.00
8,000.00
10,000.00
12,000.00
14,000.00
16,000.00
Salem Rochester Londonderry Concord Exeter Regional
Cooperative
State Average
Merrimack Keene Laconia Portsmouth Hampton
Keene Middle Per Pupil Costs vs. State Average Costs Since 2000
43
Year
Keene Average Cost per MS Pupil
State Average
Difference/ Per Pupil
Middle School
Enrollment
Based on enrollments,
what the Difference
translates to:
2008-2009 $ 12,552 $ 11,161 $ 1,391 708 $ 984,828
2007-2008 $ 11,536 $ 10,640 $ 896 729 $ 653,534
2006-2007 $ 11,482 $ 9,821 $ 1,661 728 $ 1,209,288
2005-2006 $ 10,622 $ 9,208 $ 1,414 776 $ 1,097,380
2004-2005 $ 9,792 $ 8,558 $ 1,234 795 $ 981,094
2003-2004 $ 9,397 $ 7,901 $ 1,496 801 $ 1,198,528
2002-2003 $ 8,129 $ 7,144 $ 985 841 $ 828,789
2001-2002 $ 7,455 $ 6,646 $ 809 858 $ 693,916
2000-2001 $ 7,184 $ 6,232 $ 952 873 $ 831,111
Graph of the Difference between Keene Middle School Costs vs. State Average Costs Since 2000
44
$12,552
$11,536 $11,482
$10,622
$9,792
$9,397
$8,129
$7,455 $7,184
$11,161 $10,640
$9,821 $9,208
$8,558
$7,901
$7,144 $6,646
$6,232
$-
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
$12,000
$14,000
2008-2009 2007-2008 2006-2007 2005-2006 2004-2005 2003-2004 2002-2003 2001-2002 2000-2001
Keene Cost per Middle Pupil State Average
Average Cost of Principals + APs Per Middle School Student
45
Note: Some schools, such as Londonderry, have additional administrative positions (e.g. housemaster, dean, Athletic Director) that are not captured here.
$261.53
$354.56
$-
$50.00
$100.00
$150.00
$200.00
$250.00
$300.00
$350.00
$400.00
Principal+AP Cost/Middle School Student
Average Middle School Class Size2008-2009
46
2008-2009 Elementary Cost Per Pupil
47
In 2008-2009, Keene’s average per pupil spending at the elementary level was $3,037 more than the State Average.
When multiplied by Keene’s 2008-2009 K-5 population of 1187 students, Keene spent approximately $3.6 million more than Keene would have spent using the average per pupil cost.
10,337
11,805 11,899 12,082 12,096 12,096
12,650 12,828
13,906 14,204 15,134
-
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
Keene Elementary Per Pupil Costs vs. State Average Costs Since 2000
Year
Keene Average Cost
per ElemPupil
State Average
Difference/ Per Pupil
K-5 Elementary Enrollment
Based on enrollments,
what the Difference
translates to:
2008-2009 $ 15,133.73 $12,095.86 $3037.87 1187 $3.6 million
2007-2008 $15,320.00 $11,506.00 $3,814.00 1111 $4.2 million
2006-2007 $14,922.00 $10,716.00 $4,206.00 1092 $4.6 million
2005-2006 $14,159.00 $ 10,108.00 $4,051.00 1153 $4.7 million
2004-2005 $12,309.00 $9,406.00 $2,903.00 1185 $3.4 million
2003-2004 $11,843.00 $8,743.00 $3,100.00 1243 $3.8 million
2002-2003 $9,966.00 $7,961.00 $2,005.00 1280 $2.6 million
2001-2002 $9,108.00 $7,321.00 $1,787.00 1336 $2.4 million
2000-2001 $9,229.00 $6,705.00 $2,524.00 1351 $3.4 million
482008-2009 Data added 5/2010
Graph of the Difference between Keene Elementary Costs vs. State Average Costs Since 2000
49
$15,134 $15,320 $14,922
$14,159
$12,309 $11,843
$9,966
$9,108 $9,229
$12,096 $11,506
$10,716 $10,108
$9,406 $8,743
$7,961 $7,321
$6,705
$-
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
$12,000
$14,000
$16,000
$18,000
2008-2009 2007-2008 2006-2007 2005-2006 2004-2005 2003-2004 2002-2003 2001-2002 2000-2001
Keene Cost per Elem Pupil State Average
2007-2008 Elementary vs. High School Per Pupil CostsAn Analysis of 175 New Hampshire districts
• Of the 175 districts in NH, 65 districts have elementary and high school per pupil costs to compare.
