SpackenKill Union Free School District – Ahead of the Class in Design

Located in the Town of Poughkeepsie, New York, the Spackenkill Union Free School District is known for its long tradition of excellence and high educational standards. Established in 1866, the District has grown from a one-room schoolhouse to four schools serving more than 1,500 students annually.

Today, the District prides itself on being a small community that maintains a high level of academic excellence. Spackenkill High School in particular was rated #1 out of 13 high schools in Dutchess County and was the recipient of the US Department of Education 2018 National Blue-Ribbon Award.

With national recognition for educational excellence comes the need to invest in learning environments that support quality teaching and advanced academic programs. The CPL team has been honored to play a role in helping the District do just that for the last 15 years.

Since 2005, CPL has helped the Spackenkill UFSD remain “ahead of the class” in terms of design by maintaining the District’s facilities and keeping their infrastructure in top notch condition.

“Our team has been consistent in leading the District through substantial renovations to their two elementary schools, middle school and high school buildings,” said Principal Architect, Chris Colby, AIA, LEED, AP. “We’ve done everything from critical upgrades to items such as windows, doors, roofs, mechanical systems and fire alarms, to larger endeavors like brand new classrooms, fitness center spaces and even a black box theater to support their growing performing arts program.”

Most recently, CPL assisted the District in making needed improvements to the High School’s track and field—a project that not only impacted the District, but the entire community at large.

A high school’s athletic field is more than a place where students fulfill their physical education requirements. It often serves as a point of pride for communities and instills a sense of belonging to those who use it.

This was especially proven true during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic this year, when members of the community craved safe, outdoor spaces to exercise, play and enjoy some fresh air.

“We knew how important the renovation of this track and field would be to the community, but we never could have anticipated the impact it would have as a result of the coronavirus,” explained Colby. “It really has become a community focal point—where students not only challenge themselves for next-level achievements, but where community members can also gather safely and responsibly.”

When schools succeed, communities succeed. Through forward-thinking designs and needed improvements, CPL can help Districts like Spackenkill achieve great things, both athletically and academically.

“It’s been really fulfilling for us as a firm to have been part of Spackenkill’s development for the last 15 years,” said Colby. “Our consistent partnership with them has allowed us to outfit their teachers with inspiring spaces to educate students, and give taxpayers modernized school buildings and fields that help their community grow and thrive.”

Michelle manages and coordinates CPL’s digital content from social media, blogs and e-newsletters to the firm's website and intranet. She brings high energy, focus and advanced writing skills, which enable her to produce relevant content to inform, inspire and enhance CPL's brand awareness and value propositions.

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