Center Moriches presents $54.13 million 2024–25 budget; contingency cuts could trim about $630,000

CENTER MORICHES UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT officials outlined a $54,132,914 spending proposal for the 2024–25 school year and warned that if voters reject the budget, a contingency plan would force roughly $630,000 in reductions that would eliminate many capital projects and nonessential equipment purchases.

A district presenter opened the hearing by summarizing academic and extracurricular accomplishments from 2023–24 and the priorities reflected in the proposed budget. "So tonight is our annual budget hearing, for the 2425 budget," the presenter said, then reviewed curriculum goals, technology replacement plans and athletic program expansions.

The nut graf: The proposed budget relies on a mix of revenue — about 39% state aid and roughly 48% property taxes — with tuition and reserve transfers filling remaining needs. Salaries and benefits make up about three-quarters of the district’s spending. Officials said the budget is within the state tax-levy cap, but flat state aid for 2024–25 and the end of COVID-era funding mean taxpayers will see an average estimated increase of about $155.

District officials laid out what a contingency budget would mean if the spending plan fails. "A contingency budget is any ordinary contingent expense that provide minimal services to our students," the presenter said, explaining that contingeny (sic) budgets preserve core educational services and health-and-safety items but remove noncontingent expenditures. The presenter gave examples: a recurring $100,000 capital project would be cut, many equipment purchases and nonessential student-supply lines would be eliminated, and outside community use of school facilities generally would be disallowed under a contingency budget.

Officials identified specific probable cuts under contingency planning: a $100,000 capital outlay (a bathroom project was cited as an example) would be canceled; student-supply lines could be reduced by about $150,000; and new or auxiliary athletic positions and nonessential field-trip transportation would face reconsideration. The presenter said rooftop units identified as health-and-safety priorities would remain in the budget and that the district’s administrative spending is currently about 9% (below a noted 12.8% threshold for planning purposes).

The hearing also covered district technology and instructional priorities: continuing a 1:1 Chromebook program, replacing aging Chromebooks and smart boards, and providing elementary teachers with individual laptops; many device leases and software contracts are administered through BOCES, which the presenter said returns roughly a 65% aid ratio on certain services.

Voter logistics were reviewed: the budget vote is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; the polling location will be the high school library (a change from the Main Street gym). The ballot will have two parts — the school budget (yes/no) and a board-seat election. The presenter noted one open seat after Mr. Maxwell decided not to run and named Ryan Kennedy as a candidate. Absentee ballots and the budget brochure are available on the district website and from the district clerk (Miss Barr).

The board carried a motion to appoint election inspectors for the May 21 vote (pay set at $16 per hour) and then moved into executive session to discuss personnel and collective bargaining matters.

What’s next: The public budget vote is May 21; if the budget fails, the board will decide whether to adopt a revised budget or implement the contingency plan, which district officials said would remove many nonessential expenditures to preserve core services.