Sachem proposes $380.9 million 2025–26 budget; transportation proposition would change eligibility and could save about $1.75 million

The Sachem Central School District presented a $380,900,000 proposed budget for the 2025–26 school year at a public hearing May 7 and told residents the budget vote is scheduled for May 20 at all operating elementary schools from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The proposed budget represents a budget-to-budget increase of $6,600,000, or 1.77 percent, and is supported by a proposed tax levy of $216,500,000 — a 2.2 percent increase the district said is “within the allowable tax levy formula.” The district said the levy requires a simple majority (50 percent plus one) for passage.

The proposed three-part expenditure budget breaks spending into administrative, program and capital categories. The district presented the figures at the hearing and emphasized several line items: about $178,000,000 in salaries (approximately 47 percent of the budget), a $9,000,000 transfer to capital for building and infrastructure projects, and funding to purchase two large school buses. The presentation listed specific capital priorities including pool piping work at North and Tecumseh, an electrical-service replacement at Tecumseh, roof replacements districtwide and potential boiler, unit-vent, flooring and restroom projects if bid prices allow.

“This is the final presentation…