Riverhead school officials on Tuesday offered a closer look at what is driving the proposed 2026-27 budget, with Interim Assistant Superintendent for Business Marianne Cartisano saying special education costs account for more than half of the spending increase in the district’s $218.88 million plan.
Cartisano’s presentation to the Board of Education, given during the board’s Tuesday night meeting at the middle school, was the second of three budget discussions and focused on the expenditure side of the proposed budget. It is a plan that would increase spending by $7,445,500, or 3.52%, while staying within the district’s 2.91% tax levy cap.
The sharpest takeaway from the presentation was the growing cost of special education. Cartisano said increases in special education services and special education transportation total $4,070,412, accounting for 55% of the overall budget increase.
She said the district is facing increases in mandated services, rising enrollment and more out-of-district placements driven in part by a lack of in-district space. Under Superintendent Bob Hagan, she said, the district is focused on expanding its ability to educate more students on campus, including incoming kindergarten students and, when appropriate, some students now placed at BOCES.
Cartisano also emphasized that salaries are not the main factor straining the budget this year. Total salary growth is projected at just $777,664, or 0.89%, which she attributed to retirements and staffing reductions through attrition tied to a retirement incentive. More detail on the staffing plan is expected April 1.
Benefits remain a major pressure point. The district is projecting a $2,160,460 increase in employee benefits, including a $795,597 increase in Employees’ Retirement System costs and a $1,501,878 increase in health and dental insurance-related costs.
Cartisano also floated a proposal to use $1 million from the district’s repair reserve fund in 2026-27 for building repairs. With ceilings and walls already set to be opened during ongoing energy performance contract work, she said, the district has an opportunity to address additional facility needs at the same time without affecting the tax levy.
The district’s budget hearing is scheduled for May 6 at 7 p.m. at Riverhead Middle School. The annual budget vote and board election will be held May 19 at Riverhead High School.
In other business, the board received an audit committee update indicating continued progress in strengthening the district’s internal controls.
According to the report, internal auditors identified 64 low-risk areas and 28 moderate-risk areas, with no areas rated high risk. District officials said corrective actions are already underway in several areas, including revenue tracking, payroll documentation and procedure reviews. Updated procedures and advisor training have also been implemented for extra-classroom activity funds.
Source: RiverheadLOCAL
