Huntington School Board members have unanimously adopted a budget to fund district operations in 2022/23 that features no increase in taxes while enhancing popular programs and providing several new initiatives.
This marks the first time in memory that school taxes are not scheduled to increase on a year-to-year basis. A large increase in state aid, low debt and an ongoing effort to keep a lid on expenditures all played a role in keeping the tax rate flat.
Residents will go to the polls on Tuesday, May 17 at Huntington High School from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. to vote on the proposed spending plan along with a pair of capital reserve fund related propositions and to elect two trustees.
A copy of the budget is posted on the district’s website at www.hufsd.edu and can also be inspected in person at the Huntington Public Library and at any of the eight school buildings in Huntington UFSD. Questions about voting can be directed to the district clerk’s office at 631.673.2126 during regular business hours.
The budget enhances academic programs and keeps the art, music, physical education, extracurricular club and interscholastic athletic programs intact. It fully funds the Blue Devil marching band, elementary and secondary grade level bands, orchestras and ensembles and district drama clubs, the science research program, robotics and mock trial initiatives and other academic and co-curricular offerings.
Funds for as many as seven new interscholastic athletic teams and enhanced elementary grade level intramurals are included in the budget. Student bus transportation based upon current mileage guidelines will also continue.
The plan provides funds to implement strategic improvements to the academic and co-curricular offerings across the district. Current class size guidelines will be maintained. The budget sets aside monies for several contingent teacher positions that can be filled should enrollment increase.
The budget totals $142,968,343, an increase of 2.62 percent over the current year’s spending plan. If approved by residents, the 2022/23 budget would not raise the tax levy.
It is estimated that the tax rate will remain at $251.47 per $100 of assessed valuation. The district is budgeting for assessed valuation to hold steady at $44,823,239. The final tax rate will be set in the fall after the district receives final figures from the town assessor.
The 2022/23 budget allocates monies for new text and print resources, new computer software, new library resources and new instructional equipment, including computers and tablet devices. The budget funds 70 interscholastic athletic teams and about 100 coaching positions.
Total state aid is projected to increase by $4,087,007 to $26,253,748 in 2022/23. The district is allocating $1 million in surplus monies to hold down the tax rate.
Highlights of the proposed budget include:
• Provides for academic enrichment and supports based on individual student needs.
• Continues the expansion of Huntington UFSD’s technological infrastructure and 1:1 computing device initiative.
• Includes monies to equip all district classrooms with ductless air conditioning/climate control units.
• Provides for capital funding to install a rooftop solar electric system at Jefferson Primary School, the third building to feature such a project.
• Funds a new video broadcasting program at the high school and a junior Virtual Enterprise program at J. Taylor Finley Middle School.
• Includes tools for the implementation of new computer science standards as well as revised standards in all core disciplines.
• Maintains the district’s K-5 dual language and its world language FLEX program.
• Broadens interdisciplinary STEM initiatives across the district, including a new Innovation Lab teacher at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School.
• Provides for a comprehensive special education program for students with disabilities and an assortment of support services for all students.
• Continues the SEARCH and Math Olympiad programs for fifth and sixth graders.
Officials believe the budget is a conservative plan that will keep the district financially strong while providing an exceptional educational experience for 4,300 students.
“The Board of Education and administration thank the community for its past support of our budgets,” Huntington School Board President Christine Biernacki said. “It is together that we will continue to provide a robust educational experience for all Huntington students. We are proud to present the 2022/23 budget for residents’ consideration, which continues to meet these expectations in a most fiscally responsible manner.”