Schools

Superintendent, New Board Member React to Vote and Election Results

James and Wunsch weigh in on the passing of Commack's $166 million budget.

and elected a new candidate to the Board of Education. Less than 24 hours after polls closed, Superintendent Donald James and new board member Peter Wunsch spoke about the community’s adoption of the budget, keeping costs down and plans for next school year.

"I would like to thank everyone who worked to put together a budget that focused on continuing the great programs and tradition of excellence here in Commack," said James. "I'd also like to thank the PTA, various community-based organizations, and the residents who participated in the budget development process - their input was invaluable."

James and fellow administrators mitigated rising costs by adopting a as well as recovering money through New York State building aid. As a result, the district was able to .

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"The Commack community has always supported the educational programs in our schools - it is one of the main reasons our schools are among the best in the nation," he said.

, who previously served as board of ed president for one year, was elected for a second term and will .

Find out what's happening in Commackwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Wunsch said he is happy the budget passed and feels "vindicated" by the win.

“I will continue to be out there and do what is in the best interest of the children and taxpayers of Commack, and I'll do my best to maintain the educational quality of this district," he said, citing rising costs as a hot-button issue for next year. "I also plan to keep taxes as low as possible by making the tough decisions during negotiations."

Wunsch currently serves as president on the Western Suffolk BOCES board, but will step down from the position at the end of the school year to focus on Commack.

"My fellow BOCES board members are aware of it and we have our succesion planned for July 1," he said.


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