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North Merrick board hears $44.28 million proposed 2026–27 budget with 2.53% tax-levy increase
Summary
Assistant Superintendent Miss Donnelly presented a $44,283,243 proposed budget for 2026–27, a 3.86% spending increase and a 2.53% tax-levy increase; state-aid uncertainty and contingent-budget limits were highlighted. Budget vote and trustee election set for May 19.
Assistant Superintendent Miss Donnelly presented the North Merrick Union Free School District's proposed 2026–27 expenditure budget of $44,283,243, calling it a 3.86% increase over last year and supported in part by a 2.53% tax-levy increase filed under the state's tax-cap formula.
"Our proposed expenditure budget budget for the 2627 school year is $44,283,243," Miss Donnelly said, and she emphasized that most spending supports classroom instruction and student services. She walked the board through the state-required three-part presentation (administrative, program, capital) and identified key cost drivers — contractual salary and benefit increases, special-education services, transportation, facilities and inflation-driven mandates.
Donnelly also reviewed revenue assumptions, saying local property taxes are the largest revenue source and that the presentation uses the January 2026 state-aid run because New York State had not yet adopted its budget; she described the January figures as conservative. She reminded the board that statutory notices, a budget brochure and posted materials will accompany the vote process.
The board heard the budget presentation and discussed levy timing: Donnelly noted the district adopts its expenditure budget now and will adopt the tax levy in July, which provides some flexibility if state aid changes after the state budget is finalized.
