Sayville School Budget Preview, Candidates On Ballot for 2026-2027

SAYVILLE, NY — Sayville School District residents will head to the polls Tuesday, May 19, to vote on the district’s proposed $107,721,878 budget for the 2026-27 school year, along with a capital reserve proposition and Board of Education elections.

District officials said the proposed spending plan focuses on maintaining all student programs and staffing levels while supporting long-term fiscal stability. The budget represents a $2,045,085 increase over the current year’s adopted budget.

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The proposed tax levy would increase from $67.9 million to $69.795 million, while the estimated homestead tax rate would rise from 21.77 to 22.37 per $100 of assessed value. According to the district, that would amount to an estimated increase of approximately $22.78 per month for a home assessed at $45,000 before STAR exemptions.

Budget highlights

Implementation of a new elementary literacy program for pre-K through grade 5

Distribution of new Chromebooks to students in grades 5 and 9

Professional development for middle school academic teams

Addition of three middle school sports teams

District officials also said the spending plan continues efforts to reduce reliance on reserve funds, a practice that has been used to balance the budget since the 2017-18 school year.

“Our primary goal is to ensure the ‘Sayville experience’ remains intact,” Board of Education President Christine Sarni wrote in the district budget message. “This budget maintains all current programs, from our robust Advanced Placement offerings to our award-winning arts and competitive athletics.”

The district said the proposed budget also reflects efforts to identify efficiencies, increase revenue sources and reduce unnecessary expenses while preserving student opportunities.

Proposition 4

In addition to the budget vote, residents will decide on Proposition 4, which would authorize the district to use $1.1 million from its Capital Reserve Fund for facility, security and instructional upgrades. District officials said the proposition would result in no additional tax increase because the funds are already set aside in reserves.

Projects included in the proposition are:

• $450,000 for high school auditorium sound and lighting upgrades
• $325,000 to relocate the high school weight room into a fitness center
• $125,000 for math classroom whiteboard upgrades at the high school and middle school
  
• $200,000 for districtwide security camera additions and upgrades

Board Of Education Election

Residents will also vote on Board of Education seats.

Incumbent Debra Mitchell is running unopposed for a five-year term ending June 30, 2031.

For another Board of Education seat with a three-year term ending June 30, 2029, candidates Kyle Valentine and Jason Rowland are running.

Incumbent Thomas Cooley is also running unopposed for a separate three-year term ending June 30, 2029.

Additional Voting Information

Voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Old Junior High School renovated gym, located at 30 Greene Ave. in Sayville.

Residents must be United States citizens, at least 18 years old, residents of the Sayville School District for at least 30 days before the vote and registered to vote within the district.

Absentee and early mail ballot applications are available through the district website and district clerk’s office.