Menands residents will go to the polls on Tuesday, May 20 to vote on a proposed $12.9 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year.
In addition to the annual budget, voters will consider two separate propositions: A $6.67 million Capital Project and the transfer of the village library property to the Library Board of Trustees.
The proposed budget represents a $521,553 —4.19%—increase in spending. The increase is offset by anticipated revenue from property taxes, state aid, interest earnings, tuition from non-resident students, and the district’s fund balance.
Details of the budget proposal are being sent to district residents this week via the annual budget newsletter. A copy of that is available here.
The budget includes a tax levy increase of 4.14%, which remains within the state’s allowable tax cap. As such, the proposal requires a simple majority, 50% plus one vote, for approval.
A public hearing on the proposed budget was held on Wednesday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the Menands School Library.
Superintendent Jennifer Cannavo said the proposal reflects the district’s continued commitment to academic excellence and fiscal responsibility. It maintains all current programming and allows for enhancements in key areas, including:
- Health and safety measures, including the presence of a school resource officer
- Support for a wide range of extracurricular activities across many grade levels, including flag football, STEM, drama, and community service opportunities
- Implementation of the district’s strategic plan focused on student achievement, social-emotional learning and equity
- Transition of the PreK program to district control, ensuring the best possible opportunities for our youngest learners
- Middle school opportunities, including yearly health and art instruction, Innovation Lab for 7th grade, and social-emotional learning supports to assist 6th grade students
- Increased community-building in the middle school, including regular community circles and advanced coursework that is available to all students and allows them to enter high school with up to four credits
- Ongoing support of the Riverside Collaboration for Special Education, which enables Menands students to be educated in-district and generates tuition revenue from neighboring districts
- Safety improvements to school grounds and maintenance of campus facilities