North Shore School District Proposes $129.4 Million Budget for 2026-27 School Year

The North Shore School District has unveiled a $129,396,901 budget proposal for the 2026-27 school year, representing a $3,761,053 increase from the current year’s spending plan, according to district officials.

School officials presented the proposed budget on Thursday, Feb. 26, marking a 2.99% increase over the current year’s allocation. The presentation kicked off the district’s annual budget development process, which spans several months and allows administrators and the board of education to review spending priorities before adopting a final version.

Superintendent Christopher Zublionis emphasized that the proposal remains preliminary, according to the district’s presentation. “This is a draft of the budget,” Zublionis said during the meeting.

Based on 2024-2025 enrollment figures, the proposed budget would result in a cost per pupil of $50,924, calculated by dividing the total budget by the district’s 2,541 students, according to district data.

The spending plan allocates funding across four main categories: instruction, employee benefits, transportation, and general support services. Education comprises the largest portion of the budget, with district officials maintaining their focus on preserving classroom programs and educational opportunities for students.

Employee benefits represent another significant component of the proposed budget, covering health insurance, retirement contributions, and other employment-related costs for district staff. Transportation funding ensures students have safe passage to and from school, while general support services handle administrative operations.

District officials said the budget reflects the ongoing challenge of maintaining current service levels while managing financial pressures and rising operational costs. The planning process allows administrators to assess district needs, control expenses, and continue supporting students, staff, and school operations.

The proposed increase comes as the district works to maintain financial stability after confronting substantial budget challenges in recent years. “In the first two years, we faced an $18 million deficit,” Zublionis said, referring to previous fiscal difficulties.

According to district officials, strategic financial planning and operational adjustments have enabled the district to manage costs while preserving programs and services for students. The budget presentation coincided with a sports night event at the school, demonstrating the type of student activities the district aims to maintain.

Zublionis noted that the district’s academic reputation continues to draw new families to the area. “Families are moving to North Shore based on our reputation,” he said during the presentation.

The budget development process serves as a critical component in preparing for the upcoming academic year, according to school officials. Administrators use draft proposals to establish spending priorities and evaluate the district’s financial outlook before making final determinations.

Board of education members will continue reviewing the proposed budget at future meetings before adopting a final version. District residents will have the opportunity to vote on the budget later this year, as required by state education law.

Looking ahead, the board of education plans to hold a meeting next week focusing on upcoming student events and special programs. Officials said the session will examine activities designed to enhance student experiences, including extracurricular opportunities, student engagement initiatives, and specialized programs that support academic achievement.

The budget presentations also enable the board of education to monitor district spending and ensure continued financial stability as the district moves forward with its educational mission.

The North Shore School District serves students across multiple Long Island communities, and the proposed budget reflects ongoing efforts to balance educational excellence with fiscal responsibility in an environment of rising costs and evolving educational needs.