While budget cuts are causing the West Islip School District to cut 18 teacher positions in their preliminary budget, the teachers union has voted to open contract talks, hopefully saving some or all of those jobs.

"The (West Islip) Teacher's Association has met and approached the school board about making contributions from their salaries to help the budget," confirmed West Islip Superintendent Dr. Beth Virginia Blau who said the situation was very preliminary. "We have agreed to reopen the contract...If they're willing to make a donation and there are no strings attached, it could only be a positive thing for the district," she added.

While a union spokesman did not return phone calls, other sources confirmed that in a vote two weeks ago, the teachers agreed to reopening talks, possibly taking a small salary cut to save jobs. That is likely to be received as good news to the community. Residents had expressed their concern over the position cuts at the March 12 board meeting.

"I'm concerned because eight of these teachers (being cut) are special education from Westbrook Elementary and we can't afford to lose them," said resident Margaret Dixon. "I realize that the board is having a tough time, but can you not cut teachers or class sizes? It'll really hurt our kids."

"The 18 teacher cuts are included in the first draft of our budget," confirmed Wendy Duffy, Assistant Superintendent for Business, saying the budget will be going through changes before being finalized.

One resident suggested that district employees could take a hit in their own salaries rather than fire the educators. "If it comes down to it, perhaps teachers and administrators could consider going without increases to save their co-workers," he said at the meeting.

When asked, Blau said she would be willing to kick in some of her salary to help the district weather these tough economic times. "I would be willing to donate $5,000 and I know that the administrators are discussing this among other things," she said in a phone interview.

So far, the 2009/2010 budget is expected to carry a 1.31 percent increase in spending and a 3.48 precent tax increase due to a state aide reduction. Another factor is the decreasing enrollment for the 2009/2010 school year, by 110 students in both the elementary and grade school levels.

Other possible cuts include some clubs, some intramurals and some teacher's aides and a possible security reduction.

The next budget meetings will be tonight at 7:30 p.m., at the Beach Street Library; 7:30 p.m. on Wed. April 22 at the District's board room Beach Street Library, and at 7:30 p.m. on Tues. May 12 at the Beach Street auditorium. The budget vote and trustee election will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the West Islip High School, May 19.

At that same meeting, the district also tackled a planned expansion of nearby Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip as to how it affects students and residents.

As their footprint enlarges we need to stay vigilant and need to sit down with them," said board member Wayne Smith after it was announced that some board members received awards at a hospital dinner.

"It's nice that the district is recognized, but don't forget that they are increasing traffic conditions and putting our students in possible harm's way" he added. "While it's great they are providing health care, they are not exclusive to West Islip even though we are absorbing a far greater burden."

Christine Hendriks, a spokeswoman for the hospital said there are no formal plans for any changes at the facility drawn up yet, and that the hospital is making major efforts to reach out to the community and get their input and suggestions before moving forward.

TheHospital is looking to add a two-story 29,200-square foot building that will house new emergency and ambulatory departments at a cost of $9-million, to be paid through grants.

"We are in the process of meeting with nearby neighbors and reviewing plans," she said. "After we complete the plans we'll meet with residents again before we go through with the expansion."

According to Hendriks, the hospital has to increase its size due to increased emergency room visits and New York State requirements to provide additional private rooms.

Thenext Summit Coalition meeting is at 7:30 p.m. on Tues., April 28 at the Beach Street school. Residents are urged to attend.