PLATTSBURGH -- The ripple effect of No Child Left Behind's unfunded mandates is spreading through the nation's pool of public schools.

To meet the federal law's requirements, schools are making cuts, shifting resources and asking taxpayers for more money. And as No Child Left Behind, which became law in 2002, awaits possible reauthorization, the North Country is not immune to its impact.

"It's an extremely high cost," said Plattsburgh City School Superintendent James "Jake" Short.

The federal law requires that all students meet reading and mathematics standards by 2014, though needed funds have not followed that sweeping mandate. School districts must now spend more to administer and score tests, examine results and ensure students, especially those with special needs and from poor families, make the cut.

"Conceptually, No Child Left Behind has its merits," said Saranac Central School Superintendent Ken Cringle. "The unfortunate part is there are components like lack of funding that have created difficulties for schools, because in order to address all student-learning needs, schools have had to shift or add resources."

Saranac has been forced to significantly increase its support staff and the number of Academic Intervention Services teachers. In fact, there are already three requests from various buildings for additional teachers next year.

"Unfortunately, that money comes from the general fund, and that creates an extra burden on schools and taxpayers," Cringle said.

Some programs suffer

The federal law has also narrowed curriculum, said Peru Central School Superintendent A. Paul Scott.

"In some cases, that is directly associated with the extraordinary focus on state accountability systems," he said. "We have not had to cut any particular programs as a result of No Child Left Behind, but programs that are measured and for which particular schools are held publicly accountable, those areas get attention and focus, and some other programs have not received attention at the level they should."

About four years ago, Peru reduced some programs and services, to include eliminating an art position. That position has since been restored on a part-time basis.

"Federal spending hasn't been keeping pace with federal mandates," Scott said.

Westport Central School is experiencing the same issues, and while the district has not cut programs to meet federal standards, if the trend of unfunded mandates continues, the district will be hurt.

"We have had to be very careful," said Westport Central School Superintendent Karen Tromblee.

Still, the district has incurred extra costs to train staff for the required testing and accommodate students who need extra help to meet the standards. And if it wasn't for some extra grant money, programs would likely have suffered.