New York state officials have identified what they say is an unprecedented number of schools that need improvement under the federal No Child Left Behind program.
    
They say 1,325 elementary and high schools must bolster academic performance under the law. A school that fails to do better may ultimately be closed, but almost all succeed.
    
The state has 4,685 public schools.

State Education Commissioner John B. King Jr. says Thursday that public schools aren't always producing graduates with the skills needed to succeed and that needs to change.
    
More than 1,100 of the schools receive additional aid to provide extra help for low-income students and students in 416 will be allowed to choose other public schools.

In our area, 45 schools have been identified as needing improvement (list below). However, two local schools have been removed from the list.

Fairport’s Sean Hamlin has taken 9 APs and carries a 97average and hopes to attend Cornell or Boston College. “Mostly I'm a self motivator. Later in life is what it's all about preparing for your future.”

Sean takes his assignments seriously including his role in the school's orchestra. “Coming in the morning first period it's a nice thing to start my day with.”

Sean has been playing cello since the fourth grade. “A lot of kids used to be in orchestra and you see them drop out but I guess I've never been someone to stop.”

Teachers at school call him a Renaissance man. “I think it's important for people to be well rounded.”

Another dimension to Sean -- his love and commitment to sports. He's been captain of the varsity football team for two years and has also played varsity hockey for three seasons. “I'm a competitive person. It’s how I approach everything -- to be the best I can be -- that's what sports are competition and that reflects who I am.”