"As my children get older, they’re not going to have opportunities like kids ahead of them had, or like I had. And I think that’s what a lot of us are worried about, that our kids are not going to have the same school experience that we had. And it’s going to be difficult down the line, if we continue to lose these things for college admissions and in life."

It’s looking like state lawmakers will transfer $200 million from a competitive grant program for schools, and possibly target it toward poor and rural districts.

The districts are still waiting to hear how much money it will actually mean for them. Wallace says it’s not nearly enough.

"Politically, it was probably an easy thing to do. Those of us who are living this, understand that 200 million, even if it’s distributed equitably, in schools systems like Canton or Potsdam, it’s only going to cover 10% of our gap. While it’s great, we have more work to do."
 
Agreement on the state budget is expected this week. Meanwhile, the Watertown Daily Times reports that some north country school districts are planning community forums to discuss possible mergers.