Bellport High School Students Walk Out to Protest Proposed Teacher Cuts

Bellport High School students made their voices heard Wednesday as nearly 1,000 walked out of class to protest proposed budget cuts that would eliminate 55 jobs in the South Country School District.

 

Despite freezing temperatures, students streamed out of the building during sixth period, carrying signs and chanting in support of their teachers. Parents joined the demonstration outside, showing solidarity with the student-led action.

 

"We refuse to stay silent about the injustice in our education," students declared during the walkout.

 

What's at Stake

 

The South Country School District is facing difficult financial decisions. Superintendent Dr. Joseph Giani has proposed cutting 43 teaching positions for next year, on top of 32 teacher reductions already implemented this year.

 

The district says these cuts are part of a three-year fiscal recovery plan. In a letter to the community, Dr. Giani stated that "each potential reduction was considered carefully and thoughtfully, guided by the principle of preserving students' core academic programming and essential services to the greatest extent possible."

 

Student Concerns Go Beyond the Classroom

 

For Bellport students, the impact of these cuts extends past academics. Extracurricular programs and clubs are also on the chopping block.

 

"Like, a student could go to school and be themselves through the clubs, but now, there's less clubs and next year, there's gonna be even less clubs," said student Asher King.

 

Classmate Naomi Schindler-Schul noted the immediate effects: "There's less classes and people aren't as motivated to come to school anymore."

 

Parents Worry About Academic Impact

 

Parents expressed concern about class sizes, especially given the district's current academic struggles. Only three out of ten students in the district read at grade level, yet English teachers are among those being cut.

 

"Only three out of 10 students in our district read at grade level, yet they're cutting English teachers," said parent Shannon Marshall.

 

Some parents question whether the district has exhausted all options with state funding before making these reductions.

 

A Generation Finding Its Voice

 

For the students leading Wednesday's walkout, the protest represents something larger than budget numbers. see video at ABC7

 

"They underestimated what we could do," said a student named Jesse. "We're just students at the end of the day, but we still have a voice."

 

The South Country School District serves the communities of Bellport, Brookhaven, East Patchogue, and parts of Medford. The school board is expected to vote on the proposed budget in the coming weeks.