Adopted Budget Cuts Teachers, Saves Programs

On May 17, Kings Park voters will head to the polls to pass or reject a $79 million -school budget that eliminates 25 teaching positions, ends late-day bus runs, but saves athletic, music and arts programs.

According to the district, the elimination of 13 positions is budget driven, while nine are due to falling enrollment. The majority of those losses are at the elementary level.

Programs such as sports and music were spared from the chopping block, though three assistant coaching positions were eliminated.

Administratively, one payroll supervisor was cut, a bus driver and two cafeteria aides. Late-day and midday bus runs have also been eliminated.

The public vote is set for May 17 at the high school. If the budget does not pass the board has the opportunity to present the same budget again or make changes to the proposed budget and put it out again for a public vote. If the budget is voted down again, a contingent budget would be put into place.

The state places constraints on how money is spent by a district that has a contingent budget. New equipment is not allowed and capital expenditures are only allowed in cases of emergency.

Residents will also vote on a referendum to replace the roof at which the district says is According to the district, the cost of the roof will not exceed $1.1 million. Money used will be taken from the capital reserve and 41 percent of the money used will be reimbursed by the state over a period of 15 years.