Hampton Bays Schools Release Draft Budget

The has released a draft budget that comes in under the state's two-percent tax cap.

According to , superintendent of schools, the district's tentative $45.9 million budget carries with it a $939,000 or 2.1 percent increase from the current 2011-12 budget. 

The increase, which is mostly due to higher costs for insurance, pensions and enrollment growth, translates into a 1.87 percent tax levy increase, which Clemensen says is within the allowable limit under the state's 2 percent property tax cap.

According to Clemensen, the district is expecting an enrollment increase of approximately 1.5 to 2 percent from this year to next.

Talking about cuts to offset the budget, Clemensen the only cuts proposed include cuts to programs would be as a "result of a program not running at full efficiency any longer." 

For example, Clemensen said, "We will be eliminating the Varsity Field Hockey team for next year and only running a JV in order to rebuild the program and develop it appropriately for our students."

The draft budget, also said Clemensen does not include any layoffs for any current staff at this time largely because Clemensen said, "Through retirements, the district hopes to replace some veteran staff with newer and less costly staff."

This, said Clemensen, "Enables the district to adjust staff for the foreseeable enrollment growth.  One potential retirement would result in the position being refilled as a part-time position, not full-time."

The board expects to adopt the budget at its April 17 meeting with a community vote on May 15.

"Please do not underestimate the importance of every vote," said Clemensen.  "Please come vote."