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Syosset board hears 2026–27 budget overview; proposes 2.19% tax levy and schedules May hearing
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Summary
The Syosset Central School District received a high‑level presentation of the 2026–27 budget showing a proposed 2.19% tax levy (about $26,000 below the calculated 2.2% tax cap), a 3.74% budget‑to‑budget increase, and an approximate $3.5 million increase in state aid. The board approved submitting the budget at a public hearing May 11; the vote is scheduled for May 19.
Dr. Rufel, the associate superintendent for business, told the Board of Education the district is proposing a 2.19% increase in the tax levy for the 2026–27 school year, about $26,000 below the district’s calculated tax cap of 2.2%.
The presentation placed the proposed levy alongside a budget‑to‑budget spending increase of 3.74% and an approximate $3.5 million rise in state aid, largely in foundation aid. Dr. Rufel said recent bond sale results produced a lower net debt service burden (he referred to a net interest figure of about 2.4%), which reduced the capital exclusion and lowered the tax‑cap calculation.
"We had a net interest rate of 2.4... so that translated into a lower capital exclusion," Dr. Rufel said, summarizing how the bond results reduced the district’s expense assumptions.
Dr. Rufel reviewed revenue sources that shape the levy: state aid categories (foundation aid and BOCES aid), transportation aid (including bus reimbursement), tuition from out‑of‑district placements in specialized programs, local pilot payments, a roughly $1,000,000 increase labeled “unclassified revenue” (he cited the bond premium, funding for an E‑rate switches project, and a BOCES truing‑up refund as the largest components), and interest on investments. He said the district will continue to use targeted reserves to support benefit costs and other expense lines.
Board members asked for clarifications. Mr. Greco questioned the $1,000,000 increase in unclassified revenue; Dr. Rufel reiterated the three largest components were the bond premium, the E‑rate switch project funding and a BOCES refund. He also noted equipment lists and capital projects (auxiliary gym renovations, classroom and bathroom renovations for ADA compliance, HVAC fan‑wall upgrades, site work, paving and roofing) remain in the capital plan.
The board approved a motion to present the adopted 2026–27 school year budget at a public hearing on May 11; the district will hold the public vote on the budget on May 19. The treasurer reported cash on hand of $94,540,179.19 for the period ending February 2026 and that bank balances were reconciled and collateralized per district policy.
What happens next: the public hearing on May 11 will present the budget summary; the district’s property tax report card will be submitted to the state as required. The board’s formal vote on the budget is scheduled for May 19.
