School Budget Hearing Set for Monday, May 8

A public hearing on Huntington UFSD’s proposed budget to fund operations in 2023/24 will be held next Monday, May 8 at Adam Spector Auditorium at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School at 7:30 p.m.

The proposed budget was unanimously adopted by Huntington School Board members two weeks ago. A brochure detailing the budget along with the full line-by-line budget are both available on the district website at www.hufsd.edu.

Residents will go to the polls on Tuesday, May 16 at Huntington High School from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. to vote on the proposed spending plan along with a capital reserve fund proposition and to elect two trustees.

“This budget results from careful planning and consideration toward addressing the needs of our students, staff and community” Huntington School Board President Christine Biernacki said. “It aims to deliver strong educational programs and opportunities to Huntington children and families, as well as address the financial well-being of our community.”

The budget totals $146,347,091, an increase of 2.36 percent or $3,378,748 over the current year’s spending plan. If approved by residents, the 2023/24 budget would raise the tax levy by 0.88 percent.

It is estimated that the tax rate will increase from $251.31 to $253.53 per $100 of assessed valuation. The district is budgeting for assessed valuation to hold steady at $44,851,997. The final tax rate will be set in the fall after the district receives final figures from the town assessor.

“Our school district has achieved many successes over the past year,” Mrs. Biernacki said. “Our students continue to excel academically, while gaining experience through extracurricular, athletic, artistic, technological and community service clubs and activities. Our sports teams and extracurricular programs have accomplished great things this year, with many students and teams earning accolades for their progress and achievements. These accomplishments are testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families. We have been privileged to witness their performances, competitions and displays of talent this year and we look forward to celebrating another successful school year at up­ coming spring events and ceremonies.”

The projected tax increase per household before any STAR program savings based o the average home assessment for Huntington UFSD is $74.53.

“The proposed budget reflects our district’s commitment to promoting students’ academic and interpersonal growth, as well as their safety and well-being, at all levels, while remaining fiscally responsible,” Mrs. Biernacki said. “We have carefully reviewed all expenses and made adjustments where necessary to ensure that funding is used most efficiently and effectively. We are wholly dedicated to serving as good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.”

Total state aid is projected to increase by $3,636,987 to $29,702,735 in 2023/24. The district is allocating $600,000 in surplus monies to hold down the tax rate. The modest fund balance appropriation is the smallest annual amount in memory and viewed as a particular sign on the district’s robust fiscal health.

“The Board of Education is grateful to the community for supporting our past budgets,” Mrs. Biernacki said. “Together, we will continue to build a strong and vibrant community, committed to our students’ success.”