Reporter editorial: A plan with promise

From the day Superintendent Brian Doelger, Ed.D., returned to the Shelter Island School District in 2019 his message to the community about budgeting has been the same even if the words have been slightly different. This year the goal was to “design a budget that helps us to provide the best education possible at the most efficient cost possible.”

What many Islanders may not know is it’s not just rhetoric; it’s a philosophy from an administrator dedicated to doing what is right for students, staff and taxpayers and one that drives every day, not simply those times when budgeting is front and center for the community. 

That’s why in the heat of July, just two months after voters approved the district’s 2026-27 school year budget, Mr. Doelger brought forth an Administrative and Organizational Reconfiguration that is structured to save more than $100,00, allocating $45,000 to fill roles that once cost four full-time administrators’ salaries. Mr. Doelger reduced the administrative staff to three in his first year as superintendent and his plan now reduces it to two administrators — himself and Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Rylott.

Work required for school administrators hasn’t diminished — just the opposite.

Much of the work administrators do has become more complex and time-consuming in no small way resulting from state mandates.

But the genius of the plan outlined last week lies in using the talents of existing staff members to tackle some of the work once done only by full-time administrators.

Three teachers who have demonstrated leadership abilities have been given an opportunity to pick up responsibilities previously done only by administrators while still functioning as part-time teachers. More than the compensation they will receive is the opportunity to learn skills that will enable them to advance their careers under supervision from experienced administrators.

Mr. Doelger acknowledges there may have to be adjustments to the plan. But it appears to be a win for staff, students  and the community.