RUPERT, VERMONT — Fourth graders from the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs recently visited the Merck Forest and Farmland Center in Vermont to learn about mapling.They learned how to identify a Sugar Maple tree, how to tap it, and also how to collect its flowing sap. After a walk in the woods, students got a tour of the Sap House, where sap is boiled and then strained into syrup.
The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs serves children and their families from preschool through 8th grade.
SCHUYLERVILLE — Last month, the Schuylerville Board of Education adopted the 2025-26 budget proposal that will go before voters on Tuesday, May 20. Qualified voters will be able to vote from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the District Office Board of Education room.
The $40 million proposed budget calls for a 1.71% spending increase and an estimated tax levy of 1.9%, which is below the district’s allowable tax cap. Tax rates for individual properties will be determined over the summer once equalization rates and assessments are available for the district’s seven towns.
Year to year, the budget always includes previously-agreed upon salary increases from all current contracts, as well as increases or decreases to other expenses depending on the needs of the district.
State aid is historically a large portion of Schuylerville’s revenue each year, equating to about half the district’s budget. This year, in Governor Hochul’s executive budget proposal, Schuylerville received a 2% increase in foundation aid, but will lose building aid, which corresponds to a bond that’s expiring. This results in a projected decrease in overall revenue from the 2024-25 budget. The district intends to use $1.7 million of fund balance to cover the gap of lost revenue and expenditure increases. Over the next two years, the district plans to reduce the use of fund balance to a more manageable figure of $1 million.
If the 2025-26 proposed budget is voted down, the Board of Education has the following options:
Put another budget (revised or not) up for a vote in June
Immediately adopt a contingent budget
If the district adopts a contingent budget, there can be no increase to the tax levy from the prior year. Ordinary contingent expenses may also have to be reduced to ensure no increase to the tax levy.
A public hearing on the proposed 2025-26 budget will be held on May 6 at 6 p.m. in the Schuylerville High School Auditorium.
During the May 20 annual budget vote, voters will elect two members to the Schuylerville CSD Board of Education to fill the following positions:
One five-year term beginning July 1, 2025. The seat is currently held by Bernie Buff.
One term that will commence immediately after the May 20th election (or as close thereto) to succeed Michael Bodnar, who resigned effective Aug. 31, 2024. The term expires June 30, 2027. The seat is currently held by Shaun Cumm, who was appointed by the Board of Education to fill the vacancy for the 2024-25 school year.
Candidate profiles are due Monday, April 21 by 5:00 p.m. Questions can be directed to Board of Education Clerk, Jennifer Tompkins at (518) 695-3255, ext. 3242.
Capital Project Proposal
A capital project proposal is also scheduled for a vote on May 20, alongside the annual budget vote. The district invites community members to attend an information session to learn more about the proposed capital project on Thursday, May 1 at 6 p.m.
From left to right: Ryan Aguam, director of community relations for Senator Tedisco; Darren Scott, upstate east director of development – New York State Homes and Community Renewal; Dara Kovel, CEO of Beacon Communities; Paul Feldman from the Housing Authority; Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford; Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; and Dan Bellgraph, senior development director of Beacon Communities LLC. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local officials broke ground on a $43 million affordable housing development at 36 Allen Drive in Saratoga Springs on Tuesday.
Six fourplexes on the 3.1-acre site were demolished and will be replaced with six three-story buildings featuring 98 one, two, and three-bedroom units for single adult households and small families with incomes of 50 to 80% of the area’s median income (AMI). 40% of the units will have a workforce preference.
Once completed, the new community will be owned and managed by Springs West Apartments LLC, an affiliate of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. Leasing is expected to begin in spring 2026 and be complete by the end of that year.
The new development will feature amenities such as laundry rooms in each building, a community room, gym, playground, and bulk storage spaces. Residents will have access to 92 off-street parking spaces at the rear of the buildings, as well as 26 on-street spaces on Allen Drive.
The Springs West project is being financed with tax exempt bonds issued by New York State Homes & Community Renewal along with an allocation of Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, New York State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and state subsidy loans. The tax-exempt bonds are backed by a Letter of Credit from KeyBank, N.A. Both the LIHTC and SLIHC credits were purchased by Key Community Development Corp.
“Saratoga Springs has long been known as a thriving city for residents and tourists alike, but we must make sure finding a place to call home isn’t a long shot for working families,” Governor Hochul said in a news release. “The new buildings and 98 new apartments at Springs West are a perfect example of my commitment to expanding the supply of affordable, safe, and modern homes across New York. My thanks to our partners in Saratoga Springs for demonstrating what it means to be a Pro-Housing Community.”
“Affordable housing is an important issue to many New Yorkers who live on fixed incomes,” said State Senator Jim Tedisco. “I want to thank the Governor and the NYS Homes and Community Renewal for their efforts in constructing 98 new affordable apartments in Saratoga Springs and the 44th Senate District for residents who may need them to find an affordable place to call home.”
Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford added, “I am thrilled that we are able to bring both affordable and workforce housing into Saratoga Springs.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Longtime Supervisor Matthew Veitch has announced he will not seek re-election in November.
