South Country schools propose new budget with lower tax hike, major cuts
According to Acting Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services John Belmonte, the district is looking at reductions “across the board,” including cuts to administration and programming.
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The South Country Central School District is going back to voters with a revised budget proposal after its original plan failed last week.
District officials unveiled a new proposal Tuesday night that would reduce the budget from $150 million to $144 million and lower the proposed tax levy increase from 13.5% to 5.5%.
According to Acting Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services John Belmonte, the district is looking at reductions “across the board,” including cuts to administration and programming.
The proposed savings would come with significant reductions throughout the district. Officials say the plan would eliminate 34 full-time positions, on top of the 60 positions cut in the first budget, cut late bus services and increase class sizes.
Parents voiced concerns during the meeting, including Brookhaven resident Shannon Marshall, who has four children under the age of 7. Marshall said she is especially worried about larger kindergarten class sizes.
“My other daughter is going into kindergarten next year,” she said. “They said there will be 25 to 28 students, one teacher and no aide. That’s concerning.”
The district is also proposing to eliminate several technology and art electives at Bellport High School, along with Advanced Placement courses in chemistry, physics and environmental science.
One parent said the cuts could limit opportunities for students who are pursuing careers in science and engineering.
“My child wants to be a biochemical engineer and has the grades to do it,” the parent said. “You’re going to limit his opportunities. It’s heartbreaking for these kids at this point.”
Junior varsity sports programs are also slated to be cut under the revised proposal.
Bellport High School graduate Willy White, who played football for four years, said removing JV teams could hurt student-athletes who are trying to develop their skills before varsity competition.
“They come up playing until they are 12 or 13,” White said. “Take the JV out, they can’t go straight to varsity. They don’t have training.”
The district’s budget re-vote is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16.
To view the budget presentation from Tuesday night, click here.
