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North Babylon school leaders present $159 million 2026–27 budget and outline $193 average-home tax impact
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Graham and district staff described a $159,000,008.33 proposed 2026–27 budget (a 3.9% increase), said the district expects final state aid numbers soon, and estimated the average homeowner would pay about $193 more next year under the draft levy.
The North Babylon Union Free School District on Monday held the final public hearing on its proposed 2026–27 budget, with Superintendent Dr. Graham outlining a $159,000,008.33 spending plan that the district says represents a 3.9% year‑over‑year increase.
Dr. Graham said the presentation represents the final formal step in the budget process: "This is the last formal stage of the budget presentation process." He and district staff emphasized that the final revenue picture depends on the New York State budget, particularly the level of foundation aid, which remained unsettled at the time of the hearing.
The presentation identified major cost drivers: contractual salary increases (about $1.4 million), rising special‑education and transportation costs, the planned purchase of a school bus, and higher insurance costs (listed as $376,005.19). The draft budget also includes a new interfund transfer earmarked for capital work, and specific capital priorities such as a sewer connection at Parliament Place, drainage improvements for the high‑school softball and baseball fields, and upgrades to building security and public‑address systems.
Olivia, a district staff presenter, walked through estimated tax impacts and vote logistics. "For an average home... your taxes per $100 of assessed value is going to go up by $5.60, which translates to a $193 per house, per year for the 2026–27 school year," she said, noting that assessed values and final figures remain subject to change when the town completes final assessments. Olivia also reminded residents that the budget vote is scheduled for May 19 at North Babylon High School, West Gym, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Dr. Graham said the budget preserves instructional programs and continues the district's emphasis on reducing elementary class sizes; he cited an elementary average class size of 22.7 students and said the plan adds two Universal Pre‑K sections at the MGB site (about 36 new seats for district students). The presentation also detailed investments in electives, a new coordinator of pupil personnel services (PPS), replacement of long‑used marching band uniforms and instruments, and nonstructural capital that district leaders said will support operations and extracurriculars.
The superintendent said the draft budget anticipates using approximately $4.7 million of fund balance to close the current revenue gap if state aid falls short of expectations, and pledged that the district would reduce use of those reserves if the state provides more aid than expected.
Student representatives from Robert Moses Middle School — Kayla Rose and Danielle Grant — opened the public portion of the hearing with short remarks about recent school performances, honor society inductions and mental‑health awareness activities.
Next steps: the district will finalize figures after the state budget is enacted and proceed to the May 19 public vote. The board did not take a final budget adoption vote at this hearing; the meeting covered the public presentation and logistical information for voters.
