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Saturday,ÊJ anuaryÊ28,Ê2017
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In NEWS | pg. 5
Champlain officials running again Mayor, two trustees seeking same seats on board
www.SunCommunityNews.com
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In Education | pg. 3
Voters OK capital project
$18 million improvements a go for BCSD
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In SPORTS | pg. 10-11
Lady Eagles seek 3rd title
Merged hockey program ready for postseason
Lawmakers react to executive budget
Lots to like, lament in spending plan, say North Country lawmakers By Pete DeMola
pete@suncommunitynews.com
PLATTSBURGH — Lawmakers are now unpacking Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive budget, which he formally rolled out last week. The proposed $152.3 billion spending plan contains a number of heavy-duty proposals, including free state college tuition, deep investments in clean water infrastructure and a $1 billion increase in public school education funding. “This year’s budget raises up the middle class and advances our progressive values, all while continuing our record of fis-
cal discipline,” Cuomo said. The plan also comes with a tax cut for middle and highincome earners, a measure the governor said would save six million households an average of $250 next year and $700 annually when fully effective. Other measures include voting reforms, legalizing ridesharing upstate and broadening insurance coverage for drug treatment programs. Total state operations would clock in at $98.06 billion, which is under the state-mandated cap. The state is facing a deficit of $3.5 billion. Cuomo said the only way to bridge the gap is by a three-year extension of the so-called millionaires tax, which is scheduled to expire at the end of the year. >> See Executive Budget | pg. 7
Introducing, theÊ MSNews
Photo by Teah Dowling
Local educators rally against Trump education pick
NCCS student-run organization exposing school, community happenings to all viewers
CHAMPLAIN — Ready to hear what’s going on at Northeastern Clinton Central School? Tune into MSNews, brought to you by the middle school students. Every Monday, each classroom turns to Teah a television to see what’s going on around Dowling the school, from sporting events to club Writer fundraisers. Besides the news, the 20-person MSNews crew creates a wide variety of skits to entertain viewers and teach lessons on school etiquette, such as how to act in the hallways. This Monday, NCCS middle-schooler Amy Romat wrote and featured in a skit on the school’s cell phone policy. No texting during class was one of the messages portrayed. The eighth-grader has participated in several skits and served as an anchor in the approximate 3-minute show since the first airing in October. “I joined this club because it brings out my creativity,” she said, “which is the side of me I like the most.” The student-run organization was started by middle school teacher James Bracy at the beginning of the school year as a way to help students build confidence, relationships and skills, including videography and writing.
North Country lawmakers are unpacking Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed state budget, which he rolled out Jan. 17. The proposed $152.3 billion spending plan includes deep investments in infrastructure, a middle class tax cut and free tuition at all state schools. Cuomo is pictured here speaking in Plattsburgh on Monday, Jan. 23.
The MSNews Team “We wanted to give the kids that were quiet more of a voice,” he said. The videos not only include students, but teachers and other staff as well — all of which were made by using existing school equipment. The future goal, Bracy said, is to make these videos open to the public so that everyone can know what’s going on not only at NCCS, but in the community as well. “We try to pull in as many people as we can, especially for the skits,” he said. “We really want everyone to be involved.” Establishing a channel on YouTube where people can subscribe and keep updated on NCCS news is one task Bracy wants to complete sometime before the end of the school year. In the meantime, Bracy is looking new young aspiring journalists, like Romat, to join the club. “I don’t know what I want to do when I get older,” she said. “But I do know that I love being a part of this club.” The club meets every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. To sign up, email Bracy at jbracy@nccscougar.org. To view various news segments, visit www.nccscougar.org.
Trump-DeVos agenda ‘designed to harm public schools,’ say education advocates Elizabeth Izzo
elizabeth@suncommunitynews.com
PLATTSBURGH — According to local educators, there are quite a few failing grades on Betsy DeVos’ report card. Holding placards that read slogans like “Save Public Education, Keep the Grizzly Out,” a number of regional teachers unions and education advocacy groups rallied last Thursday to protest President Trump’s pick to chart the nation’s education policy. ‘A FORCE FOR GOOD’ “I’m afraid she’s going to privatize education,” said Plattsburgh resident Barbara Thomas. “Which would deprive many people — who may be disabled, impaired, or in poverty — of education they need.” Thomas said that one of the biggest issues in public education right now was the shortage of teachers, and she was afraid DeVos could steer away people wanting to enter the field. >> See DeVos Protest | pg. 13