Valley Stream School District 24 has adopted a $43.13 million budget for the 2026–27 school year, as district leaders prepare for a community vote on May 19.
The proposed spending plan represents a 4.58 percent increase over the current year’s $42.24 million budget, while the tax levy is expected to rise by 2.04 percent, remaining below New York state’s mandated cap.
“Through careful financial planning and responsible decision-making, we are able to keep the tax levy increase within the cap and minimize the impact on our taxpayers,” Jack Mitchell, the district’s assistant superintendent for business, said. “Residents should understand that we take a conservative and thoughtful approach to revenue projections to ensure long-term fiscal health and avoid future financial strain.”
The budget is designed to support academic programs, student services and long-term planning under the district’s Vision 2030 initiative. It prioritizes investments in instruction, technology and student support systems. Planned initiatives include continued expansion of the Challenge program for grades four through six, en-hanced Spanish instruction for grades three through six and enrichment opportunities across all grade levels. The district also plans to maintain its 1:1 technology initiative, invest in a new science curriculum and continue its classroom redesign efforts, aimed at fostering collaborative and engaging learning environments.
Additional resources will be directed toward student well-being, including the introduction of a full-time behaviorist to support social-emotional development. The district will also continue its least restrictive environment initiative by expanding 8:1:3 special-education classrooms, allowing more students to remain in the district rather than attending out-of-district placements.
“Our continued investment in classroom redesign is also critical, as it ensures that our learning environments reflect the way students learn best today, with collaboration, creativity and engagement at the forefront,” district Superintendent Unal Karakas said. “Equitable outcomes remain at the core of our work.”
The proposal also includes staffing increases intended to maintain continuity in instruction, including two permanent substitute teachers per building and sustained classroom structures across grade levels. District officials said these decisions are designed to ensure consistency and high-quality instruction for all students.
Mitchell said the increase in spending is largely driven by contractual obligations, employee benefits and continued investment in student programs. He noted that the majority of the budget is allocated to instructional and student support areas, with administrative costs representing a relatively small portion of overall expenditures.
Mitchell also highlighted several cost-saving strategies aimed at maintaining long-term fiscal stability. These include bringing more special education programs in-district to reduce tuition costs, closely managing staffing levels and reviewing operational expenses. He said the district takes a conservative approach to financial planning, particularly when projecting revenue and managing fund balance, to avoid future financial strain.
State aid is projected to increase by 2.36 percent, rising from $15.21 million in the current school year to $15.57 million in 2026–2027.
“State aid continues to be an important revenue source, and while projections are based on current information, there are always variables at the state level that we monitor closely,” Mitchell said.
In addition to the main budget proposition, voters will consider a separate capital reserve proposition totaling $1.20 million. The funding would be used for targeted improvements, including renovating three classrooms across the district and resurfacing the parking lot and playground at William L. Buck School. Because the project would be funded through existing reserves, it would not result in additional tax impact for residents.
District leaders said the overall budget reflects a continued emphasis on aligning financial decisions with educational priorities while preparing for potential challenges such as inflation, enrollment shifts and changing state mandates.
Residents are encouraged to review the full budget details and participate in the upcoming vote, which will determine the district’s financial and programmatic direction for the next school year.
“For our community, this budget represents an investment not just in schools, but in the future of our children and our community as a whole,” Karakas said. “Our budget proposal ensures we continue to build on our success, remain innovative and prepare our students for an ever-changing world.”