– 27 out of 65 (42%) spend more at the high school level per pupil than at the elementary school level per pupil.• On average, those districts spend $2,018 (median $,1444) more per high
school pupil than per elementary student
– 38 out of 65 (58%) spend more at the elementary level than at the high school level.• On average, those districts spend $1407 (median $1,087) more per
elementary pupil than per high school pupil
• Keene spends $4,882 more per elementary pupil than per high school pupil (out of 38 districts, only Lebanon has a higher figure than this)
50
Average Cost of Principals/APs Per Elementary Student
51
Using the 2008-2009 Salary and Benefits Survey of NH Association of School Principals, we calculated the average cost of Principals and Assistant Principals per Elementary Pupil across the districts.
Multiplying the average per pupil administration cost ($318.81) by Keene’s student population of 1187 elementary students, Keene spends $65,667 more than the average on elementary principals and assistant principals.
$376.03 $321.26
$-
$50.00
$100.00
$150.00
$200.00
$250.00
$300.00
$350.00
$400.00
$450.00
Principal+AP Cost/Elementary Student
Average Elementary Principal Salary by School Size
Looking at 38 of the 41 elementary principals in the districts the committee studied (no data available for 3 Rochester schools):
52
School
2008-2009
# K-12
students
2008-2009
Principal
Salary
Wheelock Elementary School 250 87,343$
Jonathan M. Daniels School 190 78,174$
Franklin Elementary School 210 92,000$
Fuller Elementary School 283 90,916$
Symonds Elementary School 329 95,661$
Elementary School Size
# of schools in
group
Average
Elementary
Principal Salary
150-200 2 82,759$
201-250 4 84,375$
251-300 3 76,384$
301-350 6 85,234$
350-400 9 86,329$
401-450 4 89,088$
451-500 3 98,046$
500-550 1 99,156$
551-600 2 94,741$
601-700 2 85,837$
701-800 1 97,786$
801-900 1 91,658$
KEENE’S ENROLLMENT, STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION OVER TIME
Because understanding administration costs, particularly at the elementary level, was a key objective of the Task Force, we also spent considerable time examining:
53
Students Per Administrator
54
150
200
250
300
350
400
Stu
den
ts
School Years
Students per Administrator, 1989-2009
Elementary Middle High School
Staff Per Administrator
55
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
Sta
ff
School Years
Supervised Staff per Administrator, 1989-2009
Elementary Middle High School
Elementary Enrollments Since 1989
56
Enrollment Principals
Students/
Principal
1989-1990 1667 5 333
1999-2000 1416 5 283
2008-2009 1260 5 252
Elem. Students Per Principal
While elementary enrollments have declined by approximately 25%, Keene’s total elementary administrators have remained constant.
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
1989-1990 1999-2000 2008-2009
Enrollment
Students/ Principal
Note: These enrollment figures do include preschool.
Elementary Staff Per Principal
57
Elem. Staff Per Principal
Total Staff PrincipalsStaff/
Principal
1989-1990 201.6 5 40
1999-2000 233.7 5 47
2008-2009 301.3 5 60
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
1989-1990 1999-2000 2008-2009
Total Staff
Staff/ Principal
However, while elementary enrollments have declined by approximately 25%, total elementary staff has increased by 50%
Nearly all of these additional staff are supervised by elementary principals
Middle School Enrollments Since 1989
58
While middle school enrollments have declined by approximately 12% since 1989, students per administrator have increased (KMS reduced one administrator in 2005). However, Keene had the smallest number of students per assistant principal out of the nine comparison districts that have middle schools.
Middle Students Per Administrator
EnrollmentPrincipals +
APsStudents/
Principal+APs
1989-1990 805 4 201
1999-2000 861 4 215
2008-2009 708 3 236
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1989-1990 1999-2000 2008-2009
Enrollment
Students/ Principal+APs
Middle School Staff Per Administrator
59
While middle school enrollments have declined by approximately 12% since 1989, middle school staff has increased by approximately 35%.
Due to the reduction of an administrator in 2005, staff per administrator has increased (again, a supervision responsibility increase for administration).
Middle Staff Per Administrator
Total StaffPrincipals +
APsStaff/
Principal+APs
1989-1990 95 4 24
1999-2000 118.6 4 30
2008-2009 128.2 3 43
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
1989-1990 1999-2000 2008-2009
Total Staff
Staff/ Principal+APs
High School Enrollments Since 1989
60
While high school enrollments have increased by approximately 17% since 1989, students per administrator have decreased due to the addition of administrators, first in 2000-2001, then again in 2005-2006.
HS Students Per Administrator
EnrollmentPrincipals +
APsStudents/
Principal+APs
1989-1990 1559 6 260
1999-2000 1638 6 273
2008-2009 1819 8 227
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
1989-1990 1999-2000 2008-2009
Enrollment
Students/ Principal+APs
High School Staff Per Administrator
61
While high school staff has increased by approximately 28%, due to the addition of the two administrators, staff per administrator has remained about the same.
HS Staff Per Administrator
Total StaffPrincipals +
APsStaff/
Principal+APs
1989-1990 179.2 6 30
1999-2000 218.3 6 36
2008-2009 230.1 8 29
0
50
100
150
200
250
1989-1990 1999-2000 2008-2009
Total Staff
Staff/ Principal+APs
A Closer Look at Keene Elementary Schools
• Based on Keene’s average elementary per pupil costs and the staffing analysis, the next step was to take a closer look at elementary spending. The committee:– examined average class sizes in Keene and across districts
– compared Keene’s per pupil spending and average school size to other cities and towns in Keene’s population range
– compared Keene to other cities that are spending similar amounts per pupil
– prepared case studies of districts that are performing well and have a lower per pupil cost than Keene
62
2008 Average Elementary Class Size Across Districts
63
Keene’s average class size in grades 1-2 is comparable to the other districts, but is lower than any of the comparison districts in grades 3 and up.
Average Elementary Class Size – Keene Policy and Current Enrollments (Sept 2009)
• Grades K-3: District Standard is 20:1 (State Standard is max 25, 20 recommended)– Keene has a total of 199 Kindergarten students in 12 Kindergarten classes, for
an average class size of 16.58*(school averages between 12.5 and 20)– Keene has a total of 220 1st graders in 12 1st grade classes, for an average class
size of 18.33* (school averages between 15.5 and 21)– Keene has a total of 206 2nd graders in 12 2nd grade classes, for an average
class size of 17.16* (school averages between 14.5 and 18)– Keene has a total of 188 3rd graders in 11 3rd grade classes, for an average class
size of 17.09* (school averages between 15.6 and 23)
• Grades 4-5: District Standard is 25:1 (State Standard is max 30, 25 recommended)– Keene has a total of 212 4th graders in 12 fourth grade classes, for an average
class size of 17.66 * (school averages between 14.33 and 20.33)– Keene has a total of 147 5th graders in 9 fifth grade classes, for an average
class size of 16.33* (school averages between 12 and 23)
64
Keene Average Elementary Class Sizes Since 2000
Year Keene Average Class Size 1-2
Keene Average Class Size 3-4*
Keene Average Class Size 5-8
2008-2009 18.0 16.2 17.2
2007-2008 17.0 16.6 18.8
2006-2007 16.0 17.2 17.9
2005-2006* 17 18 18
2004-2005 18 19 21
2003-2004 19 18 20
2002-2003 17 19 22
2001-2002 17 19 22
65
*Note: in 2005-2006, the Keene Board of Education set a guideline reducing class size maximums to 20 students per class in grades K-5.
