Niskayuna holds public hearing on $121.3 million 2026–27 budget ahead of May 19 vote

The Niskayuna Central School District held a public hearing May 12 on its proposed 2026–27 budget, a spending plan the district described as $121.3 million with a 4.46% increase in expenditures and a 2.47% tax‑levy increase, which the district said is at its calculated tax‑levy limit. The hearing provided an opportunity for staff to explain major drivers of the increase and for community members to ask questions before the May 19 budget vote.

District presenters said the spending increase reflects two primary components: debt service associated with the district capital project (for which state building aid is expected to offset some cost) and ongoing operational costs such as salaries, benefits and utilities. Administrators highlighted targeted investments in next year’s proposal, including a middle‑school project‑based learning teacher, additional special‑education staffing and a halftime, grant‑funded social worker, expanded CTE/college‑credit partnerships, and new electives and AP offerings aimed at expanding student pathways.

The district also noted the bus proposition included on the ballot: a planned purchase of nine buses next year, two of which would be electric, and that bus purchases are eligible for state aid that would reimburse a portion of the cost. Officials told the public that the district is taking a measured approach toward the evolving state electric‑bus mandate and that incentives and state aid affect fleet replacement choices.

In written public comment read into the record, Matthew Lee asked the board to “publish that reconciliation” showing where about $550,000 of reductions were reallocated and what measurable outcomes are expected, and whether any portion could instead reduce the levy under district policy. Matthew Lee asked that this reconciliation be made available to voters prior to the May 19 ballot.

District staff responded that the district’s complete budget document contains specific line‑item information showing where categories increased or decreased and that the full document is posted to the district website and available in each school. Staff invited follow‑up questions from voters before the May 19 vote.

The public hearing is part of the legally required process preceding the May 19 vote. Absentee and early mail ballots were noted as available on the district website, and staff reminded voters to consult posted materials for the full budget statement and detailed line‑item comparisons.

Next steps: the budget will be decided by voters on May 19; district staff encouraged residents to review the posted complete budget document and to direct specific follow‑up questions to the district clerk or budget staff.