Pleasantville board presents $65.1 million budget and $17.5 million capital plan ahead of May 19 vote

The Pleasantville Union Free School District on Tuesday presented a proposed $65,114,168 operating budget for 2026–27, a 3.39% increase from the prior year, and detailed a two-part capital proposition the board will ask residents to approve on May 19.

Superintendent Dr. Lutinski said the budget is balanced, compliant with the district tax-cap framework and focused on personnel: "Over 70% of what we spend is on salaries and benefits," he said, stressing that resources are oriented toward staff to provide a "safe and supportive environment." The slides shown to the audience listed an allowable levy-related cap figure slightly below the tax-cap equivalent; the superintendent said the proposed levy change is about 2.96%.

The capital package, branded Pleasantville Forward Together, is described in two propositions: Proposition 1 would replace aging building infrastructure, update track and turf, upgrade security technology and improve BRS outdoor security; Proposition 2 would expand STEAM instructional spaces, create a more-capable BRS outdoor space and enhance athletic facilities with sanitary facilities, additional turf on an upper practice field and field lights.

Administration presented the maximum project cost as $17,500,000, noting the financing plan uses $4,000,000 in reserves and savings and would borrow $13,500,000 "so as not to cause an increase in the tax levy," and estimated that the district would receive 53% state aid for eligible capital-project costs. "We will get 53% state aid, which is only available through capital projects," the superintendent said.

District officials urged voters to attend the May 19 polling (6:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m., middle school multipurpose room) where residents will cast ballots on the budget, two capital propositions and two board seats. The district clerk reminded residents that to vote they must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, a Pleasantville district resident for at least 30 days and registered either with the county or with the district (district registration deadline: May 14). Absentee and early-mail ballots are available.

Board members and administrators framed the budget and capital request as investments in student safety, curriculum-supporting facilities and long-term infrastructure. The board opened a formal public hearing on the operational budget, heard no comments at that time and closed the hearing by motion on Tuesday night.

Next steps: the budget vote, the capital propositions and the two board elections will all appear on the ballot May 19; if voters approve the capital plan, the district expects state-aid reimbursement for eligible costs.