Saranac Lake Teachers Association Media Release:
SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. Feb. 19, 2015 — Hundreds of students, parents and educators — led by local,
state and national union leaders — will rally throughout the North Country against Gov. Andrew
Cuomo’s harmful education proposals and in support of a strong public education system that is fairly
funded and represents the goal and values of local communities.
The “Call Out Cuomo” bus tour will make stops in Plattsburgh, Massena and the Watertown area on
Saturday, Feb. 28, said Don Carlisto, a Saranac Lake teacher, political activist and board member of the
600,000-member New York State United Teachers.
Carlisto said the “Call Out Cuomo” events are expected to feature American Federation of Teachers
President Randi Weingarten, NYSUT President Karen E. Magee and others, including United University
Professions President Fred Kowal and Billy Easton, executive director of the Alliance for Quality
Education. Coalition partners include the North Country Alliance for Public Education and the North
East Central Labor Council. Students, parents, educators, school board leaders and local superintendents
are also expected to speak.
Carlisto said the bus tour will make stops for rallies in:
PLATTSBURGH: 10 a.m. at Plattsburgh High School, 1 Clifford Drive, Plattsburgh
MASSENA: 1 p.m. at Massena High School, 84 Nightengale Ave., Massena
WATERTOWN: 4 p.m. at Indian River High School, 32925, U.S. Route 11, Philadelphia, NY
Carlisto said public education advocates will be fighting back against the governor’s “billionaires’
agenda,” which includes increasing the weight of standardized tests; holding school aid hostage and
stripping away the voice of parents, teachers and local communities in decision-making.
“The North Country is fighting back, sending a clear message to the governor and our elected legislators
that public education is working,” Carlisto said. “The governor’s ‘test and punish’ agenda may play with
the New York City hedge fund managers who contribute to Cuomo’s campaigns, but it is failing the test
with North Country residents.”