Voters in the Bellmore Public Schools and the North Bellmore Union Free School District will head to the polls to decide on their 2026-27 budgets and board of education seats. Here are three key points:
1. Both districts propose budget increases for 2026-27
Bellmore is proposing a $43.3 million budget, a $1,134,139 increase over the current year’s $42.2 million spending plan, representing a 2.69 percent rise. District officials said the proposal is designed to maintain all current programs and services, keep class sizes steady and continue investments in technology, while remaining mindful of rising costs. The plan reflects a balance between preserving the district’s educational offerings and staying within fiscal constraints.
North Bellmore’s proposed budget totals $73.0 million a $2,690,943 increase from the current budget, representing a 3.83 percent rise. The spending plan includes increases across all major areas, with the largest share allocated to programs at $55.3 million, alongside $8.2 million for administration and $9.6 million for capital costs.
2. Spending focuses on maintaining programs and operations
In Bellmore, officials said the plan maintains all current programs, keeps class sizes steady and continues technology upgrades.
In North Bellmore, voters will also consider Proposition II, which would authorize the use of about $3.5 million from the district’s 2022 capital reserve fund for districtwide restroom renovations. The work, expected to begin in summer 2026, would modernize aging facilities across several schools.
District officials said the project would be funded through existing reserves and would not increase the tax levy.
3. Tax levy increases remain under the state’s cap
The Bellmore Public Schools is proposing a 2.57 percent tax levy increase, while the North Bellmore Union Free School District levy would rise by 2.75 percent — both within the state’s tax cap.
