Apr 24, 2003 — New York's legislature has promised to restore some of Governor Pataki's proposed $1.25 billion cuts to school aid next week. That is theoretically in time for school districts to add the extra money to their budgets before they have to be finalized for a vote in May. But many school administrators are playing it safe and moving ahead with school closures, teacher lay-offs, and program cuts. The situation highlights the quandary schools have faced for the past 19 years that New York state budgets have been late. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Mar 10, 2003 — Throughout the North Country, school administrators are grappling with devastating preliminary budgets for next year. They're dealing with falling state aid and rising costs. They're considering cutting programs, laying off teachers, closing school buildings, and still may propose tax levy increases in the 20% range. Last spring David Sommerstein profiled two programs in Malone that faced cuts. This year is no different. Here's that story.  Go to full article

Mar 05, 2003 — Hundreds of school children, teachers and school superintendents converged on the capitol Tuesday to lobby for the restoration of over a billion dollars in education cuts that Governor Pataki has proposed for the state budget. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article

Feb 05, 2003 — Hundreds of school children marched at the State Capitol to protest Governor Pataki's proposed cuts to after-school programs.  Go to full article

Jan 29, 2003 — Cornell Cooperative Extension officials in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence county say the time is ripe to start serving more North Country-grown produce in local schools. Cooperative Extension started its first farm-to-school pilot programs last summer in Canton, Massena and at SUNY-Potsdam. The aim this year is to get more farmers and schools involved. Request program information. Todd Moe reports.  Go to full article

Oct 04, 2002 — A group called Dignity for All Students Coalition wants the state education department to ask students about instances of bullying. But Education Commissioner Richard Mills is refusing to include the questions in a survey distributed to school districts. Karen Dewitt has details.  Go to full article

Aug 30, 2002 — The North Country's colleges and universities are welcoming a near record number of new students to their campuses this year. That's good news for tight budgets. But as David Sommerstein reports, schools have different ways of dealing with the influx of students.  Go to full article

Aug 12, 2002 — As September rolls around, many students are getting ready to head off to college. As Jody Tosti reports, from health to car insurance, parents may want to check out their policies before sending their teenager off to school.  Go to full article

Aug 02, 2002 — An appeals court in Albany has rejected a suit attempting to stop construction of a million-dollar swimming pool in Newcomb. The Finch-Pruyn paper company, a major taxpayer in the town, claimed that the project was too costly. Brian Mann reports.  Go to full article

Jul 31, 2002 — This week the Best Western in Canton hosts the 10th annual Constructivist Conference. It sounds like a gathering of philosophers. But it's really educators from all over New York State practicing what they call "learning-centered" teaching skills. In learning-centered classrooms, the focus is on doing things, discussing things, not reading and lecturing about them.
David Sommerstein reported from last year's conference, which was held at St. Lawrence University.  Go to full article