The school district wants to "work smart," the superintendent said, exploring only the best ideas to help with the problems of declining enrollment, stagnant funds, and under-used buildings.

A recent National Natural Landmark designation shows the Albany Pine bush Preserve is rare for inland pinebarrens because of its wind-formed dunes.

GUILDERLAND — Now that the school district has defined a problem of too much building space for too few students and not enough money to maintain the status quo, citizens will be asked to help shape solutions.

Erin McNamara, who is passionate about teaching English, is now the president of GCSD most powerful union; she wants to focus on what happens in the classroom despite budget cuts and increased mandates.

GUILDERLAND — Under a new construction manager, the $17.3 million project to upgrade Guilderland’s seven school buildings, passed by voters a year ago, is proceeding on schedule, according to Assistant Superintendent for Business Neil Sanders.

GUILDERLAND — Just before 7 a.m. last Thursday morning, a woman drove her sport utility vehicle along Route 20 from the intersection with Schoolhouse Road to 1769 Western Ave. with a man on its hood.

Robert Motschmann wasn't born a self-sufficient Hilltowner; the Long Island native became one. He uses trees from his 84 acres of woods to heat his home.

Ann-Marie McManus, who describes herself as "an educator through and through," left behind the classroom she loved to become an assistant principal at Guilderland High School.

GUILDERLAND — A Guilderland man was arrested Friday on six counts of promoting a sexual performance of a child, a felony, and more charges may follow.

ALBANY — Brenda McClaine agreed to a plea deal Tuesday for one count of third-degree grand larceny, a felony, that will put her in jail for six months and on probation for five years. She is to be sentenced on Oct. 28.

Had McClaine gone to trial instead, she could have served a maximum of two-and-a-third to seven years.