West Islip proposes roughly $144.8 million budget; seeks $1.9 million in capital reserves—vote set for May 19

Dr. Robinette, superintendent of the West Islip Union Free School District, told attendees the district is confronting "a third challenging budget year in a row," citing rising costs that outpace state aid and local tax revenue as the board considered a proposed budget and two propositions for the May 19 vote.

The district is proposing an overall expenditure plan of about $144.8 million for next year and a separate capital-reserve authorization not to exceed $1.9 million to fund security and facilities projects, Miss Pilati said. "This is just our budget at a glance," Pilati said, listing a proposed increase of about $3.4 million (2.38%) over the current year.

Why it matters: The budget funds core instruction, special education, transportation and extracurriculars. Pilati said the program component will make up approximately 74% of spending, administrative costs about 12% and capital roughly 14%.

Key program and staffing changes cited by the superintendent include adding a psychologist and a CPSC chairperson, expanding the Fundations literacy program from K–3 to K–5, introducing Story Champs interventions for K–5 students who need tailored reading support, and adding new courses including IB Design Technology 2 and expanded culinary arts. Dr. Robinette also said the district offered a retirement incentive and "we've had about 21 teachers take that retirement incentive," which will affect staffing and budget planning.

Security and facilities work the district plans to fund from the reserves authorization include magnetic door holders for high school classroom doors, installation of electronic locks and card-access readers at both middle schools and bathrooms, and completion of fire alarm replacements at two elementary schools, Pilati said. She described the reserve authorization as "not to exceed" $1.9 million; any unused funds would return to the originating reserve.

Tax and revenue assumptions: Pilati said the board will set a tax levy of $98.7 million, a 2.5% increase that she said is within the district's tax levy limit. The presentation included a district estimate of the effect on the average West Islip homeowner and translated that estimate into roughly $20 per month. Pilati also noted a projected 1.76% overall increase in state aid but flagged that the budget assumes a 2% increase in foundation aid based on preliminary information — an assumption that the district said adds about $265,000 to revenue but remains subject to the state's final budget.

The district plans to use an appropriation from reserves (projected up about 1.8%) and keep the appropriated fund balance flat at $850,000. Other revenues — interest income, rental income, nonresident tuition and similar items — are projected to increase by nearly 7%.

Public information and next steps: Pilati said the district has held four budget workshops (posted online with presentations and video), will mail the required six-day notice and send bilingual budget postcards, and that the district's budget book and related documents are available online and at district offices and libraries. The budget vote is scheduled for May 19 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

On state timing: When board members asked whether the governor's final state budget typically arrives before the school vote, presenters said that final numbers sometimes arrive late and the district adopts a budget based on conservative estimates when necessary. "It is what it is," Pilati said, explaining the district must adopt a budget by the vote timeline and use the best available estimate.

The board took no formal vote at the hearing; the propositions will be decided by voters on May 19.