Commack school board OKs $171M budget plan
Commack Middle School is home to the Wildcats and serves grades 6-8. The school is one of the United States Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence due to its academic achievement. (July, 18, 2011) Credit: Alexi Knock
The Commack school board voted on Thursday night to finalize its 2012-13 budget proposal. The $171.3 million budget is a 3.17 percent increase over the previous budget.
Under the proposal, the tax levy would increase by 2.6 percent, which falls under the state’s 2 percent tax levy cap because of allowed exemptions.
Taxes for a home valued at the district average -- $6,000 on the Smithtown side and $4,200 on the Huntington side -- would increase by about $250 for the year, district officials said.
The budget calls for layoffs in about 36 teaching positions, 16 of those due to declining enrollment. District officials said they are currently in negotiations with the union that represents teachers, an effort that might allow for fewer layoffs.
Twelve assistant coaches at the high school and four at the middle school would be cut under the budget, and 19 clubs at the middle and high school levels would be cut under the budget as well.
The finalized budget goes before voters on May 15.
Future of LI's Haitian community ... LIRR weekend shutdowns ... Fatal New Cassel fire ... Fresh markets to explore
Future of LI's Haitian community ... LIRR weekend shutdowns ... Fatal New Cassel fire ... Fresh markets to explore
