With Budget Failed, What Should Mt. Sinai Do to Save Programs?

The Mt. Sinai School District proposed a budget that pierced the tax cap, and it failed Tuesday after the community did not give it the necessary 60 percent supermajority approval.

Now, the administration and Board of Education must put together a budget that does not exceed the allowable cap of 2.13 percent for the district.

Concessions were made before Tuesday's budget vote from both the Mount Sinai Teachers Association and administrators. A renegotiated teacher's chontract gave back a total of $6.4 million to the district, and the current adminstrator give back is at $3,500, while discussions may still be ongoing.

In previous budget presentations, Superintendent Anthony Bonasera mentioned that without piercing the tax cap, the district would have to make significant cuts to clubs and athletics. A budget fact sheet available on the district's website (attached) reads that with a failed budget would result in the loss of 14 elementary school clubs, 20 middle school clubs, 15 middle school athletic teams and six high school athletic teams.

What do you think can or should to be done in order to save these programs? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.