Huntington board reviews 2026–27 budget preview, flags levy choices and transportation RFP
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Summary
Board members heard a district budget preview covering tax-cap calculations, an estimated levy ceiling of 2.76% without supermajority, a draft gap of about $4.7 million to be closed, transportation contract estimates and a capital project plan (Proposition 2). Voting is set for May 19, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
The Huntington Union Free School District Board of Education on March 9 received a detailed preview of the 2026–27 budget that outlined levy options, draft shortfalls, transportation procurement and capital proposals ahead of the May vote.
Dr. Harris walked the board through the operational backbone of the budget—general support, transportation, debt service and interfund transfers—and highlighted key figures and assumptions. The presenter noted that every 0.1 percentage-point increase in the tax levy translates to about $120,426 in revenue and said the calculation allows up to 2.76% per the presented methodology without requiring a supermajority vote.
The presenter said the draft currently shows a gap of about $4,700,000 that will be addressed in future presentations and that some contingency items (teachers, aides, teaching assistants) are already incorporated. "We are about $4,700,000 to the negative. That will balance as it does each year," the presenter said.
Transportation was singled out for attention: the district reported 44 large buses and 65 vans in its fleet and said it issued a joint RFP for the 2026–27 year, receiving two responses that are being independently evaluated in coordination with another district; an award was anticipated within roughly 45 days. The transportation contract line in the draft budget shows $781,719 with a percent change around 6%.
On budget drivers, the presenter highlighted insurance and benefit pressures, noting an anticipated medical insurance increase near 15% and a projected TRS/ERS contribution shift tied to retirements in certain tiers. The presenter also described a $10,000 transfer to clear a small food-service debt and noted that the food-service fund otherwise appears self-supporting.
Capital plans were presented, including continued building-condition surveys and a proposed Woodhall amphitheater concept designed for ADA access and outdoor instructional use. The presenter reminded the board the district will present Proposition 1 (the 2026–27 budget) and Proposition 2 (the capital project allocation from the capital reserve fund) on the May 19 ballot and that the next board meeting to continue budget discussions is March 24.
Board members asked clarifying questions about recent transportation credits, procurement packaging, and whether stress on bus companies is easing; the presenter said companies remain stressed and that legislative or creative approaches may be required. The board unanimously approved several routine budget-related agenda items during the meeting and was reminded to share budget-vote details with the community.
