School Budget Hearing Set for Monday, May 11

A public hearing on Huntington UFSD’s proposed budget to fund operations in 2026/27 will be held next Monday, May 11 at Adam Spector Auditorium at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School at 7:30 p.m.

The proposed budget was adopted by Huntington School Board members without dissent two weeks ago. 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 19at Huntington High School from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to vote on the proposed spending plan along with a capital reserve fund proposition and to elect two trustees.

“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,” Huntington School Board President Xavier 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 budget totals $161,013,904, an increase of 2.05 percent or $3,237,751 over the current year’s spending plan. If approved by residents, the 2026/27 budget would raise the tax levy by 2.76 percent.

It is estimated that the tax rate will increase from $270.83 to $278.30 per $100 of assessed valuation. The tax increase on the typical district household would amount to $267.64 prior to STAR program savings.

The district is budgeting for assessed valuation to hold steady at $44,465,263. The final tax rate will be set in the fall after the district receives final figures from the town assessor.

“This budget also supports extensive opportunities in fine and performing arts, intramural and interscholastic athletics, along with numerous clubs, band, chorus, marching band, orchestra, accelerated art courses, unified athletic and art programs, concerts, academic competitions, drama club productions, field trips, student councils, art shows and science expos,” 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, E-sports, and elementary STEM opportunities are included.”

Total state aid is projected to decrease by $902,560 in 2026/27. The district is allocating $1.85 million in surplus monies to hold down the tax rate. The district’s long-term debt will be completely extinguished by June 30.

“The ballot will also incorporate important capital reserve fund proposals at many of our district schools including fire-rated doors, fire alarm additions, exterior and interior wall repairs, an outdoor amphitheater at Woodhull Intermediate School, and student restroom renovations at Huntington High School,” Mr. Palacios said.

If the capital reserve fund proposition passes, it will not increase taxes since the monies have already been set aside for such work. The district will be eligible to receive state aid on the projects.