Saranac Lake, NY, Jun 12, 2012 — When New York State first started funding universal pre-kindergarten programs, educators and policy-makers cited studies that showed the early schooling was a big plus for children. Some 14 years later, the educational impacts of pre-K are still recognized, and more parents are enrolling their kids.

However, budget-crunched New York hasn't increased pre-K funding, and with local districts reluctant to pick up the slack, some children are being shut out. Chris Morris reports.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Feb 15, 2012 — A group of Canton Central School parents is pulling together a meeting tonight to consider how best to advocate for a bigger share of state education aid.

Superintendent William Gregory told the school board last week that Canton Central might need to cut 44 jobs next school year.

Gregory predicted cuts in teaching positions would mean larger class sizes: up to 30-to-40 students per classroom. Sports, elective classes, and extracurricular programs are all threatened.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 20, 2011 — Education groups, including the New York State United Teachers union, taking a cue from Governor Andrew Cuomo, have launched their own statewide tour to draw attention to teacher lay offs and school program cuts that they say are a result of school aid cuts in the state budget. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 19, 2011 — Both supporters and opponents of a 2% property tax cap say the record high passage of school budgets in New York Tuesday proves their case. Karen DeWitt has reaction from Albany.  Go to full article

May 16, 2006 — Voters in New York have the opportunity to vote on their local school budgets today. Schools say extra aid from the Governor and legislature this year have helped keep costs down to property taxpayers. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

May 16, 2006 — Martha Foley has the regional view on today's school budget votes.  Go to full article

May 18, 2005 — With the help of an on-time budget from the state legislature, most north country school districts were able to pass their own budgets in state-wide voting yesterday.
There were a few exceptions. Indian Lake and Warrensburg saw their spending plans defeated. In Clinton County, Beekmantown voters rejected a spending plan that would have included a 12.7 percent increase.
Voters turned down the St. Lawrence Central School budget as well. It called for a 26.8 percent increase in the tax levy.
Those districts will have the chance to craft a new budget and hold a second vote. Or they can adopt a lean contingency budget.
School districts which had struggled to pass budgets in recent years saw success yesterday. Peru and St. Regis Falls both passed spending plans that will include extra money for new buses.  Go to full article

Mar 30, 2004 — While Albany haggles over how to reform education aid, school superintendents have more bad news about their budgets for next year. From Carthage to Crown Point, school budget projections call for teacher cuts, reduced athletic and extracurricular programs, even school closings, while still asking for double digit tax increases. Jim Dawson is the northern New York representative to the state board of Regents, which sets education policy in New York. He spoke with David Sommerstein during a visit to Massena. He says the Regents are calling for an $880 million increase in state aid to schools.  Go to full article

Mar 11, 2004 — Local schools face another year of tight budgets. Martha Foley talks with Canton Central School Superintendent Katrina Jacobson about options the school board is now considering.  Go to full article

May 15, 2003 — As the budget showdown in Albany reaches its climax, millions of dollars in education aid for North Country schools hang in the balance. School districts are making tentative plans for what they'd do with the extra money. As David Sommerstein reports, in most cases it's a mix of restoring cuts and lowering taxes.  Go to full article