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Plainview-Old Bethpage board backs $25 million 2026–27 budget, urges voter turnout
Summary
The Plainview-Old Bethpage school board approved the proposed $25 million 2026–27 budget, a 4.2–4.25% increase that preserves programs, shifts $2.5 million to capital and includes a Proposition 2 asking to use $6 million from capital reserves for elementary cafeteria upgrades; the budget will appear on the May 19 ballot.
The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District board on April 13 approved the superintendent’s proposed $25 million budget for the 2026–27 school year, a plan the administration described as a 4.2–4.25% spending increase that preserves academic, extracurricular and special-education programs while addressing building needs.
The superintendent presented the budget to the board and said it was developed amid rising costs and enrollment growth and aimed to keep the tax levy below the state-allowable limit by using reserves. The presentation noted a $2.5 million transfer to capital for targeted upgrades and included Proposition 2, which would allocate $6 million from the capital reserve to overhaul elementary cafeteria serving lines to address electrical, plumbing and ventilation upgrades identified in the district’s building-condition survey.
Why it matters: The board said the package balances program preservation with infrastructure needs identified in a district survey that estimated about $60 million in facility work. Board members emphasized the choice facing voters on May 19 and encouraged turnout.
During discussion, Board member Karen praised the process and said the budget keeps students “at the center” of district priorities. Board member Gary said the budget was a “great first step” toward addressing long-term capital needs and called for a more formal financing and budgeting plan to leverage additional resources for larger projects such as school expansions.
The superintendent told the board the budget maintains a broad set of student supports, listing about 280 special-education staff, psychologists, social workers and related service providers included in the staffing plan. The presentation also cited district goals to expand career- and college-readiness pathways and integrate emerging classroom technologies.
A member of the public, identified by the chair as John, said he could not suggest reductions and described paying his share of the tax bill as daunting, a comment the board acknowledged during public participation.
The board moved and approved the budget resolution by voice vote. The district will post the line-by-line budget materials and presentation on its business website and hold community "road show" presentations before the May 19 vote.
What’s next: The budget will appear on the May 19 ballot. If approved by voters, the district will implement the spending plan and proceed with the capital transfers and Proposition 2 projects described in the presentation.
