On Tuesday, April 8, district leaders presented the second draft of the proposed 2025-26 budget to the South Colonie Board of Education during a public meeting at Shaker Road Elementary.

The proposed spending plan totals $139,550,500, reflecting an 8.36% increase ($10.76 million) over the current school year. The plan maintains all existing programs while expanding opportunities that promote equitable academic access and student support services. It also prioritizes the long-term sustainability of district programs and facilities to benefit future generations of Colonie students. 

A significant portion of the budget growth—43%—is driven by increased debt service expenses tied to the district’s ongoing capital improvement projects. However, this is largely offset by a corresponding increase in building aid on the revenue side of the budget.

“We are committed to supporting students’ academic success and well-being by preserving high-quality programs and services,” said Jacqlene McAllister, Assistant Superintendent for Management Services and Strategic Planning. “Our goal is to meet the evolving needs of our learners while remaining fiscally responsible and planning thoughtfully for the future.”

Presentation Highlights

• Balanced budget of revenue and expenditures with additional fund balance applied to close the initial gap.
• Proposed tax levy increase of 3.49%, slightly below the allowable limit, includes the phased-in impact of the Next Generation Capital Project approved in 2022 (approximately 1% beginning in 2025-26).

Transportation/Facilities 

• Equipment: Budget-neutral.
• Staffing & benefits: Continuation of current staff and contractual salary obligations.
• Supplies & materials: Increase due to inflation and ongoing tariffs.
• Furniture replacement: Continued investment to modernize learning and common areas.
• Capital improvements: Ongoing facility upgrades as part of long-term planning.

Special Education & Student Support Services

• Addition of a 0.5 school psychologist to support ENL (English as a New Language) students (English Language Learners).
• UPK interventionist to provide early academic support.

Districtwide Support

• New districtwide full-time communications support position, created by combining an existing part-time position and BOCES services (budget neutral).

Instructional support and staffing enhancements

• 0.5 FTE business teacher at the high school to expand career pathways.
• 2 additional elementary teachers at Lisha Kill to reduce class sizes.
• 2 middle school interventionists (budget-neutral).
• New grades 7-12 science supervisor to lead curriculum and instructional initiatives.
• Additional coaching and advisor positions to support student extracurricular engagement.

Proposed School Bus Purchase

Voters will also consider a separate proposition to purchase 10 replacement buses:

• 7 full-size (66-passenger) buses
• 1 mid-size (42-passenger) bus
• 1 wheelchair-accessible (24-passenger) bus with air conditioning
• 1 6-passenger minivan or Suburban

Additionally, the district plans to add a 24-passenger electric bus at a cost at time of financing of $164,500 after applying a state grant, but with $0 taxpayer cost after state aid. 

These purchases are part of South Colonie’s long-term fleet replacement plan, aimed at improving safety and reducing maintenance costs. The purchases will be funded through bond anticipation notes, with state aid covering up to 63.5% of the costs for our diesel/gas buses.

Total cost: Not to exceed $1,825,500

State and Federal Aid Outlook

Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget Proposal includes a projected $3,230,177 increase in state aid for South Colonie. However, as of April 9, the final state budget has not yet been adopted. If additional Aid is approved in the final budget, the district plans to reduce its reliance on appropriated fund balance in the final draft of the 2025-2026 budget.

Next Steps

The Board of Education will review and refine the second draft before adopting the final 2025-26 budget at its meeting on Wednesday, April 23, at the South Colonie District Office. Community members are welcome to attend or watch the meeting via the district’s YouTube channel.

Budget Vote Details

Residents will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed budget, bus proposition, and Board of Education seats on Tuesday, May 20, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at their designated polling location (Sand Creek or Lisha Kill Middle Schools).

For more information and updates on the budget development process, please visit the budget section of the website.

Second Draft 2025-26 Budget 

Link to second draft budget presentation here.