Veitch is one of two supervisors representing the city of Saratoga Springs at the county level. He has served as supervisor for the past 17 years.
Veitch served as Chair of the Board in 2015, and is currently the Board’s vice-chair.
“It has been my great honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Saratoga County as their Supervisor for the past 17 years,” Veitch said in a statement released April 4. “I have loved representing our County and City on State and National level committees. The highlight of my time as Supervisor was serving as Chair of the Board in 2015, it was a great honor to lead the County during that year.
“After talking with my wife and family, I feel it is time for me to focus on other things. So today I am announcing that I am not running for Supervisor in the 2025 election. I do plan on staying involved with City and County government in the future and would not rule out a run for office in the future if the opportunity presents itself.”
On Wednesday, April 16, bring the whole family to Geyser Creek Picnic Area for the free fish stocking event. In addition to the live trout release there will be demonstrations, activities and crafts. The truck is scheduled to arrive at 11:30 a.m. Call or text (518) 810-6906 for more information.
CLIFTON PARK — The following events are slated to take place at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, located at 475 Moe Road. Details and registration information for each program can be found at www.cphlibrary.org or by calling 518-371-8622.
Let’s Talk About It: Funeral Planning – Tuesday, April 15 at 6 pm. This presentation will focus on the benefits of planning your final arrangements in advance. Registration required.
Navigating Long-Term Care: Resources for Caregivers – Wednesday, April 16 at 10:30 am. An in-depth exploration of the long-term care continuum, providing caregivers with practical tools and resources to navigate each stage with confidence and compassion and to make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for their loved ones. Registration required.
Climate Change in Your Community – Thursday, April 17 at 7 pm. An hour of conversation with local experts on various aspects of climate change in our community.
Sound Bath Meditation – Wednesday, April 23 at 10 am. Sound healing synchronizes brain waves to achieve profound states of relaxation, helping to restore the normal vibratory frequencies of the cells in our bodies. Sound therapy can also improve brain health and memory by direct stimulation with sound frequencies. Registration required.
Therapy Dogs for Teens – Thursday, April 24 at 4:30 p.m., and Wednesday, April 30 at 10 a.m. De-stress and pet a therapy dog. Come alone or with a friend. For teens in grades 6-12 only.
Concert: Albany Gay Men’s Chorus – Saturday. April 26 at 2 p.m. An afternoon of musical entertainment with the talented 45+ member chorus that features a repertoire that includes singing quality choral music as well as Broadway tunes, popular songs, and fun novelty pieces. All are welcome to attend.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The following events, offered by the Saratoga Senior Center, are open to the public. The Saratoga Senior Center is located on West Avenue in Saratoga Springs. For more information, go to: https://saratogaseniorcenter.org/.
Free Presentations at the Center:
Managing your Medications on Monday, April 14 at 1 p.m., and The Grand Hotels of Saratoga Springs on Friday, April 25 at 10 a.m. Presented by Charlie Kuenzel.
Support Groups at the Center:
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group–2nd Friday of every month | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Memory Cafe–1st Friday of every month | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Parkinsons Support & Discussion Group–3rd Monday of every month | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Grief & Loss Support & Discussion Group–2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Long Term Care Planning Expo– Tuesday, April 22, 2 – 4 p.m. Plan for your future. Hear about topics like estate planning, long-term care finances, and finding the right living community from experts.
Volunteer Fair– Monday, April 28, 2 – 4 p.m. Discover the many ways you can volunteer in Saratoga Springs. Whether you have a few hours a week or more, there are opportunities to fit your schedule and interests.
Upcoming Bus Trips:
Burlington, VT Bus Trip – Thursday Oct. 2. Enjoy a guided tour of the Shelburne Museum. Trip + Museum Cost: $65 per person;
Salem, MA Bus Trip –Tuesday Oct. 28. Enjoy a spooky day on your own in Salem. Trip Cost: $70 per person;
New York City, NY Bus Trip – Wednesday Dec. 10. New York City at Christmas time. Trip Cost: $51 per person. To RSVP for a bus trip call 518-584-1621.
I recently learned that there will be a Republican Primary in my hometown Greenfield this June. I was disheartened to learn this because my family has been so impressed with our current Supervisor Kevin Veitch.
Veitch has built a staff of friendly people at Town Hall, which has made doing business with the town easier and more efficient than ever before. With the events happening all the time and all the outreach I receive, I really feel like I know what is going on in the town. My wife and I had moved out of Greenfield for a few years but recently moved back because of the incredible changes we’ve seen being made by Kevin Veitch. Not only are so many great things coming out of Town Hall, but I am always so pleased to see he always attends the events, so we all have the pleasure of knowing him personally.
I am prouder than ever to be a resident of this town. We have taken such great steps in the right direction. Greenfield is such a special place to live and I hope all of the residents will re-elect this man. Thank you,
GREENFIELD CENTER — Margaret Marie Brown, passed April 7, 2025, just a couple weeks after her 91st birthday. In lieu of flowers/contributions, the family asks that you go out, raise a glass to Margaret’s memory, and enjoy a great meal for yourselves…it would have made her very happy. Burial is private. www.burkefuneralhome.com
