Residents of the Great Neck Public School District will vote May 19 on a proposed $297,375,950 budget for the 2026-27 school year and a race for two board seats featuring two trustees and two challengers, as district officials work to maintain academic programs and services while adapting to changing enrollment trends.
The proposed budget represents a 2.54% increase over the current year’s spending. To fund this, the Board of Education has proposed a property tax levy of $251,645,932, which marks a 3.04% increase. District officials confirmed that the plan remains fully compliant with the state’s tax cap and requires only a simple majority for approval.
A close look at the district’s enrollment data shows a significant shift in the cost per student. According to budget documents, the district projects an enrollment of 6,241.
This projection results in a per-pupil spending of approximately $47,649. By comparison, the 2025-26 budget of $289,998,600 was built for 6,652 students. This results in a per-pupil cost of $43,596 for the previous year. The year-over-year increase of roughly $4,053 per student is attributed to non-discretionary costs such as rising health insurance premiums and mandated pension contributions.
Beyond the main budget, which appears on the ballot as Proposition 1, voters will consider two additional measures. Proposition 2 asks for authorization to spend $4,945,000 from the 2024 Capital Reserve Fund for Phase II of the South High School athletic complex. This project includes installing a synthetic turf field and drainage improvements. Proposition 3 seeks approval for the Great Neck Library Budget.
If the budget is defeated, the district warns of a contingency plan that would require cutting $7.4 million, resulting in the cancellation of new equipment purchases and various capital renovations across the district.
The election also features two contested races for the board of education. In the race for the seat currently held by Rebecca Sassouni, the incumbent is challenged by Marisa Brandeis Kermanian. For the second seat, incumbent Joanne Chan faces challenger Callie Ives.
Polls will be open on Tuesday, May 19, 2025, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at E.M. Baker, Lakeville, Saddle Rock, and South High School. Residents who are unsure of their polling location can use the online Poll Place Finder tool on the district website (www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/voting) or contact the Office of the District Clerk on school days from 9 am – 4 pm at 516-441-4007.
Residents must be registered by Thursday, May 14, to vote on Tuesday, May 19.
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Source: LI Press
