The Herricks school district unanimously voted to adopt the proposed district budget of $149,312,913 for the 2026/2027 school year. The budget, which is a $4,769,703 increase from the 2025/2026 school year, will boost the tax levy by 2.12%
“This is below the levy limit. We could have gone up to 2.3%,” said Superintendent Dr. Tony Sinanis, who helped present the budget to the board.
Assistant Superintendent for Business Lisa Rutkoske said the budget increase is largely attributed to contractual obligations for staff, the special education program, transportation and benefits.
“We are not alone. These are a pretty common theme across districts in Long Island and in this state,” said Rutkoske, who also presented the budget to the board.
Rutkoske said they are primarily supported by the tax levy, with homeowners playing a major part in the financial support system for the district. Rutkoske said the board is looking for avenues of support beyond the tax levy.
“We are always conscious of trying to find that right balance.”
Rutkoske said the district is expecting to receive an 8% increase in state aid, with $30,164,346 coming in from the governor’s budget.
“We are fortunate – not all districts receive this level of state aid,” Rutkoske said.
She noted that the governor’s budget is still not approved as lawmakers extended the budget approval date two weeks past its original deadline.
Community members will have a chance to cast their vote May 19 at the budget vote and trustee election.
Sinanis mentioned that along with the budget community members will also weigh in on two other propositions based on the spending of capital reserve funds and the establishment of a new capital reserve fund. The CRF acts as discretionary funds that the district must ask community members to vote on their approval before spending.
“It is not any increased cost for the community, it’s not any new funds we are looking for. The money is already there,” Sinanis said.
Sinanis said Prop 2 will allow voters to confirm spending the capitol reserve fund on an ongoing boiler restoration for the district and an improved lighting system for the Herricks High School turf field.
Prop 3, if passed, will install another capital reserve fund for the school district. Herricks School District established a fund in 2015, and in 2019. Capital reserve funds have a 10-year lifespan, and as the 2015 fund reaches the end of its lifespan, officials said the district is hoping to establish a new 2026 fund to support building facility improvements.
“It’s like a catch-all fund,” Sinanis said.
The meeting was also met with heartfelt congratulations and farewells for retiring board members and district leaders.
Jim Gounaris, longtime board member, announced he will not be running for re-election.
Gounaris, who served as the vice president and as a trustee for the school board over the last 15 years, said his current term would be his last.
“I leave this role with deep gratitude and pride with what we have accomplished together. I have great confidence in the future of the district,” Gounaris said.
Elizabeth Guercin also announced her retirement from her position as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.