Commack school district's budget meets state tax cap

Commack Board of Education members approved a $187.5 million budget for the 2016-17 school year, meeting the district’s 0.38 percent tax cap.

The board voted 4-1 to approve the budget proposal on April 21, which would increase spending by $2.4 million, or 1.3 percent, above the 2015-16 budget, according to district budget presentations.

By staying under the state’s tax cap, the district has approved a plan that would qualify residents for a tax credit if they vote to approve the budget on May 17. The proposed tax levy accounts for $132.4 million, or 71 percent, of the district’s total projected revenue next school year.

The district is also anticipating a full restoration of state education cuts made during the economic downturn, and therefore projecting $39.7 million in state aid, according to budget presentations. That funding would account for 21 percent of 2016-17 revenue.

The Commack proposal would spend $19.1 million on administration, $26.9 million on capital and $141.6 million on programs.

The district’s budget presentation promised stable class sizes, more college-level courses and electives, and continued expansion of the district’s special education programs.

The school board will have a public hearing on the budget at 8 p.m. May 5 at Sawmill Intermediate School, 103 New Hwy. in Commack.

Residents can vote on the budget from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 17 at Commack Middle School, 700 Vanderbilt Pkwy., or at Commack High School, 1 Scholar Lane, according to the district website.