Each spring, Jericho residents vote on the school district’s annual budget and elect Board of Education members. These decisions shape class sizes, programs, staffing, and tax rates for the following school year.
Below is a clear overview of the 2025–26 budget preparation and election calendar leading to the May 19, 2026, Annual Budget Vote and BOE Election, including petition signature requirements and deadlines for anyone interested in running.
Budget Development Timeline
The process begins months before the vote:
Oct–Dec 2025: Principals and central administrators develop preliminary budgets.
Dec 11, 2025: First board work session on budget direction.
Jan 29, Feb 12 & Mar 5 2026: Public Budget Workshops #1–3, reviewing instruction, staffing, and capital needs.
Mar 26, 2026: Final budget adoption and approval of the annual meeting notice.
Residents may attend these workshops and comment before the budget is finalized.
Running for the Board of Education
Who Can Run
Candidates must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, residents of the district for at least one year, not employed by the district, and not living in the same household as another board member.
Petition Requirements
Jericho Board Policy 1220 requires the greater of 25 signatures or 2 percent of voters from the previous annual election.
In 2025, 1,505 ballots were cast (811 for Kenny Jin, 694 for Jennifer Camhi).
2 percent = 30.1 → minimum 31 signatures required.
Practical target: collect 45–60 verified signatures to allow for any invalid entries.
Each petition must list:
Candidate’s name and address
The specific seat (term and incumbent name)
Signers’ names, addresses, and dates with a witness attestation
Blank petitions are available from District Clerk Victor Manuel (Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs) [email protected] | (516) 203-3600 ext. 3214.
Critical 2026 Deadlines
Date | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
Mon Apr 20 @ 5 PM | Deadline to file petitions & voter propositions | File with the District Clerk |
Tue Apr 21 @ 9 AM | Ballot position drawing | Public drawing in District Clerk’s office |
Tue May 12 @ 7 PM | Public Budget Hearing | Jericho HS Little Theater |
Tue May 19 6 AM–9 PM | Budget Vote & Board Election | Jericho HS Gym — results announced @ 9:15 PM |
Absentee and early-mail ballots are available by application:
• Request by mail ≥ 7 days before the vote, or deliver in person by 5 PM the day before.
Candidate Finance Rules
If campaign expenses or contributions exceed $500, candidates must file sworn reports with the District Clerk and the Commissioner of Education 30 days (before Apr 20), 5 days (before May 14), and within 20 days after the election (June 8).
Why Participation Matters
Jericho’s budget and board elections decide not only school spending but also who holds the superintendent and administration accountable. The May 19 vote will determine both how funds are used and who oversees them — a direct reflection of the community’s priorities.
Sources:
Jericho UFSD 2025–26 Budget Prep and Annual Election Calendar; Jericho Board Policy Manual (Sections 1220, 1260, 1270, 1610); 2025 election results (2025 Election Results).