BOE, budget vote previews: What’s on the ballot Tuesday?

NEW SUFFOLK

Budget: $1.09 million

Estimated tax levy increase: 1.58%

The New Suffolk Elementary School District is proposing a $1.09 million budget carrying an estimated tax levy increase of 1.58 percent over this year’s tax levy.

School board president Tony Dill has said the proposed budget includes a spending reduction of nearly $44,000, resulting mostly from the elimination of one teaching position.

Total expenses for regular classroom instruction — including teacher salaries, textbooks and supplies — are expected to total $244,575, down about 25 percent. Special education costs for next year are projected at $70,840, a hike of nearly 10.8 percent.

The pre-K through sixth-grade district also allocates funds for its secondary students’ education, which is estimated to cost $200,240, up by nearly 26.8 percent.

The district anticipates spending about $4,000 for textbooks and workbooks. Last year, New Suffolk spent $225 for those items.

Building operation costs are estimated to increase by about $1,000 in 2015-16, to $54,518.

Jason Cooper (newcomer)

Mr. Cooper is a volunteer with the Cutchogue Fire Department and works as an aircraft maintenance supervisor for the New York Air National Guard. Mr. Cooper and his parents attended school in New Suffolk.

“It’s a place that reminds you of how life should be,” he said, adding that he decided to run because he believes it’s important to maintain the district’s identity.

Mr. Cooper, who has three children, said he believes the school’s biggest challenge is communication. One of his goals is increasing community involvement, he said.

CHECK OUT THE OYSTERPONDS BUDGET AND CANDIDATES: