Schools
West Islip Board of Ed Adopts School Budget
Proposed spending plan for 2012-13 school year near $111 million, includes closure of two elementary schools.
The West Islip Board of Education adopted the proposed 2012-13 budget of $111 million Thursday night at its monthly meeting at the high school.
The proposed budget includes a 3.49 percent budget-to-budget increase which will translate into a tax increase within the new desiganted cap of 2.27 percent.
The budget required cuts in several areas to fall within the tax cap, posing a challenge to adminstrators and the board of education.
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According to Superintendent Rick Simon, one topic remained a priority above all else amongst parents: .
"We tried to bring a budget proposal forth to the community that that respects all of the aspects [of the community] but most of all continues to hold the line on class size," Simon said. "We think it reflects the values and the goals that this community has held as important for many years."
Find out what's happening in West Islipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
To eliminate a budget gap close to $4 million, the Board of Education made the , thus eliminating 43 positions, netting the district an estimated savings of $3.5 million.
Two administrative positions were also eliminated, while one assistant superintendent position was downsized.
In addition, several teachers and administrators took advantage of retirement incentives.
Reductions to the BOCES and high school dance teams were also implemented, including the elimination of the district's lone dance instructor. The program cuts .
"We are in a fiscal crisis in this state and we are faced with making decisions. The fact of the matter is that these are very difficult decisions for me to have to personally make," said Board of Education Trustee George Smith. "Quite frankly, I would love to keep all the elementary schools open. I would love to be able to provide the BOCES services to everyone. We're not, unfortunately, in the position to do so."
The budget will be available for residents on Tuesday, May 1 and the district will hold a public budget hearing on Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m.
Residents will vote on the 2012-13 school budget on May 15, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at .
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