2026-2027 School Budget Vote on May 19

Residents in the Saratoga Springs City School District will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to vote on the proposed 2026-2027 school budget for the upcoming year.

The proposed $166,095,679 budget includes a 3.85% tax levy increase, which remains below the state’s tax cap, reflecting the district’s continued focus on fiscal responsibility while maintaining strong educational programming.

2026-2027 Proposed Budget Highlights

As part of the budget development process, the district reviewed existing allocations to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiencies. Through staff reallocations and careful resource management, the district aligned staffing and programs with student needs while maintaining strong educational opportunities for students.

The 2026–2027 budget supports a range of initiatives designed to meet the evolving needs of students while expanding opportunities across the district. Key highlights include the expansion of the Strategies Special Education Program to provide additional targeted support for students, the growth of the girls flag football program to include a modified level to increase access and participation, and the creation of a girls wrestling program through a merger, further expanding athletic opportunities. The budget also continues investing in academic programs that support student achievement and engagement.

In addition, the budget includes a $100,000 capital outlay project to replace the Blue Gym doors at Saratoga Springs High School as part of safety and security upgrades.

Also on the Ballot:

Bus Bond Proposition: This would authorize the school district to issue an estimated $2,413,000 in serial bonds to purchase eight 70-passenger buses, five 30-passenger buses, and three Suburban vehicles. State aid would reimburse the district for approximately 40 percent of the cost.

Board of Education Election: District residents will elect three individuals to the Board of Education for three-year terms. The candidates, in the order that they will appear on the ballot, are Lauren Allen, Anita Stabrowski, and Beth Braxton.

• Lauren Allen is an Assistant Professor at SUNY Empire State University with expertise in behavioral and school psychology. She completed advanced training at the Kennedy Krieger Institute through the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.  Lauren holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Psychology, along with a B.S. in Psychology, from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is actively involved in the Saratoga Springs community and supports neuro-inclusive programming through partnerships with local organizations, while also serving in leadership roles in professional associations.

• Anita Stabrowski is a Saratoga Springs community member and retired public school teacher. She brings a strong background in education and a continued commitment to supporting students and schools. Anita earned her B.S. from Western Illinois University and her M.S.Ed. from the University of Rochester. She remains active in the community and regularly volunteers at city-hosted events.

• Beth Braxton, the current Board of Education Vice President, is seeking a second term. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Chair of the Counseling Division at SUNY Adirondack, with more than 20 years of experience in clinical and educational settings. Beth holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Richmond, as well as an M.Ed. in School Counseling and an Ed.S. in Mental Health Counseling from James Madison University. A Saratoga Springs native, she lives in the community with her husband and their three children and remains active in local organizations.