Thursday, October 1, 2026
The proposed 2026-27 budget for the Locust Valley Central School District failed Tuesday, which could force austerity measures on the district next year if a second budget vote cannot be passed next month.
Voters rejected Proposition 1, the district’s proposed $100.25 million spending plan, by a vote of 765 to 850. The budget would have increased spending by 2 percent over the current year and included a 2.1 percent tax levy increase, remaining below the district’s allowable tax cap.
Under state law, the district may either hold a second budget vote on June 16 or adopt a contingency budget by July 1. A contingency budget would require the district to operate with no increase in the tax levy, resulting in spending reductions to offset rising costs such as employee health insurance and retirement contributions. These spending reductions traditionally target extracurricular activities, including athletic teams and clubs.
Voters also cast ballots on a separate transportation proposition that would modify the district’s public school transportation eligibility requirements beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
The proposition would reduce the minimum distance requirements for transportation eligibility to zero miles for all students in grades 1 through 12 and increase the maximum transportation eligibility distance from 15 miles to 18 miles. The measure was passed by a vote of 981 to 613.
Three candidates ran unopposed for seats on the Board of Education and were elected Tuesday.
Incumbent Board Vice President Holly Esteves received 1,060 votes, while candidates Brian Keaveny received 1,078 votes and Paul Chirichella received 1,047 votes.
