Ballston Spa Board adopts 2025-26 budget; officials say no layoffs expected after retirement incentive

The Ballston Spa Central School District Board of Education on Wednesday approved the district's 2025-26 budget after a final presentation from district leaders that combined a modest tax levy increase, $250,000 in planned fund-balance use and staffing adjustments created by retirement incentives.

Superintendent Doctor Dugan opened the budget presentation and said the plan balances three elements'staffing reductions handled through retirements, increased use of savings and a slightly higher-than-normal tax levy. "I can tell you this year we are not looking at any layoffs," Dugan said, noting that most staffing changes will be accomplished by absorbing retirements and not by terminating employees.

The board heard from Brian, a district business-office presenter, who described the district's revenue picture, noting state aid remains uncertain because New York State had not finalized its budget. The presentation used the governor's proposed 2% foundation-aid increase as the working assumption. Brian said property taxes will remain the largest revenue source (about 56%) and that the typical homeowner's tax change is estimated at roughly…