Brentwood UFSD proposes $727 million budget, seeks 2.5% tax-levy increase; two child‑safety propositions set for May vote

Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Stacy O'Connor presented a proposed $727,000,000 budget for the Brentwood Union Free School District at the district's seventh annual budget hearing, saying the plan represents a $38,000,000 increase over the current year and that the board is proposing a 2.5% tax-levy increase to raise about $2.8 million.

O'Connor said the district remains heavily dependent on state aid — roughly 74% of district revenue — and that unresolved state budget decisions and declining enrollment reduced the district's estimated foundation aid by about $7 million compared with January projections. "That's a $38,000,000 increase over the current year's budget, or 5.6%," O'Connor said during the presentation.

Why it matters: the proposal preserves all current programs and expands several, while asking residents to accept a modest levy increase. O'Connor emphasized that the district did not cut instructional programs: Graduation Plus, expanded middle‑school music, extended‑day and Saturday academies, mental health staff, librarians and career programs will be maintained or grown.

Major drivers and fiscal details O'Connor said certificated salaries are the largest cost driver; the district employs more than 1,500 teachers…