Lynnbrook presents $110 million 2025-26 budget, says levy will tax at cap

Lynnbrook Union Free School District officials on May 7 presented a $110,000,001.53 proposed 2025-26 budget and told the public the district would levy at the allowable tax cap, a 2.93% increase.

The hearing, delivered by staff member Joel Press and reviewed with Superintendent Paul J. Lynch and other administrators, outlined revenue, reserves and four ballot propositions the community will vote on May 20. "This was a tough budget year," Press said, adding that getting the budget into balance "took a a a lot of work and a lot of heavy lifting." He said cooperation with staff and a retirement incentive helped avoid layoffs.

Why it matters: the budget sets spending and services for next school year and will be decided by resident voters on May 20. If the budget fails the district must either resubmit the budget in June or adopt a contingency budget that would force immediate cuts and a 0% tax levy.

The proposal totals about $110 million, an increase of roughly $3.8 million (3.53%) over the current year. Press said the district will use $2.99 million in reserves in the 2025-26 plan, leaving a projected reserves balance of about $11.5 million after the scheduled uses.

Major drivers and program details - Transportation: the budget shows large increases tied to rebidding contracts. Press said transportation and student support services rise by about $750,000; special-education transportation specifically rises by about $470,000. He explained the district…