This is how much the budget is for Baldwin school district and Baldwin public library

The Baldwin Board of Education adopted a $163.9 million budget, nearly a four percent increase to the current spending plan - which stays within the proposed tax cap at two percent.

During a board meeting on April 17th, board members unanimously adopted next year’s academic spending plan, which also encompasses a bond referendum set to be on the ballot for May 21st.

If approved, the capital bond proposal aims to modernize and revitalize century-old buildings. The project encompasses renovations across the district’s high school. Discussions are underway regarding the transformation of various facilities, including an athletic center, performing arts center, parking/site renovations, cafeteria, and more.

Overall, the proposal amounts to $134.8 million, with a 15 to 20 year lifespan of the bond. Similar to a homeowner’s loan, the district will repay the bond over time. The bond is one component of the multi-year, multi-funded capital project's initiative, according to the district’s website. 

Following the adoption of the budget, state lawmakers passed Governor Kathy Hochul’s $237 billion 2025 budget on April 20th, which included increased funding for Long Island’s school districts.

The plan earmarks over $5.04 billion in aid for Long Island’s public school districts, reflecting a $205 million increase from last year’s budget, representing a four percent rise.

In state aid, Baldwin would get over $50 million, according to the state aid’s website. 

District parents are also being asked to vote on the budget at the Baldwin Public Library. Library officials have proposed a $5.037 million budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, marking a $108,776 increase from the previous year. This budget would also include a $4.7 million tax levy, reflecting a two percent increase, an amount within the tax cap.

According to a letter on the Baldwin Public Library’s website, the materials budget has been augmented by $13,250. An additional $14,996 is proposed for operating expenses to bolster programs catering to children, teens, and adults. 

The supplies budget has been modestly increased by $5,000. Despite these adjustments, spending on buildings and grounds has remained unchanged.

“We have experienced significant growth over the past year. Circulation has increased by 27 percent and community use of our meeting spaces has increased by 188%,” Elizabeth Olesh, library director wrote in an email. “We have experimented with off-site programs, such as bowling for tweens and a bird walk, which have been successful. Our seed library has been very well received and our library of things should be off the ground soon. We plan to build on this solid foundation as we enter the new fiscal year.”