Locust Valley School Board proposes $98.3M budget with 2.36% tax levy increase

The Locust Valley Board of Education convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 school year, highlighting key financial details and upcoming projects that will impact the community. The proposed budget stands at $98,289,148, reflecting a budget-to-budget increase of 1.95%. This increase is primarily driven by a 2.36% rise in the tax levy, which constitutes 91.36% of the overall budget.

A significant portion of the budget is allocated to salaries, which account for 48.91%, while benefits make up 23.67%. The district is also facing a decrease in state aid, particularly in transportation aid, which is projected to drop from 10.2% to 6.5%. This reduction is expected to result in a loss of over $200,000 in funding, further emphasizing the reliance on local tax revenue to support educational programs.

The meeting also addressed capital projects, including a proposed $2,500,000 transfer to capital, with over $2 million earmarked for the installation of a multi-sports turf field at Baysville Intermediate School. Additionally, $471,000 is allocated for converting a freight elevator in the middle school/high school to an ADA-compliant passenger elevator, enhancing accessibility for students.

The board presented a three-part budget breakdown: 10.2% for administrative costs, 78.33% for program services, and 11.66% for capital expenses. This structured approach aims to provide transparency and clarity to stakeholders regarding how funds are allocated.

Looking ahead, the board will hold a public hearing on the budget on May 7, 2025, allowing community members to voice their opinions and ask questions. The discussions during this meeting underscore the board's commitment to minimizing tax increases while addressing the educational needs of the district, despite the challenges posed by fluctuating state aid and rising operational costs.