During a special budget meeting held by the Sachem Central School District Board of Education to discuss the 2013-2014 school budget, board trustees asked district administration to present a list of $13 million in potential cuts. This would decrease a potential tax increase from 16 percent to 8 percent, which stems from an overall decrease in state aid.
There were no other concrete numbers discussed or official decisions made during the work session held in the auditorium at Samoset Middle School on Wednesday evening.
A number of community members and district employees shared their opinions and thoughts about the budget process during the meeting.
“It is so very important that every single member of our Sachem Family takes an active role in this process and attends as many board meetings and budget meetings as possible,” said Sachem Superintendent James Nolan.
If the community does not support a proposed budget scenario and the budget is ultimately defeated, Sachem would need to cut $26 million in people and programs.
“This is why it is extremely important for everyone to become involved in this process,” Mr. Nolan said. “Misinformation and rumors will destroy our district. Please know that schools are ultimately funded by State Aid and taxes.”
Letter writing campaign: Members of the community are being asked get involved with Sachem’s letter writing campaign to communicate their thoughts about Sachem’s current financial situation in regards to a deduction in state aid. The letters should be sent to local politicians, including Senators John Flanagan and Lee Zeldin. CLICK HERE to learn more about how you can get involved.
Bus trip: The Sachem Legislative Committee is organizing a bus trip to Albany to lobby legislators about Sachem’s state aid totals on Thursday, Feb. 28. If you would like to go, please email Sachem Legislative Committee Co-Chair Dana Platin at DPlatin@Sachem.edu.
Next up: The next regularly scheduled Sachem Central School District Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Samoset in the auditorium. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.
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(Official release of Sachem Central School District)