Following a thorough review and community feedback, the South Colonie Board of Education has adopted a budget totaling $128,785,118, aimed at maintaining current programs while introducing strategic enhancements.

Budget Overview

• The proposed budget represents a 5.39% spending increase over the current year.
• The district tax levy is set to increase by 2.99%, below the projected tax levy limit of 3.1651%.
• Estimated impact on average property owners with a $200,000 home is a monthly increase of $7.40 in school taxes.

Transportation and O&M

• Implementation of a bus maintenance replacement plan to ensure student safety and efficiency.
• Continuation of districtwide maintenance and paving plan.

Staffing: Addition of 1 custodial mechanic to support the district's new property.

Student Support Services

• Student support services highlights include additional staff to support the growing needs of English Language Learners (ELL) and special education student populations.
• Continued emphasis on social-emotional health through sustaining previously added staffing for those areas.

Staffing:

• 1 English as a New Language (ENL) Teacher to enhance support for our ELLs in our growing UPK programs.
• 1 School Psychologist to support mental health initiatives and enhance the special education evaluation process.
• 1 Elementary Teacher MTSS Trainer (TOSA) to provide training for faculty and staff on processes involved in our academic and behavioral intervention models.
• 2 Physical Therapists, which is budget neutral, to bring our physical therapy services in-house instead of contracting to an outside vendor. 
• Replacing retirements allows us to keep sustainable programming levels that we have grown in the past few years.

Instructional Highlights

• Additional staff to support expanded UPK programming at Shaker Road.
• Continued STEAM education programming at the elementary and middle school levels. 
• Continued career exploration program for students to gain knowledge and exposure to the most desired and applicable career experiences, college majors, associate degrees and skilled trade professions. 
• Implementation of a district wide technology replacement plan to support ongoing wear and tear and applicable upgrades.

Staffing

• 1 Teacher and 1 TA for UPK Expansion to Shaker Road Elementary School, launching the final program to encompass all of our elementary schools. 
• Coaching/Advisor Positions have been enhanced or added based on evaluation of time and need in those buildings/activities to support the importance of extracurricular activities in making well-rounded students. 
• 1 IT Computer Tech will continue to grow the support for our instructional technology, including the launching of a student help desk at the high school in the future. 
• Replacing retirements allows us to keep sustainable programming levels that we have grown in the past few years

Proposal to purchase nine replacement school buses as part of an ongoing replacement plan.

• 9 replacement school buses of various sizes—six 66 passenger buses, two 16 passenger buses, one 42 passenger bus — at an overall cost not to exceed $1,391,000. 
• Minimal tax impact expected to begin in 2025-26.

On Tuesday, May 21, voters in the South Colonie Central School District will elect two board members to fill- two vacancies (each a five-year term). Candidates must meet all of the other requirements to run for the Board.

David Kiehle is running unopposed for reelection for a five-year term expiring on June 30, 2029.

• David Kiehle

Two candidates are running for a five-year term expiring on June 30, 2029, to succeed James T. Ryan. 

Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot:

• Jen Houlihan 
• Eric McDowell

Full candidate bios can be found here.

• Final 2024-25 Budget Newsletter – Coming soon 
• School Budget Notice
• Total Budget Statement
• Budget Summary and three-part budget
• Property Tax Report Card
• School Academic Report Cards  
• Required Compensation Information
• Fiscal Accountability Summary 
• Town exemption Impact Reports for Colonie, Niskayuna, and Guilderland.