"I do see it as a plus overall for rural schools, unfortunately, it’s just not enough to bridge that very difficult chasm we have in terms of a fiscal shortfall."

Other north country districts, such as Plattsburgh City Schools, are considering whether to exceed the state’s 2% cap on property tax hikes. 

Canton Central has already held public meetings, for the community to make budget recommendations. Gregory says it looks like the district will cut 15 to 25 positions:

"For example, now we have five teachers per grade level, the reductions will take us to four teachers at elementary level and at that grade 7 through 12 level. What it will result in is the loss the some electives and larger classes sizes in general across the board."

Gregory says the board of education will decide in the coming months whether to take more money from reserves, and how much to ask from voters in a tax levy.