HAMPDEN – During the last year, SAD 22 has exceeded the state average on standardized test scores, increased the number of advanced placement tests, and saved almost $2 million on construction costs. And to top it all off, the district has been recognized as a high performer.

That was the good news handed down Wednesday as Superintendent of Schools Rick Lyons presented the annual district status report to the board of directors.

“You lose track of what you’re doing day to day, but when you stand back you think, ‘My God, look what you can do in 12 months!”’ Lyons said. SAD 22 consists of Hampden, Winterport and Newburgh.

Touching on highlights from the 2000-01 school year, Lyons recalled that based on students’ scores on the Maine Educational Assessment tests, SAD 22 was named one of four high performing districts in the state by the University of Southern Maine’s Center for Educational Policy, Applied Research and Evaluation.

The other school districts were in Caribou, Monmouth and Cumberland.

Last May, aiming to determine similarities among the four school systems, USM representatives interviewed SAD 22 students, teachers, parents, school board members and administrative staff, according to Lyons.

The results will be published in late fall or early winter, according to Lyons.

Compared to the average MEA score, the district had an “extremely favorable rating,” Lyons said.

Thirty eight percent of SAD 22 students met the standard, compared with 5 percent statewide, Lyons said.

While 95 percent of students statewide only partially met the test’s standard, 62 percent of students in SAD 22 fit that description, according to Lyons. That number should be lower, he acknowledged.

More good news: Hampden Academy has increased the number of advanced placement tests by 68 percent, according to Lyons.

The high school administered 98 tests in eight content areas this year, compared with 58 tests in five areas two years ago, he said.

Students achieved “exemplary outcomes,” he said, with 65 percent receiving a score of three or higher. Tests are scored using a low of one and a high of five.

The district was diligent this year about taking advantage of cost-saving measures for construction projects, Lyons pointed out.

Thanks to the State Revolving Renovation fund, SAD 22 completed $3 million in repairs and renovations with taxpayers having to foot only 60 percent of the bill, the superintendent said.

Other successes during the year included:

. The Hampden Academy Mock Trial team participated in national competition.

. Reeds Brook Middle School won the Maine Middle Level Math League Championship.

. The Leroy H. Smith School saw 87 percent of its participating students successfully complete Reading Recovery, a program for first graders with reading problems.

. Students from Hampden Academy and three other schools created a Bangor Daily News op-ed weekly column.

. A parent-teacher organization was formed at the Earle McGraw School, and

. The district received a five-year $1.2 million grant to focus on health curriculum and community-wide wellness including tobacco abstinence and physical activity.

Opening day enrollment found Hampden Academy with 770 students, 46 more than last year and 25 more than were projected, Lyons said.

The influx hasn’t had a major impact on class size, according to Principal Katie Donovan.

“Space is a problem, but we’re OK, we’re absorbing it,” she said.

The district has applied to the state for funds for an addition and renovations.