Budget & Capital Proposition Vote & Trustee Election on May 21

Huntington UFSD residents will go to the polls on Tuesday, May 21 to vote on the budget and capital reserve fund propositions and to elect three members to the seven member Board of Education. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the high school gym.

Huntington School Board President Xavier Palacios said the budget proposal will “fund an excellent educational program for the 2024-25 school year.” The budget totals $152,277,619. It is estimated the tax rate would increase by 2.93 percent.

“The proposed budget features a tax levy that falls below the state-mandated limit while also maintaining the district’s commitment to a strong K-12 educational program,” Mr. Palacios said. “This year’s budget development process has been one of the most demanding in recent years, as it included increases in a number of non-discretionary expenses along with a minimal increase in state aid.”

The budget estimates an increase in state aid of $1,674,265 to a total of $31,377,000. Trustees decided to use $1,57,651 in reserve funds to help keep the tax rate as low as possible.

“Together, the Board of Education and administration have worked diligently over the past few months to craft and present a budget that will maintain a high quality instructional program while being mindful of the financial impact on the community,” Mr. Palacios said. “Across every grade level this budget provides the teachers, programs, and classes for Huntington students to achieve success. It provides for an exceptional academic program, including an impressive slate of Regents, Honors, Advanced Placement and college dual enrollment courses, as well as academic intervention services.”

The full budget is posted on the district website and is also available at individual school buildings and at both branches of the Huntington Public Library.

“Funds are provided for comprehensive special education classes, a quality science research program, access to dozens of BOCES career and technical programs, a reading intervention program at the primary level, complete transportation services, an adult education program, a college counseling center to assist and advise students and parents with the college application process, as well as access to our facilities by more than 100 community organizations,” Mr. Palacios said.

This budget proposal also funds extensive fine and performing arts opportunities along with intramurals and interscholastic athletics. “Resources are provided for dozens of clubs, band, chorus, marching band, orchestra, accelerated art courses, concerts, academic competitions, drama club productions, field trips, student councils, art shows and science fairs,” Mr. Palacios said.

The capital reserve fund proposition seeks voter approval for release of reserve funds to complete projects as follows:

• Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School—Installation of cafeteria air conditioning: $450,000

• Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School—Phase III of roof replacement: $1,000,000

• Huntington High School auditorium renovations and improvements: $2,690,800

• Renovation and reconstruction of two public bathrooms off the Huntington High School lobby utilized by visitors, auditorium events and during the school day: $425,000

The proposition includes an estimated $4,565,800 in project costs, to be funded by monies currently held in reserve accounts established to cover capital costs. As such, passage of this proposition will not increase taxes.

Following completion of these projects, the district will receive approximately 40% in state building aid reimbursements over the next 15 years.

Incumbent trustees Thomas Galvin and Theresa Sullivan will be on the ballot along with challengers Sara Baliber and Annie Michaelian. Candidates are running at-large with the highest three vote-getters winning election to three year terms. Incumbent trustee Christine Biernacki is not seeking re-election and serving three terms covering nine years, including three years as the Huntington School Board president.

For more information about any aspect of the May 21 vote, call the district clerk’s office at 631.673.2126 during regular business hours.