School Budget Hearing Set for Monday, May 12

A public hearing on Huntington UFSD’s proposed budget to fund operations in 2025/26 will be held next Monday, May 12 at Adam Spector Auditorium at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School at 7:30 p.m.

The proposed budget was unanimously adopted by Huntington School Board members on April 22. A brochure detailing the budget along with the full line-by-line budget are both available on the district website at www.hufsd.edu.

Residents will go to the polls on Tuesday, May 20 at Huntington High School from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. to vote on the proposed spending plan along with two capital reserve fund propositions and to elect two trustees.

“The proposed budget maintains a tax levy that stays below the state-mandated limit while upholding our commitment to a robust K-12 educational program,” wrote Huntington School Board President Xavier Palacios in a letter to the community. “The development of this year’s budget has been particularly challenging due to rising non-discretionary expenses and limited increases in state aid.”

The budget totals $157,776,153, an increase of 3.61 percent over the current year’s spending plan. If approved by residents, the 2025/26 budget would raise the tax levy by an estimated 2.89 percent.

It is estimated that the tax rate will increase from $262.17 to 269.74 per $100 of assessed valuation. The district is budgeting for assessed valuation to hold steady at $44,644,462. The final tax rate will be set in the fall after the district receives final figures from the town assessor.

“The Board of Education and administration have worked diligently to devise a budget that sustains a high-quality instructional program while being considerate of the financial impact on our community,” Mr. Palacios said. “This year’s budget aligns with the district’s newly developed strategic plan and maintains a host of academic supports for our students. It continues to support newly adopted courses and programs, ensures appropriate class sizes at every grade level and allocates funds for elective classes and more than 30 Advanced Placement courses.”

The projected tax increase per household before any STAR program savings based on the average home assessment for Huntington UFSD is $266.40.

“The budget provides funding to upgrade and enhance district facilities,” Mr. Palacios said. “It also maintains elementary summer school and the high school freshman seminar, while increasing funding for student mental health initiatives. Resources are allocated for the research, planning and development of new courses, as well as for a new transportation parent application.”

Based on the Governor Kathy Hochul’s budget proposal, total state aid is projected to increase by $882,586 to $32,259,586. District officials are hopeful the final state budget enacted by the state legislature will increase state aid beyond the governor’s proposal. The district is allocating $1.65 million in surplus monies to hold down the tax rate.

“This budget also supports extensive opportunities in fine and performing arts, intramurals and interscholastic athletics, along with numerous clubs, band, chorus, marching band, orchestra, accelerated art courses, concerts, academic competitions, drama club productions, field trips, student councils, art shows and science fairs,” Mr. Palacios said. “Additionally, cherished initiatives such as the New York Bar Association mock trial program, Virtual Enterprise business classes, robotics teams, pre-kindergarten, the dual language program, National History Day, the Highsteppers dance team, esports, and elementary STEM opportunities are included.”