Previously Published in The Messenger
By Matt Meduri
On Tuesday, May 19, the school districts of Bayport-Blue Point and Islip were two of four Suffolk school districts to see their budget proposals rejected by the voters.
On Tuesday, June 16, both had their remedial budgets approved.
Bayport-Blue Point
The original $88,387,020 budget, a 2.75% tax levy increase that would have exceeded the cap, failed in a 679-568 vote. Although it received a majority of the votes, school district budgets that pierce the tax cap require 60% of voters’ approval.
On Tuesday, BBP residents approved their budget in a 1,697-769 vote, this time obtaining the 60% majority required to pierce the tax cap.
“The district is grateful to our community for its support of the 2026–27 school budget. This budget will enable the district to continue to provide our students with the high-quality educational opportunities, programs and services we have developed here in BBP over the years,” said Superintendent Timothy Hearney in a statement. “We appreciate everyone who took the time to participate in this important process. On behalf of the Board of Education, administration, faculty, and staff, thank you for your continued support of our schools.”
The revised budget reduced the levy from 2.75% to 2% and is $1.1 million less than the 2025-26 budget. The contingency budget carries $1.34 million in additional cuts, according to the district’s newsletter. Items considered for elimination include elimination of junior varsity sports, field trips, elementary and middle school clubs, the World Language Elementary Program, high school e-sports, the Gifted and Talented Program, elementary guidance support, high school and middle school musicals, flag football, arts-in-education/enrichment, livestreamning of districtwide meetings (including Board of Education meetings), and reductions in professional development, curriculum writing, and other staff supports.
The district covers Bayport, Blue Point, and parts of North Patchogue.
Islip UFSD
The original budget called for a $106,244,004 spending package with a 2.85% tax levy increase. It failed to achieve 60% of voters’ approval in order to pierce the cap, with 639 voting in favor to 859 against.
The revised budget passed on Tuesday night in an 895-406 vote. The $105,536,108 budget, which was tax cap-compliant, reduced the proposed spending by just over $700,000. About $430,000 was removed entirely while $275,000 was transferred to capital expenditures, primarily for the reconstruction of the high school’s greenhouse. The budget slashes two Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) positions. Each of the district’s five schools will still have a Registered Nurse (RN), but only one LPN is set to be assigned to the high school and middle school, while another will rotate around the elementary schools.
“We are grateful to everyone who took the time to stay informed, participate in the process and make their voice heard at the polls. Your support helps ensure that Islip students continue to learn, grow and thrive in an environment focused on excellence,” said the district on their website.
In the district’s newsletter, the budget retains all current academic and instructional programs, mental health services for students, and literacy and math support – including the Jumpstart literacy program. It maintains student clubs, late buses for students, arts and music, interscholastic athletes, and special education services.
However, it cuts summer curriculum writing, reduces student club funds by about $26,000, and reduces the athletic budget by about $36,000.