2007-2008 Per Pupil K-5 Spending Comparison with NH towns of 14,000 to 34,000 population
66
Town Population
2008 K-5
Enrollment
# of
Elementary
Schools
Average
Students per
School
Average Cost
per Elementary
Pupil (2008)
Exeter 14058 972 2 486 13,004.77
Hampton 14937 775 2 387.5 13,650.32
Laconia 16411 965 3 321.7 11,690.18
Goffstown 16929 798 2 399 9,793.78
Bedford 18274 2406 4 601.5 10,195.97
Portsmouth 20784 992 3 330.7 14,330.59
Keene 22563 1187 5 237.4 15,320.45
Hudson 22928 1496 4 374 8,205.10
Londonderry 23236 2115 3 705 11,354.31
Merrimack 25119 1535 3 512 10,692.23
Dover 26884 1356 3 452 10,203.20
Salem 28112 1648 6 285 9,706.18
Rochester 28461 1888 8 236 11,706.46
Derry 34021 2343 5 468.6 11,599.10
Averages (not including Keene) 427.6 11240.9
Chart of the Average School Size Versus the Average Cost Per K-5 Pupil – Towns of Similar Population
67
236
237 285
322 331
374388
399
452 469486
512
602
705
$11,706
$15,320
$9,706
$11,690
$14,331
$8,205
$13,650
$9,794 $10,203
$11,599 $13,005
$10,692
$10,196
$11,354
$-
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
$12,000
$14,000
$16,000
$18,000
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Rochester Keene Salem LaconiaPortsmouthHudson HamptonGoffstown Dover Derry Exeter Merrimack BedfordLondonderry
Average Students per School Average Cost per Elementary Pupil (2008)
A Comparison of Keene and Other Districts with Small Schools/Lower Per Pupil Costs
2008-2009 Keene Rochester Salem
District K-5 Enroll. 1187 1888 1648
Average school size 237 236 285
Per Pupil Spending $15,130 $12,082 $10,337
Students /Teacher 12 12.5 14.5
Students/Employee 5.2 6.4 7.3
Students/Reg. Aide 78.1 115.3 406.5
Students/SPED Aide 23.1 43.6 37.1
Students/Non Instruct.Professional
78.1 75.3 155.5
Students/Clerical 116.3 171.4 236.1
Students/Other Support 53 73.5 60.5
68
A Look at Cities with Similar K-5 Per Pupil Spending
69
Based on the eight cities directly above and below Keene in per pupil spending, Keene is more closely aligned with smaller towns (average population = 5,636) with smaller schools (average 240 students).
Of 175 NH school districts, 22 spend more per pupil at the elementary level. The average population of these 22 towns is 2,043 and the average school size is 115 students.
Town Population
2008 K-5
Enrollment
# of
Elementary
Schools
Average
Students
per School
2008
Average
Cost per K-5
Pupil
Plymouth (K-8) 6,362 426 1 426 15,019.72
Newfound Area (7 towns) 9,878 594 4 148.5 15,080.49
Hanover 10,850 472 1 472 15,223.21
Oyster River Cooperative (Durham) 12,664 728 2 364 15,223.49
Keene 22563 1187 5 237.4 15,320.45
Croydon (Sullivan) 661 25 1 25 15,397.60
Hampton Falls 1,880 276 1 276 15,554.43
Jackson 835 55 1 55 15,584.02
Ashland 1,955 153 1 153 15,685.96
Averages (not including Keene) 5,636 288 240 15,346.12
2008-2009 Average Elementary Class Size Comparisons by Size of Town
2008 Average Class Size
Gr. 1-2
2008 Average Class Size Gr. 3-4*
2008 Average Class Size
Gr. 5-8
Towns with 14,000-34,000 population (not incl Keene)
18.6 19.9 22.3
Small Towns with similar per pupil elementary spending (not incl Keene)
15.8 15.5 16.8
Keene 18 16.2 17.2
State Averages 17.5 18.9 20.5
70
One of the effects of small schools is a lesser ability to be nimble regarding class size. The fewer classrooms there are per grade, the more difficult it becomes to adjust to shifting student populations.
Other costs include duplication of administration, support staff, libraries, building maintenance, snow removal, fuel, electricity, etc.
Step 3: Case Studies
A closer look at:
• Exeter – K-5 district, high performing, large schools, higher than average per pupil spending ($2315 per pupil less than Keene in 2007-2008/ $1228 per pupil less in 2008-2009)
• Salem – K-12 district, high performing, small elementary schools, lower than average per pupil spending ($4797 per pupil less than Keene in 2008-2009)
71
Exeter
• Exeter (K-5) is one small district in SAU 16 (comprised of Exeter, East Kingston, Brentwood, Newfields, Kensington, Stratham and Exeter Regional Cooperative)
• Exeter’s average per pupil cost in 08-09 was $13,906
• Exeter has two schools– Main St. (K-2)/466 students/1 Principal + 1 AP
– Lincoln St. (3-5)/495 students/1 Principal + 1 AP
72
Exeter• Exeter has an active volunteer program and large PTO.
