Saugerties board previews $79.9 million budget; vote set for May 20

The Saugerties Central School District on May 6 presented a proposed $79,900,000 budget for the 2025–26 school year and reminded residents the budget vote will be held May 20 at the junior high school gymnasium.

The superintendent said the proposed spending plan is “designed to be a reflection of our values as a community,” and represents an increase over the current year. The board’s presentation listed a 3.49% increase in the total budget and described a tax levy of about $47,400,000; using the district’s estimate for a $300,000 home, projected school taxes would rise from $3,700 to $3,883 — a change of $129, or about $10.75 per month, the presentation said.

The nut graf: The presentation outlined where the district plans to cut, add and reallocate staff and services, explained the district’s planned use of reserves to bridge the gap, and spelled out the district’s contingency plan if voters reject the budget on May 20.

Most immediately, the budget presentation listed staffing reductions in several administrative and instructional lines (including not refilling the director of human resources, retiring elementary project coordinator and a reduction tied to an athletic…