Board adopts 2025–26 budget with 0% tax levy increase; district adds restorative-practice specialists

The Schenectady City School District Board of Education on April 23 adopted the district’s 2025–26 budget and approved associated budget items after a presentation from Chief Financial Officer Carrie Lillooie.

Lillooie told the board the proposed budget is presented under the state-required three-part format (administrative, program, capital). She said the board would adopt a budget described in the meeting as “295,514,615” (as stated during the presentation), a $17,800,000 increase representing a 6.4% rise over the prior year, and that the budget keeps the district’s property tax levy at 0% for a seventh consecutive year.

The CFO said the budget uses a modest portion of fund balance and maintains current programs and staffing while adding several positions. Notable new staffing included six restorative-practice specialists to be placed across buildings, additional student engagement and attendance specialists, and other positions intended to support student services and school climate. Lillooie said the district expects to continue supporting community-school partnerships, extended learning time programs, summer-enrichment and STEAM camps, and fine-arts and athletics programs.

Lillooie discussed capital and facilities items included in planning and said the budget contains a $100,000 capital outlay authorization that could fund smaller building projects; she also referenced an additional project allowance of $300,000 for other needs. She said the district is exploring leasing a building to expand program space for a downtown campus and that more information would be available in May. The CFO described recent state-aid increases (including foundation and program-based aid), noting those revenue projections informed the budget; she also referenced continued uncertainty because New York State had not yet passed a final state budget.

Board members asked questions about prioritization, how the budget’s success will be measured, staffing levels for parent liaisons and vacancies, and an earlier mentioned $4 million that remains encumbered pending state or federal guidance. Lillooie said vacant positions are budgeted to be filled and that district leaders will monitor outcomes and program effectiveness.

The board voted to adopt the 2025–26 budget. The motion to adopt the budget was moved by Board member Kathy, seconded by the vice president, and the chair announced the motion approved by voice vote. The board also approved the BOCES 2025–26 budget and a BOCES board-member resolution earlier in the meeting by separate motions on the consent and non-consent portions of the agenda.

The district will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget on May 7 and the annual budget vote and board election on May 20, 2025, with petitions for two board seats due April 30 as announced by the board clerk.