Great Neck board closes budget hearing; district highlights $289.998 million proposal and an $8.8 million capital-reserve request for athletic and facility work

The Great Neck Union Free School District Board of Education on Wednesday closed the public hearing on the 2025–26 proposed budget after a presentation from Deputy Superintendent Thomas (Tom) O'Keefe that summarized the district's spending plan and ballot propositions ahead of next Tuesday's vote.

The proposed annual budget totals $289,998,000, a 2.84% increase over the current year, with a proposed property tax levy of $244,222,000, a 3.05% increase, O'Keefe said. “The proposed budget for next year is $289,998,000 That's a 2.84% increase over the current year's budget,” he said.

Why it matters: The hearing is the final public review before voters decide on four propositions: Proposition 1 (the annual budget); Proposition 2 (authorization to expend up to $8,800,000 from the capital reserve for athletic and other capital work); Proposition 3 (library budget); and Proposition 4 (a trustee election for one seat). Voter approval is required to withdraw capital-reserve funds included in Proposition 2, and the district said there would be no additional tax levy to use those reserve funds.

Most important details: O'Keefe reviewed program, administration and capital portions of the spending plan. Instructional programs and student services comprise the largest share at approximately $227,569,000. Administration was shown at about $20,400,000. Capital items highlighted in the presentation include a nearly $11…