Oyster Bay–East Norwich presents 2025–26 budget, eyes May 20 vote

Deputy Superintendent Maureen Raynor presented the final 2025–26 budget overview to the Oyster Bay–East Norwich Central School District board, saying the district’s revenues must equal expenses and that property taxes remain the primary revenue source. "Our tax levy is 88%, which is why it's so important for us to remain fiscally responsible for our community members," Raynor said. She told the board state aid represents roughly 5% of district revenue and other revenue about 7%.

Raynor explained the district’s allowable tax levy growth is 2.91% for this cycle (about a 1.7% levy-to-levy increase) and cited an approximate levy figure of $59.9 million. She outlined expense drivers — salaries and wages, benefits (about 25% of expenses), and transportation — and said program spending that directly affects students is being prioritized and reallocated. Raynor also listed capital needs (high school paving and lighting, cafeteria and HVAC work at Theodore Roosevelt, a single roof replacement at the administration building) and said voters will see three propositions on the May 20 ballot (the school budget, a technology capital reserve proposition, and capital facilities repairs). A budget hearing is scheduled for May 6; the budget vote will be May 20 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Oyster Bay High School Chorus Room.