For much of the past decade this has been the time of year when superintendents in our region made excuses.

“We would have, if…” or “We almost…”

Not this year. This year the superintendents of all four county school systems in the region are smiling. They are able to talk about success and a future that looks brighter than perhaps at any time in recent memory.

Why? Test scores are improving and improving dramatically. Bertie, Gates, Hertford and Northampton counties saw major improvement with the release of preliminary test scores.

True, it didn’t happen overnight. It has taken the time, effort and determination of a lot of people to see the improvements this year’s test results show. It took the work of superintendents, central office personnel, principals, assistant principals, teachers and everyone else to make it happen.

This year’s Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) results are probably the best overall in the history of the testing program. Each of the four districts made progress in the last year. Some of them did so with first-year principals, some with long-term principals; some who always seem to reach their goals and some who seldom have.

We commend the work of the four county boards of education, the superintendents and the entirety of the school districts. They should be pleased that the hard work and dedication have paid off.

Now – on to higher scores yet.