Menands School officials are working on a draft 2026-27 school year budget that would be within the state’s tax cap.
At a recent budget workshop, Board of Education members and administrators discussed a $14 million draft proposal that, at present, would require a 2.01% property tax increase.
Superintendent Jennifer Cannavo said many details are still being addressed, with uncertainty looming in state aid for programs such as pre-K. That being said, the draft spending plan includes funding to maintain all school programming at the current levels.
In the coming weeks, the board and administration will review:
- BOCES expenditures in more detail
- Out-of-district special education placements
- Health insurance costs
- Tuition paid to public schools for both regular and special educations costs
As the budget continues to come together, Cannavo said the Board of
Education and administration continue to work with four key goals in mind:
- Support academic excellence through high-quality, responsive curriculum and instruction
- Invest in equitable practices and supports to ensure all students thrive and feel valued
- Invest in whole-child development by fostering a safe, supportive school community
- Remain fiscally responsible to the taxpayers
The next budget workshop is March 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the school library.
Village residents will head to the polls on May 19, from noon – 8 p.m. at the school, 19 Ward’s Lane in the village, to vote on the final budget proposal, as well as elect a Board of Education member.