Huntington School District proposes $157.8M budget with 2.89% tax levy

Huntington Union Free School District (UFSD) is set to propose a budget of $157.8 million for the 2025-2026 school year, reflecting a 3.61% increase from the previous year. This budget includes a tax levy increase of 2.89%, which will be presented to the community for a vote in the coming weeks. The proposed budget aims to address various educational needs while considering recent adjustments in state aid and enrollment counts.

During the recent Board of Education meeting, officials highlighted a decrease in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 3.1% to 2.9%, which has influenced budget planning. The district is utilizing the governor's budget proposal to inform its financial strategy, ensuring that it remains proactive in addressing funding changes.

The budget breakdown includes three main components: administrative, program, and capital expenses. The administrative budget is set at approximately $15.9 million, while program costs encompass teacher salaries, instructional materials, and other educational resources. Capital expenses will cover facility maintenance and custodial services.

In the event that the proposed budget is not approved, the district would need to operate under a contingent budget, which would limit the tax levy to the previous year's amount. This scenario could result in a significant reduction of $3.9 million from the budget, impacting class sizes, staffing, and extracurricular programs.

The Board emphasized the importance of community engagement in the upcoming vote, as the decisions made will directly affect the quality of education and resources available to students. As the district prepares for the vote, it remains committed to transparency and communication with stakeholders about the budget's implications for the school community.