2022-23 budget passes with 83 percent approval

On May 17, Menands Union Free School District voters approved (165 to 33) a $10.8 million spending plan for the 2022-23 school year.

Under the approved budget, spending will increase by $545,987 over the current year. The spending plan continues all current student programs, services and student supports. Budget additions for next year include one additional custodian and the purchase of equipment to maintain school facilities. Additionally, the budget supports the district’s increasingly diverse student population and student needs, consistent with the district’s mission and goals.

The budget carries a tax levy increase of $210,857, or 2.90%, which is within the allowable tax levy cap as calculated by the state’s formula. As a result, a simple majority (50% plus one vote) was needed for approval.

Voters also elected Elangovan Raman (127) and Charles Luke (102) to the Board of Education. Elangovan will begin his term on July 1, and will serve a full five-year term ending on June 30, 2027. Charles will begin his term immediately, and serve the remainder of former board member Jeff Masline’s term, expiring June 30, 2023.

Additionally, voters approved a proposition to shorten the Board of Education term length from five to four years (172 to 24) and the establishment of a capital reserve fund (169 to 22).

Lastly, voters approved the Menands Public Library’s budget proposal of $148,343 (174 to 15) and elected Marci Murphy to the library Board of Trustees (136).