Rockville Centre school budget proposal could cut up to 60 positions amid $3.2M shortfall
The Rockville Centre Teachers Association is pushing back, warning the cuts could impact class sizes and student services across all grade levels.
More Stories
A proposed school budget in Rockville Centre is drawing concern as district leaders work to close a $3.2 million gap.
The latest proposal includes the elimination of up to 60 positions, including 12 teachers, 40 teacher assistants and other staff. The Rockville Centre Teachers Association is pushing back, warning the cuts could impact class sizes and student services across all grade levels.
District officials say rising costs tied to special education, building maintenance and inflation are straining the budget. However, they point to health insurance as one of the largest drivers of the deficit.
“Insurance costs are rising way faster than we can keep up,” Board of Education member Janet Gruner said. “Our entire tax levy is approximately $2 million to go to pay health insurance for employees and retirees.”
The Board of Education is scheduled to meet April 16, when officials are expected to present a line-by-line breakdown of the proposed budget ahead of the district’s budget vote.
