The North Shore Board of Education adopted a $129.4 million proposed budget for the 2026–27 school year and reviewed multiple audit reports showing strong financial controls during its Thursday, April 16, meeting.
The board unanimously approved the proposed $129,396,912 budget, which will go before voters on May 19. Board members and administrators described the plan as the result of months of work and collaboration. The 2026-27 budget reflects a 2.9% increase from the approved 2025-2026 budget. The budget proposal includes a 2.3% increase in the tax levy.
“I think it’s a great budget,” said Trustee Maria Mosca, noting that despite financial constraints, district officials “have done a lot with the maintenance budget.”
A central focus of the meeting was the presentation and approval of three different audits: the appointment of independent auditors, the approval of the claims audit report, and the acceptance of the federal single audit.
An external auditor reported that the district received a clean federal single audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, with “no reportable findings.” The district also maintained its designation as a low-risk auditee for the second consecutive year.
“That means…you have had no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies,” the auditor said, praising district administration.
The district expended about $1.4 million in federal funds, triggering the audit requirement. The special education program was selected for detailed review, with no compliance issues identified.
Meanwhile, Claims Auditor Denise Longboardi reported extremely low error rates in financial processing, citing just five exceptions out of more than 4,100 checks reviewed this year.
“Our check error percentage is very low…which is phenomenal,” Longobardi said, adding that district staff consistently provide thorough documentation.
Board members echoed that praise, calling the results “an incredible streak of success.”
Source: LI Press
