Smithtown Voters Approve $300.4M School Budget

SMITHTOWN, NY — Smithtown Central School District voters approved the district’s proposed $300,450,474 budget for the 2026-27 school year on Tuesday and elected members to the Board of Education.

The budget passed 1,515-680.

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The approved budget represents a $5,452,019 increase over the current year’s adopted budget, or a 1.85 percent increase. The tax levy will also increase by 1.85 percent, remaining within the district’s allowable tax levy limit.

District officials said the approved spending plan maintains current academic, extracurricular and athletic programming while continuing support for technology initiatives, professional development and stable elementary class sizes.

The budget also continues several summer learning opportunities, including Summer CAMP Academy for middle school students, Summer ENL enrichment programming, Extended School Year programming and Summer Skills programs.

Among the largest expenditure categories in the approved budget are $143.88 million for salaries, $72.4 million for employee benefits, $24.35 million for contractual expenses, $21.64 million for transportation and $18.93 million for BOCES services.

District officials said employee benefit costs are projected to rise by approximately $3.39 million, driven largely by increased health insurance and retirement expenses. Health insurance costs under the district’s SSEHP plan alone are expected to increase by more than $4.4 million.

The district is projected to receive approximately $52.64 million in state aid for the 2026-27 school year, an increase of about $1.19 million from the current year.

Board Of Education Election

There were three seats open on the Smithtown Board of Education.

Tom Minnigan won the seat held by incumbent board member Kevin Craine, receiving 1,633 votes.

Board President Matthew Gribbin received 1,628 votes and won re-election to his seat.

Brandon Solomon received 1,613 votes and won re-election to his trustee seat.

District officials said election results remain unofficial pending certification by the district clerk.