Students walk out in support of 43 teacher layoffs

A walkout in protest of 43 teacher positions being eliminated was organized by students at Bellport High School and took place on Wednesday, March 18, during sixth period (approximately 11 a.m.).

“Teachers have supported us, so we’re supporting them back,” said Ethan Hillard, a junior at Bellport High School who was one of the leaders of the demonstration. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without our teachers.”

Some teachers also joined the walkout, but others stayed in their classroom if students in their class decided not to participate.

According to Hillard, student support for the walkout from the beginning planning stages was high and was reflected with hundreds of students taking up half the football field during the protest.

Administrators were helpful in keeping safety a priority by directing one exit for students so that safety officers could monitor the situation closely.

Parents were also receptive to the message, according to Hillard, and some parents even held an auxiliary protest across the street from the high school (they were not allowed on school grounds).

Hillard pointed out a history of walkouts in Bellport High School with finding a walkout account in 2012.

“My mom participated in a walkout in 1989 for the same reason. It’s a tradition,” said Hillard.

While Hillard said support for the walkout was widespread, he did acknowledge a number of social media accusations that the walk-out was under the directive of the Teachers’ Union.

“This is absolutely false. This walkout was student-led and was not the plan of the Teachers’ Union. It was led solely by the students,” said Hillard.

Hillard said some students are planning to speak at the next school board meeting to express their concern for excessing teachers.

“As students, there is a lot for us to learn about school district budgets, but our focus on this walkout was awareness—awareness that cutting teachers is the most direct impact you can have on students,” said Hillard.

South Country Central School District superintendent Antonio Santana sent out a message to the students on Tuesday, March 17, that read:

“We are aware that some Bellport High School students are planning a walkout in support of their teachers in response to the district’s proposed staff reductions.

We respect and value student voice, and we recognize that our students care deeply about their school community. In many ways, this reflects the kind of civic engagement and advocacy we hope to instill in our students. At the same time, our primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. The District will take appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment while instruction continues.

We also want to remind families and students that all students are expected to follow the District’s Code of Conduct during the school day. This includes remaining in assigned areas, including classrooms, unless otherwise directed, and following all staff instructions. Students who choose to leave their classrooms or other scheduled activities to participate in a walkout will be marked with an unexcused absence for that period.

We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we work to support our students while maintaining a safe and structured learning environment.”

The previous Friday, Santana addressed the community and said, “I want to acknowledge our students. This week, many chose to engage in civic action, and I’m proud of the way they used their voices with passion and purpose. That’s part of learning and growing as engaged citizens. At the same time, our responsibility is to maintain a safe and orderly environment, and that means there are expectations and protocols that have to be followed. It’s a balance, supporting student voice while ensuring safety and respect for the school community, and we’ll continue to uphold both.”

The drastic cut of 43 teachers (55 district employees in total) in staff is part of a plan to rectify overspending for the 2024-25 school year. Actual expenditures and encumbrances exceeded the final voter-approved budget by approximately $3.5 million.

The most significant areas of overexpenditure occurred in central services, instruction for regular school programs, and in programs for students with disabilities, employee benefits, and occupational education.