On March 3rd, the Jericho School District held Budget Workshop #3, covering over $95 million in proposed spending across general education, technology, athletics, transportation, employee benefits, and capital facilities.

Current enrollment stands at 3,172 students, down from 3,320 last year. Next year's projection: 3,076. That's a decline of 244 students (7.3%) over two years.

The budget is not declining with it.

The district is reducing teaching staff by 2 FTE (one K-6, one secondary) through attrition. Yet instructional salaries are increasing $875,000.

The implied average salary increase is approximately 3.4%.

Equipment spending increases from $70,000 to $180,000. The $110,000 increase includes 12 Bloomberg terminals for a financial literacy program still in development.

Textbook allocations vary significantly by building: High School $112,000 (~$90/pupil), Middle School $89,000 (~$116/pupil), Cantiague $50,000 (~$125/pupil), Jackson $15,000 (~$28/pupil), Seaman $14,500 (~$28/pupil).

BOCES technology spending increased from $1.49 million to $1.97 million (+$472,000, +31.6%). The increase reflects shifting some direct purchases to BOCES to capture state aid reimbursement.

Chromebook prices increased from $350 to $460 per unit (31%), attributed to chip shortages. The district plans to purchase 500-600 Chromebooks for fourth and eighth grade refreshes, plus several hundred desktop PCs.

Current device inventory: 6,009 devices for 3,076 students (1.95 devices per student).

AI tools deployed this year: Google Gemini, Brisk ($17,000), Notebook LM, SkillStruck ($13,700), Canva ($26,000), Diffit, and Turnitin ($8,600). The district has hosted 26 AI professional development sessions. No Board-adopted AI policy exists.

Software consolidation: The district eliminated approximately $200,000 in backend software services this year, including network monitoring, backup servers, and password management systems.

Website transition: The district moves to SmartSites (a ParentSquare product) on July 1.

BOCES adds a 10-18% administrative markup on purchases. The district receives approximately 41% back in state aid the following year. The net math was not presented but will be shown as a specific line item at the March 12 budget review.

The First Student contract totals $5.81 million, up $322,000 (+5.9%). Annual increases continue in the "high single digits" for the next several years.

The district employs 17 drivers directly, up from 2 several years ago. All after-school athletics and activities are covered by district drivers.

A new HDX 44-passenger coach bus is budgeted at approximately $270,000.

Stop-arm camera fines ($250-$300 per violation) go to the Towns of Oyster Bay and North Hempstead. The district receives nothing.

Health and dental insurance: $21.30 million, up $1.31 million (+6.5%). The 2026 calendar year brought 10% premium increases. The district uses the New York State Health Insurance Plan with uniform statewide premiums.

Retirement contributions:

The divergence is unusual but attributed to different smoothing factors. The net effect was approximately a wash.

Girls wrestling became a standalone program this year with 10 participants. Jericho is one of 9 Nassau County schools with a standalone girls wrestling program.

Recent program additions: JV boys badminton (2021-22), football return (2023-24), unified basketball (2023-24), middle school badminton, girls flag football, unified bowling, and crew (2024-25).

Coaching salaries: $979,000, up from $912,000.

Participation: 382 high school athletes in fall, 316 in winter, approximately 360 registered for spring.

The Building Condition Survey identifies $63.75 million in total capital needs. The district is funding $5.997 million in priority items.

Capital Reserve VI will be proposed at approximately $20 million. The district has spent approximately $80 million through Capital Reserves I-V.

Pre-K expands from 54 to 72 students (three classes to four). This was the only area where increased spending aligned with increased enrollment.

The March 12 meeting presents the full budget review with revenues, expenditures, and Capital Reserve VI proposition language. Budget adoption is scheduled for March 26.

The tax levy increase is projected at approximately 1.85%, within the state cap.