South Colonie presents first-draft 2025-26 budget with 3.49% levy increase tied to capital project

Superintendent Dr. Perry and finance staff presented the South Colonie Central School District's first draft of the 2025-26 budget at the March 11 board meeting, proposing a 3.49% tax-levy increase tied to the district's next-generation capital project.

The draft calls for $139,000,000 in proposed expenditures, roughly $10,000,000 higher than the current year, with the majority of that increase attributed to capital project expenses. The district reports a preliminary budget gap of $164,000 as of March 11; board staff described several gap-closing options, including use of assigned fund balance and selective reductions.

The administration said the 3.49% levy figure reflects three components that feed the tax-cap calculation: the allowable levy growth factor, the tax base growth factor and a capital exclusion tied to the capital project. Without the capital exclusion the levy increase would be about 2.5%, staff said; the additional 1% is the capital exclusion voters approved in October 2022, the presentation said.

In a detailed presentation, Director of Finance (presented by Miss McAllister with Mr. Kachidori joining on instructional components) outlined key assumptions and proposed additions in the draft budget. Instructional priorities cited include academic equity, sustaining programs across five elementary schools, strengthening high school career pathways and next-generation facilities upgrades. Specific proposed personnel additions listed in the draft include:

- Two teachers at Glacier Kill (elementary) (positions not filled yet). - A 0.5 full-time equivalent business teacher at the high school (with potential to expand to a full position if demand rises). - Two interventionists focused on middle-school writing support. - A grades 7-12 science supervisor to succeed an upcoming retirement. - Special-education additions: an elementary and middle school teacher, a school psychologist and other PPS positions; a previously discussed UPK interventionist was confirmed to be included in the instruction totals.

Class size projections were presented as a "rollover" snapshot; presenters said current projections assume stable enrollment but noted the district historically can see up to about a 60-student increase between March and the fall and that the draft includes buffers to absorb moderate enrollment shifts.

On operations and capital, staff discussed a planned furniture replacement cycle tied to ongoing renovations and a planned increase in debt service to pay for capital work. The budget presentation estimated overall increases in general support (6.31%), instruction (3.32%), transportation (3.65%) and benefits; debt service was identified as the largest driver of overall growth.

Transportation and the electric-bus proposal were called out specifically. The administration proposed adding one electric 24-passenger Type A school bus this year (in addition to the regular replacement of diesel buses). The bus purchase is paired with a New York State Bus Incentive Program voucher expected to cover approximately $161,000 of the $326,000 bus cost; the administration said the district's net cost for that electric bus would be about $164,050. Staff said the chosen bus can use existing chargers at school buildings and would not require additional infrastructure at the current bus facility. Board staff said approval of a bus purchase is required for eligibility for certain National Grid make-ready grants for the new transportation facility.

The presentation concluded with the budget timeline: a second draft on April 8 (at Shaker Road), formal adoption and approval of the property tax report card on April 23, a public hearing on May 6 and the voter proposition on May 20.

Board members asked clarifying questions about specific line items and programs. One board member asked whether items such as music therapy and a speech assistant tech remained under consideration; finance staff said music therapy is expected to be a contractual expense rather than a new recurring district-funded line, and that some items would add to the gap if adopted. Staff said they were still collecting final BOCES and insurance estimates that could change the gap figure.

The draft presented March 11 is informational and no board vote was taken on the budget at the meeting. Staff asked the board to review the draft, provide feedback and prepare for the April 8 follow-up.