Smithtown school district says it's running out of ways to cut budget

Smithtown school officials say they are running out of ways to cut spending as they try to close an anticipated gap in next year’s budget.

Following a budget workshop Tuesday night, school board president Gladys Waldron said the board is seeking areas for possible cuts to avoid piercing the state cap on tax levy increases. She said the district last year increased class sizes, reduced staff and even slashed spending for floor wax to cut costs.

“There’s no more cutting wax,” she said. “Hopefully we’ll get more state aid.”

Superintendent Anthony Annunziato has said the district faces a $4.5 million deficit next year unless officials find ways to cut spending or increase revenue. Smithtown would see a 2.39 percent cut in state aid under the budget proposed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

The school board has scheduled a March 19 workshop to discuss possible cuts. Waldron said she hoped to avoid staff and program reductions.

“If you don’t have the staff and you don’t have the programs, it’s detrimental to kids,” she said.