Huntington UFSD Budget Features Tax Levy Below State Limit

Huntington School Board members have unanimously adopted a budget to fund district operations in 2025/26. Residents will go to the polls on Tuesday, May 20 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 Questions about voting can be directed to the district clerk’s office at 631.673.2126 during regular business hours.

The budget totals $157,776,153, an increase of 3.61 percent over the current year’s spending plan. If approved by residents, the 2025/26 budget would raise the tax levy by 2.89 percent.

It is estimated that the tax rate will go from $262.17 to $269.74 per $100 of assessed valuation. Taxes on the average assessed home would rise by a projected $266.40 before STAR program savings are applied.

The district is budgeting for assessed valuation to hold steady at $44,644,462. The final tax rate will be set in the fall after the district receives final figures from the town assessor.

“The proposed budget maintains a tax levy that stays below the state-mandated limit while upholding our commitment to a robust K-12 educational program,” wrote Huntington School Board President Xavier Palacios is a letter to the community. “The development of this year’s budget has been particularly challenging due to rising non-discretionary expenses and limited increases in state aid.”

District officials said the proposed school budget continues Huntington’s 368 year commitment “to providing a top notch education for the young people of our community by maintaining our exceptionally strong academic program for approximately 4,000 students in grades K-12.”

Budget highlights include:

• Provides for an extensive line-up of Regents, Honors and Advanced Placement courses in every academic area.

• Provides for academic enrichments and supports based upon individual student needs.

• Provides students with academic and social-emotional intervention and support services as needed.

• Continues to enhance the district’s technological infrastructure, including desktops, laptops, SMART Boards and software.

• Provides tools for implementation for new computer science and physical education courses, as well as revised standards in all core disciplines.

• Funds comprehensive art and music opportunities, including band, orchestra, chorus, marching band, music ensembles, and specialized art courses.

• Funds 36 varsity, 15 JV and 25 middle school sports teams along with free intramural, weight training and fitness programs.

• Continues to broaden interdisciplinary STEM initiatives throughout the district.

• Includes a comprehensive special education program for students with disabilities and support services for all students.

• Reinforces the district’s commitment to the Virtual Enterprise, science research and robotics programs.

• Provides a complete program of adult-supervised after-school extracurricular activities, including dozens of clubs for students and enhanced intramurals for grades 4-12.

• Funds student drama club productions, newspapers, concerts, science fairs and the district art show.

“The Board of Education and administration have worked diligently to devise a budget that sustains a high-quality instructional program while being considerate of the financial impact on our community,” Mr. Palacios said. “This year’s budget aligns with the district’s newly developed strategic plan and maintains a host of academic supports for our students. It continues to support newly adopted courses and programs, ensures appropriate class sizes at every grade level and allocates funds for elective classes and more than 30 Advanced Placement courses.”

The 2025/26 budget includes a transfer to capital of $260,000 to replace smoke separation doors (including panic device latching hardware and door replacement) at Flower Hill Primary School, Jefferson Primary School and Woodhull Intermediate School.

“Additionally, the budget provides funding to upgrade and enhance district facilities,” Mr. Palacios said. “It also maintains elementary summer school and the high school freshman seminar, while increasing funding for student mental health initiatives. Resources are allocated for the research, planning and development of new courses, as well as for a new transportation parent application.”

Officials believe the budget is a conservative plan that will keep the district financially strong while providing an exceptional educational experience for 4,000 students.

“This budget also supports extensive opportunities in fine and performing arts, intramurals and interscholastic athletics, along with numerous 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. “Cherished initiatives such as the New York Bar Association mock trial program, Virtual Enterprise business classes, robotics teams, pre-kindergarten, the dual language program, National History Day, the Highsteppers dance team, esports, and elementary STEM opportunities are included.”