OYSTER BAY-EAST NORWICH, NY — Oyster Bay and East Norwich residents are set to head to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, to vote on the budget, tax increase, and candidates.
Folks can vote on Tuesday, May 19, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Oyster Bay High School in the Chorus Room.
A policy hearing will be held on Thursday, May 14th, at 11 a.m. in the Cottage at the James H. Vernon School at 880 Oyster Bay Road, East Norwich. Any questions or comments to the Board of Education may be emailed to boe@obenschools.org.
The 2026-2027 proposed budget is $69,378,079, an increase of 2.34 percent from the current 2025-2026 $67,791,061.
The budget carries a tax levy increase to $61,435,317, which is a 2.58 percent increase from the current 2025-2026 amount of $59,891,222.
Proposition #2 on the ballot will be for a proposed technology reserve project in an amount not to exceed $495,000. The district said there is no impact on taxpayers. This will be to enhance student devices, such as tablets and personal computers, classroom devices, and educational display boards.
Proposition #3 on the ballot will be for a proposed capital reserve project in an amount not to exceed $980,000. The district said there is no impact on taxpayers.
For the high school, this will include auditorium rigging renovations and a hot weather replacement. For Vernon, this includes air conditioning installation in the gymnasium. For Roosevelt, this includes a new pre-kindergarten playground, replacing the scoreboard at Memorial Stadium, and abandoning oil tanks.
Proposition #4 on the ballot will be regarding establishing a new capital reserve fund, with a maximum funding level not to exceed $25 million. The proposed parameters include the proposed amount, a term of 15 years, and annual transfers of surplus funds not to exceed $2 million per year.
The district states its purpose is to improve instructional and non-instructional spaces, such as classrooms and facilities.
The current capital reserve fund was originally established in May 2004 and serves the purpose of financing improvements and equipment purchases that would otherwise require long-term funding plans. As of June 30, 2025, the current balance of the fund is $3,826,405, excluding the technology fund.
Voters will elect three candidates to the Trustees of the Board of Education.
Two terms begin on July 1, 2026, and expire on June 30, 2030, and one term begins on May 19, 2026, and expires on June 30, 2027.
The two candidates with the highest vote totals will be elected to the term beginning July 1, 2026, and the candidate receiving the next highest vote total will be elected to the term beginning May 19, 2026.
The following individuals are on the ballot:
In a budget newsletter, the district shared how the budget will be allocated.
Information regarding the budget overview can be found on the district website under the Board of Education tab or at the Budget link.
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