LAKE HUNTINGTON — In the first week of March, Sullivan West Central School District Leadership will be joining Western Sullivan United Teachers (WSUT) and School Related Professionals (SRP) unions as they go up to Albany to support the restoration of the nearly $2 million in State funding that was recently slashed, according to Sullivan West Central School District Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Bressler. 

The Superintendent said that the three groups will meet with State Senator Peter Oberacker (NY-51) and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (NY-100) in their bid for restoration. The district belongs to New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA) District 9.

In her announcement, Bressler noted that if it was left up to the local taxpayers to cover the cost of the cuts, it would raise the tax levy about 10 percent – however rather than raising taxes, the school is expecting to cut programs, services and personnel. 

Bressler encouraged those who do reach out to representatives to use the sample request attached to the letter put on February 27, which pledges supporters’ request for Foundation Aid to be fully funded and the budget approved on time by April 1. 

Parents, students and community members participated in School Spirit Day on February 29, where supporters were invited to wear their Sullivan West apparel and participate online. Bressler also called on community members to contact representatives Oberacker and Gunther to express their concerns regarding the slashed state funding.