Bellport High School Students Walk Out to Protest Proposed Teacher, Staff Cuts in 2026-27 Budget
Students at Bellport High School walked out Wednesday in a show of support for educators and staff as the South Country Central School District weighs significant job reductions in its proposed 2026-2027 budget.
The demonstration focused on a plan that, according to reporting by News 12 Long Island, could eliminate 55 positions districtwide, including 43 teaching jobs, as the district works to address ongoing financial problems. Parents and community members also gathered nearby during the walkout to back teachers and urge district leaders to reconsider the scope of reductions.
(Source: https://longisland.news12.com/bellport-high-school-students-walkout-to-support-teachers-as-cuts-are)
District officials have said the proposed staffing reductions are part of a broader effort to stabilize finances following earlier cuts and to implement a financial recovery plan. The superintendent told News 12 the district is working to protect core academic programming while managing fiscal pressures.
The walkout also brought attention to student concerns about how the proposed cuts could affect class sizes, electives, extracurriculars, and day-to-day support services. News 12 reported that student absences connected to the walkout were considered unexcused.
Budget discussions are expected to continue as the district moves through its public review process for the 2026-2027 spending plan.
