Donna Jones, the superintendent in the Patchogue-Medford school district, spoke to Newsday on Wednesday about what potential budget cuts could mean for her district.


Long Island

Education

School districts across Long Island facing extensive budget cuts

Nassau

Bayport

Blue Point

Oakdale

Elmont

Islip Town

Hempstead Town

Floral Park

Yaphank

Center Moriches

Smithtown

Southold Town

Bellerose Terrace

Valley Stream

Brookhaven Town

Middle Island

Ronkonkoma

Medford

Smithtown Town

East Hampton Town

Patchogue

Sag Harbor

Suffolk

Bohemia

Coram

Newsday

LISCHOOLAID210207_video

Most Popular

Latest videos

Education video slot

The absences raise new questions about whether the school district missed potential signs of trouble at the girl's home. Newsday investigative reporter Payton Guion explains.

'There's no specific guidance'

High school athletes striving to play sports in college might want to look at niche sports that give them a better chance. NewsdayTV's Jared Valluzzi reports.

'If you can do it and do it well, you are a niche athlete'

The Mineola High School marching band and wind ensemble have been invited to perform at London's New Year's Parade in 2028. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

'Only the best of the best get invited'

Long Island is seeing an uptick in trade school enrollment amid growing concern from young adults about job insecurity, financial prospects and the impacts of artificial intelligence on the job market. NewsdayTV's Izzy Mignardi reports.

'You're gonna have consistency'

Sign up for Newsday's NYS College Guide email series

College Guide Newsletter Signup Promo

Education Article Bottom Module

The 31 sexual misconduct allegations tied for the most — an identical number was reported in 2022-23 — since the academy began maintaining the data more than a decade ago.

Record number of sexual misconduct cases reported at U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: report

Some parents, however, said the changes don't go far enough.

LI district enacts student tech limits amid pushback

Michael Fazio faced 6½ to eight years under federal sentencing guidelines, but the judge noted he was not involved in the production or distribution of child pornography.

Ex-LI teacher sentenced after pleading guilty to child porn possession charges

The new law requires that companies block "harmful features," including pretending to be a friend, for users under 18.

Hochul signs bill banning AI chatbots deemed unsafe for children

Administrators were investigating a conflict between the student and a schoolmate when they learned the teen might have posted a picture of a handgun on social media recently.

LI student accused of bringing gun to school, was 'aggressor' in earlier incident, judge says

The Smithtown superintendent sent a letter to families confirming the news on Tuesday.

LI student arrested after gun found in backpack

Education Video Playlist

NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland speaks to actor Gary Sinise about the Wantagh Union Free School District partnering with his foundation to raise money for field trips to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, as well as a commemorative 9/11 statue in front of Wantagh High School.

Actor Gary Sinise partners with LI district on 9/11 education

The case illustrates how costly and time consuming it can be for districts to terminate tenured educators under state law. Newsday investigative Associate Editor Paul LaRocco has more.

'This is strictly a disciplinary case'

Long Island's Head Start programs are facing financial headwinds. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Not knowing how important this program is'

A 2023 Farmingdale High School crash led to New York mandating seat belts in charter buses, but enforcement remains challenging. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'This law is difficult to enforce'

There is a new push to look into the effect of screen time in classrooms. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn spoke to Newsday state reporter Keshia Clukey and other experts on the topic.

'I don't advocate for one blanket policy'

Two months into the state's "bell-to-bell" ban on electronic devices in schools, some districts are reporting positive changes in the classroom. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Students are much more talkative to one another'

NewsdayTV's Jasmine Anderson and Newsday education reporter Dandan Zou talk to Long Island school administrators about how the school cellphone ban is going so far.

'Kids are outside. They're playing. They're laughing together.'

Former Holy Trinity lineman Lance Swift spoke with Newsday high school sports reporter Jared Valluzzi after the Titans suspended their football program.

'Honestly, I was hurt'

The best friends, who are known at South Side High School as the "Dynamic Duo," are among Newsday's 2026 Extraordinary Seniors.

'They are both perfection in their own right, but together they are extraordinary'

Nick Cannon, host of the Wild 'N Out Live show at Barclays Center, visited Roosevelt High School on Friday.

'Excited about entertainment'

12-year-old Cesar Albarracin Guncay, a 6th grader in Sag Harbor, died during a rafting field trip in the Poconos after the raft overturned in the river.

'Cesar was a cherished member of our school family'

Sara Lopez Garcia recorded an address to her class from her native Colombia. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Never underestimate your strength'

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland takes a look back at the Kings Park Psychiatric Center.

Picture This: When Kings Park had a psychiatric hospital

The cost of living on Long Island is causing some Gen Zers to live at home with their parents. Newsday real estate reporter Rachel Weiss was more.

Cost of living keeps Gen Z at home with parents

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa heads to Hair we Share to see the process of turning donated hair into wigs.

LI Works: Giving wigs to those in need

Nassau and Suffolk counties have implemented a combined $57 million in technology upgrades to streamline the voting process.

New voting machines at Long Island polling places

Laura Otton, perinatal mental health therapist and owner of Therapy for Motherhood, talks to NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland about the logistics of returning to work after having a baby.

Working Moms: Negotiating a return to work

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed steps into the vineyards at Bedell Cellars to get an inside look at the action, the artistry, and the fresh flavors shaping Long Island's latest vintage.

Out East: Harvest time at Bedell Cellars

Rori Zura was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at the age of 33. Today, she helps others as a cancer exercise specialist. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Breast cancer survivor helps others take charge of their recovery

The report identified over half a million hateful posts on X between January 2025 and June 2026, with monthly growth of 75%. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Anti-South Asian rhetoric surging on some social media platforms, report says

Liberty Water has applied to raise rates in three of the areas it serves on Long Island. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Liberty seeks water rate hikes of $21-$28 a month for some Nassau customers

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Co-Owner, Dough & Co. Pizza to try the Apple Bay Pizza, which is exclusive to their Oyster Bay location.

Trendy Bites: An apple pie ... pizza?

Long Island Trending Bar

Newsday is highlighting the passionate, engaging and innovative educators of Long Island with its Teacher Spotlight feature.

Teacher Spotlight

High School Sports

Residents in LI's more than 120 school districts weighed in on board candidates, budgets and propositions. See how your district voted. For additional information, read our article here.

2026 School Vote

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

Education - megaslot

See the latest news from Long Island school districts, including local rankings, school board developments, safety updates and more.

Stay logged in.