Washington, DC, Dec 11, 2012 — The federal government is easing its new rules for school lunches. In a letter to members of Congress Friday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the USDA would remove calorie limits on grains and meats in schools.

At the same time, Vilsack defended the program put in place last fall. He wrote it's ensuring twice the amount of fruits and vegetables in school lunches, and a "substantial" increase in the use of whole grains.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Nov 15, 2012 — About fifty parents and others concerned about the Canton Central Schools gathered Wednesday night, to discuss how to avoid another devastating year of state funding cuts.

Superintendent Bill Gregory told them that Canton has gotten a particularly bad deal from the state, when compared with other districts. In the past two years, Canton Central has cut 20 percent of its staff. And still, it's facing a $2 million shortfall this year.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Sep 14, 2012 — Across the north country, parents and teachers are getting a first-hand look at what state funding cuts mean for their children. Schools in Potsdam, Malone, and elsewhere have cut staff this year. At Canton Central class sizes are much bigger, and the number of course offerings is smaller. Parents and school leaders say it's not good for the kids. And they're concerned more cuts are on the way.  Go to full article

Jefferson, NY, Sep 05, 2012 — School is getting underway for the year, and cafeteria offerings around the country are getting an overhaul. The USDA has issued new national guidelines for the first time in 15 years. Schools are required to serve more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, while limiting sodium and fat. Each meal needs to be in a specific calorie range. Breads need to be more than half whole grains.

Today is the first day of school at South Jefferson Central, and district food service director Cindy Overton tells Julie Grant the school is ready to go with the new menu.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Jul 11, 2012 — It may be summer, but school officials are already preparing for fall. And they need to this year; North Country schools already know they have a lot of changes ahead. With state budget cuts and a new cap on property tax increases, Canton Central School is cutting staff and trimming programs. The elementary school is losing a teacher at each grade level. At the same time, it's implementing new teacher evaluations and moving toward national academic standards for students. Julie Grant reports.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Jul 05, 2012 — A new survey shows that many New York school districts are within a year and a half of exhausting their fund balances. School business leaders say that could lead to district consolidationsor closures. Julie Grant reports.  Go to full article

Apr 27, 2012 — New York State yesterday (Thursday) tried again t to dismiss a 2008 court case filed by small city school districts calling on the state to provide fair funding for all students, so they can receive a sound, basic education. The state made its case for the third time, appearing before the state Court of Appeals.

North Country Assemblywoman Addie Russell wants to legislate new Robin Hood-like standards for school aid distribution. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Apr 26, 2012 — Schools around the North Country are trying figure out how to provide quality education in the midst of a historic budget squeeze. In Plattsburgh, school officials are asking taxpayers to do more to keep enrichment and arts programs alive. Sarah Harris has that story.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Apr 02, 2012 — Now that north country schools have final budget numbers from the state, it's time to figure out where to cut. Canton Central Superintendent Bill Gregory says they picked up an additional $172,000 dollars in state budget negotiations. But that only covers 10% of the district's $2.5 million shortfall.  Go to full article

Potsdam, , Mar 26, 2012 — Many North Country parents, students, and school officials are anxiously awaiting agreement on the state budget. Canton Central held two public forums this month, to explain the district's $2.5 million budget shortfall, and hear where residents recommend cutbacks. The district is considering up to 40 job cuts.

Rachel Wallace is mother of two third-graders in the Potsdam Schools. She's worried that class sizes will get larger, and extra-curricular activities will be eliminated. Wallace says the drop in state school aid could have lasting impacts.  Go to full article