South Country Board of Education approves budget with 13.45% tax hike
The vote was not unanimous, with one of the board members rejecting the proposal, before it eventually passed.
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In an extraordinary step to eliminate its multimillion-dollar budget deficit, the South Country Board of Education approved a budget that includes a 13.45% school tax hike.
The school district said the increase means the average homeowner would pay an additional $749 per year in school taxes. A proposal to reduce the busing radius to reduce transportation costs would bring the tax levy down to 12.19% or about $666 per home on average.
"This budget isn't just about eliminating a deficit," South Country Superintendent of Schools Antonio Santana said. "It's about creating stability, rebuilding trust and moving this district forward with confidence."
The $150 million spending plan would still cut roughly 55 jobs, including at least 43 teachers and five administrators, but would preserve core programs in the district.
An enhanced budget review released by the New York State Comptroller's office earlier this month found the district is on track to incur a budget deficit of around $8.7 million for the current school year. The state blamed inaccurate estimates in the adopted budget even after accounting for cost-saving measures, including spending freezes and personnel layoffs.
The plan pierces well beyond the state's tax cap, meaning it will require a 60% supermajority of voters to pass it.
The South Country board of education is planning to hold another budget hearing on Wednesday, May 6, at the administration building in Bellport, starting at 6:15 p.m.
School budget votes will take place on Tuesday, May 19.
