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Friday, March 13, 2026
Vol. 3, No. 11
THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR
FP-B schools propose 1.9% tax levy increase
A HEALTHY DISTRICT
BY KASSARA MCELROY Administrators of the Floral Park-Bellerose School District presented the second draft of the 2026-27 budget this week, which includes a 1.93% tax levy increase – under the state's 2% limit – amounting to a $540,323 year-over-year rise.
What's Driving Costs Up?
District administrators and staff took part in health screenings by second-year Sewanhaka District students in the Medical Assisting Career and Technical Education program. The event was in honor of February being American Heart Month,
FP woman invited to State of Union Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) announced that she invited Floral Park resident, Karen Brandon, to be her guest at the 2026 State of the Union address. Unfortunately, due to severe weather conditions in New York on Tuesday, Karen
was unable to travel to Washington for the event. Karen, a speech therapist, has seen her health insurance premium costs soar by nearly 300% following the expiration of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
tax credits, along with many other Long Islanders. “Karen Brandon’s heartbreaking story is one of thousands for Long Islanders struggling to afford basic health coverage,” said Congresswoman See page 4
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The largest budget drivers are contractual salary increases of 5.42% and a 4.25% rise in benefits costs year-overyear. Contractual obligations increased by $538,000 and BOCES costs rose by approximately $200,000. Partially offsetting these increases, the district reduced spending on supplies and materials and is seeing debt service costs decrease as existing debt is paid off. State aid also remains uncertain. While the Governor's proposal includes a nearly $900,000 increase in foundation aid, it is offset by a steep decrease in transportation aid. Universal Pre-K funding increased by over $200,000 year over year, though officials noted this is federally funded and does not directly affect the operating budget.
How the tax cap actually works
In past budget meetings, Christine Kim, assistant superintendent for business, addressed common misconceptions about how the tax levy works. The state does not impose a strict 2% cap, instead it uses a formula that includes a 2% growth factor among other adjustments. A proposed levy at or below the calculated limit requires a simple majority to pass; one that exceeds it requires a 60% supermajority. She also noted that a tax levy increase does not automatically translate to an equal increase on an individual homeowner's bill, as local assessments and other municipal factors also play a role.
Curriculum and Instruction
The district is in the final stages of selecting a new phonics curriculum for grades K-2, with a committee evaluating two programs – Fundations and Reading Horizons – through sample lessons in general education classrooms. A recommendation is expected in April. A separate committee will soon begin reviewing social studies curriculum options for grades See page 4
From storm basin to paradise PAGE 12 Reports from the Village Board PAGE 3