Bayport-Blue Point voters to decide on $88.4 million school budget May 19

Bayport-Blue Point voters will decide May 19 whether to approve an $88.4 million school budget that would raise the tax levy 2.75 percent and ask homeowners to absorb more for staffing, programs and building needs. Because the district is trying to pierce the state tax cap, the plan needs 60 percent approval to pass, not just a simple majority.

The Bayport-Blue Point Board of Education adopted the 2026-27 spending plan on April 29 after trimming the levy increase from an earlier 2.99 percent proposal. District officials said the lower figure still reflects the pressure of expiring debt, which pushed the district’s allowable tax-cap calculation to negative 0.76 percent. Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Keri Loughlin told residents the district estimates a typical taxpayer would see about a $24 monthly increase, though final assessed values will not be set until fall.

The budget keeps spending centered on three areas: programs, capital and administrative needs. Roughly three-quarters of the plan is tied to programs, including salaries and benefits for instructional and support staff, transportation, classroom programs, athletics and clubs. District officials also want to expand special education offerings, replace aging Chromebooks and add girls’ flag football.

On the capital side, the plan includes new wireless access points, cybersecurity upgrades, a new pickup truck, districtwide HVAC repairs and replacements, and repairs to flooring and pipes at Blue Point Elementary School. Loughlin said the district began the budgeting process facing about a $3 million revenue shortfall and then moved to a surplus after reviewing expenses and revenue assumptions line by line.

The budget vote comes as Bayport-Blue Point prepares for a broader transition at the top of the district. In January, Superintendent Timothy Hearney said he will retire in July after 18 years with the district, and the Board of Education hired School Leadership to run the superintendent search, hold three community forums and gather an online survey. The district serves about 1,700 students in three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school.

Budget workshops ran from Dec. 9 through April 21, and a public hearing is scheduled for May 5 at 6:45 p.m. The coming vote follows last year’s approval of an $89.1 million budget by a 797-319 margin, along with passage of a capital reserve proposition by a 797-298 vote.