Study: Poorest schools would suffer from aid cuts

Long Island's poorest school districts would get hit next year with steep tax hikes, teacher layoffs or both, if Gov. David A. Paterson pushes his proposed aid cuts through a reluctant State Legislature, regional education leaders conclude.

A new Eastern Suffolk BOCES study finds, for example, that taxes in the 29 poorest districts would jump nearly 9 percent, even if they hold spending increases to 2.5 percent - roughly this year's average.

The study, unveiled Saturday at a regional conference in Middle Island, notes those districts enroll nearly 38 percent of the Island's students - contradicting a widespread impression the region is generally affluent.

Potential aid cuts were on the minds of about 200 school administrators, board members and others who gathered for the meeting with state lawmakers. It was the first big regional rally against the governor's plan since it was announced last month.

"It's scary that some of our teachers may or may not have their jobs," said Ashley Garguilo, 17, a Longwood High School senior who spoke at the session.

Paterson is seeking a $1.1-billion aid cut statewide, to help close a projected $7.4-billion budget deficit. The cuts are part of his $134-billion budget plan for 2010-11. The deadline to adopt a budget is April 1.

The school aid cuts would cost the Island $172.6 million, or 7.2 percent of its operating aid, compared to an average 6.7 percent statewide.

Paterson aides say schools must face economic reality and reduce spending. "That's what state and local governments are doing across the country to address this historical fiscal crisis, and school districts should be no different," said Matt Anderson, a spokesman for the governor's budget division.

Gary Bixhorn, chief operating officer for Eastern Suffolk BOCES, acknowledged at Saturday's meeting that Paterson's latest cost-cutting plan treats the Island more equitably than previous proposals. Even so, Bixhorn termed the plan "frightening."

Several district officials predicted layoffs. Middle Country's superintendent, Roberta Gerold, said her district will notify 22 employees next week that will likely lose their jobs. Michael Mostow, the Patchogue-Medford schools chief, said his district faces potential layoffs of 50 to 70 teachers, along with cuts in student programs.

State legislators are widely expected to restore most, if not all, the governor's proposed aid reductions, as they head for November's elections.

Still, lawmakers at Saturday's meeting stressed there were no guarantees. Assemb. Steven Englebright (D-Setauket), who teaches a university geology course, suggested temporary freezes in teacher pay raises might be needed to save money.

"State aid is going to be reduced or, at best, flat," said Assemb. Fred Thiele Jr. (I-Sag Harbor).

LI's low-wealth school districts

Districts that rank below the state's average in income and property wealth, according to Albany's latest figures. Advocates say these districts would be especially hard-hit by proposed state aid cuts.

NASSAU: Elmont, Freeport, Hempstead, Island Trees, Levittown, Roosevelt, Uniondale, Westbury

SUFFOLK: Brentwood, Center Moriches, Central Islip, Comsewogue, Copiague, Deer Park, East Islip, Eastport-South Manor, Islip, Lindenhurst, Longwood, Middle Country, North Babylon, Patchogue-Medford, Rocky Point, Sachem, South Country, West Babylon, West Islip, William Floyd, Wyandanch

SOURCE: State Education Department