DELMAR — For the sixth consecutive year, Bethlehem Central was named the number one school district in the Capital District by the Albany Business Review.
The district topped the business publication’s annual “Schools Report,” which ranks 92 school districts in the 11-county greater Capital District using data from the New York State Education Department.
District Superintendent Jody Monroe said the distinction comes after hard work from a lot of people.
“It takes a lot of hard work from a lot of people to ensure we are serving the needs of our students in all four of our goal areas: academics, character, community and wellness,” she said. “It’s both commitment and continuity by instructional and support staff, along with a supportive community and dedicated students, that make each one of our schools a place where kids can thrive.”
The Albany Business Review used the department’s School Report Cards for the 2020-21 school year to tabulate its rankings. Data includes test scores in grades 3-8, Regents test results, graduation rates and the percentage of graduates with advanced Regents diplomas.
While maintaining its spot as the area’s best district for academics, Bethlehem also performed well economically.
For the second year in a row, Bethlehem placed in the bottom half of the publication’s rankings in spending. Out of 90 districts, the district was ranked No. 66 in the Capital District in spending per pupil last year, or $24,277 per pupil. The year before, the district ranked No. 48 on the spending list.
“It feels good when you get to the end of a year like this one– when you were never quite sure what to expect next — to be able to celebrate this accomplishment,” Monroe said.
