Sachem board adopts $380.9 million budget plan, places transportation distance change on ballot

Sachem Central School District officials on April 2 directed administration to present a $380,900,000 budget for adoption next week and approved a resolution placing a transportation‑eligibility proposition on the May ballot.

The budget presentation by district staff projected a 1.77 percent spending increase for 2025–26 and showed administration filling a $1.75 million gap in transportation costs either by using reserves or by enacting reductions that include eliminating middle‑school sports and cutting 10 elementary positions. The board voted to put a transportation proposition on the ballot to change walking/ride eligibility and thereby reduce projected transportation costs by $1,750,000.

Why it matters: The district faces sustained revenue pressure from inflation that outpaced tax‑levy growth and uncertain state aid. Board members debated whether to ask voters to approve a tax‑levy override to restore the transportation funding and avoid cuts to programs and staffing or to rely on reserves or program cuts if the proposition fails.

Administration presented “Budget Draft Number 6,” showing the district’s tax levy filed with the comptroller at a 2.2005 percent increase and a planned $9 million transfer to capital for facilities work. The staff described continued uncertainty…