Mount Sinai district presents $70.7 million proposed budget; three propositions set for May 20 vote

The Board of Education heard the district’s proposed 2025–26 budget: $70,732,128, an increase over last year’s $68,805,007.78 and presented as a 2.8% budget‑to‑budget change. The district staff said the proposed tax‑levy increase is 3.95.

Superintendent (presentation) summarized the revenue and spending overview presented to the board: the district anticipates roughly $20 million in state aid and other revenue, will use $2.3 million from the appropriated fund balance, and plans a tax levy of about $48 million within the tax cap. The superintendent listed major spending lines (rounded as presented): salaries rising from about $36 million to just over $37 million; employee benefits around $15 million to $15.4 million; debt service increasing from $1.17 million to $1.385 million; and several categorical changes in central services, curriculum, pupil services and transportation. The superintendent said the district did not receive an increase in foundation/state aid in the most recent state numbers used for planning.

Officials noted the district’s contingency if voters reject the budget: the tax levy would be set at the prior year’s amount under a contingent budget, and the overall contingency total cited was approximately $1.8 million in cuts. The superintendent listed services that could be reduced under a contingent budget, including non‑mandated high‑school electives (home and career, business), staff development, equipment purchases, classroom supplies, extracurricular support and the pre‑K program.

Capital and library propositions: the board was told there will be three propositions on the May 20 ballot:

- Proposition 1: the proposed budget, $70,732,128 (vote May 20). - Proposition 2: a library proposition,…