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Manhasset school leaders present $118.95 million budget and separate $1.7M capital-reserve proposal ahead of May 19 vote
Summary
School officials presented a $118,948,591 proposed 2026–27 budget that stays within the 3.44% tax‑levy cap, highlighted drivers of a nearly $4 million increase (benefits, transportation, debt service), and previewed Proposition 2 — a $1.7 million draw from the district's capital reserve for gym, security and classroom projects. Public comment requested deeper program-level budget detail and a review of state-aid disparities.
School leaders on Monday presented the Manhasset Union Free School District's proposed $118,948,591 2026–27 budget and urged voters to review two ballot items ahead of the May 19 vote.
Gerard, the district business official, told the board the budget represents “almost a $4,000,000 budget to budget increase” and remains within the district's 3.44% tax‑levy limit. He said the plan is balanced across administrative, program and capital components and identified property taxes, PILOT payments and state aid as the primary revenue sources.
The administration said roughly half of the increase traces to rising benefits costs, including health insurance and retirement contributions. Gerard told the board that benefits for active employees and retirees total about $18 million for next year, with benefit increases accounting for “almost $2,000,000 of the $4,000,000 increase.”
Superintendent Dr. Pelletieri framed the budget as a balance between maintaining low elementary class sizes and preserving fiscal prudence. He said the district aims to keep kindergarten sections in the mid‑teens and that staffing changes reflect retirements and central‑office realignment rather than layoffs.
Officials also previewed Proposition 2, a separate ballot question to use $1.7 million from the district's existing $7 million capital reserve “at no additional cost to the taxpayers.” Gerard said planned projects under that proposition include gym renovations (padding and sound system), bathroom and classroom updates, unit ventilator replacements and expanded security features, including license‑plate readers at additional school sites.
On comparative spending, Gerard noted Manhasset's per‑pupil expenditure of about $36,000, which he contrasted with higher figures in neighboring districts. He said the district's fund balance sits at about 10% (roughly $12 million) and cautioned that running a lean budget limits flexibility when unexpected costs arise.
Public comment focused on state aid and instructional spending. Dan Xie asked the board to analyze why Manhasset has received roughly $5.5 million in state aid in recent years while nearby Jericho received $10–$12 million, and he said inflation‑adjusted per‑student instructional spending has declined. He requested a five‑year, program‑level budget breakdown by function to help the community evaluate priorities.
Board members and administrators responded that state‑aid allocations reflect complex formulas tied to combined‑wealth ratios and local tax bases and agreed to review the gap with Jericho. The administration said a “blue book” and a line‑by‑line budget are available or forthcoming on the district website to provide additional detail.
Votes and routine actions at the meeting included unanimous approval of the prior meeting minutes, acceptance of a $1,000 New York State Education Department prize for Shelter Rock sixth graders, appointment approvals and standard consent‑agenda items. The board reminded the public that the budget vote is scheduled for May 19 at the secondary‑school gymnasium from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What happens next: the district will post voter information and the blue‑book details online, and the community will decide the budget and Proposition 2 on May 19.
