South Colonie previews 2025–26 budget with focus on transportation, electric buses

Jacqueline McAllister, assistant superintendent for management services and strategic planning, told the South Colonie Central School District Board of Education on Feb. 4 that the district's preliminary 2025–26 budget will emphasize transportation and operations and maintenance needs, including plans to pursue electric school buses and upgrades to its bus facility.

McAllister said the district expects its allowable tax levy growth factor to remain at 2% while inflation sits near 2.9%, and that the first phase of the NextGen capital project will add about 1% to taxpayers as previously discussed. She told the board that preliminary estimates show a total tax impact in the 3–4% range once capital exclusions are included, and that she will present finalized numbers at a future meeting after consulting financial advisers.

Why this matters: transportation and facilities are a major portion of the district's capital and operating costs. Changes in state aid, federal competitive grants and the tax‑cap calculation affect how much of those costs the district must levy locally, McAllister said.

Key details from the presentation:

- Cost drivers: McAllister outlined projected increases including health insurance (8–10%), salaries (3–5%), and other contractual items; she said Teachers' Retirement…