BAYPORT, NY — Bayport-Blue Point School District voters rejected the district’s proposed $88,387,020 budget for the 2026-27 school year Tuesday, after the spending plan failed to receive the 60 percent supermajority needed to override the state tax cap.
The budget received 679 yes votes and 568 no votes, but needed approval from 60 percent of voters to pass.
We are disappointed that tonight’s budget vote did not yield the results we were seeking," said Superintendent Dr. Timothy P. Hearney in a statement. "We thank all those who participated in the process and shared their perspectives. District administration and the Board of Education will be meeting in the days ahead to evaluate next steps. We remain committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”
The proposed budget called for a 2.75 percent tax levy increase, exceeding the district’s allowable tax levy limit of -0.761 percent for the 2026-27 school year.
District officials previously said the budget was developed amid rising costs, evolving student needs, enrollment changes and limited state aid. The district said a tax-cap compliant budget would require approximately $2.1 million in cuts that would directly affect student programs and services.
If residents vote down a budget, the school board can present the same, or a revised budget, in a new vote. Or, they can opt to adopt a contingency budget but the tax levy cannot be higher than it was during the past year. Should voters nix the proposed budget a second time, the adopted budget has to have the same tax levy as the last year.
The proposed spending plan was lower than the current year’s $89,147,050 budget. The 2026-27 proposal totaled $88,387,020.
According to district documents, the budget would have maintained all programs and extracurricular opportunities for students, expanded special education programs, included funding for building infrastructure needs and supported technology upgrades.
Planned budget items included expanded athletic offerings such as flag football league opportunities, lacrosse cages, cafeteria tables at Blue Point Elementary School, art tables at Sylvan Avenue Elementary School, desk replacements at the middle school and high school, Chromebook replacements, wireless access point upgrades and cybersecurity and firewall enhancements.
Board Of Education Election
Voters also elected two candidates to the Board of Education.
Michael Miller was re-elected to Seat 1 with 957 votes. His three-year term runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
Jessica Pignataro was re-elected to Seat 2 with 908 votes. Her three-year term also runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
District officials said election results remain unofficial pending certification by the district clerk.
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