Concessions Help Restore Clubs, Athletics in Miller Place

(Editor's Note: The original article posted stated that there was one concession by the Miller Place Teacher's Association, but what was agreed upon is a retirement incentive. There has not been a concession agreed upon by the MPTA. We apologize for the miscommunication.)

When the Miller Place Board of Education , it was announced that some clubs and programs that were on the chopping block would be restored, but it wasn't known how many.

At Wednesday's meeting, Superintentent Susan Hodun presented the changes to the budget and announced that all co-curriculars and athletics that were in danger have been restored thanks to concessions and other factors. Certain classes and the positions associated with them were also restored.

At the , six clubs were restored and at the Middle School, one club and the entire athletic program will return for the 2012-13 school year. The total co-curricular and athletic reductions decreased from $262,477 to just $10,620 for athletic uniforms. 

Regarding staffing reductions, the originally proposed 22.5 faculty position reductions fell to 16.7. This was highlighted by the return of two music positions with the restoration of the performance groups and high school jazz chorus and band. Also, High School elective course offerings in business, science and other fields were restored.

There were a few keys to making restorations possible, and those included concessions, retirements, clerical reductions and an increase in State Aid. Miller Place administrators will pay an extra $4,000 to $5,000 into their health benefits, and a full list of concessions will be in the minutes from Wednesday's meeting, which will be available later in the week. The Board also announced that it is still at the table with the Miller Place Teacher's Association, and it's possible more changes will be made.

An additional three clerical and support staff reductions were added, along with the elimination of one bus driver. The district announced that six teachers will be retiring this year as well. State Aid for the district was increased by four percent, and a change in the debt service figure increased the districts tax levy cap from 2.6 percent to 2.96 percent, a total allowable levy of $41,300,365.

After concessions were announced, a stream of residents flooded the microphone to voice their appreciation.

"I was up here a couple of times trying to get everyone to show leaders and take the first step and this truly is taking the first step," said Marc Bloom of the Athletic Booster club. "It really means a lot to us and it shows the first step towards righting the community."

The final budget hearing before the May 15 vote will be held May 8, and additional adjustments to the budget could be announced.