The South Country School District went $3.5 million over budget in 2024. Now, they’re trying to reduce costs, make more revenue and plan for next year’s budget.

The proposed budget for the 2026-2027 school year is $152 million—$5 million more than last school year.

One proposed cut would limit private school transportation to students who live within a 15-mile radius instead of a 25-mile radius. It would save the district $900,000, but would leave 121 students without a ride.

The community is worried about where else the district will decide to cut corners to save some money.

“What’s going to be cut if there’s an austerity program?” said Scott Munson, of Bellport. “The first things that are cut are what separates the good kids, the higher achieving kids, from all the other kids. The first thing that’s going to go is music, arts, things like that.”

The school board will review another budget presentation at its board meeting. The board has to adopt the proposed budget by April 22, and then they’ll have an official budget vote in May.