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Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced that Wyandanch High School will receive a $150,000 grant to help restore its sports program.
Earlier this year, 123 school districts on Long Island saw their budgets passed, with only voters in Wyandanch rejecting a proposed $77.8 million spending plan that represented a 40.93 percent tax increase.
“Whether it is football, basketball, volleyball or any other sport, we have to provide programs and outlets for young people that keep them engaged, energized, active and keeps them moving in the right direction. That's what high school sports do, Bellone said.
“I want to also thank West Islip resident and philanthropist Steve Castleton, who is generously donating $10,000 of his own money and working with other community leaders to help secure additional private donations.”
The donation comes fresh on the heels of the suspension of Superintendent Mary Jones with pay, and dozens of layoffs of faculty members and other employees.
Wyandanch’s financial issues have drawn the attention of state officials, who approved a bill that authorized the appointment of a special monitor for the district. That bill has not been signed into law by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Classes in the Wyandanch School District are expected to begin on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Teachers return to work on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
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