Connetquot board hears 2026–27 budget preview as enrollment projects slightly down

The Connetquot Central School District on Monday reviewed preliminary figures that will shape its 2026–27 proposed budget, including enrollment projections, class‑size guidelines and program choices that could affect costs.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Robert Hauser, who led the presentation, said "As of January 30, we had 5,155 students enrolled in the district." He outlined the budget timeline, noting a draft will be presented next month, a final presentation and adoption on April 21, a public hearing on May 5 and the district vote on May 19.

Hauser and administration staff described the district's approach to enrollment and staffing projections: the district uses current attendance, prior‑year financial reports and BOCES demographic projections to model future class‑ and building‑level enrollments. The presentation included elementary and secondary projections; administrators said the elementary projection is approximately 2,262 students and secondary projection about 2,837, producing a small net decline in projected enrollment year‑to‑year.

On classroom staffing, Hauser reiterated the district's guideline that kindergarten through second grade classes be capped at 22 students and grades 3–5 at 25, with kindergarten classes provided a teaching assistant. "Kindergarten through second grade is 22 students and under and grades 3 through 5, 25 and under," he said, adding that consideration will be given for a TA in grades 1 and 2 in particular circumstances. Trustees pressed for clarity about how classes of 23 or 24 students are handled; administrators said guidelines allow case‑by‑case discretion and that some teachers manage at 23 without an assigned TA while others receive one at 24.

Programmatic items highlighted as budget drivers included the district's plans to expand Universal PreK (UPK) if state aid increases materialize. The administration noted the governor's proposal to raise the per‑pupil UPK aid threshold (which administration described as previously about $5,400) toward roughly $10,000, and said the district is "monitoring that very closely" as it could enable the addition of UPK sections.

Officials also warned of rising BOCES costs: the district said BOCES had undercharged in prior years and that costs for some career and alternative programs are expected to spike in 2026–27, which may force the administration to reconsider hosting an alternative high‑school offering. Administrators flagged the BOCES summer enrichment program (about 100 participating students) and a potential Town of Islip summer playground partnership that would require only security coverage from the district if approved.

Trustees asked about transportation overtime and cost containment options; administrators said collective bargaining language and seniority rules shape trip assignments and that adding part‑time drivers could raise contract issues.

What’s next: the board will review a draft budget in March and continue line‑item review before the April adoption. The public hearing is scheduled for May 5 and the final budget vote for May 19.