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Schenectady voters to decide $295.5 million school budget May 20; two board seats on ballot
Summary
Schenectady City School District will ask voters May 20 to approve a $295,500,000 budget for 2025-26, a $17.8 million (6.4%) spending increase. The proposal holds the tax levy flat for a seventh consecutive year and includes new restorative-practice specialists, clinicians and engagement staff. Two Board of Education seats also will be decided.
On May 20, 2025, Schenectady City School District residents will vote on a proposed $295,500,000 budget for the 2025-26 school year, the district announced. The proposal represents a $17,800,000 increase, or 6.4%, in spending compared with the current year and would keep the tax levy unchanged for a seventh straight year.
A district staff member said the budget is designed to support the district’s strategic plan and to expand programs, services and staffing in areas the district identified as priorities. Additions listed by the district include six restorative-practice specialists — intended so every school has at least one — additional clinicians and new engagement and attendance specialists.
The district says the added costs for positions and higher staff salary and benefits would be offset by an increase in state foundation aid and by using funds from the district’s fund balance. Because the budget does not raise the tax levy, it requires a simple majority of votes to pass.
Voters will also select two members of the Board of Education on May 20. The seats currently held by Kathy Lewis and Vivian Parsons will be vacated; the district said voters will choose two of four candidates on the ballot. The district’s announcement did not list the candidates by name in the provided text.
Polls will be open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the district’s eight polling locations. The district provided a link and QR code for additional information, including polling locations and candidate information.
