School votes today
Some ballots also seek OK on renovations, buses and reserve funds
The polls are open for school district budgets and propositions as well as the election of school board members.
Don’t forget to head to the polls Tuesday to cast your votes on school district budgets and propositions as well as the election of school board members.
Depending on what school district you live in, polling times may differ, so be sure to check with your local board of elections or school district.
Albany residents for the first time will be casting their votes on the proposed budget as well as school board seats on the same day. The state moved the city district’s school board elections from November to May last summer.
Voters should prepare to cast two ballots — one for school board nominees and another for thebudget—whentheygotothe polls.
Here’s a rundown of the school districts’ budgets across the Capital Region, polling times and contact information:
■ Albany: The $249.4 million budget carries a 1.33 percent increase in the tax levy. Three school board seats are up for election. Polls for all Albany County school districts are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For additional information, contact the Albany County Board of Elections at 518-487-5060. You can also visit its website to find your polling location.
■ Berne-knox-westerlo: The more than $23 million spending plan represents a 2.64 percent increase in spending over the 2017-18 budget, and carries a 1 percent tax levy increase. Residents will also vote on a vehicle proposition and one board seat.
■ Bethlehem: The proposed budget totals $98.78 million, up 1.7 percent. The tax levy increase will be 2.4 percent and is below the district’s tax cap. The budget seeks to buy 15 replacement school buses at a cost not to exceed $1,190,000.
■ North Colonie: A $111.1 million budget would increase spending by 3.6 percent and result in a tax increase of about 1.9 percent.
■ South Colonie: The district proposes a $102.2 million budget, up about 2.75 percent
in spending and carrying a 2.95 percent tax levy increase. A bus proposition and board election are also on the ballot. A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. May 8 at Saddlewood Elementary School.
■ Brunswick (Brittonkill): The $24.56 million budget calls for a 4.2 percent spending increase and tax levy increase of 2.82 percent, which is under the 5.66 percent state cap for this district. Voters also decide on buying two buses and a setting up a $100,000 capital fund. Residents can cast their votes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact the school district at 518-279-4600.
East Greenbush: The
■ budget proposal of $94.26 million has an increase of 2.29 percent and maintains all programs and services. Voters also will consider two bus purchases and the creation of a new bus-purchase reserve fund. The first bus purchase proposition is to approve $652,498 from the current reserve fund to buy nine buses. The second proposed is to fund the $113,747 cost of buying a bus. The third proposition creates a new bus reserve fund. Residents can cast their votes from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, contact the school district at 518-207-2500.
Niskayuna: The district
■ is proposing a budget of $84.2 million, up 1.03 percent. It would result in a 2.64 percent tax levy increase. Voters can also decide on the purchase of six replacement buses, and candidates for two seats on the board. Residents can cast their votes from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, contact the school district at 518-377-4666.
Troy: The $111.89 million
■ budget maintains all academic programs and includes no staff layoffs, according to the district. It calls for a 1.27 percent tax levy increase. Polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact the school district at 518-328-5052.
■ Saratoga Springs: The district’s $125.98 budget calls for a 2.66 percent spending increase and a tax levy increase of 3.93 percent. A $15.6 million proposal for outdoor improvements and renovations to the eight schools as well as Gavin Park, East Side Recreation Park and West Side Recreation Park also will greet voters. Residents can vote from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, contact the school district at 518-583-4700.
Schenectady: A $194.4
■ million budget is up in spending by about 4.4 percent and would add $1.5 million worth of programs and services for students. It lowers the tax levy by $500,000. Polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. For more information, contact the school district at 518370-8100.
Scotia-glenville: The
■
Board of Education has adopted a $55.98 million budget for the 2018-19 school year that closes a $1.3 million budget gap and adds a high school mental health program. The proposal would raise the tax levy by 3.36 percent, slightly less than the state-provided tax levy cap of 3.46 percent. Also on the ballot: a bus purchase proposal, a $14 million capital project and two open board seats. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, contact the school district at 518-347-3600.
Shenendehowa: A
■ proposed $173.7 million budget includes a spending increase of 2.19 percent. The tax levy increase of 2.92 percent. There are three board seats open. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, contact the school district at 518-881-0611.