Rockville Centre board hears 2025–26 budget presentation; district cites transportation and insurance increases and details contingency cuts

The Rockville Centre Board of Education received the district's proposed 2025–26 budget at its May 8 regular meeting, where staff outlined cost pressures, mitigation measures and the timetable for the public budget vote scheduled May 20.

District staff stated the proposed budget represents a 1.63% increase from the prior year and a 2.6% tax‑levy increase, which staff said is below the district's tax‑cap threshold (2.62%). "We have the budget right now at a 1.63% increase for budget to budget," the budget presenter said. The presenter also told the board the state released preliminary 2026 aid numbers that evening and the district's expected foundation-aid increase remained at about 2% with no change to the district's budgeted state-aid figures.

Administrative materials provided to the board included a $1.8 million transfer to capital for planned facility projects such as office and bathroom renovations, floor and lighting replacements, HVAC repairs, masonry and site work, playground upgrades and ongoing flexible furniture upgrades. The presentation…