Tuesday marks a pivotal day for Long Island, as voters in all 124 of the region’s school districts cast ballots on proposed budgets and school board candidates. With rising costs and shifting state aid, the outcome could have a major impact on everything from classroom staffing to property tax bills.

Some school districts are seeking voter approval to raise taxes above New York state’s cap. Others are proposing reductions in teaching and support staff.

Kings Park voter Mitch Slotnick voiced concern over increasing tax burdens.

“They go up every year and that’s ridiculous, especially in trying economic times," says Slotnick.

Three school districts on Long Island are attempting to pierce the state’s tax cap. Another six plan to stay within the limit, but are doing so by cutting personnel — a move many fear could hurt educational quality.

This comes despite Gov. Kathy Hochul’s announcement of a $270 million increase in state aid for Long Island schools. But education leaders say that’s not enough.

“For 54% of school districts on Long Island, they only received two percent in new money with the foundation aid formula — on top of the 0% they received the prior year,” said Robert Vecchio, of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association. “That has left a lot of school boards struggling to close some budget gaps.”

In Kings Park, the district is proposing layoffs to help balance its budget. Slotnick, a retiree, said he sympathizes with the challenges but can’t afford higher taxes.

“I'm 65, I'm not working anymore, and I'm retired. How many more tax dollars do I have to give?” he asked.

News 12 reached out to Gov. Hochul’s office about concerns that school aid is not keeping pace with inflation. A spokesperson did not directly address the inflation issue but said the governor has increased school aid to Long Island by $5.3 billion since taking office.

Polls open across Long Island Tuesday at 9 a.m.