Port Jefferson School District

Port Jefferson School District Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan recently appeared on The Times Beacon Record podcast Pressroom Afterhours. During the episode, Superintendent Schmettan provided an in-depth report on recent settlements related to the Child Victims Act (C.V.A.) and the ongoing financial impact on school districts statewide.

Ms. Schmettan explained that, unlike organizations such as the Archdiocese or the Boy Scouts, school districts cannot declare bankruptcy when facing settlements. Instead, they are required to pay the full amount, placing the burden on taxpayers. Port Jefferson settled seven cases for a total of $16.5 million—an amount lower than some other districts, which have been ordered to pay up to $25 million for a single case. Schmettan discussed how the District is working to pay off the remaining $11.5 million without raising taxes or cutting programs.

“We are focusing on championing our community right now,” said Superintendent Schmettan. “How can the state help us and other neighboring school districts that are facing similar types of cases? We’ve asked the community to start writing letters, speaking to local state representatives, to look for some types of solutions.”

Superintendent Schmettan laid out five potential solutions to the statewide issue, including a partial reimbursement plan in which districts would receive a percentage of money back for every dollar put toward C.V.A. settlements. She also suggested raising the tax cap, creating a C.V.A. superfund to provide districts with additional state aid, opening a window to the liquidation bureau, and allowing districts to use reserve funds for C.V.A.-related payments.

The Pressroom Afterhours podcast is available on Spotify, with the C.V.A. discussion beginning at the 28:36 mark in the episode titled “Superintendent Schmettan Speaks on CVA Settlement.”

Port Jefferson Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan on the “Pressroom Afterhours” podcast.