Budget FAQ
Why is the district proposing a budget that would pierce the tax cap?
This year’s budget development process was exceptionally challenging for multiple reasons. A nearly $3 million decrease in expected state aid allocations, double-digit percentage increases in expenditures beyond the district’s control, and the elimination of COVID relief grants created a budget deficit beyond what could be filled within the district’s allowable tax cap. After careful consideration of various spending plan options, the district elected to put forth a proposed budget that would maintain all programs and services.
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What is included in the proposed budget?
The proposed 2024-2025 school budget, which carries a tax levy increase of 4.87%, preserves the strong educational, cocurricular and health and safety programs established in recent years. This includes:
- All current programming, including the nine-period day.
- Our robust and award-winning fine and performing arts program for students K-12.
- Our championship-winning sports offerings.
- Our comprehensive mental health supports and resources for students.
- Our commitment to preserving building facilities and safety initiatives.
- All current cocurricular and club offerings.
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What steps has the district taken to create operational efficiencies and budgetary reductions?
The proposed budget includes a staff reduction of 73 positions districtwide, largely due to attrition and restructuring, as well as the appropriation of $9,447,163 in fund balance and reserves.
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As the proposed budget carries a tax levy increase beyond the district tax cap limit, does that mean that, if approved, residents will not receive STAR rebates?
If approved, the budget will have NO impact on a resident’s eligible STAR rebate. While the two were connected in years past, current regulations do not put a STAR rebate at risk should a district pass a budget that pierces the tax cap.
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What percentage of voters needs to approve the budget for it to pass?
The proposed 2024-2025 school budget carries a tax levy increase of 4.87%. As this would pierce Sachem Central School District’s tax cap, a supermajority (60%) of voter support is needed.
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What happens if voters do not approve the budget?
If voters defeat the proposed budget, the district has two options: put the same or a revised budget up for a revote or adopt a contingency budget. If a proposed budget is defeated twice, a contingency budget must be adopted. If that were to occur, state law mandates that the tax levy increase over the current year be capped at 0%. A reduction of this magnitude would have a devastating impact to programs and services for all Sachem students and staff.
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Is it true that all Sachem students will be eligible to receive a free breakfast and lunch during the 2024-25 school year? If so, can’t those monies be applied to lower the tax levy increase?
Yes, because of the district’s efforts to apply for and receive a CEEP qualification, all Sachem students will be able to receive free lunch and breakfast next school year. This will save our Sachem families approximately $5 per child/per day on school-purchased meals. The monies secured through the CEEP program are specifically earmarked for the child nutrition program, and therefore cannot be applied to support programs/services in the general fund of the budget. This is guaranteed for 5 years.
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Does the budget include any funding allocations to complete necessary facilities updates?
Yes, the budget continues to focus on preserving the integrity of our school buildings through the following proposed projects: security enhancements including door hardening across the district, floor tile replacements across buildings, upgrades to bathrooms at Hiawatha Elementary School, and partial roof replacement at Sagamore and Samoset middle schools.
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Does Proposition 2 (Use of Capital Reserves) have any impact on the tax levy?
No. If approved, Proposition 2 has no impact on the taxpayer. However, voter approval is required to access the funds to complete the projects.
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How would a budget that falls within the tax cap affect our district?
To reach a budget that carries a tax levy within the allowable cap, the district would have to make large reductions across all areas. The $3 million in reductions would have significant impact on programs, services and opportunities for students K-12, which is why the district wanted to give the community a chance to vote on a budget absent of such reductions first.
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What potential reductions would the district make to reach a budget that carries a tax levy of 1.92%?
To help our community understand the significance of the reductions needed to reach a budget within the tax cap, listed below are areas that will be reduced/eliminated.
- Increase target elementary class size by two.
- Increase class size at both high schools.
- Reduction of five social workers.
- Discontinuation of partnership with Northwell Health.
- Elimination of elementary school clubs.
- Reduction of funding by 50% for all secondary clubs, including Marching Band, Robotics, DECA, etc.
- Elimination of all middle school sports.
- Elimination of all JV sports at both high schools.
- Reduction of librarians.
- Reductions in Music.
- Reduction of secondary drama
- Reduction in numbers of Security Guards
- Elimination of overnight trips, including senior trip.
- Reduction of World Language offerings
The reductions highlighted to the above would be in ADDITION to these steps already taken.
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