District overview
Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
How is this district paid for, and who decides?
Patchogue-Medford is a New York 'union free' school district serving Patchogue and Medford in Suffolk County, with 11 schools. Most of its money comes from two places: a school property tax on homes and businesses and State aid. Each May, residents vote on the school budget and elect board members. If the tax levy stays inside the State's tax cap (2% or inflation, whichever is lower, with some adjustments), the budget needs a simple majority to pass. The tax levy is a total dollar amount the district may collect; the tax rate depends on the town's assessed value, which the district does not control.
Where the 2026-27 money comes from
The adopted budget is $252,223,893. The tax levy is $136,848,822 and State aid is $101,031,263, according to the September 30, 2026 minutes. Together they cover most of the budget.
Voters decide the budget and the board
Voters approved the 2026-27 budget 1,292 to 603 on May 19, 2026. They also elected three board members and approved a separate $5 million capital reserve spending proposition.
A seven-member elected board
Seven trustees serve staggered three-year terms and hold most business meetings on Monday evenings. Two student ex-officio members attend but do not vote. The board hired Dr. Patrick Harrigan as superintendent starting July 1, 2026, after an interim superintendent led the district.
The tax rate can change after the vote
In May the district projected a rate increase of 3.29% to 4.34%. After a settlement moved LIPA's property off the tax roll, the board set a 4.60% rate increase in September, because other taxpayers share the levy.
The tax levy rose 3.15% and stayed under the State cap, and voters have backed recent budgets. The rate jump came from a change in assessed value outside the district's control. These records do not show whether any school is under-funded.
Where the district stands
Up 2.83% from the prior year, according to the March 30, 2026 budget workshop minutes.
Set after the LIPA settlement; the May plan was a levy increase of $4,237,677 (3.15%).
A 4.60% increase over the prior rate.
The district estimates State aid pays about 73%.
The district website says 'more than 7,400 students' in 11 schools; the national school directory lists 7,452. Context only.
Calculation: $252,223,893 divided by about 7,452 students. It includes costs outside classrooms such as debt, benefits, transportation and special education tuition, so it is not the amount spent in a classroom.
Major projects
Bond 2024: air systems, athletic fields, sound and lighting
Under way; first borrowing in 2026A voter-approved plan to put modern ventilation and climate control in classrooms, gyms and cafeterias, rebuild high school athletic facilities, and upgrade sound and lighting in the middle and high schools. The district says the first borrowing of $21.7 million came in at a better interest rate than expected.
- Voters consider Bond 2024 (vote date from the district's financial impact sheet)
- Board hears updated costs and the first-phase borrowing plan
- Board approves change orders on the high school athletic field and gym project
Funding
Voter-approved bond of about $85.37 million; State aid estimated at 73%
Energy performance contract with Johnson Controls
Construction under way; financing approved Aug. 2026Lighting, heating controls, roof and weatherization work, and solar generation at district buildings, including solar canopies over a high school parking lot. The district says savings from lower energy use repay the project.
- Performance contract with Johnson Controls dated
- Board approves environmental review resolution for the energy upgrades
- Contract Amendment One dated
- Board accepts the lease financing proposal
Funding
Lease-purchase financing repaid from energy savings (Webster Public Finance proposal accepted)
Bay Elementary School addition
Planning and designAn addition of eight classrooms and two renovated music rooms, plus a larger kitchen and cafeteria and a courtyard. The district says the $15 million cost was saved in its Capital Reserve Fund.
- Board accepts a proposal for services on the Bay Elementary project
- Additions and alterations presentation posted
Funding
Capital Reserve Fund (district savings)
Parking lot and bathroom upgrades
Voter-approved; work to be scheduledVoters approved spending up to $5 million from the capital reserve on parking lots and bathrooms at Oregon, Saxton, Canaan, River, Tremont, South Ocean and Eagle schools. The 2026-27 budget also moves $2.5 million to capital projects: bathroom upgrades ($1.5 million, at the high school, Medford and Barton listed together) and soil and asbestos work at Bay ($1 million).
- Board places the proposition on the ballot
- Voters approve 1,399 to 487
Funding
2022 Capital Reserve Fund ($5 million) and a $2.5 million budget transfer
Recent news
Figures marked verified come from a board minutes record or district presentation that the project stored; figures marked context are calculations or outside numbers. The overview draws on board agendas, minutes and meeting recordings from October 2025 to October 2026, the district's policy manual and its capital improvements pages.
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