Public schools are among the most significant investments that any community makes collectively. District leaders work to make the most effective use of resources to benefit students, to develop and manage the budget in a responsible and transparent manner, and to be accountable to taxpayers. Each spring the Board of Education adopts a budget for the coming school year for a community vote, which is typically held on the third Tuesday in May.
2020-21 Budget
On June 16, Menands voters approved (299 to 79) by absentee ballot a $9.8 million budget for the 2020-21 school year.
Under the approved budget, spending increases by $785,703 over the 2019-20 school year. A large portion of the increase can be attributed to costs associated with the district’s capital project. These costs are offset by increased revenue in the form of state building aid, not from local taxes. Also contributing to the increase is greater transportation needs resulting from increased enrollment and issuance of new multi-year transportation contracts.
The approved budget carries a tax levy increase of $234,917, or 3.36%, 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.
The budget maintains all existing programs and opportunities for students. It also continues to support the increasingly diverse student population and student needs, consistent with the district’s mission and goals.
Incumbent board member Bill Nevins was re-elected to the Board of Education.
Past budget summaries
2019-20
- Final Budget 2019-20: $9,038,667
- Spending Increase: 3.53 percent
- Tax Levy Increase: 3.75 percent
2018-2019
- Final Budget 2018-19: $8,730,680
- Spending Increase: 2.14 percent
- Tax Levy Increase: 3.25 percent
2017-2018
- Final Budget 2017-18: $8,548,159
- Spending Increase: 2.54 percent
- Tax Levy Increase: 1.81 percent
2016-2017
- Final Budget 2016-17: $8,336,436
- Spending Increase: 3.41 percent
- Tax Levy Increase: 1.36 percent
Voter Information
Residents across New York State go to the polls on the third Tuesday each May to vote on the annual school budget and elect members to the Board of Education. Voters must be 18 years old, United States citizens, and have resided in the district for at least 30 days prior to the vote. You do not need to be pre-registered in order to vote, but personal identification may be requested at the polls.
Absentee ballot information
This information is not applicable for the 2020-21 budget vote.
Absentee ballots are available for residents who will be out of town or unable to vote at the polls due to illness or disability. Please note the following deadlines for absentee ballots. To request an absentee ballot, please contact the District Clerk by phone at (518) 465-4561, Ext. 106 or in-person at the District Office, 19 Wards Ln, Menands.
- If you are requesting an absentee ballot by mail: Absentee ballots must be requested by May 11 if the ballot is to be mailed.
- If you are requesting an absentee ballot in person: Absentee ballots must be requested by the day before the vote (May 18) if you are picking up the ballot in person.
- Deadline for absentee ballots: All absentee ballots must be returned by 4 p.m. on the day of the vote (May 19).
The STAR Program
Homeowners who meet certain eligibility requirements through the New York State School Tax Relief Program – STAR – can have a portion of their home’s assessed value exempt from school property taxes. Learn more about the STAR program.