South Country schools face uncertainty after layoffs and budget crisis

South Country Central School District voters rejected a budget 2,747 to 1,529, leaving a financial gap that could still reach $10.5 million. The revised 2026-27 plan totaled about $150.5 million and would have raised taxes by 13.45 percent, while officials were still weighing cuts that could eliminate roughly 55 positions, including 43 teachers and five administrators.

On April 10, the New York State Comptroller’s Office said South Country was on track for an approximately $8.7 million deficit in fiscal 2025-26, even after spending freezes and layoffs. The comptroller also said the district reported an unassigned general fund balance deficit of $1.8 million as of June 30, 2025, and warned that officials would likely need to borrow $6 million to balance the next budget. South Country first disclosed an unexpected $3.49 million deficit in September 2025, then froze discretionary spending through June 30, 2026.

South Country has six schools and about 3,798 students, and roughly 62 percent are economically disadvantaged. About 1,000 Bellport High School students walked out on March 18 in support of teachers. By late spring, the district had already cut 53 jobs and overspent by nearly $3.5 million in the 2024-25 school year. Union leaders said some educators with decades of service were worried about losing their jobs.

Superintendent Antonio Santana resigned on May 6, the board accepted his resignation that night, and Jaclyn O’Hagan was named acting superintendent. John Dolan was set to become interim superintendent on May 14. The district also brought in outside help, including finance consultant John Belmonte and a forensic auditing firm, as it worked to finish delayed audited financial statements and stabilize its books.

The Bellport Teachers Association donated more than $1,000 in baby supplies to local families in May.