Which Smithtown Schools Budget Cut Tier Would You Vote For?

The Smithtown Central School District is facing tough economic times, and need to make some tough decisions to eliminate a deficit of more than $4 million for the upcoming budget.

So far three tiers of possible cuts have been introduced to the Board of Education.

Tier 1 proposes 14 areas for savings that would reduce the deficit by an estimated $2.5 million, leaving roughly $1.6 million of the deficit left to account for, with some of the bigger cuts including $620,000 in attrition and retirement, $365,000 in the reduction of five full-time middle school employees and more.

Tier 2 cuts include reducing co-curriculiar activities in half, eliminating late buses, letting go of three full-time librarians, and eliminating middle school sports, the theatrical program, fifth grade band and orchestra, and electives such as business olympics, DECA, robotics and more.

The cuts in Tier 3 would eliminate the remaining deficit altogether. Proposed in Tier 3 are cuts including moving to an eight period day in the middle and high schools that would result in the loss of 12 full time employees, removing two guidance counselor positions, eliminatiung full time kindergarten and more. The cuts would result in saving the district $6.195 million.

But if you were on the board where would you make your cuts? What options sould you choose? Let us know in the comments.