Schools
East Quogue Needs 60 Percent of Voters to Approve Budget
Will you vote to approve the East Quogue Budget?
On Tuesday, the East Quogue School District is putting before the public a budget that pierces 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.
The $23,003,732, which cuts several teacher positions, carries a 4.65 percent tax levy, which in dollars, equates to an increase from $19,678,548 to $20,592,696.
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, the district said it will have to shave an additional $587,000 from the budget. On the chopping block is the following:
- 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
Three candidates are running for two open seats. The candidates are incumbent Joseph Tsaveras and newcomers Dianna Gobler and Carrie Bender. Read more about them here.
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Where and When to Vote:
Voting for the East Quogue School District will take place between 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday in the school's gym.
Patch wants to know: How will you vote? Comment below.
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