In several presentations around the state, as well as to the Board of Regents, Commissioner Steiner "admitted...that New York's tests have become too easy and predictable."  In a report analyzing the state's progress relative to the nation's progress, Commissioner Steiner concludes that although within our state test scores have risen, compared to the nation, we are being surpassed.  The first step is changing the cut point.  What this means is beginning with this year's tests, mastery will be raised.  

Moody’s has upgraded the Spackenkill Union Free School District’s long-term obligations rating from A1 to Aa2. Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. Visit www.moodys.com for full ratings definitions. The ratings improvement will save the district an estimated 15 to 20 basis points on borrowing associated with the High School Project.

Dr. Lois Powell of the Spackenkill Union Free School District located in Poughkeepsie, New York, has been appointed by Dr. Patrick Gallagher, Director of the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to the 2010 Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.  The Award, created by public law in 1987, is the highest level of national recognition for performance excellence that a U.S. organization can receive.

The Dutchess County Department of Health recently lauded Hagan School as a Success Story for its participation in the Fit Kids Program. The program’s goal is to encourage schools to promote healthy lifestyle choices among students. It is funded by the New York State Department of Health’s Healthy Heart Program.