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 assistant principal) alongside additions such as increasing an ENL teacher from 0.4 to 1.0 FTE, reinstating modified sports, adding a part‑time nurse and a part‑time social worker at Woodstock, and funding a district expansion of special‑education programming in grades 7–9 with the new “ABC Academy (Academic Behavioral Communication).” The superintendent said the academy aims to reduce out‑of‑district placements and to permit the district to accept students from other districts when the program begins in September.

The presentation also described a change to co‑teaching in grades 5 and 6: co‑teaching would remain in math and ELA, with teacher assistant support provided in science and social studies; the district said that change allows more co‑teaching support in kindergarten through grade 2 and creates a more consistent continuum into junior high.

Capital and facilities items discussed included a new lease payment tied to Ulster BOCES occupying space at I‑Park (the former IBM center in Kingston), several potential capital projects at Riccardi and Morris schools (ADA entrances/egresses, flooring and ductless air conditioning) and bids that produced no responses for two ADA entrances this spring; the presentation said work could be rescheduled depending on contractor availability.

On revenue and reserves, the superintendent said the plan assumes foundation aid of about $17.8 million (pending final state action), a variety of expense‑based reimbursements, lease and Medicaid pilot revenue, and $2,800,000 appropriated from the unassigned fund balance to help close the gap for next year. The presentation warned the district is still awaiting a signed state budget; if state aid increases after signatures are final, the district said that would reduce reserve use.

The board described contingency options if the budget fails. A failed May 20 vote would allow a revote on June 17; if the board does not adopt a new budget, the district would move to a contingency budget that would reduce spending by roughly $1,100,000 (to about $78,300,000) and require cuts to capital outlay projects and many non‑mandated programs, including some extracurriculars and field trips.

On administration and timing, the superintendent reminded voters that absentee ballots are available through the superintendent’s office and must be received by 5 p.m. on May 20. The presentation also listed the three candidates appearing on the ballot for two open board seats: Michelle Romolio, Robert Tolman and Christine Balorosa; the board noted the candidate receiving the most votes will be seated May 27 to fill a vacant seat, with the other two winners (if elected) beginning terms in July.

Public comment during the budget hearing included a statement from Michelle DiMolia, who identified herself as a candidate on the ballot and said she supports the budget and would use her finance background to help explain budget components to residents. Board members who commented during the meeting repeatedly urged residents to come out and vote and voiced support for the proposed budget.

Less immediately urgent items discussed in the presentation included modest shifts in software and supplies lines, increases in substitute pay, and the district’s ongoing professional learning priorities. The superintendent and board emphasized that some figures (notably state aid) are estimates and are subject to change.

The district’s presentation and Q&A concluded with procedural reminders about the May 20 vote, counting of affidavit ballots on May 27 and the June 17 revote option if necessary.