Reality in Central Islip

 What one school district--and its taxpayers--are facing:

Central Islip, which has a $171-million budget and 6,300 students, is expected to lose $5 million in state aid. With a 13 percent tax hike, 50 teachers would be laid off while all sports programs and extracurricular activities would remain. That scenario is unlikely to be put to a vote. A 5 percent tax increase would require 110 teachers be laid off, and flat taxes would require 170 teachers to go.