Education

Clark family keeps up fight

Teen’s suicide fuels push for legislation over school special education resources

Jerry Clark’s grandmother can’t fill the hole in her heart left by her grandson’s suicide, but she is continuing her efforts to keep it from happening to other families by lobbying for state legislation.

Library ladies

Progress Club helps celebrate Bethlehem Library’s centennial

On Saturday, May 11, the 100th anniversary of the library was commemorated with a Founder’s Day celebration at the Bethlehem Public Library on Delaware Avenue.

Voorheesville Board of Education OKs $22.6M budget

Spending plan holds 3.23 percent tax hike; freshman basketball could be restored

The Voorheesville Board of Education unanimously adopted a $22.56 million 2013-14 budget during a special meeting on Tuesday, April 23. The tax levy would be raised by 3.23 percent under the plan.

BC makes last-minute budget shift

Cuts restored using expected surplus from this year

The Bethlehem Central Board of Education made changes to its adopted 2013-14 school year budget in an early morning meeting held less than two weeks after the spending plan was adopted in a 6-1 vote.

Bethlehem Central’s $90.4M budget below tax cap

Board of Education cuts $220k, including freshman level sport teams

The Bethlehem Central School District Board of Education adopted a $90.4 million 2013-14 budget Wednesday, April 17, by a 6-1 vote. The proposed spending plan holds a property tax levy increase of 3.59 percent, below the district's tax cap.

Zoning Board denies School’s Out

Decision effectively halts $475k sale of BC property

The Bethlehem Zoning Board of Appeals has denied a use variance that would allow the Bethlehem Central School district to sell its property at 90 Adams to daycare provider School’s Out, Inc.

Voorheesville targets 3.2% tax hike

District's state aid declining; pleas to not eliminate freshman basketball

Voorheesville CSD's proposed 2013-14 budget totals $22.6 million, which is an increase of $695,000, or 3.17 percent. The proposed property tax levy increase of 3.23 percent is below the district’s tax cap threshold.

BOCES takes to cyberspace

Blog aims to inform and engage community on education issues

When it comes to conversations about public education, the Internet has taken up a place along with the coffeehouse and PTA meetings as a preferred forum. And the educational services group BOCES is getting in on the action.

Stress test

New standardized tests have parents, educators worried about effects on students

On Tuesday, April 16, students in third to eighth grade across New York will sit down for the first day of standardized tests that adhere to the Common Core Standards. But it has been months now that parents and educators have worried pupils are being pushed too far with the sudden shift to more rigorous standards.

Sustainable programs fly high

In tough times, Farnsworth’s Butterfly House and garden exist through fundraisers

Farnsworth Middle School is holding a garage sale fundraiser for the student-run Butterfly House and Organic Garden programs.

Voorheesville schools to stay under cap

Board eyes 3.2 percent tax levy increase, around $450k in reductions

Despite being able to adopt a budget up to the property tax cap of a 3.9 percent increase, Voorheesville Central School District Board of Education members directed administrators to hold the line at 3.2 percent.

Cracking the Common Core

New York’s students will start taking new standardized tests this year in the name of improving performance. So why are kids expected to fail?

Students in third to eighth grade will face English language arts and math tests adhering to Common Core Standards, national standards that were developed by looking at what students should achieve to be prepared for college.

Play’s set is something special

Loudonville actor takes over production of ‘Drums Along the Mohawk’

This summer, Loudonville actor/producer Steven O’Connor will be the director of Drums Along the Mohawk Outdoor Drama. Emphasizing New York State’s relevance to the American Revolution, for the second year in a row DAMOD will showcase a historical fiction play before a live audience directly on the soil where the action took place hundreds of years ago.

Cartography takes center stage

Rare historical maps on display at two historical Colonie locations

Running through May 5, the Historical Society of the Town of Colonie and the Albany County Historical Association are sponsoring the “Rare Historic Colonial Maps Exhibit” at the Pruyn House in Latham and King’s Place in Albany. More than 70 pieces are hanging in the two historic buildings, including maps ranging from the 1750s and 1760s depicting early colonies and drawings from the Revolutionary War, French and Indian War and Fort Ticonderoga.

Ramping up wellness

Voorheesville holds Wellness Day to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle

Voorheesville Central School District’s Wellness Committee held its second Wellness Day at the high school and middle school Thursday, March 21, which was kicked off with BMX riders soaring into the air off a ramp in the gymnasium.

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