Following an extensive review of program priorities and evaluation of feedback from the school community, the South Colonie Board of Education adopted a proposed budget on April 24 totaling $128,785,118.
The budget calls for a 5.39% spending increase over the current school year and an increase in the district tax levy of 2.99% — this is below the district’s projected tax levy limit of 3.1651%.
Although assessments and equalization rates will not be known until August, the district estimates the average Colonie property owner with a home market value of $200,000 would pay $7.40 per month more in school taxes next year under the proposed spending plan.
Budget Highlights
The proposed 2024-25 budget preserves all current programs and services and provides key enhancements as outlined below:
Transportation and O&M Highlights
- Bus maintenance replacement plan to ensure students are transported on buses that meet the latest safety standards while allowing the district to phase out older, high mileage vehicles to avoid the cost inefficiencies related to keeping them in service.
- Continuation of districtwide maintenance and paving plan to support on-going wear and tear.
Staffing
- 1 custodial mechanic to support the addition of the district’s new property at 1015 Watervliet Shaker Road.
Student Support Services Highlights
- 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.
Bus Proposition
In addition to voting on the school budget on May 21, South Colonie residents will be asked to consider authorizing the purchase of 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.
The bus purchase is part of an ongoing bus replacement plan designed to ensure students are transported on buses that meet the latest safety standards while allowing the district to phase out older, high-mileage vehicles to avoid the cost inefficiencies related to keeping them in service. Bus purchases are financed over a five year period and aided simultaneously. This proposition has minimal tax impact expected to begin in 2025-26.
Board Elections
In addition to voting on the proposed budget and propositions, voters also will elect candidates to fill two open seats on the Board of Education.
Budget Hearing set May 7
On Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. the district will hold a public hearing at Saddlewood Elementary so residents may learn more about the proposed budget and bus proposition. The public hearing will also be open to all South Colonie Community Members for viewing on the district’s YouTube channel.
Budget Vote
Date: Tuesday, May 21
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Locations: Voting will take place this year at both Sand Creek and Lisha Kill Middle Schools. Registered voters who are unsure on their assigned polling location can look it up here.
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