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Dear NECSD students, families, faculty, staff, and community,

With the opening of our new Career and Technical Education building, our district continues to grow and evolve, and so does our shared identity. Throughout my time as Superintendent, I have remained deeply committed to collaboration and reflecting the voice of our community as we are taking steps forward, together.

Through the recent survey seeking community input about reimaging our high schools, one theme was clear: the name Newburgh Free Academy carries deep historical significance and pride for our community. Many respondents emphasized that this name represents more than a building. It reflects generations of academic excellence, civic leadership, and community achievement. The word “Free” in our name stands as a testament to the original belief that education should be accessible to all, a value that continues to guide us today.

The original certificate from the University of the State of New York, officially registering Newburgh Free Academy as a high school on October 5, 1898, still hangs proudly in our district office today. It stands as a reminder of our long and distinguished history of excellence. We remain deeply committed to honoring the legacy of our alumni, faculty, and staff while continuing to build a brighter future for our current scholars, who in turn will become, future graduates, community leaders, and world changers.

Every one of our school buildings belongs to the public - to our students, alumni, families, educators, and neighbors - and not to any one individual or purpose. As such, your voices remain vital as we refine how our high school campuses are identified.

Building upon the first round of feedback, we are now sharing a new survey to help narrow down the naming options for our high school buildings. Please note that the main name, Newburgh Free Academy, will remain unchanged. Through our primary high school name, we will continue to honor our district’s rich history while allowing us to define distinct identities for each campus that reflect their unique location, programs, and purposes.

We thank everyone who has already participated and shared their thoughtful perspectives. Your input continues to shape a legacy that reflects both who we have been and who we aspire to become.

Second Survey: Newburgh Free Academy | Honoring Our History. Shaping Our Future.

Our collective strength will always surpass our individual efforts. We must continue to collaborate not merely to build, but to definitively shape the Newburgh Free Academy legacy for every Goldback, every day.

With appreciation and collaboration,

Dr. Jackie Manning Campbell
Superintendent of Schools