Board previews 2026–27 budget: 2.84% levy, $1.7M in strategic staff reductions

Shoreham‑Wading River Central School District business officials on March 24 presented a proposed $2026–27 budget that would raise the tax levy by 2.84% and rely in part on strategic staffing reductions estimated at about $1.7 million.

Business officer Glenn Arcuri said the proposal is aligned to the district'9s strategic priorities while seeking to limit levy growth: "Our tax levy proposal is 2.843 percent," he said, and the budget maintains current programs while reducing contingent funds and moving some maintenance projects to capital.

Major points

- Staffing and savings: Administrators said the $1.7 million in reductions results from a mix of retirements and support/administrative position eliminations; several teaching reductions were limited to positions vacated by retirements. The administration emphasized that contingent funds remain to address unanticipated student needs and that the district would restore small fractional positions if needed.

- Levy and revenues: The proposed levy increase is 2.84%; Arcuri noted state aid assumptions were based on the executive budget released Jan. 20, 2026, and that the district would adjust if the enacted state budget differs.

- Capital and propositions: Proposition 2 would convey about 4,375 square feet of land in front of the middle school to the Town of Brookhaven for a turning lane and a traffic signal to improve arrival/dismissal flow. Proposition 3 would place a $40,000 annual pass‑through for the Wading River Historical Society on the ballot for voter approval; the administration said it is a simple invoicing mechanism if voters approve.

- Safety and equipment: The administration reported unanticipated failures of AED units earlier in the year and that replacement purchases were required; officials said they had budgeted for additional AED replacements going forward and would proactively manage replacement schedules.

Public questions and administration responses

During public comment resident Erin Marano asked whether high‑school students who need specialized reading support would continue to receive services after the planned reduction of one reading teacher. She asked specifically whether those providing reading interventions would be literacy‑trained or certified (for example, Wilson or Orton‑Gillingham training).

Superintendent Poole said special‑education teachers or ELA teachers would deliver required interventions for students who have IEPs and that the district can provide necessary certified interventions where required. He added that a small contingent of budgeted funds could be restored if scheduling indicates additional specialist time is needed.

Next steps and timeline

Administrators said they will review revenue details at the April 14 board meeting and that the budget adoption is scheduled for April 21. If any external revenue items (for example, pilot payments or changes in state aid) are confirmed before levy setting, the board may revise levy calculations accordingly.