Smithtown Schools Pass Budget, Elect New Board Members

Smithtown Central School District residents overwhelmingly approved the proposed 2024-2025 budget on Tuesday, May 21st, with over 6,000 votes cast. The budget passed with a comfortable margin, reflecting broad community support for the district's plans.

Key Takeaways:

The budget increase is 3.32 percent over last year, totaling an additional $9,310,716.

Key areas of investment include:

• Elementary class size reduction
• Continued commitment to technology
• Maintaining all current student academic, extracurricular, and athletic programs
• Summer learning opportunities like camps, enrichment programs, and bridge programs
• The budget reinstates the "Save Harmless" provision, a vital funding mechanism for the district.

Additionally, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 2, a separate ballot measure that authorizes the district to utilize funds from the Capital Reserve Fund for vital building improvements. This additional funding source will be crucial for maintaining the district's infrastructure and providing a safe and healthy learning environment for students.

Voters Elect New Board Members:

The election also created a shift within the Board of Education. Incumbents Stacy Murphy and Karen Wontrobski-Ricciardi were defeated by challengers Dana Fritch and Emily Cianci, respectively.

Looking Ahead:

The passage of the budget ensures stable funding for the district's priorities in the coming year. With new leadership on the Board of Education, residents can expect continued focus on academic excellence, student well-being, and responsible fiscal management.