Friday, June 20, 2025
Residents of the East Meadow School District are set to vote on the proposed 2025-26 school year budget on Tuesday, May 20. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at all district elementary schools, and voters are encouraged to cast their ballots at their respective local school. The proposed budget totals $271,288,003 and includes a tax levy increase of 3.26 percent, which is within the district’s allowable cap for the upcoming school year.
The proposed budget is designed to maintain all current instructional and co-curricular programs and services, ensuring that students continue to have access to a broad range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. This includes continued support for the district’s athletic programs, fine arts offerings, and other co-curricular activities that contribute to the well-rounded development of students. By preserving these essential programs, the district remains dedicated to fostering an engaging and enriching learning environment for all students.
A notable highlight of the proposed budget is the continuation of the district’s Foundations of Education course for high school students. Launched last year in collaboration with Adelphi University, Foundations of Education 1 offers students the opportunity to earn three college credits while exploring the field of education. The course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of teaching and learning, and it includes an internship component where students work with younger peers at the district’s five elementary schools to gain valuable field experience.
For the 2025-26 school year, the district will expand the Foundations of Education program with the introduction of Foundations of Education 2. This expansion includes two separate semester courses: Philosophy of Education and Childhood/Adolescent Development. Together, these courses will provide students with an additional six college credits, further supporting their future educational goals. For students who choose to continue their studies at Adelphi University, these nine credits can be applied to their education program, giving them a head start as they pursue careers in education.
The budget also emphasizes the district’s ongoing commitment to student safety and security. It includes additional security measures aimed at enhancing the safety of students and staff across all schools. In addition to security improvements, the proposed budget provides funding for districtwide capital upgrades, ensuring that the district’s facilities are well-maintained and able to support modern educational needs.
The district is also committed to keeping class sizes within established guidelines to ensure that each student receives the attention and support they need to succeed. By maintaining manageable class sizes, the district aims to foster a more personalized learning experience, where students can thrive academically and socially.
There are three spots open on the East Meadow board of education. Nancy Wildman, an incumbent, is seeking re-election. Siobhan Licastro and Dana Fernandez, both newcomers, are also running for seats. All seats are uncontested.
Matthew Melnick and Jodi Luce will step down from the board after the 2024-25 school year.
For more information about the proposed budget and the upcoming vote, residents can visit the district’s website at EMUFSD.us.
