Farmingdale School Budget Preview, Candidates On Ballot For 2026-2027

FARMINGDALE, NY — Farmingdale residents are set to head to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, to vote on the budget, tax increase, and candidates.

Folks can vote from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Aquatic Center at Howitt Middle School at 70 Van Cott Avenue.

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This year's proposed budget is $212,622,704, an increase of 3.19 percent from the current year's $206,042,592.

The tax cap calculation results in a 2.48 percent increase to the tax levy for a proposed total of $147,199,617 — following the current year's $143,632,984 figure.

Voters will elect two candidates to the Farmingdale Board of Education. The terms will run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.

Dawn Luisi and Patrick Walsh are running unopposed.

Farmingdale School District shared a flyer with more information on the budget plans, including the percent breakdown of where the funds will be allocated.

The district states that 75 percent of the budget is allocated to instruction and student support, including instructional salaries, textbooks, summer school programs, technology services, library, interscholastic athletics, extracurricular activities, guidance counseling, and more.

14 percent to facilities and capital, including utilities, security, maintenance, and more.

7 percent to administrative and support facilities, including auditing, human resources, and business, legal, and insurance.

4 percent to administrative salaries and benefits, and more.

"Transparency is key to our community partnership," the school district wrote. "The majority of our budget is dedicated directly to instruction and student services, ensuring every Daler has the resources and opportunities to succeed. The remaining funds maintain our facilities and support the operations that keep our schools running safely and efficiently."

The district highlighted the 95 percent graduation rate, with 53 percent of that number graduating with advanced Regents diplomas.