South Orangetown Central School District

Over the past two years, including projections for 2012-13, the school district has been experiencing a sudden and significant decline in enrollment of over 180 students. This is a result of the economic downturn and comes at a time when many districts across New York State and our region are cutting programs and raising class sizes to stay within the newly established tax levy cap. Due to the reduced number of students and a need for less classes, South Orangetown will be able to stay within the tax cap without resorting to major cuts.

While that may appear to be good news, unfortunately we will be forced to let go a number of highly valued staff members. Some of these teachers are also coaches or club advisors who have built strong connections to students and families outside of the classroom. Due to the enrollment decline, the staff with the lowest seniority will be the first to be dismissed. This has nothing to do with their competence, dedication, or value but is driven by the fact that the student population in South Orangetown is declining.

The district is not in a position of “deciding” who remains or goes when positions are eliminated due to lower enrollment. Seniority is the determining factor. Even if the economic times were better, we would be unable to retain staff for empty classrooms.

Some of the cuts to stay under the tax levy cap in developing this year’s budget have been made in ways that do not directly impact the classroom. However, the majority of the dollars needed to close the tax cap gap are from staff reductions due to enrollment loss.

While we hope to assist these staff members in finding employment, it is also hoped that via a combination of potential leaves and retirements, several of these staff members may return. All will be placed on a “preferred eligibility list” which allows them to claim positions that may reopen over the next few years.

Later in the spring we may have better news when more staffing information becomes available.