Center Moriches Taxpayers Community Discussion Forum

Long Island school districts seek to hike tax levies less than 2.8 percent on average next year - by far, the lowest proposed increases in more than a decade.

Not all taxpayers will get a break in the current economic recession, however. Nineteen districts from East Rockaway to East Hampton want to boost taxes more than 4 percent - the point at which taxpayer groups contend rates should be capped. Shoreham-Wading River schools are calling for an increase of nearly 27 percent.

Still, a majority of districts appear to be curbing next year's taxes by cutting teachers and other staff and, in some instances, eliminating services ranging from summer school to sports. Ten districts are proposing taxes that are flat or reduced, including Uniondale, Valley Stream 24, Smithtown and William Floyd.

Spending and tax figures released Tuesday contrast with typical hikes of 7 percent or more sought by districts four or five years ago. Declining enrollments helped districts keep taxes low, as did a record infusion of federal stimulus aid.

"It's almost like a revolution," said Charles Murphy, superintendent in the Sachem district, where the tax levy is dropping next year - the third year in a row the district has not raised taxes.

Freeport is reducing taxes for the second straight year. Officials say they're mindful that the community's unemployment rate is pushing 9 percent.

"In a difficult economic climate, we really wanted to do everything we can," said Kishore Kuncham, Freeport's deputy superintendent.

Annual Property Tax Report Cards released Tuesday by the State Education Department show average spending would rise 2.35 percent Islandwide, while average tax levies would go up 2.72 percent. Levies are the total dollar amounts raised through property taxes.

Increases in both taxes and spending are the lowest since single-day budget votes began in 1995. This year's balloting is scheduled May 19.

The economic crunch appears to be widening disparities in student services that exist among the Island's 124 school districts, especially for those that are economically and racially segregated.

Wyandanch, for example, plans to eliminate 10 sports teams next year to help hold down costs, leaving 14 teams at its high school and middle school combined. The district's 1,890 students are mostly black or Hispanic, and about half live near the poverty line.

In contrast, Shoreham-Wading River has told residents a "yes" vote will help preserve activities including the sports program, which fields 40 teams at its high school alone. The district's 2,760 students are mostly white and middle-class.

Wyandanch's announced cuts have hit some students hard, especially seventh-graders who may lose a chance to participate in sports next year.

"It would really have a bad impact, because this gives us something to do," said Tierra McGee, 13, who faces the loss of her middle-school track team.