Cranberry Area School District

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Cranberry Area School District is a small, rural public district in Venango County, Pennsylvania. It serves Cranberry Township, Pinegrove Township, and Rockland Township, covering about 155 square miles. The district operates Cranberry Elementary School (K–6) and Cranberry Jr/Sr High School (7–12). About 1,200 students were enrolled in 2010.

Academics and programs
- In 2011, Cranberry Area High School graduated 94% of its students; in 2010 the district’s four-year graduation rate was 88%.
- Graduation requirements total 23 credits: English 4; Math 3 (Algebra/Geometry required); Social Studies 4; Science 3 (Biology required); Health 0.5; Physical Education 1; Computer 0.5; and 7 electives.
- Students can take college courses for credit through dual enrollment and may take Keystone Exams that count toward final grades.
- The high school offers honors, Advanced Placement courses, and opportunities for dual enrollment with local colleges.

Students, special education and gifted services
- In 2009, about 18–19% of students received special education services.
- Gifted students (about 2% in 2009) have access to enrichment through honors, AP courses, and a gifted program. The referral process for gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents.
- In 2010, state special education funding supported districts; Cranberry received a supplement of about $829,468 in 2010.

Numerical context
- In 2010, roughly 18.9% of district students qualified for free or reduced-price lunch.

Safety, staff and compensation
- The district reported no bullying incidents in 2009, with two incidents involving threats to a school official.
- About 80 teachers were employed in 2009; average teacher salary was around $51,205.
- The school day is 7.5 hours; teachers receive benefits including a defined benefit pension and health insurance; some duties require additional pay for after-hours work.

Finances and funding
- The district’s 2011–12 BE funding was about $6.49 million, plus a small Accountability Block Grant.
- In 2010 the district had about $1.4 million in unreserved-undesignated funds and about $2.36 million in designated reserve funds.
- Cranberry Area receives funding from a mix of local taxes, state funds, and federal programs. The district participated in the Common Cents program to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- In 2011 the property tax rate was set at 12.4280 mills. The district also offers Homestead/Farmstead tax relief programs.

Enrollment trends and regional context
- The district is among Pennsylvania’s smaller districts, with enrollment projected to stay under 1,400 through 2020.
- Rural western Pennsylvania is expected to see enrollment declines, with potential implications for district planning and administration.
- Some studies have suggested that administrative consolidation with neighboring districts could yield cost savings without closing schools.

Extracurricular activities
- Cranberry Area District offers a wide range of clubs, activities, and sports. To participate, students must maintain a 75% average with no failing grades and meet eligibility rules. All students, including those in private, cyber, charter, or homeschooled programs, may participate under the same rules.