Uniondale school district budget passes $296 million budget, propositions, re-elect incumbants

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote and made their voices heard. We are proud to announce the passing of the 2026–2027 school year budget and proposition 2. Through the collective efforts of our District and community, our scholars continue to receive high-quality educations and succeed as they enjoy exceptional academic programs, extracurriculars, arts and music offerings, athletics, and skill-building opportunities. We would like to congratulate Dr. Mary Bediako and Yvette Janniere on their reelection to the Board of Education. We look forward to their collaboration and leadership as we continue building a bright future for Uniondale’s scholars.”

Monique Darrisaw-Akil, Uniondale school district superintendent

Uniondale voters approved the Uniondale school district’s $296 million budget on Tuesday, with 718-451 clearing the 60 percent supermajority needed because the spending plan exceeds the district’s state-calculated tax cap.

The spending plan includes a 2 percent tax levy increase, costing homeowners $121 more a year – even though Uniondale’s state-calculated tax cap was negative 0.4 percent this year.

The increase was needed as Uniondale faces rising costs for state-mandated services, transportation, employee benefits and charter school tuition. The plan was built to preserve classroom programs while limiting the impact on homeowners as much as possible during a tight budget year.

The budget, which is 3.7 percent higher than the current year is designed to maintain current educational programs, support staffing levels and invest in technology upgrades across the district’s schools.

Without the tax increase, the district would need to cut about $2.7 million, likely affecting staffing because salaries and benefits make up 70 percent of the budget.

The biggest strain on the budget is Uniondale’s Academy Charter School, district officials said. About 40 percent of district students attend the charter school, with the district paying $26,090 per student for 925 students next year.

Voters also approved a second proposition, 842-290, authorizing the district to use capital reserve funds for playground upgrades at several elementary schools and tennis court improvements at Lawrence Road Middle School. The approval would not affect the tax levy.

As for the board trustee seats, President, Mary Bediako won another term on the Uniondale Board of Education with 770 votes. Trustee Yvette Janniere also won a seat on the board with 778 votes, both unopposed.

The vote came after a Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center meeting on May 14 where district officials explained the budget to residents while answering concerns about spending, taxes and district priorities. Both board of education candidates also addressed the community, outlining what they said the district needs moving forward.