Westbury proposes 2025–26 budget with second consecutive tax-levy freeze; two propositions on May 20 ballot

Superintendent Tahira Tapiri Chase presented the Westbury Union Free School District's proposed 2025—26 budget at a May 6 budget hearing, telling the community the plan would keep programs and staffing at current levels while continuing capital investments and holding the district's tax levy flat for a second consecutive year.

The proposal will appear on the May 20 ballot as Proposition 1; Proposition 2 asks voters to allow the district to transfer funds from its capital reserve into the capital improvement fund so previously authorized dollars can be used for construction, reconstruction and renovations. "There will be a tax levy freeze to our community," Chase said during the presentation.

If voters approve Proposition 1, Chase and other administrators said, the district expects to maintain programs offered in 2024—25 and to expand some existing offerings. The presentation listed an 11.22% change versus the prior year and emphasized a 0% school-tax increase on the levy line. The hearing included a discussion of what would happen if the budget is defeated: "If residents vote down the budget a second time, the district must adopt a contingent budget," Chase…