The Board of Education meeting held on April 24, 2025, focused on the adoption of the budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The meeting highlighted key aspects of the proposed budget, which aims to maintain and enhance educational programs while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
The budget proposal includes a 3.2% increase compared to the previous year, which is slightly below the Nassau County average of 3.4%. The tax levy increase is set at 2.99%, which is $342,000 below the maximum allowed under the state's 2% tax cap. This careful planning is expected to result in an average increase of approximately $285 for homeowners, attributed to rising debt service costs.
Key features of the budget include the addition of full-time social workers in each elementary school, aimed at supporting student well-being. The budget also allocates funds for various educational programs, including advanced placement courses, career and technical education, and extracurricular activities in arts and athletics. The district is particularly proud of its achievements in athletics, with several championship teams and partnerships with local organizations like the Special Olympics.
The meeting also addressed the district's capital reserve fund, which currently holds $4 million. Proposed projects funded by this reserve include upgrades to school facilities, such as lighting for the softball field, air conditioning system improvements, and classroom renovations. Importantly, these projects will not impact the tax levy, as the funds are already available.
The board emphasized the importance of community involvement, reminding residents that the budget vote is scheduled for May 20. The successful adoption of this budget is seen as crucial for maintaining the quality of education and resources available to students in the district.