$171 million budget proposed in Bay Shore schools

The Bay Shore Union Free School District Board of Education adopted a $171 million proposed budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year at the April 21 public session.

This year’s budget, which remains under the allowed tax levy cap, is a 1.8 percent increase of the proposed 2021-2022 tax levy over the current year.

The district is expected to receive $34.6 million in Foundation Aid according to an April 14 budget presentation.

The proposed budget will maintain all teachers, staff and programs through expenditures, and approximately $70.9 million of the budget will be directed toward professional salaries. Roughly $37.1 million will go toward employee benefits.

However, according to a statement from the district, administration is currently negotiating teacher salaries for the 2021-22 school year, so proposed budget amounts are estimations and are subject to change.

In an effort to reduce class size next year, the district plans to increase the number of K-5 sections. An estimated 17 new teachers, plus necessary support staff, will be hired.

Registered voters in the district can head to the polls at the Bay Shore High School gymnasium between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on May 18.

Prior to that, voters can tune into the district’s Meet the Candidates and budget hearing on Monday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. It will be streamed live on the district Facebook page.

The school board will also meet Wednesday, May 5, at the Bay Shore District office, located at 75 West Perkal Street, between 12 and 8 p.m. to register to vote in district elections.