State audit finds Levittown School District mismanaged fund balance, raising tax concerns
The audit, conducted by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, examined the district's finances from 2019 to 2025.
A state audit has found that the Levittown School District did not effectively manage its fund balance over a six-year period, resulting in property tax levies that were higher than necessary and prompting calls from residents for greater accountability.
The audit, conducted by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, examined the district's finances from 2019 to 2025. According to the report, "The Board and District officials did not manage fund balance effectively."
Auditors found that district officials appropriated approximately $64 million from the fund balance that ultimately was not needed to finance day-to-day operations.
For many Levittown residents, the findings are particularly troubling given the high cost of property taxes on Long Island.
The Levittown audit is the latest in a series of financial concerns involving Long Island school districts.
Earlier this year, the South Country Central School District revealed a $10 million budget deficit, leading to the resignation of its superintendent.
Former Brentwood Superintendent Michael Cohen said school board members play a critical role in overseeing district finances because they are responsible for managing multimillion-dollar budgets funded largely through local property taxes.
"Those are the folks legally, morally and ethically who hold the keys to the kingdom," Cohen said. "They have to be faithful stewards of the district's finances. If they're not on point, then you've got problems."
Most school districts are required to undergo independent external audits each year to review their financial practices and ensure compliance with state regulations.
In a letter to the community, the Levittown superintendent and school board said the audit did not find any issues with the district’s day-to-day business operations.
