The proposed 2026-27 budget for the Locust Valley Central School District failed Tuesday night, while voters in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District approved their district’s spending plan and a series of accompanying propositions.
In Locust Valley, voters rejected Proposition 1, the district’s $100.25 million budget, by a count of 850 to 765. The plan would have increased spending by 2 percent over the current year and included a 2.1 percent tax levy increase, which was below the district’s allowable tax cap.
Under state law, the district may now either hold a second budget vote or adopt a contingency budget by July 1. Locust Valley Superintendent Kristen Turnow confirmed on Wednesday that a revote had been scheduled.
“The only decision that’s been made is we’re going to hold another vote on June 16,” Turnow wrote in a statement. “We have come to no conclusion as to whether we will try to present the same budget or modify it.”
If the district ultimately adopts a contingency budget, it would be prohibited from raising taxes, forcing reductions to offset rising expenses such as employee health insurance and retirement contributions — and most likely affecting extracurricular activities, athletics and clubs.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Board of Education thanked residents for taking part in the budget vote and school board election while expressing disappointment over the outcome.
“While the proposed school budget was not approved, failing by a margin of 85 votes, the board remains proud of the thoughtful and fiscally responsible budget that was presented, which supports educational excellence, student opportunities, and the long-term needs of the district while remaining mindful of our taxpayers,” the statement read. “As we prepare for a second vote next month, we encourage our community to stay engaged and continue learning about the proposed budget, its impact on our students and schools, and the importance of participating in the upcoming revote.”
Locust Valley voters approved a separate transportation proposition, 981 to 613. The measure modifies the district’s transportation eligibility requirements, beginning this fall. The minimum distance requirement for transportation for students in grades 1 through 12, currently half a mile, will be eliminated, while the maximum distance will increase from 15 to 18 miles.
Three candidates running unopposed for seats on the Locust Valley Board of Education were also elected Tuesday. Incumbent board Vice President Holly Esteves received 1,060 votes, and first-time candidates Brian Keaveny and Paul Chirichella collected 1,078 and 1,047 votes, respectively.
In Oyster Bay-East Norwich, voters approved the district’s proposed $69.4 million budget by a large margin, 737 to 396. The spending plan is 2.34 percent larger the current budget, and includes a 2.58 percent tax levy increase, which is below the state tax cap.
Voters also approved three additional propositions related to technology upgrades, capital improvements and long-term facilities planning.
Proposition 2, authorizing the use of roughly $495,000 from the district’s technology reserve fund, passed with a vote of 719 to 369. District officials previously said the measure would fund technology enhancements, including new tablets for students in kindergarten through second grade, as part of the district’s ongoing technology initiative.
Proposition 3, authorizing the use of approximately $980,000 from the district’s capital reserve fund for improvement projects, passed by a margin of 807 to 320. The projects include auditorium rigging renovations, a new water heater at the high school, air conditioning upgrades at Vernon Elementary School and a new prekindergarten playground at Theodore Roosevelt School.
Voters also approved Proposition 4, establishing a new capital reserve fund with a maximum balance of $25 million and a 15-year term, 779 to 341. District officials emphasized throughout the budget process that the proposition will only authorize the creation and funding of the reserve account, and that any future capital projects it finances will still require separate voter approval.
Superintendent Francesco Ianni thanked voters on Wednesday for supporting the budget and propositions in a letter to the community.
“This year’s budget represents a careful balance of disciplined financial leadership and a relentless focus on student success,” Ianni wrote. “Developed within the tax levy limit, the budget strategically directs resources to strengthen our academic programs, enhance student opportunities, and maintain safe, efficient, and forward-thinking learning environments.”
Five candidates competed for three seats on the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Board of Education, including two full terms expiring in 2030 and one partial term expiring in 2027.
Todd Cronin, a former board president who served for eight years, and Ann Marie Longo and incumbent board President Nancy Castrogiovanni were elected to the board, with 644, 635 and 600 votes, respectively. Board Vice President Maryann Santos lost her seat, receiving just 500 votes, and a fifth candidate, Alina Vegliante, had 409.
“I would like to thank the Board of Education for their leadership, collaboration, and dedication throughout this process,” Ianni wrote in his letter. “I also extend my congratulations on the re-appointment of Nancy Castrogiovanni to the Board and to our newly elected Board of Education trustees, Todd Cronin and Ann Marie Longo. A sincere thank you to Maryann Santos for her service to the district and community.”
