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School Services Consolidation to present report proposals this fall With a draft completed, the Suffolk County Commission reviewing proposals to consolidate school services and cut costs countywide is expected to meet sometime in the fall to review the recommendations and finalize the report. The Commission, initially charged with coming up with its final report last winter, received an extension and planned on having its final report by the summer, but problems in getting all of the members together this month has resulted in the new delay, according to S.C. Leg. Lou D'Amaro, who heads up the Commission. "We have a lot of people away on vacation and I really do not want decisions to be made without having everyone in attendance," said D'Amaro. "When we initially started our discussions we were committed to building consensus so I don't want to accept or reject any of these proposals for the final report unless everyone is in attendance at the meeting." D'Amaro said that consolidating school districts to reduce educational costs on Long Island is simply not a reality but that there is some agreement in consolidating functions. "There are plenty of smaller ticket items, which, if they stand alone don't add up to much, but as a whole can make a difference in taxes." said D'Amaro. Lindenhurst Superintendent of Schools Neil Lederer, who was on the committee, said that he began the process with some skepticism, but is now pleased and proud to put his name to the report. "The process was very even handed and there was no preconceived agenda," said Lederer. "Everyone was open and objective." As a result, he said, the committee came up with some good ideas to maximize efficiencies and handle budgets.
D'Amaro declined to discuss any details of the draft until the Commission has had a chance to review it in its entirety. One possible recommendation, however, was raised last month by S.C. Exec. Steve Levy who proposed having schools pool their financial investments. Another option is to use their combined purchasing power for buying fuel and contracting for such things as legal, health care and construction services.
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