Westbury Union Free School District unveils $209 million 2026–27 budget with 2.45% tax-levy increase

The Westbury Union Free School District Board of Education on March 30 presented a proposed 2026–27 budget that would increase total spending by roughly 4.27% to about $209 million and raise the district tax levy by 2.45%, finance presenter Miss O’Neil said.

Miss O’Neil summarized major expense drivers, saying salary and benefits are expected to rise by $5.9 million and that tuition and special-education contractual services would increase by $2.5 million and $1.2 million respectively. She said transportation costs would rise about $334,000, insurance about $133,000 and BOCES costs about $309,000. “Our proposed budget is a 4.27% budget-to-budget increase, as well as a 2.45% school tax increase,” Miss O’Neil said.

Dr. Chase, called to present the plan and to thank voters for prior support, framed the proposal as a continuation of the district’s academic, arts and athletic priorities and noted community-funded programs such as international student trips and the International Baccalaureate program. “Because of your yes vote, right now, our scholars are on their way to Japan,” Dr. Chase said.

The proposal includes program and staffing additions: roughly $360,000 for decodable classroom libraries at the elementary level and about $512,000 to add security personnel. Miss O’Neil said two full-time maintainers and two cleaners are also planned and would be funded from within the maintenance budget, producing no net additional cost in that line. Miss O’Neil provided enrollment and per-pupil metrics: the district’s enrollment for 2025–26 was listed as 4,089 students and the cost-per-student figure for 2025–26 was given as $49,002.40.

Trustee Robin Bolling and members of the public pressed presenters on the security increase given a stated 12.3% decline in enrollment. Dr. Chase said declining enrollment does not eliminate the need for security and that outside consultants had identified vulnerabilities and recommended staffing levels. When asked why the district would use a private vendor rather than immediately hire civil-service staff, presenters said the district is following civil-service procedures but needs immediate coverage; Miss O’Neil said the Arrow Security contract provides that short-term capacity while the district proceeds with required hiring steps.

On revenue, Miss O’Neil said state aid was projected to increase by about $3.6 million, the district would increase use of appropriated fund balance by about $2.1 million and increase reserves use by about $864,000. She said the proposed tax levy increase represents about $1,912,704.

The board said the budget is close to final but remains subject to change based on the state budget and any shifts in charter-school enrollment that affect the district’s counts; the district plans to adopt the budget April 14, hold a budget hearing May 5 and conduct the budget vote May 19. “There is an amount included in here” to cover ongoing negotiations, a board member said when asked whether pending collective-bargaining agreements were factored in.

Votes at a glance - Items 6a, 6b and 7a (as listed on the agenda) were approved by block vote. Dr. Plais Dickerson moved the block approval and Trustee Robin Bolling seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

What’s next The board plans to adopt a final budget on April 14, hold the public budget hearing May 5 and hold the district budget vote May 19. Residents with questions were directed to budget@westburyschools.org and to the district’s posted FAQ and responses.