April 11, 2026
The South Country Central School District is staring down a financial crisis that has put Bellport High School at the center of a heated community debate. An external audit revealed the district overspent its voter-approved 2024–2025 budget by approximately $3.49 million, triggering a wave of proposed job cuts and a spending freeze that has students, parents, and educators pushing back.
The shortfall traces back to the expiration of temporary federal COVID-relief funds that had been propping up recurring expenses, including teacher salaries and special education programs. When those grants ran out, costs shifted back to the general fund without enough revenue to cover them.
Rising employee benefits and transportation costs compounded the problem, leading to a $16 million drop in the district's general fund balance and an unassigned fund balance deficit of roughly $1.8 million.
South Country Superintendent Antonio Santana has proposed eliminating 55 positions for the 2026–2027 school year, including:
This comes on top of the 53 jobs already cut last year. The district has also frozen all discretionary spending through June 30, 2026 as part of a three-year financial recovery plan.
The adopted budget heading to voters eliminates 51 positions overall, with school bus services also under review as the district looks for every possible savings.
The proposed cuts sparked a dramatic response from students. An estimated 1,000 Bellport High School students walked out during 6th period in below-freezing temperatures to show support for their teachers and protest the layoffs.
The walkout drew attention across Long Island and underscored how deeply the budget crisis is affecting the school community.
The district is developing a multi-year recovery plan to stabilize its finances, but the path forward means continued austerity for Bellport and its feeder schools. Voters will have the final say on the proposed budget, and community members are encouraged to attend upcoming South Country Central School District board meetings to voice their concerns.
For families in Bellport, East Patchogue, and Brookhaven, the stakes are clear: fewer teachers, larger class sizes, and reduced services unless the district can find alternative revenue or cost savings. Brookhaven is already navigating major planning changes this year, adding another layer of pressure on local communities. Districts across the region are feeling similar strains — Riverhead School District has also tackled budget pressures with administrative cuts — while Commack schools have worked to stabilize enrollment amid financial headwinds.
The New York State Education Department requires districts operating with a deficit fund balance to file a corrective action plan, and the New York State Comptroller's Office continues to monitor fiscally stressed districts statewide.
LI Daily will continue following the South Country budget situation as it develops. Check back for updates on the vote and community response.
