Sound Shore

Assemblyman George Latimer brought the school budget discussion straight to the students today at Port Chester middle school and high school, acknowledging that this is not foremost on their young minds. “It’s not talking about Jeremy Lin,” he told them. “It’s a little harder, it’s less cool, but it’s important.”

The students needed no convincing, it turned out. A Q&A with the state lawmaker ventured freely into the challenge of unfunded mandates, the needs of immigrant students and the injustice of an education system funded mainly by property tax, and therefore riddled with inequities.

Latimer made references to the wealth of neighboring Rye as he argued for more state aid to high-need districts like Port Chester. “To have the same opportunities – that’s what’s at stake here,” he said. District and state representatives have encouraged a grass-roots show of support for state aid that would alleviate cuts being contemplated to meet the new state tax cap.

Students questioned why budget cuts always seem to threaten programs they care about most – sports, for example, and the renowned marching band. That prompted a discussion over mandated vs. discretionary expenses.

Senior Elizabeth Vincento, who plays clarinet in the band and is vice president of the student senate, said she can’t imagine school without such programs and the socializing they provide.

“The school bond wouldn’t be there as much, without everyone getting together and interacting,” agreed Chris Mott, the student senate president. Chris said the budget conversation reminded him of what it will mean to become an eligible voter when he turns 18 in July.

The option of exceeding the 2 percent tax levy cap through a 60 percent override by the public didn’t even come up in the discussion. Chris and Elizabeth were not surprised, noting the local voting dynamic. “You’re pushing the envelope. There’s only so much you can do,” Elizabeth said.

“In Port Chester there’s a lot of people who can’t vote, and a lot of people who can vote (tend to) vote the opposite way of what you want them to,” Chris said. “A lot of the old people with no kids, they’re not going to vote to pass this. They don’t want the increase in taxes.”

“Maybe if we have a town meeting,” he added. “I don’t know if that’s even in the cards. A town meeting?”

The Port Chester school board, for its part, plans to read a letter today a forum being held by Latimer in New Rochelle, pressing for state aid. The text is posted below. (more…)

New Rochelle’s Selena Marshall, crosses the finish line first and Suffern’s Soraya Theard was second in the Suburban High School Girls 1,600-meter Relay at the Millrose Games at the New Balance Track and Field Center in the Armory in Manhattan.

See more photos of the Millrose Games track and field

Here’s a shot from Tuesday’s parade I took and, until, now, had no idea I had. That’s defensive end Justin Tuck holding the Giants’ Super Bowl trophy. Also on the float, but only partially visible in this shot, are Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Giants quarterback Eli Manning. You can read my account of the parade here.

Pelham goalie Josh Borofsky, far right, grabs the puck as Suffern’s Robert Clark is taken down in front of the goal during their game at The Ice Hutch. The game ended in a 1-1 tie.

See  more photos from Suffern at Pelham hockey

here’s a video of Willie Sanchez’s last-minute tying goal

UPDATE: I’ll be on the 8:43 from White Plains, due in Grand Central at 9:23. If you’re on the same train and going to the parade, let’s talk Giants!

Looks like I’ll be riding a train into NYC tomorrow morning to cover the Giants parade. If you’re among the Giants fanatics who will be doing the same, let me know what train you plan to take (I’m not sure yet whether I’ll take the Harlem or New Haven line) and where you plan to watch the parade. I’ll be looking to talk with folks from the area.

Write me at erauch@lohud.com if you’re interested in connecting. You can follow me on Twitter, too: @NPRauch.

Gabriele Girotto of Rye/Blind Brook dives at the boys diving championship conference meet at Pace University in Pleasantville on Feb. 3, 2012. ( Xavier Mascareñas / The Journal News )

See more photos from the boys diving championship conference meet at Pace University in Pleasantville in a photo gallery, and go to LoHud.com for the story.

Pelham’s Will Cullen scores on Rye goalie Aidan Talgo during their game at Playland. Pelham won 5-0.

See more photos of Pelham vs Rye hockey

 Scarsdale’s Ian Klein celebrates with James Nicholas following Nicholas’s third goal on the night against New Rochelle at The Ice Hutch in Mount Vernon Jan. 31, 2012. Scarsdale’s won 6-4.

Justin O’Shea, 8, left, of Yonkers PAL, fights Steven Acostas of Newburgh during the Two Cities Unite boxing event at the Westchester County Center Jan. 14, 2012. The event was presented by Main Street Boxing and Fitness.

New Rochelle’s Nick Barbaria, left, defeated Walt Whitman’s Joe Calderone in the 96-pound final at the 48th annual Ted Murphy Shoreline Wrestling Tournament at New Rochelle.

See more photos of the Shoreline Wrestling Tournament