Monday, April 21, 2025
West Hempstead Union Free School District held their first budget workshop to review the 2025-26 school year budget on Mar. 4.
“Our district has long demonstrated fiscal responsibility while maintaining high quality educational programs for our students,” said Superintendent Dan Rehman. “However we now face financial challenges requiring decisions to be made and innovative to be considered.”
The budget vote will be held on May 20 in the West Hempstead Secondary School’s north gymnasium from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
1. West Hempstead recieved a 1.6 percent total increase in State aid.
This is an increase of $284,963. This funding does not meet the needs of the district — as the formula used to calculate state aid does not account for West Hempstead’s diverse population, including economically disadvantaged students, private school students, English Language Learners and students with special needs.
There are several events prior to the budget vote where members of the West Hempstead school district can learn more about the budget and ask questions.
2. The district faces increasing costs for several mandatory expenses.
One of the districts biggest financial challenges is a $1.3 million increase in transportation expenses, which are projected to be 13 percent of the budget. This is partly due to a 30 percent cost jump in transport for Nassau BOCES. West Hempstead transports 1,200+ students on over 110 routes to over 100 schools. The district expects to bid out several routes, which will likely be at higher costs, especially considering.
There are rising costs for several unavoidable expenses. General insurance is increasing by 22 percent, as the district must meet new flood insurance requirements. Retirement system contributions are increasing 16.5 percent, adding nearly $136,000 to the districts expenses. Health insurance costs are expected to increase 2.6 percent in 2026, but are projected at 15.5 percent of the budget.
3. The district is exploring several cost-saving strategies and revenue sources.
The district is working to reduce budget expenses and working with local legislators to try and receive increased aid from the state level. They are conducting efficiency audits, reviewing staffing and scheduling, renegotiation contracts, optimizing bus routes and considering cooperative busing agreements. To offset funding shortfalls, the district is pursuing additional grants, researching new tuition-based programs, and seeking partnerships with local businesses for sponsorship opportunities.
