Oceanside Union Free School District schedules May 20 budget vote; cites 2.93% spending increase, 1.1% tax-levy rise

The Oceanside Union Free School District announced a budget vote set for Tuesday, May 20, at the Murrell Avenue Gym from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and said the proposed budget would increase expenditures by 2.93% while asking taxpayers for a 1.1% levy increase, a district staff member said.

The proposal “does not add any additional big initiatives or programs,” the staff member said, adding that the district expects to “keep all of our wonderful programs and services to students and staff intact for the coming school year.” The staff member also encouraged residents to review information posted on the district website and to contact “my office or Dr. Coakley’s office” with questions.

The district described the 1.1% tax-levy increase as “one of the lowest in all of Nassau County.” No dollar totals, detailed line-item changes or formal board actions approving the final budget were provided in the remarks. The staff member framed the message as a reminder that the vote will be decided by district voters and urged residents to participate: “Exercise your right to vote. Become an informed voter, but be an active voter.”

At the time of the announcement the district did not specify the total budget amount, the exact programs affected by the 2.93% expenditure increase, or the estimated impact on an individual homeowner’s tax bill. The staff member said multiple sources of information are available on the district website and offered district offices as points of contact for specific questions.

The scheduled vote is a public election in which registered Oceanside Union Free School District voters will cast ballots; the transcript of these remarks does not record the outcome of that vote or any motion by the board of education to adopt the budget prior to the election.