Manhasset board previews 2026–27 budget, approves $1.7M capital‑reserve proposition for May ballot

Gerard Antoine, the district’s assistant superintendent for business and operations, presented the preliminary 2026–27 budget and a development timeline, saying the plan was drafted to align with district priorities that include maintaining class sizes, upgrading facilities and supporting professional development.

Antoine said the budget was being prepared within a 3.44% tax‑levy limit and outlined the three‑part budget structure (administrative, program and capital). He flagged rising benefit costs and health‑insurance volatility as primary pressures on the spending plan, and described projections and assumptions used to balance revenues and expenses. In the budget presentation Antoine said the district has about $7 million in a capital reserve and proposed spending up to $1.7 million of that reserve for immediate facility needs at no additional cost to taxpayers.

The presentation noted modest staffing adjustments: two fewer teaching positions overall driven by retirements, while the draft includes additions for special education and a psychologist‑coordinator and three additional support staff positions (including an added security guard at the secondary school and two teaching assistants). Antoine said the district intends to preserve elementary specialist positions, maintain small‑group interventions and continue investments in instructional technology and safety systems.

Board members pressed for clarity on several points. Trustees asked whether the tax‑levy figure was within the legal cap (the administration confirmed it is within the calculated levy limit) and sought detail on projected health‑insurance increases and where efficiencies were found. Antoine described strategies to smooth capital purchases (using BOCES cooperative purchasing and the capital reserve to spread costs) and noted one‑time adjustments to obtain state aid timing benefits.

After the budget presentation, the board voted 5–0 to approve a resolution sending a capital‑reserve expenditure proposition to voters at the May election. The proposition would allow the district to use reserve funds for projects listed in the resolution, including HVAC and unit replacements, gymnasium updates, bathroom and classroom renovations, security camera upgrades and license‑plate readers at selected sites. The board also reviewed upcoming budget‑hearing dates and the timetable for the annual vote in May.

Next steps: the district will hold an informal and formal budget hearing on the dates published in the presentation, finalize the proposal for adoption in April and present the final budget for voter approval at the annual vote in May.