The Sachem Central School District is bracing for widespread cuts aimed at closing a massive budget hole.

The Sachem School Board voted Wednesday night to enact cuts that include jobs, clubs, security and sports teams. School officials blame the budget gap on unexpected costs such as an increase in the number of special education students, workers' compensation costs and flood damage. They also place blame on the state's 2 percent tax cap.

Sachem Schools Associate Superintendent Bruce Singer says the tax cap and a cut in state aid forced the district to use up nearly all of its reserves, resulting in the cutting of staff and programs as the only viable option.

Lorraine Deller, of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, says that cutting programs and staff is becoming a growing concern Islandwide.

Singer says his current administration is experienced enough to know how to remedy their budget woes. After the cuts, the district will have about $1.2 million in its reserve fund.