– Parent volunteers staff the cafeteria at lunchtime (Lincoln St), assist in the libraries and in the classrooms
– Parent volunteers (as well as high school student volunteers) offer after school classes such as French, Spanish, Japanese, Sign Language, Cooking, Sports Medley, Dance, etc. in both schools
• Exeter emphasizes technology in the classroom. The Lincoln Street School has 3 mobile laptop labs that can be used in classrooms around the building. The Main Street School has several computers in each classroom.
• Exeter (Lincoln St, 3-5) also places emphasis on music instruction: instrumental lessons (including strings) during the school day, band and choral concert rehearsals during the school day, after school district elementary band, 4th grade Symphony trip each fall, etc.
• Exeter places great emphasis on curriculum coordination, and has two full-time curriculum directors working with teachers on instructional practices, effective use of assessment, tailoring lessons to student needs, summer curriculum work, etc.
73
2008-2009 Exeter: Student/Teacher Ratio and Average Class Size
74
Category Exeter (K-5)
Keene(K-5)
Difference if Keene used Exeter’s ratio and a Keene elementary enrollment of 1181
Students/Teacher 12.4 12.25 Difference of 1 position
Avg. Class Size K-2 Avg. Class SizeGrades 3-4
Avg. Class Size Grade 5
Exeter 19 18.1 19.4
Keene 18 16.2 17.2
Exeter: Regular and SPED Aide Comparison
75
Exeter(K-5)
Keene(K-5)
Aides apportioned
Students/Regular Aides 77.8 36.7
Students/SPED Aides 20.3 11.9
Percentage of Students Identified as Special Ed.
20% 19% (district %) –higher if elementary
only
70% of Keene’s regular aides are at the elementary level (32.2 positions out of 45.9), and 68.5% of Keene’s SPED aides are at the elementary level (102.6 positions out of 155).
Next to Keene, Exeter had the smallest number of students/aide of the districts studied, and a slightly higher rate of identified special education students.
Exeter: Principal/Assistant Principal Costs
76
Oct 2008 Enrollment
Numberof
Principals
Number of
Assistant Principals
Total salary of Principals and
Assistant Principals*
Average Cost perStudent
Exeter 961 2 2 $ 359,443.00 $374
Keene 1181 5 0 $ 444,094.00 $376
*NH Association of School Principals 2008-2009 Salary and Benefits survey
Keene (K-5) and Exeter (K-5) spend comparable amounts on Principals & Assistant Principals (as a combined administration figure).
2008 Exeter (K-5) and Keene (K-5)NECAP Whole School Performance
77
Exeter whole school -87% proficient
Keene whole school –78.6 % proficient
Reading
35
52
10
2.5
23.8
54.8
14.4
7
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
L4 L3 L2 L1
Exeter
Keene
2008 Exeter (K-5) and Keene (K-5)NECAP Whole School Performance
78
Exeter whole school -90.5% proficient
Keene whole school –69% proficient
Math
4446.5
7
2.5
20.2
48.8
17.4
13.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
L4 L3 L2 L1
Exeter
Keene
2008 Exeter and Keene: District AYP
Whole SchoolComparative Index
Scores(Not % proficient)
Ed DisabilityComparative Index
Scores(Not % proficient)
(AYP Status)
Econ DisadvantageComparative Index
Scores(Not % proficient)
(AYP Status)
Exeter Keene Exeter Keene Exeter Keene
Reading 95.5 (Y) 91.7 (Y) 83.40 (Y) 75.50 (N) 86.80 (Y) 85.50 (Y)
Math 96.1 (Y) 85.1 (Y) 85.20 (Y) 61.80 (N) 87.60 (Y) 74.90 (N)
79
DOE District AYP data includes both elementary and middle school levels. Keene’s District Ranking in Reading is 81 out of 158; In Math, 103 out of 158; and
in Writing, 103 out of 158, with 1 as the highest ranking.Exeter’s District Ranking in Reading is 25 out of 158; In Math, 7 out of 158; and
in Writing, 5th out of 158 with 1 as the highest ranking.
Exeter: Summary
• Like Keene, Exeter has a larger number of employees per student (including a larger number of aides) than the average
• Exeter has a student/teacher ratio similar to Keene’s• Based on the assessment data available, Exeter is
performing at a high level• Exeter runs two large elementary schools (average size
of 486) versus five small schools (average size 237), configured K-2 and 3-5.
• Exeter’s per pupil costs are approximately $2,315 less than Keene’s (multiplied by Keene’s elementary population, a difference of about $2.7 million)
80
Salem
• The Salem school district (SAU 57) is a K-12 district with a total enrollment of about 5000.
• Approximately 320 juniors and seniors at Salem HS are tuition students from the neighboring town of Windham.
• Salem’s average elementary per pupil spending in 2008-2009 was $10,337• Salem has eight schools, 6 of which are elementary
– Soule Elem. (K-5)/217 students/1 principal– Fisk Elem. (K-5)/315 students/1 principal– N. Salem Elem (K-5)/332 students/1 principal– Haigh Elem (K-5)/209 students/1 principal– Lancaster School (K-5)/254 students/1 principal– Barron Elem (K-5)/384 students/1 principal– Woodbury Middle (6-8)/1165 students/1 principals & 2 APs– Salem HS (9-12)/2200 students/1 principal & 3 APs
81
Salem• Elementary schools promote community and a social curriculum in a variety of
ways. For instance:– VIPS (very interested in providing service) program– Character Counts student recognition program– School Heroes: Trying to make someone else’s day better– Pennies for Patients
• Salem emphasizes small classes grades K-3.– Salem has an average class size of 16 in its lower grades. In grades 4-5, classes may have up to
25.
• Salem places great emphasis on a consistent curriculum across all of its elementary schools with a special focus on literacy in the younger grades (K-3)
• Resource Sharing– Salem shares resources extensively between and among schools, though Salem chooses not to
share principals or guidance– All specials teachers are shared between schools. One certified media specialist serves six
schools, supported by a paraprofessional in each building (who teaches lessons prepared by the certified specialist)
– Schools also share the services of a speech and language pathologist, reading specialist, occupational therapist and assistant, inclusion specialist, and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teacher.
• Each school notes the value of its active PTA
82
2008 Salem: Student/Teacher Ratio and Average Class Size
83
Category Salem (K-12)
Keene(K-12)
Avg. of K-12
districts
Students/Teacher 14.5 12.0 12.8
Avg. Class Size K-2 Avg. Class SizeGrades 3-4
Avg. Class Size Grade 5-8
Salem16.0 19.5 24.8
Keene 18 16.2 17.2
Salem: Regular and SPED Aide Comparison
84
Salem(K-12)
Keene(K-12)
Students/Regular Aides
406.5 78.1
Students/SPED Aides
37.1 23.1
Percentage of Students
Identified as Special Ed.
16% 19%
This slide compares the district wide aide numbers for both districts rather than the apportioned numbers used when comparing Keene (K-5) to Exeter (K-5).
Salem: Elementary Principal/Assistant Principal Costs
85
Oct 2008 Enrollment
Numberof
Principals
Number of
Assistant Principals
Total salary of Principals and
Assistant Principals*
Average Cost perStudent
Salem 1711 6 0 $475,100 $278
Keene 1181 5 0 $ 444,094.00 $376
*NH Association of School Principals 2008-2009 Salary and Benefits survey
Though Salem has small schools and six elementary principals, Salem’s average elementary principal salary is $79,183, about $9,600 less than Keene’s elementary principal average salary. This combined with Salem’s larger elementary enrollment makes their administration cost per student significantly less than Keene’s.
2008 Salem and KeeneNECAP Whole School Performance
86
Salem whole school -79% proficient
Keene whole school –78.6 % proficient
Reading
17.3
61.7
16.5
4.5
23.8
54.8
14.4
7
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
L4 L3 L2 L1
Salem
Keene
2008 Salem and KeeneNECAP Whole School Performance
87
Salem whole school -79.6% proficient
Keene whole school –69% proficient
Math
25.3
54.3
14
6.5
20.2
48.8
17.4
13.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
L4 L3 L2 L1
Salem
Keene
2008 Salem and Keene: District AYP Status
Whole School Comparative Index
Scores(Not % proficient)
Ed DisabilityComparative Index
Scores(Not % proficient)
(AYP Status)
(Elementary/Middle District level)
Econ DisadvantageComparative Index
Scores(Not % proficient)
(AYP Status)
(Elementary/Middle District level)
Salem Keene Salem Keene Salem Keene
Reading 92.5 (Y) 91.7 (Y) 75.80 (N) 75.5 (N) 86.30 (Y) 85.50 (Y)
Math 90.2 (Y) 85.1 (Y) 70.20 (N) 61.80 (N) 84.20 (Y) 74.90 (N)
88
Keene’s District Ranking in Reading is 81 out of 158. In Math, 103 out of 158 and in Writing, 103 out of 158, with 1 as the highest ranking.
