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South Orangetown board adopts $115.3 million budget with 2.31% levy increase
Summary
The South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education adopted a $115,289,084 budget for 2025–26, authorizing a 2.31% tax levy increase and a $2 million transfer to capital. Board members expressed concern about long‑term fiscal pressures despite unanimous passage.
The South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education on April 14 adopted a $115,289,084 budget for the 2025–26 school year that includes a 2.31% increase in the tax levy and a $2,000,000 transfer to capital.
Superintendent Dr. Kulot opened the meeting by urging adoption and thanked Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Miss Espinal for leading the budget process. “The budget is providing for reduced class size at Cottage Lane Elementary School with the addition of an elementary teacher,” Dr. Kulot said, and described four new positions totaling $338,000 and districtwide capital and safety projects funded by the transfer to capital.
The budget package uses reserves to close gaps the administration described as driven by a 0% increase in state aid and rising costs. Miss Espinal told the board the plan includes $500,000 from the ERS reserve, $500,000 from the TRS reserve and $886,220 from unrestricted fund balance. She said administrators identified $1,440,000 in reductions through attrition, reallocation and line‑item cuts to items such as consultants, some field trips, and print communications to avoid staff layoffs.
Board discussion acknowledged the short‑term tradeoffs and long‑term risks. Board member Coleman said he would vote for the budget “very reluctantly,” noting concern that the district is using reserves and that state aid remains essentially flat. Rob (board member) urged earlier and broader stakeholder engagement next year and supported involving union leadership in budget talks.
The board voted to approve the proposed budget after a motion by Dave and a second from Diana; the motion passed and was recorded as approved. Several members asked that the district present a clearer, earlier analysis of next year’s fiscal outlook to the community.
The budget materials presented to voters include a detailed tax cap calculation; the administration estimated the impact on a taxpayer with a $200,000 assessed value at roughly $195 annually. The board scheduled the public vote for May 20, with a budget hearing on May 13.
The administration emphasized the budget is balanced for 2025–26 but warned of a projected fiscal “cliff” in future years if state aid does not improve. The board directed staff to continue March‑to‑March planning and to present a reserve‑use plan over the summer.
