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.

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.

Guilderland teachers havae agreed to be evaluated through state tests so students will have to face fewers exams. Also this year, a $400,000 state "Teaching is the Core" grant will promote in-class coaching.

Brenda McClaine, a math teacher charged with stealing over $100,000 from her union, is scheduled in county court the day classes start.