Salem’s District Ranking in Reading is 66 out of 158. In Math, 51 out of 158 and in Writing, 66 out of 158, with 1 as the highest ranking.
Salem: Summary
• Like Keene, Salem has relatively small elementary schools
• However, as a district, Salem has a much larger number of students per employee than does Keene. They manage this despite having very small class sizes in their lower grades.
• Based on the assessment data available, Salem is performing well; no elementary schools are in need of improvement based on NCLB.
• Salem’s per pupil costs are significantly lower than Keene’s at all levels (elem, middle, high)
89
NECAP – WHOLE SCHOOL DATA BY DISTRICT
Note: NECAP data is for 2008. This information needs to be updated with 2009 results.
90
2008 NECAP Comparisons -Elementary
91
District L4 L3 % Proficient
Laconia 16 50.7 66.7
Concord 15.5 54.9 70.4
Rochester 19.1 56.9 76
Portsmouth 24 52.3 76.3
Keene 23.8 54.8 78.6
Salem 17.3 61.7 79
Londonderry 18.3 61.7 80
Merrimack 21.3 60 81.3
Exeter 35 52 87
District L4 L3 % Proficient
Laconia 18.7 44.3 63
Rochester 20.6 48.3 68.9
Keene 20.2 48.8 69
Concord 22.8 48 70.8
Londonderry 25.3 47.3 72.6
Portsmouth 30 46.3 76.3
Merrimack 28 50.8 78.8
Salem 25.3 54.3 79.6
Exeter 44 46.5 90.5
66.770.4
76 76.3 78.6 79 80 81.387
0102030405060708090
100
Elem Reading - % Proficient
6368.9 69 70.8 72.6
76.3 78.8 79.6
90.5
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Elem Math - % Proficient
2008 NECAP Comparison - Elementary
92
District L4 L3 % Proficient
Laconia 25.3 25 50.3
Keene 27.2 26.2 53.4
Portsmouth 32.7 21.3 54
Concord 22.7 32.7 55.4
Rochester 21.8 36.3 58.1
Londonderry 29.3 33.7 63
Merrimack 33 31.7 64.7
Salem 32.2 35.7 67.9
Exeter 60 25 85
District L4 L3 % Proficient
Laconia 0 39.3 39.3
Rochester 0 42.3 42.3
Concord 0 49.3 49.3
Londonderry 0 51.7 51.7
Salem 0.5 54.5 55
Merrimack 0.3 56.7 57
Portsmouth 0 61 61
Keene 0 64 64
Exeter 2 71 73
50.353.4 54 55.4 58.1
63 64.767.9
85
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Elem Writing - % Proficient
39.3 42.349.3 51.7
55 5761 64
73
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Elem Science - % Proficient
NECAP Comparisons – Middle School
93
District L4 L3 % Proficient
Rochester 7 58 65
Laconia 14 58 72
Concord 15 58 73
Londonderry 9 64 73
Salem 12 63 75
Keene 14 62 76
Merrimack 16 60 76
Portsmouth 15 62 77
Exeter 30 60 90
District L4 L3 % Proficient
Rochester 17 47 64
Keene 15 51 66
Londonderry 19 47 66
Laconia 20 48 68
Salem 18 51 69
Portsmouth 21 49 70
Concord 28 43 71
Merrimack 21 52 73
Exeter 35 44 79
6572 73 73 75 76 76 77
90
0102030405060708090
100
Middle Reading - % Proficient
64 66 66 68 69 70 71 7379
0102030405060708090
Middle Math - % Proficient
NECAP Comparisons – Middle School
94
District L4 L3 % Proficient
Concord 5 33 38
Salem 5 40 45
Keene 4 43 47
Rochester 5 42 47
Portsmouth 10 38 48
Londonderry 4 49 53
Laconia 11 44 55
Merrimack 9 47 56
Exeter 24 52 76
District L4 L3 % Proficient
Rochester 0 17 17
Concord 0 19 19
Laconia 1 20 21Keene 1 24 25
Londonderry 1 24 25
Merrimack 1 25 26
Salem 1 27 28
Portsmouth 1 32 33
Exeter 2 39 41
3845 47 47 48
53 55 56
76
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Middle Writing - % Proficient
1719
2125 25 26
28
33
41
05
1015202530354045
Middle Science - % Proficient
Elementary/Middle District ReportsReading – Economically Disadvantaged
95
80.30
83.9084.60 84.80 85.20 85.50
86.20 86.30 86.80 87.30
76.00
78.00
80.00
82.00
84.00
86.00
88.00
Elem/Middle Reading - Index ScoresEconomically Disadvantaged
All of the districts make AYP in Reading within this subgroup.
