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Long Island Museum asks Three Village voters to approve $500,000 annual levy on May 19, 2026 ballot
Summary
Long Island Museum leaders asked the Three Village Central School District to place a proposition on the May 19, 2026 ballot that would authorize a $500,000 annual tax levy to support museum programming, and described potential resident benefits if the measure passes.
At the Three Village Central School District board meeting on Oct. 22, 2025, officials from the Long Island Museum asked the board to place a petition on the May 19, 2026 ballot that would authorize an annual $500,000 tax levy to support the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.
Museum leaders said the levy would be separate from the school tax and, if approved, would allow the museum to expand free or low-cost access for district residents, prioritize school field trips, and pursue additional programming in partnership with the district.
Joshua Ruff, co-executive director of the Long Island Museum, described the museum’s existing work with schools — tours, workshops, teacher professional development and student internships — and framed the levy as a way to sustain and grow those programs. Sarah Bruzzi, the museum’s other co-executive director, explained the legal mechanism that permits museums chartered by the New York State Education Department to collect revenue within the boundaries of a school district through a voter-approved levy.
"This is a follow-up to our August meeting with the board to further discuss the inclusion of a Long Island Museum funding proposition on the 05/19/2026 3 Village School District budget ballot, which if passed, would provide the museum with a $500,000 annual tax levy," Bruzzi said during the presentation.
Bruzzi told the board that New York State education law provides the mechanism for such an arrangement and that the proposition would appear on the same ballot as the district’s school budget vote but would be considered a separate levy. She said the museum hopes to develop resident benefits tied to approval, including a free annual residents’ pass, priority field-trip scheduling and pricing for district classes, occasional free class trips for schools, and a community open house featuring student art and performances.
Museum presenters also described the institution’s credentials and programming calendar: LIM is a Smithsonian affiliate and an American Alliance of Museums–accredited institution. They highlighted planned exhibitions and programs that they said could be more accessible to Three Village students and families if local funding is approved.
The board did not take a vote on the proposition at the Oct. 22 meeting; presenters left materials and invited board members and district staff to continue discussions and site visits. Board members indicated they will follow up with district administration for next steps.
Supporters and staff at the meeting framed the proposal as an investment in education and community cultural assets; museum leaders said they will continue to refine partnership details with district staff if the board decides to place the proposition on the ballot.
