What budget implications are there for private and parochial school enrollments?
Commack has been blessed with low private and parochial school enrollments, perhaps due to the quality of its public schools. Whereas the average private and parochial school enrollment on Long Island approaches 10%, in Commack the number is just over 3%. Because the number is already low, school closings and students moving from private schools to public schools due to expense is less of an issue that it may be in neighboring districts. However, we are obligated by law to provide certain services to students living in Commack who choose to attend private schools. They include transportation (up to 15 miles), registered nurses, and textbooks. How is the Tax Levy determined? The Board of Education must assess a TAX LEVY for the coming school year. This is the total amount of money that the Board determines will be needed to balance the school budget after State Aid and other revenue sources are taken into account. The overall tax levy is projected before the school budget vote in May, b
