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Locust Valley board approves $100.25 million budget; officials warn contingency cuts could force out safety projects
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Summary
The Locust Valley Central School District board approved a resolution to submit a $100,250,364 budget to voters on May 19, 2026, with a proposed 2.1% tax levy under the 2.84% cap; administrators warned that a failed vote would trigger a state-mandated contingency budget that could eliminate nonessential items — potentially including planned classroom door and lock replacements.
The Locust Valley Central School District Board of Education voted unanimously to approve and submit the proposed 2026–27 budget to voters, authorizing publication of the property tax report card and placement of Proposition 1 on the May 19, 2026 ballot.
Karen, who led the board’s budget presentation, said the proposed total budget is $100,250,364, a 2% increase over last year, and the board is proposing a property tax levy increase of 2.1%, below the maximum allowable tax cap of 2.84%. Karen said staying under the cap results in an estimated taxpayer savings of $669,000 compared with the maximum allowable levy.
The administration attributed most of the increase to a 3.4% rise in the instructional code to support classroom learning, and noted salaries and benefits account for more than 70% of district spending. Karen said state aid is expected to increase by about 6.72% under the executive proposal, while property taxes remain the district’s primary revenue source.
Board members spent significant time pressing administration about the consequences if residents reject the budget. Under New York law, the district would be required to adopt a contingency budget that allows a 0% tax-levy increase and eliminates items deemed nonessential. Karen and board members warned that noncontingent expenses — including use of buildings and grounds by outside agencies, summer academic and rec programs, continuing-education classes, and certain equipment purchases — would be at risk. Members also highlighted that the capital transfer planned in the budget focuses on safety and security, specifically replacing classroom doors and locks at elementary and secondary schools.
"If the community does not approve the budget on May 19, we do not move to a contingency budget right away — the board can put a revised budget on a second vote on June 16 — but if a second vote fails the district must move into a contingency budget," Karen said. She added that a contingency budget could jeopardize the district’s negotiated transportation contract and expose the district to higher costs if forced to rebid or follow CPI renewals.
The board’s resolution to present the budget to voters was approved in the meeting record as unanimous. The district will publish the property tax report card and make copies of the proposed budget available in school buildings, the district office and the public library ahead of the May 19 vote.
Next steps: the district will hold a public budget hearing on May 6 and the annual meeting and vote on May 19.
