Menands residents overwhelmingly approved on Tuesday a $13.9 million budget for the 2026-2027 school year.
Voters also approved a proposition to replenish the reserve fund for emergency repairs and a $314,569 Menands Public Library proposed budget.
Finally, voters also elected Board of Education incumbent Patrick Semexant to a four-year term on the board. He received 97 votes in his unopposed bid. There were also two write-in votes cast.
Voters also Library Trustee Libby Post for another term on the library board. She also ran unopposed and received 93 votes. There were also four write-in votes cast.
District officials thanked residents for their continued support.
“We appreciate the enthusiasm and support of our residents,” said Superintendent Jennifer Cannavo.
The $13,997,420 budget passed by a 93 to 20 vote. The spending plan includes a tax levy increase of 2.01%, which remains within the district’s allowable tax cap as calculated by the state formula. As such, the proposal required a simple majority, 50% plus one vote, for approval.
The budget represents a $1 million—7.87%—increase in spending. Actual spending on traditional items is increasing by about 6%, Cannavo said, with the remaining increase of 1.87% required for the short-term borrowing necessary to fund the capital project that voters approved in May 2025.
The spending increase is offset by anticipated revenue from property taxes, state aid and interest.
Reserve fund
The reserve fund referendum passed by a vote of 93 to 17 and will allow the district to set aside an undetermined amount of funding to replenish the school’s reserve fund for emergency repairs. During the past couple of years, school officials have faced unexpected repairs, including to the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) system. The approved referendum allows for the replacement of those funds.