Schools

East Quogue Will Pierce Budget Cap; Also Cutting Teacher Positions

East Quogue needs 60 percent of voters to approve the budget.

After shaving nearly $1 million from its budget, the East Quogue School District has found itself in a position where it will need to pierce the 2 percent State budget cap by 2.6 percent to make ends meet— it is a move that leaves the district vulnerable, if 60 percent of voters don't approve the budget.

"If the budget proposal does not pass, we will be forced to cut an additional $587,000 to stay under the cap," said Robert Long, principal. "That scenario will eliminate an additional six full-time equivalent positions and severely impact the educational programs and services we offer."

With a failed budget, Long said the district will have to cut:

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  • 2 special education teachers
  • 1-2 general education teachers
  • Possible ½ day Kindergarten
  • 1 reading teacher
  • 1 music teacher (eliminating instrumental music)
  • 2 teacher assistants
  • 1 custodial position

The district, said Long, has already resolved to cut a special education teacher, a part-time librarian, two teacher aides and reducing an ESL/Foreign language position to part-time.

"Before any positions were looked at, we cut or reduced everything we could," said Long. "We are saddened to lose dedicated and talented employees. However, we feel strongly that our proposed budget allows us to maintain a high quality instructional program for our students."

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The district, Long said is facing a number of increased costs, including a 16 percent increase in the state teacher's retirement system; a 21 percent increase in the employee retirement system; and a 10 percent increase in health costs.

In addition, the district needs to account for tuition to Westhampton Beach High School next year for an additional 23 students, which is approximately a $460,000 spending increase.

The proposed budget, which is expected to be approved by the school board on April 17, sits at $23 million with an increase in spending of 2.9 percent over the current 22.4 million dollar budget. It carries with it a tax rate increase of 4.7 percent. 

The district estimates that based on the current year's assessments, a home valued at $500,000 would see an annual school tax increase of about $240.

If the budget fails and additional cuts made, taxpayers with a home valued at $500,000 would see a $113 increase in taxes.

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