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District previews budget and ballot propositions ahead of May 19 vote
Summary
At the March 25 work session, district finance leaders previewed a budget adoption scheduled for April 15 and the May 19 public vote, noting no planned tax increase, rising benefit and tuition costs, and three ballot propositions covering purchases and a long lease.
Schenectady City School District officials presented a budget preview March 25, outlining projected revenues and expenses and identifying ballot propositions the board plans to put before voters May 19.
The district said it is currently operating under the governor’s proposed state‑aid numbers and projects no tax levy increase for the upcoming fiscal year, subject to final state aid figures. The presentation noted key pressures: health‑insurance premiums (projected large increases), rising charter and private‑placement tuition costs, and higher contractual transportation expenses. The district said it will use fund balance within industry guidance (under 5% of the total budget) to balance the plan if necessary.
The board was briefed on several ballot items to appear on May 19: approval to purchase 80 Terrace (a facility noted for programs), authorization to borrow for purchase of Cataline Street (capital proposition), and voter approval of a 20‑year lease for space at 433 State Street for city‑campus programming. The district reported that replacing an existing lease with the new 20‑year lease is intended to be largely tax‑neutral. Proposed timeline: budget adoption April 15, public hearing May 6, and budget vote and school board election on May 19.
Deputy Superintendent Joe reminded the public that annual budget vote and board election petitions are available and set the candidate petition deadline for 5:00 p.m. April 29; Michelle Eden is the contact for petitions and election questions. The district will post budget information and polling‑place lookup via QR codes and the district website ahead of the vote.
District officials encouraged community members to review the materials, attend the public hearing May 6, and vote May 19. Final state aid, federal grant receipts and health‑insurance rates may affect the adoption figures between the April 15 adoption and the May 19 vote; staff said they will update board members if changes occur.
