On Tuesday, May 21, voters in the Niskayuna Central School District will decide on a proposed $110.7 million school budget for the 2024-25 school year. Voters will also decide on a bus purchase proposition and elect two members to the Board of Education.
The budget proposal continues all current student programs and services and staffing funded in the General Fund as well as nearly $1.8 million in new investments in education in our school district.
The budget calls for a tax levy increase of 2.0%, which is below the district’s tax cap for next year. The district is able to propose a tax levy increase below the cap, make new investments in student programs and services, and keep up with inflationary cost pressures.
New investments were guided by budget priorities that focused broadly on expanding educational access and opportunity, support for students and learning, and district operational needs, including facilities upkeep. Investing in student, faculty and staff support in particular were major community budget priorities identified earlier this winter through an online budget dialogue on the ThoughtExchange platform.
In addition to continuing all current student programs and services, additions to the budget include:
- Providing academic programs and opportunities that support and address schoolwide needs, for all students, faculty and staff
- Offering mental health support, social-emotional curriculum, and assessments of building and staff security/safety
- Enhancing educational and extracurricular experiences and opportunities with a focus on equity and belonging, supporting and providing programs for family/community education and engagement
- Establishing Niskayuna as an “Employer of First Choice” in the region, continued evaluation/investment in wage competitiveness, greater employee engagement, outreach to build a diverse workforce
- Expanding the Niskayuna PreKindergarten Program to provide more opportunities for the community’s 4-year-olds with multiple classrooms at multiple sites
- Using information and instructional technology effectively, continuing classroom technology upgrades, leveraging data to identify student needs, improve outcomes and enhance operations
- Using the general fund to continue school facility improvements with a focus on modernization and beautification
- Transitioning to a new Niskayuna nickname that builds community and through branding, signage, uniforms, etc.
What’s on the ballot?
School Budget of $110,770,769
- Spending increase: $2,965,605
- Tax levy increase: $1,274,459
Bus Purchase Proposition
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$1,766,422 for nine new buses, including two electric as part of the district’s long-term bus replacement plan.
Board of Education Election: Two Open Seats
Candidates have until 5:00 p.m. on April 22, 2024 to submit nominating petition paperwork.
Voting Information
Voting
Tuesday, May 21 • 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Niskayuna High School
Absentee/Early Mail Ballots
Absentee/early mail ballot applications will be issued upon request to residents who will be out of town or unable to vote at the polls due to illness or disability. Call the district clerk at (518) 377-4666, ext. 4, to obtain an application and for information about deadlines.