Administrators concerned school budgets won't pass due to SALT changes

There are only three Long Island school districts looking to pierce the cap, but there are concerns that voters will not approve school budgets this year.

News 12 Staff

May 8, 2019, 9:30 PM

Updated 1,814 days ago

Share:

There are only three Long Island school districts looking to pierce the cap, but there are concerns that voters will not approve school budgets this year.
Herb Wright, of Wantagh, says his rising tax bill is becoming too much to bear. That's one of the reasons he says he's planning to vote against his local school budget.
This year, Long Islanders are feeling the impact of changes to the federal tax law that capped state and local tax, or SALT, deductions at $10,000. The fallout became most evident for many as they filed their income tax returns.
Later this month, school districts across Long Island will ask voters to approve budget plans for next year. It's the largest portion of a typical property tax bill. A state cap, based on a formula, is in place but varies by district.
Wyandanch, Eastport-South Manor and Wainscott are seeking to pierce the cap this year. Nearly every district is proposing a tax increase of some kind, and some fear voter backlash stemming from the SALT changes could follow.
Dr. Robert Dillon, of Nassau BOCES, says districts are well-aware of the crunch many are facing.
Some administrators say perhaps the more pressing challenge this year is the presence of unfunded mandates in the form of security upgrades.
Michael Verdi, of Levittown, says while he's feeling the sting of the SALT changes, he'll still support his local schools.
"It makes me leery, but having kids in school, I want them to have everything they should have in school," Verdi said.
A recent Newsday report found that on average, school budgets are expected to increase by about 2.5% next year.
The vote will be held on May 21.


More from News 12
0:49
Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

1:17
Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

2:01
Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:48
Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

2:01
Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

1:56
Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

1:54
South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

1:27
East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

2:35
Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

0:36
11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

0:27
Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

1:13
The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:01
Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

0:20
Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

0:21
UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

0:26
Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

0:31
John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks

John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks