Huntington board adopts $157.8 million budget for May ballot; voters to consider capital project and $15 million reserve

The Huntington Union Free School District Board of Education on April 22 adopted a $157,776,153 budget for the 2025–26 school year and voted to place it on the May 20 ballot, while also approving a proposed capital project and asking voters to authorize a new capital reserve.

The board’s action sends three propositions to voters: Proposition 1, the 2025–26 operating budget of $157,776,153; Proposition 2, a capital project that includes roof and field-bathroom work and stage/fire upgrades (proposed project cost listed at $3,642,500); and Proposition 3, establishment of a new capital reserve not to exceed $15,000,000 with a probable 10‑year term. Board members approved the budget and related documents including the property tax report card by unanimous voice vote.

Why it matters: the district reported a proposed 2.89 percent tax levy increase to be presented to the community and a tax-rate illustration increasing from $262.17 to $269.74 per $100,000 assessed value (a $7.57 change based on current assessed information). Presenters warned that the state aid picture remained unsettled; if the budget is adopted but state aid differs, the district could face a “contingent budget” scenario requiring reductions.

Most important facts first: the board approved the operating budget to place…