The Columbia Paper is reporting the New York State Education Department announced April 24 the Walter B. Howard Elementary School, a pre-K to 6 school in the New Lebanon School District, has been named a 2019-2020 Recognition School. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act plan, Recognition Schools are those that demonstrate high academic achievement and strong progress. The list this year identified 582 high-achieving schools statewide. “It is such an honor to be recognized by the state for the work our staff does every day with our students. It is a testament to our entire staff who are dedicated to making Walter B. Howard a special place for our kids. It is humbling to see that dedication recognized and I couldn’t be prouder of our team,” Principal Andrew Kourt said in a press release. Walter B. Howard was the only elementary, middle or high school in Greene and Columbia counties named to the list. Read the full press release in The Columbia Paper.