Hauppauge board adopts 2026–27 budget with 2.87% spending increase and 3.72% tax levy

The Hauppauge Union Free School District Board of Education on April 21 approved the 2026–27 budget following a presentation by Superintendent Dr. Donald B. Murphy. The board adopted the spending plan by a 6–0 vote.

Dr. Donald B. Murphy, the district superintendent, told the board the budget-to-budget change is 2.87% and the proposed tax levy is 3.72%. “Our budget to budget numbers 2.87% with the tax levy at 3.72%,” he said, and described priorities that include class-size protections, expanded advanced courses and continued investments in school security and student mental-health partnerships with Northwell.

The budget presentation also outlined four propositions that will go before district voters in May. Dr. Murphy described proposition two as the establishment of “a new comprehensive cap reserve” intended to give the district flexibility to fund future capital needs. Other propositions would continue existing capital reserves and fund targeted projects including district asphalt and roof/window work and locker-room and gym-bathroom renovations at the high school; the pool locker rooms are already part of ongoing bond work.

Board member Rob Scredo asked for more detail on cost savings and staffing. Dr. Murphy said the district expects fewer staff next year largely through retirements and attrition, noting “we have 14 HTA members. We’re through attrition; we will have we will be down three and change.” He said the administration is using forecasting tools and auditor reports to avoid future severe cuts.

A community member asked why the budget showed a 12.4% increase in the “other” category, which covers items such as bank fees, building rentals and CPSE excess costs. Dr. Murphy said much of that change reflects a transfer from debt service and refunds from prior-year CPSE excess-cost reimbursements. “A big part of that is a transfer from debt service that was possible this year,” he said, adding that some previously borrowed funds became available and were applied as revenue rather than representing new, ongoing taxpayer revenue.

The board also handled routine business: it adopted the March 31 minutes (with two abstentions recorded), approved the consent agenda and voted 6–0 to adopt the school property tax report card. The superintendent reminded the public that the formal budget hearing is scheduled for May 12 and the budget vote on May 19.

Votes at a glance: • Adoption of March 31 minutes — motion moved and seconded; two abstentions recorded (Mr. Barshay and Mr. Mike) (SEG 448–456). • Consent agenda — approved 6–0 (SEG 461–468). • Budget adoption (2026–27) — approved 6–0 (SEG 469–473). • School property tax report card — approved 6–0 (SEG 474–478). • Adjournment — approved 6–0 (SEG 494–507).

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2026, which will include the formal budget hearing ahead of the May 19 vote.