Wantagh Board adopts 2024–25 budget, approves capital projects and routine motions

The Wantagh Union Free School District Board of Education adopted the 2024–25 proposed budget at its April 3 business meeting and approved a series of capital project addendums and routine motions, the board announced.

The adopted budget stays under the district tax cap of 2.89% and shows a year‑over‑year levy increase of about $1.9 million, Superintendent John McNamara said. Voters will see two propositions on the May 20 ballot: the budget itself and a capital reserve proposition. Polls will be open May 20 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the district’s three elementary schools.

The budget highlights cited by McNamara include maintaining class sizes, expanding elementary reading support (the district’s “WIN” push‑in program) into third grade, continued expansion of special education continuum placements that have reduced out‑of‑district placements, and new course offerings including a growing science research academy, a high‑school broadcasting course, cybersecurity certification pathway and an evening EMT program for students and community members. Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) will continue at eight sections districtwide; McNamara said the district expects the state UPK grant to remain near $760,000.

On capital work, the board approved addendums covering multiple projects the administration described as part of previously authorized bond work and transfer‑to‑capital items. The agenda language that passed includes a $2.1 million roof repair for the original Wantagh Elementary building, classroom ceiling and HVAC piping work at Wantagh High School, replacement and additions to security cameras and switch gear, auditorium lighting, life‑skills classroom space at the high school, gym flooring and window and HVAC upgrades listed across the district. The board approved addendums labeled J1 through J12 at the meeting.

The board also approved routine business motions by voice vote during the meeting, including approval of minutes, financial reports, personnel items, a set of contractual authorizations (listed on the agenda as G1–G4), disposal of obsolete books and equipment, and approval of Committee on Special Education (CSE) and Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) recommendations. Two PTA donations were accepted: $1,300 from the Wantagh Elementary School PTA for a PARP assembly and $525.80 from the Mandalay Elementary School PTA for a fifth‑grade in‑house DNA lab field trip bus, the board recorded.

McNamara noted that the district’s New York State aid number in the presentation is based on the governor’s proposal; as of April 1 the state budget had not been finalized, and the district was using an estimated state aid figure of $22,800,000 while awaiting the final state appropriation.

Votes at a glance - Adoption of 2024–25 proposed budget (motion moved and seconded): approved by voice vote (individual roll call not specified in the transcript). Next step: public budget hearing May 8; district vote May 20, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. - Proposition on capital reserve (ballot language shown on screen): approved to appear on ballot. - Addendums J1–J12 (capital improvement projects covering kitchen/cafeteria work, HVAC, windows, toilet renovations, equipment, furniture/casework, electrical, mechanical and general construction): approved by motion and voice vote. - Contractual authorizations G1–G4 (including Affordable Care Act consultant extension, health services and related services agreements, NASBA BOCES agreement): approved by voice vote. - Donations: Wantagh Elementary School PTA $1,300 and Mandalay Elementary School PTA $525.80: accepted. - Approval of minutes, financial reports, personnel items, disposal of obsolete books/equipment, CSE/CPSE recommendations: approved by voice vote.

Why this matters: The budget preserves current programs while adding instructional positions tied to special education and reading support and funds capital work tied to the district’s December 2022 bond. If voters approve the propositions on May 20, the district will proceed with the listed capital projects and maintain the programs described in the budget presentation.

Next steps and timeline: The board will hold a public budget hearing and presentation on May 8 and conduct community outreach April 30–May 19. The district’s public vote on the budget and capital reserve proposition is scheduled for May 20.