Rensselaer, NY, Feb 16, 2011 — In a move that veteran lawmakers called "unprecedented", Governor Andrew Cuomo sent his Lieutenant Governor, Robert Duffy, to defend his proposed school aid cuts to a joint hearing of the legislature's education and fiscal committees. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Tupper Lake, NY, Feb 14, 2011 — A report released last week by the state Education Department estimates that 74 percent of school districts outside of New York City have a big enough fund balance to pay for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposed state aid cuts.

The numbers show that districts have about $1.16 billion in their reserve accounts, along with a little more than $355 million in federal stimulus funds leftover from last year.

But opponents of Cuomo's budget cuts say that's just not true.

They claim the aid cuts will force thousands of teacher layoffs and result in increased taxes, especially in poor North Country districts.

Chris Morris has our story.  Go to full article

Aug 23, 2010 — Earlier this month, Democratic candidate for Governor Andrew Cuomo received the backing of the state's AFL-CIO. However, not all unions that are members of the public-private organization are endorsing the Attorney General for governor. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article

Nov 14, 2008 — This week we're asking the country's most compelling thinkers for their recommendations for president-elect Barack Obama. Our series, "A Fresh Start," continues today with a provocative take on kindergarten through 12th grade education. Deborah Meier is widely considered one of America's foremost education experts. She's started highly innovative and successful schools in New York City and Boston. She lives south of Albany now. Meier believes the rigid standards and tests of "No Child Left Behind" have left teachers powerless in schools. She says the federal program has to be replaced with a "Marshall plan" for the development of a large, well-educated teaching force. Meier told David Sommerstein the world of education has to step back and ask fundamental questions about the relevance of school to childrens' lives.  Go to full article

Oct 21, 2008 — The state teacher's union left a key North Country race off its list of endorsements yesterday. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Aug 10, 2006 — Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand drew support yesterday from eleven union organizations. Gillibrand is challenging Republican John Sweeney in the 20th Congressional District. As Brian Mann reports, one of the unions backing Gillibrand is the New York State United Teachers with more than half a million members statewide.  Go to full article

Jan 30, 2004 — Parents filled the high school auditorium in Saranac last night. Many were angry over a new report that could lead to the closure of two of the district's elementary schools -- in Dannemora and Cadyville. District officials say a dwindling number of students has forced them to make changes. As Brian Mann reports, schools across the North Country face sharply declining enrollments...and some painful decisions.  Go to full article

Sep 12, 2003 — Two high school physics teachers who spoke before the State Board of Regents say if the state physicis exams are not changed, many physics teachers will begin boycotting the tests. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 30, 2003 — A converation with Massena Superintendent Douglas Huntley, who says the Governor's proposed 1.2 billion dollar cut in public school funding would mean teacher lay-offs and higher property taxes.  Go to full article

Jul 12, 2002 — Advocates for more education funding held demonstrations around New York yesterday to call attention to the recent court decision that limits the state's responsibility for educating its children. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article