District overview
Commack Union Free School District
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
_NYS_Senator_Mario_Mattera_(left)_%26_NYS_Senator_James_Gaughren_(51967479753).jpg){kind=link}
How is Commack funded, and who decides?
Commack is a New York union free school district in Suffolk County with eight schools and about 5,650 students. For 2026-27 about 69% of its $234.6 million budget comes from local property taxes and about 22% from state aid. Each May, residents vote on the budget and elect trustees. A New York tax cap limits how fast the tax levy can grow, and the district says this year's 2.03% increase is within that cap.
Where the money comes from
2026-27 plan: $162.5 million from property taxes, $51.8 million from state aid, $11.0 million from savings (fund balance) and $1.5 million from reserves.
Who decides
A five-member Board of Education, led by President Gus Hueber, adopts the budget and policies. Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox runs the district day to day. The board meets about monthly at the Hubbs Administration Building.
The May vote
Voters approved the 2026-27 budget 1,094 to 331 on May 19, 2026. A second ballot question to elect all board members at large starting May 2027 passed 1,116 to 251.
How the budget is split
The district uses New York's three-part budget: about 73.7% for programs and teaching, 16.1% for buildings and debt, and 10.2% for administration.
A small share of voters decides each year: about 1,400 ballots were counted on the budget in a district of roughly 5,650 students. The turnout figures do not show how many residents are eligible.
Where the district stands
Calculation: $234,638,883 divided by 5,650 students (October 2025). The budget covers all district costs including transportation, benefits, buildings and debt, so it is not a classroom-only figure.
Major projects
Roofs, heating and cooling, and playgrounds from capital savings
Authorized March 2026; work under wayThe board authorized the remaining $4,632,659 in the capital fund for districtwide roofing, mechanical and HVAC work, inclusive elementary playgrounds, classroom upgrades, site work and farm upkeep. Summer 2026 contracts were approved for canopies at Burr and Sawmill and labs at the high school.
- Board authorizes $4,632,659 capital fund use
- Board approves summer 2026 construction contracts
Funding
District capital fund (previously saved surplus); the 2026-27 budget also earmarks $4 million for capital projects
Smart Schools Bond Act technology plan (phase 3)
Preliminary plan approved; state approval pendingNew York set aside money for school technology. Commack's share is $3.5 million, with about $1.1 million left. The board approved a preliminary third plan to spend it.
- Board approves preliminary plan
- Update and public hearing
Funding
State Smart Schools Bond Act allocation
Switch to at-large election of all board members
Approved by voters May 2026; takes effect May 18, 2027Proposition 2 changed how trustees are elected so the top vote-getters win the available seats.
- Voters approve Proposition 2, 1,116 to 251
- First election under the new method (scheduled budget vote and trustee election)
Funding
Not applicable (election rules); election costs are part of the district budget
Built from Board of Education minutes (November 2025 to September 2026), the 2026-27 budget newsletter, binder and workshop presentations, auditor financial statements, district news and YouTube meeting-recording transcripts from the district website and channel.
Get alerts for Commack Union Free School District
We read every agenda, packet, recording, and set of minutes, and write up the decisions that affect families — each one linked to the document it came from.
View alerts for this district