Notice to parents of children in the Octorara Area School District that attend private nonpublic schools, charter schools or home schools:

The Octorara Area School District is applying for the 2010-2011 Dual Enrollment Grant.  You may contact Tom Newcome at 610-593-8238 x3500 if you have questions. 

Newsweek magazine ran an article on "America's Top Public High Schools" in June listing Octorara Area High School.  Please select the link below to view the Lancaster Online article.

Lancaster Online

Next Work Session: February 8, 2010, 7:30 p.m., Octorara Middle School MPR (Click here for agenda.)

Next Regular Meeting:  February 15, 2010, 7:30 p.m., Octorara Middle School MPR

Facilities Committee Meeting:  February 8, 2010, 6:00 p.m., Octorara Middle School MPR 

Policy Committee Meeting:  February 15, 2010, 6:30 p.m., Octorara Middle School MPR

Public is invited and encouraged to attend these meetings.  Should you require special seating needs, please contact Jill Hardy at 610-593-8238 ext. 3500.

To view the 2010-2011 budget information that was presented to the Board of School Directors on Monday, January 11, 2010, please click on the following link.

Should you have any questions about this information or the budget process, please feel free to contact Mr. Dan Carsley, Business Manager, at 610-593-8238 ext. 3515.

NOTICE is given that the Proposed Preliminary Budget for the General Fund of Octorara Area School District for the 2010-2011 fiscal year is available for public inspection at the school district offices, 228 Highland Road, Suite 1, Atglen, Pennsylvania, and will be presented for adoption as a Preliminary Budget Proposal at a school board meeting to be held in the multi-purpose room of the Octorara Middle School, 228 Highland Road, Atglen, Pennsylvania at 7:30 p.m. on February 15, 2010.  the Preliminary Budget Proposal may be amended before adoption.

Pursuant to Act 1, the Pennsylvania Department of Education publishes an index % applicable to the School District.  The school district real estate tax increase for the next fiscal year is limited to the index % unless the proposed tax rate is approved by voters pursuant to a referendum or the School District qualifies for an Act 1 exception.  As a result of special circumstances covered by an Act 1 referendum exception, a tax rate % increase above the index might be required to balance the School District budget for the next fiscal year.  The tax to be levied is required to provide a quality education program as reflected in the School District Preliminary Budget.

The School District intends to seek approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education or to the County Court as required by an Act 1 for an exception allowing increase of the real estate tax as reflected in the School District Preliminary Budget.  On written request by any School District resident or taxpayer, the School District will provide a copy of the referendum exception application.

Jill L. Hardy, Secretary

Octorara Board of School Directors

Dr. Thomas Newcome, Superintendent of Schools, is scheduling Town Meetings for Octorara community organizations and groups to address issues that affect the operation of schools and the local community. Some topics that will be addressed at these meetings include school finance, budget preparation, curriculum and instruction, and facilities. To schedule a meeting for your group, please contact Jill Hardy at 610-593-8238 or email at jhardy@octorara.org . Daytime and evening hours are available.

DUE TO CONSTRUCTION ON THE SECONDARY CAMPUS PLEASE SELECT THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING PARKING AND STUDENT PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF.

Parking for after school evening activities other than athletic events at the Octorara Area High School is available in either the high school student parking lot or the middle school parking lot.

Parking for athletic events at the Octorara Area High School is available in the high school student parking lot only.  Please follow signs to ticket area.

Parking Document