West Hempstead board adopts $77.9 million budget, board warns reserves may be needed

The West Hempstead Union Free School District Board on Monday approved a $77,899,290 budget for the 2024–25 school year after a presentation by the district’s business official and extended discussion about reserves and transportation costs.

Board members and district staff framed the vote as a pragmatic step to maintain services while acknowledging fiscal strain. “Our goal is to minimize using reserves and replenish them when possible at year end,” the superintendent said during his remarks, adding that reserves exist to cover emergencies and are standard practice, not an attempt to hide money. “This consolidated code has probably been used to fund facility projects…This is a standard operating procedure, not mismanagement,” he said.

The budget presentation by the district’s business official laid out projected expenditures and revenues, noting several cost pressures. The proposed budget lists transportation as the fastest‑growing function, projected to increase by about 16.78% (roughly $1.2 million), and employee benefits rising by roughly 6.85% (about $1 million for medical insurance). The business official summarized the proposed totals: “Proposed 2024–25 budget is $77,899,290,” and said state aid figures remain uncertain while the district must use current estimates in the spending plan.

Why it matters: trustees and speakers stressed the budget balances continuing academic and extracurricular programs with fiscal prudence. Transportation was a recurring theme: the district reported roughly 1,200 students request out‑of‑district transportation and noted that bus company rates in nearby districts have risen sharply; the superintendent and business official warned some routes will be re‑bid if contractors decline extensions and that sustained reserve use is not sustainable long term.

Public comment and board reaction: PTA and student representatives spoke during the meeting. PTA representative Stephanie Tampini promoted a May 2 fundraiser to support school programs. Student council representative Somaya Mansilmet highlighted recent service drives and upcoming events. Robin Wagner, a kindergarten teacher and union vice president, urged trustees to consider classroom impacts when weighing cuts: “Please…walk through the hallways, see what we're doing…and just don’t count us as numbers,” she said.

The board moved a series of consent dockets and then took the budget vote. A member of the public asked for confirmation of the outcome; the chair said the budget passed with all but one board member voting in favor. The board noted that actual state aid remains subject to the state budget and that the community will be informed if revenues change; residents were directed to the district’s website and regular updates for announcements.

What’s next: the school budget vote for the community is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, at the secondary school gym from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., the district announced. The central office also said it is available to answer follow‑up questions from residents.