The Schenectady City School District Board of Education adopted a $295,514,615 budget proposal for 2025-2026 at the meeting held on April 23, 2025. The proposed budget reflects a $17,782,846 or 6.4% increase over the current year and does not include any increase in the tax levy, making it the 7th consecutive year with no tax levy impact. The proposal also includes all existing programs and staffing.
A budget hearing will take place on May 7 at 6:30 p.m. Schenectady residents will vote on the budget and elect two members to the Board of Education on May 20, 2025.
2025-2026 Budget
2024-2025 Budget: $277,731,769
2025-2026 Proposed Budget: $295,514,615
Difference: 17,782,846 or 6.4%
Zero Percent Tax Increase
Chief Financial Officer Terry Gillooley emphasized that there are no cuts to programming and staffing but there are some increases, and there is a focus on academic return on investment.
The budget was crafted based on Foundation Aid (New York State Aid) projections since the the NYS final Budget has not yet been approved.
Gillooley provided the following highlights of the budget:
Community School Partnerships
Extended Learning Time
Summer Enrichment Programs/STEAM Camps
Parent Liaison (at least one in each school)
Climate and Safety
Student Support Services including school counselors, psychologists, social workers, transition counselors, work-based learning coordinator, diversion counselors, behavior specialists
Restorative Practice Specialists in all schools
Student Engagement and Attendance Specialist
Additional Lease Space
Fine Arts and Athletics
AVID and IB Programs
Freshman Leadership Academy (moving into new location)
Van Corlaer (moving back to Guilderland Ave. site)
Mont Pleasant Middle School Field and Schenectady High School tennis Courts
Budget development was a collaborative process with department heads and school leaders.
Click here for the Budget Presentation.
Click here for the video of the meeting (Time stamp 36:19 for beginning of budget presentation)
All budget presentations are available here.
School Board Election
The seats currently held by Cathy Lewis and Vivian Parsons are up for election on May 20. To run for a seat on the Board, please click here for more information. Petitions are due by 5 p.m. on April 30, 2025.
Budget Vote and School Board Election Polling Information
Click here to find your polling location
Polls are open 12 - 9 p.m.
Locations:
Yates Elementary School, 725 Salina St.
Howe Elementary School, 1065 Baker Avenue
Paige Elementary School, 104 Elliott Ave.
Woodlawn Elementary School, 3311 Wells Ave.
M.L. King Elementary School, 918 Stanley St.
Mont Pleasant Middle School, 1121 Forest Rd.
Schenectady High School, 1445 The Plaza
Fulton School, 408 Eleanor St.