School district budget cuts, elective programs
The Riverhead School board discusses cutbacks at a meeting earlier this month. Credit: John Roca
Tighten districts to minimize layoffs
It seems like almost every day I see articles about school districts having budget issues. Now, Riverhead may lose nearly 38 faculty positions among nearly 57 full-time positions overall for the next school year because of a lack of money [“More staff cuts likely in Riverhead schools,” News, March 21]. Amityville is losing 50 teachers and staff because of similar problems, and districts are cutting necessary programs for students and after-school activities due to budget shortfalls.
Let’s discuss the 500-pound gorilla in the room — over 120 school districts are on Long Island. This has been the biggest problem for years.
Every school district has a complete administration, including a superintendent drawing a large salary as well as assistants and secretarial staff. Some districts are within walking distance of the next one. It doesn’t end there. They have headquarters and office space.
This massive situation costs taxpayers plenty annually. Gov. Kathy Hochul must call for the consolidation to three or four Long Island school districts, with the money saved staying in the education system and funding the programs that are desperately needed to educate our children.
— Paul Coonelly, North Babylon
Support schools’ elective programs
As a science research teacher for over 30 years, I can relate to the success stories of former students because of the science programs, as can many research teachers all over Long Island “Catching up with past LI Regeneron scholars,” News, March 17].
The students featured in the article were grateful for having these programs available to them. But there are other electives, be it music, art, drama, journalism, business and many others that students appreciate for being instrumental in their becoming successful adults.
These programs are electives and must be supported by their districts in the face of shrinking budgets.
We must continue to fund education if we want to hear more success stories from students such as these Regeneron entrants.
— David Shanker, Rockville Centre
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