Seaford proposes 2.264% tax‑levy increase to fund expanded programs, capital repairs and UPK

The Seaford Union Free School District Board heard a presentation on the proposed 2026–27 budget that would use the district's maximum tax‑levy calculation of 2.264% to fund program expansions, special education services and capital repairs.

Assistant director Rhonda Mezzerole told the board the district's local share of revenue is about 72% and that the calculated 2.264% levy increase represents $1,390,943 over last year. "We try to keep that as low as possible," she said, outlining how the levy will support facilities and safety projects as well as ongoing programs.

The proposed budget package funds instructional and student‑support priorities the district described as central to its mission: expanded full‑time integrated co‑teaching (ICT) models, project‑based learning, additional college‑level offerings, and investments in instructional technology and library renovations. Presenters noted district performance indicators cited in the packet, including a reported 99.4% graduation rate and a 72% advanced Regents diploma rate.

The presentation highlighted new or expanded items in next year's budget: a districtwide data dashboard (LinkIt) for assessment analysis; a coding program (Kid Oyo) and third‑grade laptops; expanded middle‑ and high‑school illustrative math and science/technology programs; added assistant coaching positions; and therapy dogs for middle‑school social‑emotional support. Presenters said many programs are supported partly by grants but that some operational costs will be covered by the general fund.

District leaders described several capital projects planned or prioritized in the 2026–27 budget: renovation of additional middle‑school bathrooms with epoxy flooring and updated fixtures; continuation of an outdoor‑space/drainage project that requires a new egress hall; extension of fencing to protect turf fields; visitor‑management upgrades and replacement of an aging PA system; and urgent roof/window/drainage repairs at the middle school that were elevated ahead of a previously planned high‑school library renovation. Facilities director Mr. Russa showed photos of water intrusion and saturation in the middle school that presenters said made that work urgent.

Mezzerole also described an energy performance contract procurement; the district received four ESCO proposals and will review them with its architect. The presentation noted that energy upgrades are expected to be offset in part by state aid and energy savings.

On early childhood programming, presenters detailed the district's UPK (universal prekindergarten) work and procurement challenges: after an earlier RFP drew no responses, district staff secured extension grants and contracted with four community‑based organizations (Kitty Junction, Maplewood, Harmony Early Learning and Learn and Grow). Enrollment for the upcoming year was reported at 109 registered students with no family wait list; presenters said about four families were still undecided. They cautioned that a statewide proposal for universal UPK in 2028–29 could require the district to use district space if CBO capacity or funding conditions change.

Board members were told next steps and deadlines: the board is scheduled to adopt the budget and file the property tax report card on or about April 15, the budget hearing is set for May 6, and the district vote and trustee election are scheduled for May 19. Mezzerole said the next board meeting will include the detailed revenue and expenditure line items.

The board called and approved routine motions on agenda items by voice vote during the meeting; the presentation did not record a roll‑call tally in the public record included in the transcript.