Taconic Hills Central School District

Taconic Hills Central School District
Name	Taconic Hills Central School District
Type	Public
Grades	K-12
Region	Columbia County
Country	United States
Superintendent	Dr. Neil Howard Jr.
Budget	~$40 million (2023-24)
Website	www.taconichills.k12.ny.us

Taconic Hills Central School District is a K-12 public school district serving students in the southeastern region of Columbia County, New York. The district was formed through a merger in the late 20th century and operates two main campuses within its boundaries in the towns of Copake and Craryville. It is part of the Questar III BOCES regional educational cooperative and is governed by a locally elected Board of Education.

History

The district was established in 1971 through the merger of several smaller common school districts, including those from the towns of Copake and Hillsdale, a consolidation driven by the broader centralization movement in New York State. This reorganization was intended to improve educational offerings and operational efficiency in the rural communities nestled within the Taconic Mountains. The name "Taconic Hills" reflects the district's geographic setting within this range, which forms part of the border with Massachusetts. Prior to the merger, students attended historic local schools like the former Copake Falls Union Free School District and Roeliff Jansen Central School District.

Schools

The district operates two primary facilities on a shared campus. Taconic Hills Elementary School serves students from pre-K through sixth grade, while Taconic Hills Junior/Senior High School houses grades seven through twelve. The campus is located in Craryville, near the border of Columbia County and Dutchess County. The facilities have undergone several renovations and expansions, including significant capital projects managed through the New York State Education Department's Office of Facilities Planning.

Demographics

As of the 2022-23 school year, the district enrolled approximately 1,100 students. The student population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Hispanic, Multiracial, and Black students. A notable portion of students are classified as economically disadvantaged, qualifying for programs like the National School Lunch Program. The district serves a largely rural area encompassing parts of the towns of Copake, Hillsdale, Ancram, and Gallatin.

Academics and programs

The district offers a standard Regents diploma track, alongside Advanced Placement courses and Career and Technical Education programs provided through the Questar III BOCES. Special education services are coordinated in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Extracurricular academic offerings include participation in the Science Olympiad, Model United Nations, and various music and arts programs. The district's graduation rate and assessment performance are reported annually to the New York State Education Department.

Athletics and extracurriculars

Taconic Hills teams, known as the Titans, compete in the Patroon Conference of Section II, governed by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. Offered sports include soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, cross country, and track and field. The district also supports a wide array of clubs and activities, such as Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society, student government, and a performing arts program that stages annual musicals and concerts.

Governance and finances

The district is governed by a seven-member, publicly elected Board of Education, which sets policy, adopts the annual budget, and appoints the Superintendent of Schools. The operating budget is funded primarily through local property taxes, state aid from New York State, and federal sources. Budgets and major capital projects are subject to a public vote, as per New York State Education Law. The district's financial operations are audited by the New York State Comptroller's office.

Category:School districts in New York (state) Category:Columbia County, New York Category:Educational institutions established in 1971