Are Shoreham-Wading River Schools Done? (Brookhaven, Riverhead: school districts, casinos, closing)

[Crookhaven]

I'm hearing some weird, weird stuff re NE Brookhaven schools in the wake of this SWRs mess.Check out this fugly Q&A.
18. How do School Districts consolidate?
“Reorganization” is a general term that includes a number of different statutory methods to merge two or more school districts. The statutes governing reorganization provide several methods through which a school district may merge with one or more of its neighbors...


Shoreham-Wading River Central School District - District News - Space and Facilities Project (http://www.swrschools.org/district/budget_q&a.asp - broken link)

Here's the ugly rumors:

SWR may be done. The district may dissolve into Shoreham- Longwood or Shoreham-Rocky Point

Wading River may go to Riverhead.

If Shoreham moves to RP then Miller Place will shift east take on all of Sound Beach and MP/RP schools to absorb the shift.

SWR really crapped the bed on this one but if its what it takes to keep a Casino out then so be it.
I know RP wont be pleased since theyve worked very hard to keep their budgets in check and Im not sure if Sound Beach and parts of RP can swing the higher taxes.

Either way its gonna be a mess.If this is what the adwizards are coming up with then we'd probably be better off combining them all into one and lowering our overhead.

If anyone can confirm or deny any of this with some supporting facts Id really love to hear from them.

Crooks

[Walter Greenspan]

Crooks, I'm unsure of the connection between breaking up SWR and how this would stop a potential casino. Can you clarify?

[Crookhaven]

Originally Posted by Walter Greenspan

Crooks, I'm unsure of the connection between breaking up SWR and how this would stop a potential casino. Can you clarify?

The Nuke plant is on the shortlist for Shinnecock Casino locales.

Considering the situation with the schools, possibility of Ferry Access from NE and the furious, pro gambling Senior voting block at Leisure village, I think theres a good chance we could see one if nothing changes.


Crooks

[Walter Greenspan]

Originally Posted by Crookhaven

The Nuke plant is on the shortlist for Shinnecock Casino locales.

Considering the situation with the schools, possibility of Ferry Access from NE and the furious, pro gambling Senior voting block at Leisure village, I think theres a good chance we could see one if nothing changes.


Crooks

I understand all that, but I do not understand the connection between breaking up the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District (a central school district means that, at some time in the past, Shoreham and Wading River were two separate school districts) and how exactly this would stop a potential casino.

[Crookhaven]

Originally Posted by Walter Greenspan

I understand all that, but I do not understand the connection between breaking up the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District (a central school district means that, at some time in the past, Shoreham and Wading River were two separate school districts) and how exactly this would stop a potential casino.

Its bad news for all of NE Brookhaven Walter but my fear is that if they are faced with closing the district that a casino might seem like an attractive option.

Either way it sucks.

Thinking of moving here Walter? I cant do the semantics dance with you today buddy but Im looking for locals with facts.

Im just exposing the rumors.

Crooks

[twingles]

I think what Crooks is saying is that a casino would bring in tax money to enable the district to remain open. So people would go for the casino to lessen the tax burden.

[Walter Greenspan]

What kind of tax money would a casino bring to the school district?

It's my understanding that an Indian casino would not be subject to property tax. Am I wrong about this?

[alexei27]

Maybe getting OT here, but I believe that is correct. If I remember correctly there is a law that states tribal casinoes are not taxed the same way non-tribal casinos are (which give HUGE tax incentives to the local economy).

However many localities have set up agreements with indian casinos to help get money into the community.

Hopefully whoever gets a Casino sets up a strong deal with the tribe.

[7CatMom]

I don't know anything about the casino, but I'll tell you that consolidation or reorganization of school districts takes a lot of work and consensus. The state must approve a plan to investigate this which includes ALL districts involved. The districts must investigate it, especially how the whole thing works out financially. ALL voters involved must approve the consolidation or reorganization. If one district votes no, then it doesn't happen. This process can take 2 years or more. Most attempts at consolidation on LI have failed. No one wants to pick up another district's debt or higher tax rate!

[villager-li]

I don't think consolidation will ever happen. SWR will continue to increase taxes until they are at least consistent with other areas. As you can see from SWR's website (same link as what Crooks has above), the lowest tax rate per $100 of assessed value in the area is for SWR and the highest belongs to...guess who? (Rocky Point!)

The communities of the SWR school district are too affluent to be willing to consolidate with other districts, especially Riverhead and Longwood! Unless you believe Crooks that the retirement communities control the district. BTW, most of Leisure Village is part of Longwood.