The Port Jefferson School District is proud to present a proposed budget of $50,531,381 that reflects a modest 2.28 percent budget increase over the current year and a tax levy increase of 1.99 percent, which remains under the state tax levy cap. This budget was created under three guiding principles: 

1.) Preservation - Maintaining Excellence 
The District will maintain the full complement of our educational opportunities while repairing necessary infrastructure.

2.) Optimization - Enhancing Efficiency
The District will examine enrollment, staffing, and systems to maximize efficiencies and identify areas for improvement. As part of these efforts, the district has optimized transportation routes, including discontinuing the 5:30 p.m. bus to reduce costs.

3.) Discipline - Fiscal Responsibility
The District will approach all new expenditures with precision and careful planning.

The focus remains on preserving what the district has built, which includes our nationally recognized STEM programs, AP and dual-enrollment courses, a 100 percent graduation rate, award-winning arts and athletics, full-day Pre-K, and comprehensive support services. With careful planning and optimizing existing resources, the district will continue to deliver an outstanding educational program while protecting our taxpayers. As part of our 2026-27 proposed capital budget, the district will continue its planned multi-year HVAC replacement program by completing the first-floor upgrade at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School. This comes after the completion of upgrades on the second and third floors of the building. 

Additionally, in the proposed 2026-27 budget, the district will use reserve funds to make the interest and initial paydown of principal payment on the bond anticipation note issued to cover costs from our Child Victims Act (CVA) settlement. This is the most cost-effective and least disruptive path for our students. Since these payments must remain within the tax levy cap, taxes cannot be raised outside the cap to pay for these types of settlements. As the District prepares to convert the note into long-term debt, the District will do everything necessary to preserve our nationally recognized programs and protect our students’ educational opportunities. 

Budget Highlights:

• Maintains tax levy increase within the cap at 1.99%

• Preserves programs, staffing, and student resources

• Upholds strong fiscal discipline and long-term planning

Points of Pride:

• Earl L. Vandermeulen High School was named a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School and recognized by the Board of Regents

• U.S. News & World Report ranks Port Jefferson Middle School 72nd in New York State and 3rd in Suffolk County; the high school ranks No. 1 on Long Island, No. 5 in New York State, and No. 51 nationally for STEM

• The high school achieved a 100% graduation rate for the 2024–2025 school year

• Edna Louise Spear Elementary School offers full-day Pre-K to all district residents and recently reopened its swimming pool, integrating water safety into physical education

• The high school earned the NYSPHSAA School of Excellence Award for 2024–2025

• Students have access to 25 AP courses and 23 dual-enrollment opportunities

• The District has been named one of the Best Communities in Music Education for 20 consecutive years

• A new partnership with Stony Brook Medicine’s CARE Initiative enhances mental health services and support

• A comprehensive STEM program begins in first grade, offering hands-on experiences in coding, drones, 3D printing, and virtual reality

“This budget reflects our unwavering commitment to educational excellence, balanced with responsible financial stewardship,” said Jessica Schmettan, Superintendent of Schools.  “Through thoughtful planning and strategic investment, we will continue to provide outstanding opportunities for every student while protecting our community’s investment.”

A public hearing on the district’s 2026-2027 Budget and Election will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM, before the regular business meeting. Meetings are live-streamed and can be accessed as follows: go to the District website at www.portjeffschools.org; click on the BOE tab, and click on BOE Meeting Livestream. The Port Jefferson School District encourages community members to learn more about the proposed budget and participate in the upcoming vote on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM at the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School cafeteria. 

Board of Education Candidates:
To elect two Board Trustees to the Board of Education for a three-year term, July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029. The candidates are Shannon Handley, David Keegan, and Alexandra Spiegel.