Elementary/Middle District ReportsMath – Economically Disadvantaged
96
74.90 75.80 76.30 76.50 77.0078.80
81.6082.80
84.20
87.60
65.00
70.00
75.00
80.00
85.00
90.00
Elem/Middle Math - Index ScoresEconomically Disadvantaged
Keene, Portsmouth, Laconia, and Concord did not make AYP in Math within this subgroup.
(Scores in beige boxes did not meet AYP targets.)
Elementary/Middle District ReportsReading – Educational Disability
97
60.768.0 69.2 72.8 74.5 75.5 75.8 77.4 78.5
83.4
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
Elem/Middle Reading -Index Scores Educational Disability
Elementary/Middle District ReportsMath– Educational Disability
98
50.5
60.6 61.0 61.866.3 67.5 68.7 69.4 70.2
85.2
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
Elem/Middle Math -Index Scores Educational Disability
Of the ten districts, Exeter, Hampton and Merrimack met AYP standards in both subject areas within the educational disability subgroup .
NECAP Comparison – High School
99
District L4 L3 % Proficient
Laconia 10 53 63
Merrimack 12 53 65
Rochester 14 52 66
Keene 17 52 69
Winnacunnet 19 53 72
Concord 20 53 73
Exeter 18 55 73
Salem 17 59 76
Londonderry 17 62 79
Portsmouth 21 59 80
District L4 L3 % Proficient
Laconia 0 19 19
Rochester 1 23 24
Merrimack 1 27 28
Winnacunnet 1 29 30
Salem 0 32 32
Keene 1 33 34
Concord 3 34 37
Exeter 3 39 42
Londonderry 4 40 44
Portsmouth 5 46 51
63 65 66 69 72 73 73 76 79 80
0102030405060708090
High School Reading - % Proficient
1924
28 30 32 3437
42 44
51
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
High School Math - % Proficient
NECAP Comparison – High School
100
District L4 L3 % Proficient
Laconia 1 24 25
Keene 2 30 32
Rochester 2 30 32
Merrimack 2 31 33
Salem 1 38 39
Winnacunnet 2 39 41
Concord 4 38 42
Londonderry 2 44 46
Portsmouth 4 42 46
Exeter 10 44 54
District L4 L3 % Proficient
Laconia 0 11 11
Rochester 1 13 14
Winnacunnet 0 19 19
Merrimack 1 19 20
Concord 1 23 24
Keene 1 27 28
Salem 0 28 28
Londonderry 1 31 32
Portsmouth 1 35 36
Exeter 2 38 40
25
32 32 33
39 41 4246 46
54
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
High School Writing - % Proficient
1114
19 2024
28 2832
3640
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
High School Science - % Proficient
Summary of Findings
I. Education in Keene, particularly at the elementary level and to a lesser degree at the middle school, is more costly than that of other comparison districts due to a number of expensive choices the district and community have made.
II. In per pupil spending over the past 8 years, Keene High School stands at or near the state average; Keene Middle School is higher than the state average; Keene elementary schools are significantly higher than the state average.
III. Keene has small K-5 schools for a community its size, and each is staffed by one principal – resulting in administrative staffing higher than that of comparison districts. Keene Middle School also has administrative costs that are comparatively high.
IV. Keene staffing is richer than that of comparison districts. With 5.2 students per employee, Keene has the lowest number of students per employee of any comparison district.
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Summary of Findings
V. Staffing levels at the elementary and middle levels are one driver of administration costs.
VI. Keene class sizes in grades 1-2 are comparable to other districts; 3-8 are smaller than those of comparison school districts.
VII. Keene’s percent of students enrolled in special education services is significantly higher than the state average.
VIII. Despite Keene’s substantial investment in special education and its deep commitment to its students, the performance of special education students on the NECAP was less strong than other comparison districts allocating fewer resources to special education.
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