Shelter Island board votes to file tax-cap calculations, signals intent to pierce cap to restore Pre-K 3

The Shelter Island Union Free School District Board of Education on Feb. 9 authorized administration to file property tax-cap calculations with the New York State Comptroller and directed officials to notify the Comptroller that the district intends to pierce the 2% property tax cap.

Board President Kathleen Lynch and Superintendent Dr. Brian Doelger said rising uncontrollable costs — "particularly in health care and retirement contributions" — are increasing 12–14% annually and that a 2% cap will not sustain current programming. Lynch said the Board supports asking voters to pierce the cap to restore the Pre-K 3 program.

The district presented detailed calculations showing a prior school year tax levy of $11,742,232 and a computed tax levy limit of $12,000,754. The resolution authorized the administration to notify the Comptroller that the district reasonably anticipates a tax levy of $14,009,259 "which represents the full funding of all existing District programs in the 2026–2027 school year plus the reintroduction of the valuable Pre-K program for resident three year old children." The board also noted it expects to present a final budget that may be smaller after additional review.

Administrators and parents discussed potential state Universal Pre-K funding. Dr. Doelger and Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Rylott cautioned that while the district "would welcome the estimated $10,000 per four-year-old in New York State Universal Pre-K aid," acceptance of such funding requires the district to meet state facilities, staffing, and filing requirements and the district would not have confirmation until after budget adoption.

The motion to file the tax-cap calculations and authorize notification of intent to pierce the cap passed unanimously.