Schools

Nolan: 'No Decisions or Cuts Have Been Made'

Superintendent addresses district-wide rumors about future cuts, building closures amidst budget hearing process.

Sachem Superintendent James Nolan released the following statement in response to what he perceives as developing rumors in the district surrounding the upcoming budget process.

“We have been hearing many rumors lately regarding our budget process for the 2013-2014 school year. Please know that we have certainly started the budget process and discussions, but no decisions or cuts have been made at this time.

There have been rumors about closing and selling schools, raising class sizes, eliminating athletics, music, G.A.T.E. and courses, moving to half-day kindergarten, selling the Waverly Soccer Complex and so many more. Again, please know that no decisions have been made at this time.

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I would however strongly encourage you to attend our board meetings and become involved so that you know the facts and the details. Misinformation and rumors will destroy the mutually respectful and interdependent relationship that must exist in order for our present students and future students to be able to benefit from the outstanding Sachem School District we have loved for so many years.

We have a tremendous challenge ahead in developing next year’s budget because once again the state has cut Sachem’s aid when most districts received increases between three and four percent. Please know that we are meeting with Sen. Flanagan, Sen. Zeldin and Assemblyman Graf to express our frustration and advocate for our district. Only together can we work through these challenges and maintain the highly effective schools that we certainly have. We certainly don’t want any of the rumors to become a reality, but please get involved.”

Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Since the budget process began earlier this month, the Board of Education has proposed a number of preliminary discussions to help generate revenue or save the district money. Some ideas currently in the review stage include auditing classroom use in all the district's buildings for a possible opportunity to close a building and peeling back the mileage for transportation of private/parochial school students from 25 miles to the state minimum required 15 miles.

The next meeting of the Board of Education is a work session scheduled for Wednesday, February 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the annex attached to Samoset Middle School.

 

 


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