Sayville board advances $105.7 million budget with 2.317% tax‑levy increase; officials warn of reserve use

The Sayville Union Free School District Board of Education held a public budget hearing in which administrators presented a proposed 2025–26 budget of $105,676,793 and said the district will seek the maximum allowable tax levy increase of 2.317 percent, an estimated levy increase of $1,527,272 over 2024–25.

Superintendent/business official (presentation) described the three‑part budget format and said the proposal aims to sustain programs while beginning to rebuild reserves after heavy use in recent years. The administration identified an appropriated fund balance of $5,494,070 and listed transfers to a capital fund, including a $1,000,000 allocation for secondary‑school bathroom renovations.

Officials said the board will not exceed the state cap and that, under the plan, the district’s tax‑levy increase is within the allowed maximum. The administration noted contingency rules: if residents reject the budget twice, the district would shift to a contingent budget that would cut $1,573,103 and eliminate planned bathroom renovations.

Several technical items also drew attention. Staff described recent changes to debt service and noted the district is finishing year 18 of its library bond repayment. Transportation expenses reflect a new five‑year contract with Suffolk Transportation Services Inc. after a legally required RFP produced only one bidder, a circumstance administration attributed to regional driver and vehicle shortages. District staff said a route study could reduce one bus, saving roughly $100,000–$114,000 annually depending on bus size.

Parents and community members used the public comment period to press the board on classroom supports. A parent representing Sunrise Drive read a statement urging restoration of kindergarten Math AIS and consistent aide support, saying reduced aid time (described in questions as an estimate of one hour per day) would “severely limit both caring and the learning that takes place.” Board members said principals will retain discretion to reassign available aide hours to meet needs and that staffing decisions will be revisited as final aid assignments and special‑education placements are confirmed over the summer.

Administration emphasized transparency and next steps: the district has published bilingual budget materials (English and Spanish) and will post clarifications and answers online. The board encouraged community members to vote; the election was announced for May 20, with the possibility of a June 17 contingency vote if a budget is defeated twice.

The hearing also included smaller agency budgets: the district presented sample ballot language and voter logistics for the May 20 vote; the Sayville Library reported a library portion that would yield an average homeowner tax impact of $40.07 per year for the library component; and the Historical Society requested a modest increase (from $92,000 to $97,000) to cover inflationary costs.

The board will continue to refine materials and suggested forming a budget advisory subcommittee and publishing an FAQ to capture outstanding technical questions and answers.