Shoreham-Wading River board reviews $1.14M spending increase in proposed 2025–26 budget; voters to decide May 20 on budget and two capital propositions

Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Glenn Arcuri presented the Shoreham‑Wading River Central School District’s proposed 2025–26 budget to the Board of Education on May 6, outlining a year‑to‑year expenditure increase of 1.29%, or about $1,140,611, and a tax‑levy increase of roughly 1.9571 (about $1.15 million). Arcuri said the proposal preserves current programs and class sizes while accommodating contract and capital needs.

Arcuri said the budget “maintains all of the programs that are in the current year’s budget” and is aligned with the district strategic plan. He described the most notable changes as transportation costs tied to a newly awarded five‑year contract and increases in administrative and program components. “The proposed budget year to year expenditure increase is 1.29% or $1,140,611,” Arcuri said.

Why it matters: If voters approve the budget on May 20, the district will not need to adopt a contingent budget; if they reject it, the board can present a revised budget in June or be required to adopt a contingent budget that limits equipment purchases and holds the tax levy to the current level.

Key components and propositions - Security and instructional technology: The budget includes funding to replace 12 interactive smart boards, invest in network and storage infrastructure, and purchase additional PCs and Mac computers to update devices last procured under a 2012 proposition. Arcuri said the technology plan is intended to support a multi‑year replacement cycle. - Safety: The proposal includes funding for six contracted security guards. Arcuri described this as part of operational needs included in the administrative component. - Transportation: The district is entering a five‑year transportation contract after a single respondent to the RFP; Arcuri said the contract resulted in a material increase in the transportation line item. - Proposition 2 (capital reserve expenditures): Voters are asked to permit spending of existing funds held in the district’s capital reserve (less than $7 million) on a bundle of maintenance projects reviewed by the space and facilities committee. Arcuri listed projects that are maintenance—not new construction—including Miller Avenue classroom ceiling and lighting replacement, partial exterior window and door replacement at Wading River (original, residential‑style windows that have exceeded useful life), renovation of seven RISE classrooms, replacement and drainage work for the existing synthetic turf at Kootenella Field, and resurfacing the existing track. Arcuri emphasized these are maintenance projects that preserve existing facilities rather than new construction. - Proposition 3 (establish capital reserve): The board asks voters to authorize a capital reserve with a maximum value of $7.5 million and a maximum life of 10 years; that reserve would provide a funding source for future projects once established and appropriately authorized by voters.

Budget process and timeline Arcuri said state aid figures remain subject to the final state budget and that the district is still using numbers from the January executive budget; the presentation reduces some contingent funds and increases use of appropriated fund balance and debt service fund applications to balance the budget.

Voting and next steps Arcuri reminded the public that the budget vote is scheduled for May 20 in the high school gym from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. He also noted the district has posted full budget details, audit reports and state transparency materials on the district website.

Votes at a glance from the May 6 meeting - Approval of the agenda: passed, 7–0 (motion referenced by members as Mike; second Katie). - Approval of April 23, 2025 meeting minutes: passed, 7–0. - Policy (second reading) and adoption as presented: passed, 7–0. - Adoption of the 2025–26 Board of Education meeting calendar: passed, 7–0. - Curriculum & instruction block resolutions (items 2425212–2425214 taken as a block): passed, 7–0. - Business & operations block resolutions (items 2425215–2425222 taken as a block): passed, 7–0; board members asked for schedules and timelines for specific projects and were told work is planned to begin in early June with an estimated 2–4‑week repair window depending on scope. - Personnel resolutions: passed, 7–0. - Motion to adjourn: passed, 7–0.

Who said what Glenn Arcuri, the district’s assistant superintendent for finance and operations, delivered the budget presentation and answered board questions about the transportation contract, capital projects and reserve usage. Board members asked clarifying questions about the timing and duration of maintenance work and about how state aid assumptions affect the budget.

What’s next Voters will cast ballots on the proposed 2025–26 budget and Propositions 2 and 3 on May 20. If the budget fails, the board may present a revised proposal in June or adopt a contingent budget that would remove equipment funding and hold the tax levy at the prior year’s figure.

(Reporting based on the board’s public meeting and the budget presentation by Glenn Arcuri.)