SOURCE: At least 100 met to support public education in the North Country.

At least 100 met to support public education in the North Country.

At least 100 met to support public education in the North Country. SOURCE: At least 100 met to support public education in the North Country.

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Advertisement At least 100 in Plattsburgh protest nomination of secretary of education Several met up at the MacDonough Monument Thursday afternoon Share Shares Copy Link Copy

President-elect Donald Trump's choice to head the Education Department has been grilled by lawmakers this week, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Some educators and parents in Northern New York are unhappy with the prospects of nominee Betsy DeVos. Educators, advocates and parents gathered Thursday afternoon to oppose the president-elect's nominee. Those who showed up called the meeting a show of support for public education in opposition to DeVos' nomination as secretary of education. Local leaders, a number of New York teachers and labor organizations met to support the region's public schools and colleges. Organizers believe that DeVos is one of the most unqualified nominees in the history of the U.S. Education Department. They said they want to make sure North Country schools are protected. "What I'm concerned that it could mean is even more public funds being taken away from local schools and school boards. We've seen a real rise in for-profit testing companies, for-profit education giving off taxpayer dollars which should be going into the classroom, local schools, enrichment and services so that our kids can get a good education," said Megan O'Brien of New York State United Teachers (NYSUT). Thursday's gathering was part of a national day of action by the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools. After the gathering, the group met at the NYSUT office on Durkee Street in Plattsburgh to discuss ways to protect students and build more educational opportunities.