May 18, 2026
Dear Locust Valley Central School District Community,
As members of the Board of Education, we understand the concerns many families and residents have regarding rising costs, inflation and the impact of taxes on household budgets. These concerns are real, and they were central to every discussion and decision made throughout this year’s budget development process.
The Board of Education unanimously approved the proposed 2026-27 school budget, which reflects a careful balance between fiscal responsibility and our continued commitment to educational excellence. With a proposed tax levy increase of 2.1%, well below the district’s allowable tax cap of 2.84%, this budget was crafted to protect taxpayers while preserving the outstanding opportunities and experiences our students deserve.
At a time when many neighboring districts are proposing significantly higher increases, Locust Valley remains among the lowest. This budget maintains all current academic, athletic and extracurricular programs while continuing to invest in student success and school safety. It preserves small class sizes, expands course offerings in areas such as engineering and accounting, strengthens literacy and science programming, and supports award-winning arts, music and film programs. It also includes critical security upgrades to school buildings and continued investment in leadership and career readiness opportunities for students.
Equally important, the district continues to utilize a thoughtful strategy to support the maintenance of our buildings without additional tax increases or unnecessary debt. By utilizing transfers to capital, we can responsibly manage long-term financial obligations, reduce future borrowing needs and minimize the burden placed on taxpayers over time. It is a fiscally prudent strategy designed to ensure that today’s decisions do not create tomorrow’s financial problems.
The Locust Valley and Bayville communities have always been strongest when we work together as one. Our schools reflect our collective values, and supporting our students is an investment in our shared future. In recent years, public discourse has increasingly shifted to social media forums and online commentary. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, we encourage residents to rely on factual information from district communications, budget presentations and official public meetings when making decisions about the future of our schools.
As a Board of Education, we stand firmly behind this budget because we believe it reflects the priorities of our community: strong schools, responsible financial planning, student opportunity, safety and long-term stability. We remain committed to supporting a thriving, healthy and unified school community where every student can succeed and every resident can feel confident in the direction of the district.
We encourage all residents to vote on Tuesday, May 19. Your participation matters, and your vote will help determine the future of the Locust Valley Central School District.
Sincerely,
The Locust Valley Central School District Board of Education