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Jericho schools warned of 9.5% jump in health‑insurance costs as enrollment falls
Summary
The district’s assistant superintendent for business told the board the teacher/employee retirement costs total about $8 million and health‑insurance premiums are expected to rise roughly 9.5% (about $1.9 million), while enrollment has dropped to 3,176 from 3,308 last year, potentially affecting staffing and the tax levy.
Victor, the assistant superintendent for business, gave a macro preview of the 2026 budget and singled out retirement and health‑insurance costs as the principal pressure points.
“The average for Jericho is gonna be increasing at 9.5, percent,” Victor said, adding that the district’s post‑payroll health‑insurance line totals roughly $20 million and that a 9.5% increase equals about $1.9 million. He also told the board the two retirement systems taken together represent about an $8,000,000 expense.
Victor said enrollment is down from 3,308 students last year to 3,176 this year and that a continuing enrollment trend could reduce full‑time equivalent positions across grade levels. He warned that the tax‑cap formula (CPI or 2%, whichever is lower) and an uncertain state‑aid outcome for next year will affect the district’s final levy calculations.
The board and administrators clarified the insurance figures refer to calendar year 2026 and noted additional detail will be provided during the formal budget presentations planned for January through March. The assistant superintendent said the district’s first official budget presentation will be Jan. 29.
The board did not take any budget votes at the meeting; members were urged to monitor state aid, tax‑cap growth factors and College Board AP schedules as the budget process continues.
