VOTE MAY 16
The Schenectady City School District Board of Education adopted a $265,267,298 2023-2024 Budget Proposal at the meeting on April 19. The spending plan reflects an increase of $26 million or 10.91 percent over the current year with no impact on the tax levy. This is the sixth consecutive year the district will present a spending plan that does not include a change to the tax levy.
2023-2024 is the third and final year phasing in full implementation of Foundation Aid as well as $17 million in Coronavirius Response Relief and approximately $41 million in American Rescue plan relief funds.
Full funding of Foundation Aid is making a significant difference in how the budget is shaped and continues to serve efforts to boost boost social emotional and behavioral health, intervention and support services, and toward ensuring that our schools serve as positive cultural and safe spaces so that all students have what they need to be educationally successful.
The 2023-2024 Budget also supports the implementation of the secondary redesign including City as Our Campus and Big Picture Learning, the continued development of Community Schools, providing extending learning time, enhanced professional development for all faculty and staff, and expanded athletic opportunities.
The full budget book is posted online here.
On the May 16th Ballot
Six Items
In addition to the 2023-2024 Budget, Schenectady voters are asked to also consider the following propositions on May 16. Items will appear on the ballot in the following order
1. 2023-2024 Budget $265,267,298, No impact on tax levy
2.Schenectady Revitalization Plan 2030 When you head to the polls on May 16, we are asking you to please also consider the Schenectady Revitalization Plan 2030. If approved, this plan would bring up to $300 million worth of building renovations and upgrades to our schools over the next seven years. This will require super majority (60%) approval. Tax Impact: Zero
3. Purchase of Keane Elementary School Building (Currently Owned by St. Luke's) Voters are being asked to consider a proposal to purchase Keane Elementary School from St. Luke's. The district has been leasing the school building since July 2007 and is now seeking to purchase the school building for a one-time cost of $2 million. Purchase of this property would serve to provide much needed space for student enrollment and in the long-term allow for expansion. Tax Impact: Zero
4. Purchase of 530 Liberty Street, Schenectady for location of Family and Community Engagement Center (FACE) The district has identified the property at 530 Liberty St. as a purchase property for the Family and Community Engagement Center. The cost is $2.9 million. If approved by taxpayers, the facility will be used for the district's Family and Community Engagement Center (FACE) with the purpose of offering a welcoming first experience in the district and a one-stop shop for student registration, transportation, and other services and experiences. This center will also be used in the evening and on weekends for various community engagement events. We will also provide technology for families to use to register or to fill out an application for employment. Tax Impact: Zero
5. Elect Three Members to the Board of Education Terms for board members Bernice Rivera, Nohelani Etienne, and Princella Learry will end on June 30, 2023. Ms. Learry has announced that she will not be running for another term.
6. Vote on the creation of a student board seat.