East Meadow budget hearing warns of nearly 300-student drop; contingency could force cuts to capital projects and staff

At a May 6 hearing, East Meadow Union Free School District officials told trustees and residents the district faces a projected enrollment decline of almost 300 students for the 2026–27 school year and significant revenue uncertainty because the governor’s budget had not yet been released.

“More students, more foundation aid. Less students, less foundation aid,” Miss Frescenda said, explaining that major state aid streams including foundation aid and certain expense‑based aids are tied to measured enrollment. She told the board the presentation used February database projections for state aid since the governor’s numbers were still pending.

The proposed budget preserves current instructional programs — including co‑curricular, athletic, fine arts and music — and maintains class sizes within district guidelines, Miss Frescenda said. She walked trustees through the district’s expenditure categories (administrative, program and capital) and emphasized the district’s priority on program spending that supports student achievement.

Miss Frescenda also reviewed the tax‑levy formula and cited prior and current levy figures: she said a 2.86% figure from the prior year equates to about $4.6 million and contrasted that with a 3.26% levy in the 2025–26 school year. She cautioned, however, that the commonly referenced “2%” is only one component of the broader formula that determines the allowable levy.

If voters reject the proposed budget, the district would adopt a contingency budget that matches the 2025–26 levy (a 0% increase scenario), Miss Frescenda said. Under that contingency the district would have to eliminate some capital projects and equipment purchases and could need to reduce teaching and support staff to stay within the contingency maximum.

Trustees discussed several “red flags” the district is monitoring, including declining enrollment and rising utility costs. Miss Frescenda said a particularly cold winter forced the district onto oil at times — a more expensive fuel — and that increased utility spending had reduced some contingency reserves. She said administrators are preparing a mitigation plan for the board that will outline options to limit program and staff reductions.

The board reviewed logistics for the budget vote, scheduled for May 19. Miss Frescenda reminded residents to vote at their local elementary schools and said the district clerk was available outside the meeting room until 8 p.m. for voting questions.

During the public‑comment period, Julie Burgerer, a resident and parent whose children attended McVey Woodland and the high school, criticized recent bond projects and questioned several budgeted items. “Why do we need to put $65,000 for a new front sign on East Meadow High School… and then $60,000 for that?” Burgerer asked, characterizing some capital items as excess and saying many local residents had lost jobs and could not absorb higher taxes.

Miss Frescenda replied that one sign had been damaged, the Clark sign had fallen during a storm, and a high‑school sign’s digital component was not working. Burgerer also asked whether community members could use renovated fitness and cardio spaces; district representatives said facilities are used for physical education and athletics, and indicated community access varies by facility and policy.

The hearing closed after no additional public speakers. Trustee Mr. Carl moved to adjourn; Miss Lcastro seconded and the motion carried. The board will consider the final budget following the May 19 vote and receipt of any updated state aid figures.