Layoffs in Commack school budget

The Commack School District will hold an informal budget hearing Thursday to present the projected revenue for the 2012-13 school budget and an overview of the complete budget.

Commack Superintendent Donald James has recommended a $170.4 million budget that will result in a 2.6 percent increase in the tax levy, causing taxes for the average home to increase by $239 to $258.

Commack officials say their proposal does not exceed the state’s new 2 percent tax cap because of exemptions contained in the formula to determine the cap, exemptions that increase it in Commack’s case beyond 2.6 percent. But, officials said, “Given the changing nature of the formula and its interpretation, this number may change,” so Commack is recommending the 2.6 percent figure to be safe.

Forty to 60 teachers would be laid off under this proposal, and the district would still have to search for about $700,000 in additional cuts, such as program reductions. James has said that if Commack were to keep its existing programs, it would be facing a $4.5 million deficit.

The meeting will be at 8 p.m. at Commack High School. A budget will be formally adopted at the board of education’s April 19 meeting.

Photo: Commack High School