Manhasset school district voters will go to the polls May 19 to decide on a proposed $118.9 million budget for the 2026-27 school year, a spending plan that district officials say would sustain current academic programs, fund building improvements and comply with the state tax cap. One school board seat is also on the ballot, with one candidate running unopposed.

The proposed budget totals $118,948,591, an increase of $3.9 million, or 3.39%, from the current year’s $115 million budget. The district’s tax levy would rise 3.44%, remaining within the district’s allowable tax levy limit, according to budget documents. Property taxes would account for about 89.4% of total revenues.

Per-pupil spending is projected to be about $41,176 in 2026-27, compared with approximately $39,371 in 2025-26, an increase of about $1,805, or 4.6%.

District officials said the budget continues investments in elementary math and literacy support, expanded secondary school course offerings, technology upgrades and student wellness initiatives. Planned additions include AP Comparative Government, Chinese II, Italian I at the high school level and Personal Finance.

The spending plan also includes continued expansion of broadcast journalism, engineering, computer science and biomedical science pathways, along with professional development related to artificial intelligence in education.

Instructional spending would increase from $63.1 million to $64.1 million, a 1.6% increase, while employee benefits would rise by about 5.1% to $29.8 million. Contracted transportation costs would increase 10%, from $5.88 million to $6.47 million.

Voters will also decide on Proposition No. 2, which would authorize the district to use $1.7 million from capital reserve funds for projects including gym and bathroom renovations at the secondary school, classroom renovations at Munsey Park and Shelter Rock elementary schools, unit ventilator replacements and security upgrades. District officials said the proposition would have no additional tax impact on residents.

One school board seat is also on the ballot, with one candidate running unopposed.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 19 at Manhasset Secondary School, 200 Memorial Place, Manhasset. Voters who are already registered through the school district or Nassau County Board of Elections and have voted within the past four years are eligible to participate. Residents who still need to register may do so through the district clerk’s office by appointment.Questions about registration, absentee ballots, or early mail voting can be directed to the District Clerk at 516-267-7724 [email protected].

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Source: LI Press