The Center Moriches School District board of education passed their 2024-25 $54,132,914 budget after the May 21 vote with 509 yes votes to 421 no.
The budget remains within the maximum allowable levy limit and maintains all existing academic programming. The projected annual increase for the average taxpayer is $155.80.
According to the district, the budget also continues to enhance student mental health supports while also expanding athletic offerings for students through creation of three new teams, including unified bowling, boys swimming, and middle school cross-country.
According to assistant superintendent for business Keri Loughlin, the salaries and benefits are the largest percent of the budget.
BOCES expenses (7.5 percent) are aided in the following year for items such as software, technology support, tuition, and professional development; transportation (5 percent) also increases each year with Consumer Price Index. The 3.5 percent debt is the current expenses for prior capital projects.
A budget hearing was also held earlier in May. The vote took place at the high school library.
BOE ELECTION RESULTS
One candidate, Brian Tenety, took the sole open seat up for election for a three-year term with 707 votes. The term will run from July 1 2024 through June 30 2027. Tenety now fills the vacated seat by incumbent George Maxwell, who did not seek re-election.
ABOUT BRIAN TENETY
Tenety is an educator, coach, and father.
“My roles have always been rooted in building a community of collaboration, inclusivity, and support,” he said. “I am a family-centered individual who has raised children in the district for eight years.”
During his time in Center Moriches, he has volunteered for Moriches Bay and Red Devils baseball, MYO lacrosse, wrestling, basketball and HYAL basketball.
He has also been included in curriculum committees and advocated for special education offerings as well as other pathways to educate the whole child.
Professionally, he is an educator at Southampton High School for 19 years, holding a certification in school district leader, along with a physical education degree.
As a physical educator, he has been heavily involved in many lead roles and initiatives by serving as a student council representative, building level union representative, various K-12 level coaching positions, developing Special Olympics and Unified Sports on the East End and much more.
“In running for the board, it is important to respect those individuals that dedicated their time to making Center Moriches the beautiful town that it is,” he said of his candidacy. “My desire to run is to offer a collaborative lens that brings our school and community together to develop the best educational environment—one that enables us to find a pathway to success for all students.”
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