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Instructional budget up mainly for salaries; kindergarten enrollment below projections
Summary
Instructional staff reported a roughly $2.4 million increase driven mostly by salary obligations and contractual commitments; kindergarten registrations are running 40–60 students below earlier estimates and the district plans a reduction of one second-grade section at Slingerlands.
An instructional programs staff member presented the Board with departmental spending details for 2025–26 and said total instructional expenditures are up about $2.4 million, with most of the change in contractually obligated salaries.
The presenter told the Board the district is front‑purchasing curriculum materials to support a fuller rollout of the Bookworms Science of Reading program so teachers and students have materials before fall training. The district plans to continue piloting Bookworms in some classrooms this year and complete broader implementation next year.
On enrollment, the staff member said kindergarten registration is about 40–60 students below earlier projections, driving a reduction of one second-grade section at Slingerlands next year; primary-grade totals were down about 70 students overall. The district expects to finalize secondary staffing in mid‑March after course-request and schedule runs are complete.
Other changes explained: BOCES services were shifted for certain library and arts-enrichment purchases to secure higher reimbursement rates, and several middle- and high-school clubs that now have sustained volunteer leadership and enrollment were proposed to receive paid stipends.
The presenter emphasized that proposed reductions rely on retirements rather than layoffs: "all of these reductions are being done through retirements. We're not laying off staff," the instructional staff member said. The Board asked for future updates on staffing decisions at the high school when course enrollment data are finalized.
The instructional presenter also confirmed there is not yet a formal proposal to add elementary foreign-language instruction; the topic had been discussed but no budget request was advanced.
