South Huntington Board Approves BOCES Budget

The South Huntington Board of Education approved  the 2011-12 BOCES budget last week.

Held at the South Huntington Union Free School District Office, the budget was approved by its participating districts with a 16-2 vote.  Huntington voted against the budget earlier in the day.

Also at the meeting, Peter Wunsch of Commack and Jannette Santos of Amityville were re-elected to serve three-year terms on the BOCES board.

The administrative and capital budget increased $39,936 from last year, which is a 0.65% increase.  The total budget proposal for 2011-12 is $148,389,523, with 3.1% going to administration, 4.4% going to post-retirement benefits, and 2.1% going to the capital budget.  The capital budget includes costs for roofs, windows, repairs etc.

Five of the districts will have declines in both their administrative and capital charges.  This is determined on a three-year weighted average of the districts student attendance.  Thirteen districts will have increases, the largest being $9,253 in Smithtown.  These districts have had the largest increase in enrollment.

Dr. Michael J. Mensch, deputy superintendent of Western Suffolk BOCES, commented on the recent news:  "I'm very pleased that our budget was passed.  We're looking forward to a successful new year."