Commack School Budget Discussions Come to a Close

The Commack School Board of Education held its final budget hearing on Thursday at Burr Intermediate School, ending the last of the formal spending plan discussions before the vote on May 21.

Commack's school board unanimously adopted the 2013-14 school budget of $179,386,921 April 18.

The budget is an $8 million increase from the current year’s spending plan and will result in a tax levy increase of 2.91 percent, which is within the state limit. If passed, the average Commack homeowner will see a tax rate increase of between $270 and $280.

When school budget discussions first began in Commack, the district was positioned to cut health personnel, guidance counselors, late buses and more as the district struggles with an astronomical surge in pension payments: a $3.5 million increase next year. However, restoration of state aid to the tune of $2.1 million will help save some of those expected services. 

Superintendent Donald James said that class sizes will remain around the current level and added security will also be seen in the school buildings.

New next school year will be the addition of technology such as e-tablets, video conferencing and iPads, which were all grant funded.

The largest increases in the budget are due to skyrocketing teacher pension costs, which are rising by about 40 percent next year, as well as contractual obligations including increased salaries and benefits.

To meet required costs and adjust to lower enrollment, about $3 million in reduction were made from the current spending plan. Some of those reductions include fewer buses for declining enrollment, the elimination of an elementary lead teacher stipend for arts, a reduction in library monitor and one full-time librarian, the reduction of two full-time nurses, the elimination of five full-time custodians and four clerical staff members. Other reductions include a mental health professional position and consolidation of under-enrolled teams.

In addition to voting on the budget, Commack residents will also elect two individuals to the school board.

Trustee Jeffrey Egan is up for re-election. His seat is being challenged by James Tampellini. Current Trustee Joseph Pennacchio will not run for re-election, therefore his seat will be open as well.

Steve Hartman and Jarrett Behar have thrown their names in to fill the position.

There will also be a second proposal on the ballot to raise the number of trustees on the Board of Education from five to seven members. If passed, there will be a special election over the summer to elect those trustees.