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District proposes 0.9% tax-levy increase, details budget and ballot items ahead of May vote
Summary
District finance staff presented the proposed 2025–26 general fund budget to the Board of Education on May 8, seeking a 0.9% tax-levy increase and $12.5 million from reserves while preserving core programs.
District finance staff presented the proposed 2025–26 general fund budget to the Board of Education on May 8 and outlined the ballot and voting logistics ahead of the May 20 budget vote.
The proposed budget asks for a 0.9% tax-levy increase, the speaker said — the fifth straight year with a levy increase under 1%. The presentation noted an increase in foundation aid shown in the state aid run and that the district plans to draw approximately $12.5–12.6 million from fund balance and reserves to meet budget needs while maintaining current programming.
Staff described core budget priorities: full-day pre-K in all 12 elementary schools and 11 community locations, continued magnet and community-school programs, social-emotional supports (behavior specialists, social workers, psychologists), instructional interventions for math and reading, 11 career-and-technical education pathways, and extracurriculars including 67 athletic teams and expanded arts and CTE opportunities.
The presenters warned of staffing reductions by attrition (about 36 positions) tied to declining enrollment and the scheduled end of federal COVID-relief funding. They said those reductions would be handled through retirements and vacancies and that no layoffs were planned. The district also reported it will continue to monitor staff-to-student ratios and expects most ratios to remain stable or improve as enrollment changes.
The budget presentation also previewed ballot propositions: Proposition 2 (HVAC repairs/replacements at New Scotland Elementary, Montessori and Sheridan Prep) funded from capital project reserves (estimated $5 million), Proposition 3 (authority to sell a small vacant parcel at the south end of Binghamton Street), and Proposition 4 (Albany Public Library budget). The district advised residents of voting locations, early-vote-by-mail deadlines and community budget presentations scheduled in the lead-up to May 20.
Staff noted an expected increase in charter transitional aid under the recently adopted state budget and said they were still reviewing foundation-formula changes; further detail will be shared after the district completes its review of the state run.
Officials encouraged voter participation and listed the district’s phone number and web pages for vote locations and early-vote instructions.
