Mechanicville board approves $37.35 million budget, sets 3.4% tax levy

The Mechanicville City School District Board of Education on a voice and roll-call style vote adopted a $37,350,893 budget for the 2026–27 school year, a 2.3% increase over last year that carries a proposed 3.4% tax levy.

Business manager Breen told the board the budget preserves current staffing and programs while adding a full-time elementary counselor, continuing security upgrades funded in part by Schedule II state aid and proposing the purchase of four buses to be bonded (two 72-passenger and two 30-passenger, one wheelchair-accessible). Breen said the district is planning conservatively because of uncertainty about Hudson Heights development enrollment and pending state aid figures. "We started budgeting with our mission statement and values in mind," Breen said during the presentation.

Breen highlighted a $1.1 million decrease in building aid tied to the absence of a new capital project and said the district will not use reserves this year; she reminded the public that the New York State budget has not been finalized and that projections could change. The board scheduled a public hearing on the budget for May 6 and the voter referendum for May 19.

Board leadership moved the budget for adoption during the meeting. After vocal votes were difficult to hear, the board conducted a roll-call-style confirmation and the president announced the tally as four in favor and one abstention, declaring the motion carried.

The superintendent earlier described operational concerns that could affect long-term transportation planning, including state guidance to transition to an all-electric fleet by 2035 and infrastructure needs for charging, points Breen said were considered in the budget. The board approved the budget and associated propositions that will appear on the ballot at the May vote.

The board is required to adopt a budget by the State's calendar and will update figures if state aid numbers change.