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Plainview-Old Bethpage presents $205.8 million three-part budget; levy set at 3.45% and voters to decide May 19
Summary
The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District presented a $205.8 million three-part budget with a proposed 3.45% tax levy (below the 4.01% cap). Proposition 2 would use $6 million from capital reserves for elementary cafeteria serving-line upgrades. The budget hearing outlined potential contingency cuts if the budget fails.
The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District held a public budget hearing outlining a proposed three-part budget totaling $205,796,480 and a recommended tax levy increase of 3.45 percent, district officials said.
Superintendent Dr. Omera and presenter Dr. Dylan told the board and the public the proposal reflects an $8,392,153 increase over the prior year and a 4.25 percent rise in overall expenses. "We are going out with a 3.45 tax increase for this coming school year's budget," Dr. Omera said, adding the levy is below the district's allowable 4.01 percent cap.
The budget presentation included instructional, administrative and capital components and highlighted a $2.5 million transfer to capital intended for turf-field replacements at JFK, ongoing HVAC and electrical upgrades, parking-lot repairs and work tied to the district's facilities review. Dr. Dylan said Proposition 2 would draw $6 million from existing capital reserves to upgrade elementary cafeteria serving lines; presenters said that appropriation would come from reserve funds and would not increase taxes.
Officials also described enrollment-driven staffing changes included in the proposal. Because kindergarten and several elementary classes exceeded projections, the district plans to add sections at Old Bethpage and additional elementary sections at Judy Jacobs Parkway and Pasadena; presenters said those add-ons are funded from a contingency allocation within the budget and do not raise the overall total.
Board presenters warned of consequences if voters reject the budget. Under the state's tax-levy law, a failed budget could force the district into a contingency budget requiring roughly $5 million to $5.8 million in reductions. Those cuts, officials said, could affect nonessential student programs and capital projects while limiting the district's ability to add new equipment or expand community use of facilities.
Voters will decide the proposals on May 19; polling places listed by the district are Jamaica Avenue School and Matlin Middle School administrative offices, with voting open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. District materials and an FAQ were posted on the district website, and officials encouraged residents to consult the site for details.
The board opened and closed the budget-specific public-participation period under District Policy 1230, which requires speakers to give name and address and restricts remarks that could violate privacy or due process protections. After the hearing, the board moved on to routine and new-business items and later entered executive session to discuss collective negotiations.
