South Country Central School District
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The South Country Central School District is a district of approximately 16 square miles that is composed of the Village of Bellport and the Hamlets of Brookhaven, North Bellport, East Patchogue, parts of Yaphank, and parts of Medford.
[edit] Background
The district maintains Bellport High School, Bellport Middle School, Frank P. Long School, and three primary schools. In addition, the district maintains a building named the Southaven School, which briefly housed the Southaven Academy, an alternative high school for behavior challenged students. The Administrative Offices are located in East Patchogue on the campus of the Verne Critz Primary School. The school district maintains a budget of 80 million dollars, with a little more than half coming from local property taxes.
The teachers of the district have increased test scores over the past few years through programs designed to help students. Also, the controversial five million dollar budget deficit has been replaced by a $418,000 surplus thanks to the diligent work of administration and decreased spending by the schools.
The current superintendent of schools is Dr. Susan Agruso, She advocates herself as a supporter of education and extra-curricular events, but has not been seen attending very many of these events.
[edit] Controversy
In 2004, auditors discovered a 4 million dollar deficit in the school district's budget. This shortfall occurred around the same time many other school districts were being investigated for corruption. Although the state comptroller found no illegal activity in his audit, he did criticize the district for not having adequate financial controls. Immediately after news of the budget shortfall surfaced, the Board of Education fired the Assistant Superintendent of Business. Prior to the announcement of the budget shortfall, Superintendent Michael C. LaFever retired.
