Sewanhaka District presents $264.2 million proposed budget, eyes $15 million capital reserve

Sewanhaka Central High School District leaders on March 25 presented a proposed $264,214,795 budget for the 2025–26 school year that would increase spending by $8.5 million, or 3.33 percent, from the current year.

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Administration O'Brien told the board the three‑part budget includes an administrative portion of $30,921,505 (a 0.17 percent increase), a program portion of $200,480,848 (a 3.71 percent increase) and a capital portion of $32,812,442 (a 4.08 percent increase). "The total budget proposed for next year will be $264,214,795 representing an $8,500,000 increase," O'Brien said.

O'Brien outlined revenue assumptions: state aid from the governor's first run of $75,528,638 and local revenue of $188,686,157. The presentation listed key categorical aid numbers shown to the board, including foundation aid (about $57.8 million), BOCES aid (just under $2 million), building aid (about $4.3 million), and transportation aid (about $6.7 million). O'Brien said the district plans a tax levy of $171,087,934, representing a 2.91 percent levy increase and in compliance with the state's tax‑cap calculations.

The presentation included proposed capital projects and a transfer to the capital projects fund totaling $2,659,797, including contingencies and architect fees. O'Brien listed planned work at multiple schools, including an upgraded public address system, concrete replacement and repaving at Elmont; roof replacement and epoxy locker‑room floors at Floral Park; boiler and condensate pump work, door and concrete replacements and gym door replacement at H. Frank Carey; and thermal system abatement, boiler repairs and gym backboard work at New Hyde Park.

O'Brien also described curriculum and program priorities embedded in the program budget: continued implementation of updated science curricula, expanded dual‑enrollment partnerships (including Nassau Community College world‑language support), continued CTE expansions (a new cosmetology facility expected to serve about 96 students), expanded supports for English‑language learners, midterm assessments in algebra and biology to inform instruction, and a district digital‑literacy curriculum for seventh graders.

The board was also presented with a proposition to establish a capital reserve of up to $15,000,000 over 10 years. O'Brien said the reserve would be funded from surplus monies and legally available reserves and would be used to pay for facilities improvements identified in the district's five‑year capital plan, including masonry, plumbing, HVAC, security and accessibility projects.

O'Brien said the budget presentation is the district's second draft since February. He told the board the final vote on the budget is scheduled for May 20; the next regular board meeting and the budget adoption meeting are scheduled for April 24.