Rocky Point Superintendent's Budget Exceeds Tax Cap, Avoids Cuts

Rocky Point Superintendent Michael Ring proposed a $71,574,012 budget for 2012-13, an increase of 2.97 percent from last year's budget, Monday night at .

Ring announced during the presentation that the budget will exceed the tax levy cap, which comes to a 1.84 percent increase for the district. The exact levy was not determined, however, and is pending announcement of the New York State budget. The state budget will also determine the exact state aid for the district.

"I'm not going to take a guess at it right now because there are a couple of things that will determine it," Ring said. "Not knowing what the amounts will be, I don’t want to speculate."

The budget presentation estimates that state aid will be at $22 million based on recent trends, though the actual number could be more or less. The proposed budget maintains all curricular and co-curricular activities, adds five Advanced Placement courses and continues the district's NEXT Step initiative.

"Im proud of the district's continuing commitment to providing the best, most comprehensive education that we can and we continue to do it at the lowest cost of any district in Suffolk County," Board president Michael Nofi said. "We deliver a 'full service menu' if you will, to our students, which many districts are not able to do at this time."

Also presented were potential outcomes if the levy stayed at the cap of 1.84 percent and all other estimates and costs remained the same. Reductions  included 13.5 full-time employees, athletics and all co-curricular activites at , school and the middle school.

A handful of community members addressed the budget, with some voicing support and others addressing concerns about the levy increase. A budget that exceeds the tax levy cap must be passed by a supermajority of 60 percent. Last year's district budget, which included a tax levy increase of close to five percent, passed by 67 percent.

"I'm proud to be part of a community that has supported [us] and I'd hope that they continue to do so," Nofi said.

Monday's complete budget presentation can be viewed on the district's website. The board will adopt a budget on April 18.

What do you think of the Superintendent's proposal? Tell us in the comments below.