Huntington UFSD passed the proposed budget and capital reserve propositions by lopsided margins
Huntington UFSD passed the proposed budget and capital reserve propositions by lopsided margins 

Budget & Capital Proposition Pass; Sullivan, Galvin & Michaelian Elected

May 22, 2024

After a long process the stretched over several months, the ballots have been counted. Huntington UFSD residents overwhelmingly approved the proposed budget and separate capital reserve fund proposition and re-elected incumbent trustees Theresa Sullivan and Thomas Galvin and elected newcomer Annie Michaelian during 15 hours of voting at Huntington High School on Tuesday.

The $152,277,619 spending plan for the 2024/25 school year passed, 1,059-206. A proposition seeking the release of $4,565,800 from the Building Improvement Fund for various renovation and repair projects also sailed through, 1,091-158.

School Board Race Results

In the race for three seats on the Huntington School Board, voters re-elected Mrs. Sullivan (882 votes) and Mr. Galvin (856 votes) and Dr. Michaelian (812 votes). Challenger Sara Baliber (656) trailed in the voting.

The new terms of the winning candidates commence on July 1 and run through June 30, 2027. About 1,300 residents voted on Tuesday. Absentee ballots totaled 80. There are about 24,000 registered voters in the district.

Huntington UFSD officials are estimating 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.

The budget also includes a $250,000 transfer of funds to capital to cover the installation of hallway cross corridor smoke doors at Southdown and Washington primary schools to improve safety.

The capital reserve fund proposition will fund the following projects without any increase in taxes:

• 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