Plainview-Old Bethpage School Budget Preview, Candidates On Ballot For 2026-2027

PLAINVIEW, NY — Plainview 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 Jamaica Avenue School and Administration Offices at H.B. Mattlin Middle School.

A budget hearing will be held on Monday, May 11th, at 7:45 p.m. in the Boardroom at 106 Washington Avenue.

The 2026-2027 proposed budget is $205,796,480, an increase of 4.25 percent from the current 2025-2026 $197,404,327.

The budget carries a tax levy increase of 3.45 percent, which is below the District's allowable cap of 4.01 percent.

Proposition II on the ballot will call for the expenditure of $6 million from the District's capital repair reserve fund established by voters in 2022, the school district said.

The funds will be used to upgrade aging cafeteria serving lines at all elementary schools and improve egress access, officials said.

"This includes electrical and plumbing upgrades, new serving line equipment, storage enhancements, flooring replacement, asbestos abatement, ventilation improvements, and associated infrastructure work," officials said, adding that it will also address electrical, ventilation, and plumbing deficiencies identified in the 2025 Building Condition Survey.

The district has shared a flyer with more information, including that voter approval is required for the use of these funds, and that if Proposition II is approved, there would be no additional tax impact on residents.

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

Debbie Bernstein and Ginger Lieberman are running unopposed.

The Plainview-Old Bethpage School District shared academic, arts, music, community engagement, and athletic achievements, including those of both students and staff.

The Class of 2025 achieved a 99 percent graduation rate, with 97.24 percent earning a Regents or higher diploma.

As a whole, the Class of 2025 earned more than $16 million in
scholarships offered by various colleges and more than $89 million through 130 community awards.

A total of 95.94 percent of graduates enrolled in college, including 91.43 percent attending four-year institutions. 14 students committed to continuing their athletic careers in college.

Jodi Horowitz was awarded Nassau Zone Physical Education Teacher of the Year. The girls' volleyball team was a NYSPHSAA State Finalist, Long Island Champions, and Nassau County Champions.