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Board hears proposed $342 million Albany CSD budget, 0.9% tax‑levy increase; staff reductions by attrition planned
Summary
Business officials presented a proposed 2025–26 general fund budget of about $342 million, a 0.9% tax levy increase and staffing reductions of approximately 36 positions through attrition to align with enrollment declines and the end of federal COVID relief funds.
The Albany City School District presented its proposed 2025–26 budget to the board, asking voters to approve a roughly $342 million general fund with a proposed 0.9% increase in the district tax levy.
Business officials told the board the budget assumes an estimated state aid increase of about $12.1 million and an appropriation of roughly $12.6 million from fund balance and reserves. The presentation showed the district proposes to maintain full‑day pre‑K at all 12 elementary schools plus community locations, preserve magnet programs, community schools initiatives, athletics, arts ensembles and career and technical education pathways while realigning staff to account for lower enrollment and the expiration of federal COVID‑19 relief funds.
Staffing changes in the proposal rely on attrition and vacancies rather than layoffs, the presentation said: approximately 36 positions would be reduced through retirements and unfilled posts to reflect declining enrollment and the end of roughly $45 million in federal COVID relief funds the district used for temporary hires and supports. The administration said student‑to‑staff ratios would remain the same or improve as the district manages reductions.
The presentation noted two capital propositions on the May ballot that would not raise taxes. Proposition 2 would use up to $5 million from the district’s capital reserve to replace aging HVAC units at several buildings, and Proposition 3 would authorize the district to sell a small, unused vacant parcel at 877 South Pearl Street (about one‑tenth of an acre) with minimum price set by the board.
Officials warned that if voters reject the budget the district could either present a revised budget or be required to adopt a contingency budget, which, under New York law, would force targeted cuts (including building‑use fee requirements and potential cuts to programs or staff) and reduce discretionary spending.
Board members praised staff for outreach and for scheduling multiple community budget presentations ahead of the May 20 vote, and asked staff to update presentation materials posted to BoardDocs. The district clerk and business office posted community Q&A and early‑voting information included in the presentation.
