Great Neck BOE proposes $148M in non-instructional spending

District on track to stay under 3.04% tax cap as it eyes facility upgrades, transportation, and health insurance cost increases

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:06pm

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Great Neck Public Schools Deputy Superintendent John O'Keefe presented the district's $148 million non-instructional spending plan for the 2026/2027 school year at a recent Board of Education meeting. This non-instructional budget, which accounts for about half of the overall budget, includes expected increases in areas like facilities, maintenance, transportation, and employee health insurance and benefits.

Why it matters

As school districts across the country grapple with rising costs, Great Neck's budget proposal highlights the financial pressures facing public education. The district is working to balance necessary investments in infrastructure and personnel while staying within the state's tax cap, which could impact the resources available for direct student instruction.

The details

O'Keefe said the $148 million non-instructional budget includes an expected $3 million increase in health insurance, Social Security, workers' compensation, unemployment, and Medicare payments. Facilities and maintenance costs are projected to rise by $1 million due to fuel and electricity price hikes, while transportation costs are expected to increase by $1.5 million, or 9.3%, largely driven by contractor price increases. The district is also looking to make capital improvements like installing new turf, resurfacing the track, and upgrading the lighting system at an estimated cost of $4.9 million, though this would come from the capital reserve fund rather than the operating budget.

  • The Board of Education meeting where the non-instructional budget was presented was held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
  • The next Board of Education meeting with another budget development plan presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

The players

John O'Keefe

Great Neck Public Schools Deputy Superintendent who presented the district's non-instructional spending plan.

Kenneth Bossert

Superintendent of Great Neck Public Schools.

Lauren Sullivan

The newly appointed principal of the Village School in the Great Neck district.

Thomas DePaola

Principal of Great Neck South High School.

Rebecca Sassouni

Trustee of the Great Neck Board of Education.

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What they’re saying

“Through each presentation, the numbers will change.”

— John O'Keefe, Great Neck Public Schools Deputy Superintendent

“Her deep understanding of the school's culture and students positions her well to lead Village in this next chapter.”

— Kenneth Bossert, Superintendent of Great Neck Public Schools

“I'm excited for the future, our future. It's truly my honor.”

— Lauren Sullivan, Newly appointed principal of the Village School

“Cupcakes and shiny heads.”

— Thomas DePaola, Principal of Great Neck South High School

“At its heart, Best Pals helps students see that our differences are not barriers but our strengths.”

— Michelle Zwick, North Middle health department

What’s next

The next Board of Education meeting with another budget development plan presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

The takeaway

Great Neck Public Schools is navigating the financial challenges facing many school districts, balancing necessary investments in infrastructure, personnel, and student programs while staying within the state's tax cap. The district's budget proposal highlights the difficult tradeoffs administrators must make to provide quality education while managing rising costs.