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Carmella A. Mayette

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Carmella A. Mayette passed away peacefully at on Sunday, May 3, 2026, after a short illness. Born on September 8, 1934, in Saratoga Springs, she was the oldest daughter of the late Gennaro and Margaret (Scuderi) Sansiveri. She was a 1952 graduate of Saratoga High School.

She spent her early working years at The Saratogian until the mid-1950s when she became a stay- at-home Mom with three daughters. When her oldest began high school Carmella, as a single Mom, returned to the workforce again at The Saratogian as secretary to the publisher and later worked in bookkeeping at the newspaper. She continued her career in an administrative support position at Clinical Services, part of St. Peter’s Hospital. When she “retired” in the early 2000s she wrapped up her career working with her daughter Stacie at Home Made Theater as an Administrative Assistant, where she could be found in the box office and answering the phone.

Carmella was strong, very proud and she always worked hard to provide for her girls. She raised her three daughters largely on her own in a remarkable fashion. Working hard to support her family, to be sure that they had what they needed; a safe home, food on the table, college educations and just the clothes and special things that they wanted. She’d shop well and sometimes drive great lengths to get just the right gifts, even if it required a trip out of state. Day trips to Vermont were a favorite activity. Shopping and lunch out were a great way to spend the day! As the mom to school aged children, she chaperoned many field trips, even a big one to Rochester when St. Peter’s won the 1973 NYS Basketball Championship.

Gram, as her two grandchildren always referred to her, was an important part of their lives. She was a permanent fixture at their extracurricular activities. From soccer games and later football games to more soccer games and dance recitals, even some of her great granddaughter’s, she always showed up, often the one you could hear cheering the loudest. Any time her grandchildren spent the night at her house, she made homemade pizza with them. They still remember how she’d buy a block of mozzarella cheese to slice thinly to top the pizza with, instead of getting pre-packaged shredded cheese, a little detail they loved.

Shopping days out continued with her granddaughter. While Carmella always bought her a special dress each Christmas, years later, she insisted on purchasing her wedding dress, stating, “It’s the last dress I’ll ever get to buy you.” Those special days were cherished by all three generations.

Carmella was very proud of her town home that she purchased in the 1980s. She lived there until just a few years ago when she downsized to an apartment, where there was *never* enough room.

Carmella loved the ocean. She enjoyed spending time with her brother and sister-in-law at their vacation home on the Jersey shore, whether walking the beach or sitting on the balcony with a good book. Another favorite while in Jersey was adventures with her dear sister-in-law Denise, shopping, going to the casinos in Atlantic City or simply spending time together. Beyond Atlantic City, Carmella enjoyed a visit to any casino, and in particular the slot machines.

Her girls made sure she traveled by including her in their plans, visiting London in the ‘90s, trips to the ocean in many states, overnights to out of town Siena football games, Yankee Stadium Old Timers’ Day, Andrea Bocelli concert, or a relaxing week in the summer up at her daughter and son-in-law’s bed & breakfast. These were some of her favorites.

In her later years she was the epitome of a little old feisty Italian woman through and through. She stood up for herself and her family, always. She was sarcastic, witty, sharp, and most decidedly still feisty, even at the age of 91. On the flip side, she was also very caring and loving. While the outside world may have seen her tougher outer shell, those close to her know that she would do anything for them and felt her love.

Aside from her parents Carmella was pre-deceased by her three siblings Anthony Sansiveri, Marie Farone and Margaret Farone.

She is survived by her three daughters Suzanne Mangini (David) of Saratoga Springs, Marianne Lynch (Stephen) of Granville and Stacie Barnes (Howard) of Saratoga Springs. Also surviving are her two grandchildren Andrew Mangini (Melissa) of Halfmoon and Audrey Moore (Aaron) of Ballston Lake. Her four great-grandchildren who were an absolute highlight of her later years and always brought huge smiles to her face; Max and Lily Mangini and Aislynn and DJ Moore will miss Great-Gram immensely. Carmella is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Her family extends their thanks to the Palliative Care team at Saratoga Hospital. Dr. Pezzulo, Mitch Forshay, and the nurses were wonderful. Her daughters are also grateful to their mom’s dear friend Vince Walsh who spent many hours visiting and often sharing some wine with Carmella. His friendship and companionship were a blessing.

Calling hours were Wednesday, May 6, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373). A Funeral Home Service was celebrated on Thursday, May 7, at Burke Funeral Home. Burial took place in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages memorial donations to the Saratoga Hospital Foundation, for the Palliative Care Department, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 https://saratogahospital.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/saratogahospital/donation.jsp or The Beagle School Capital Campaign, 15 Regent Street, also in Saratoga Springs https://www.beagleschool.com/donate.  Her grandchildren and great grandchildren are alumni, and her granddaughter serves on the Executive Board.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Letters to the Editor

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

Publicly funded social assistance without requirement is irresponsible and leads to fraud. There are huge dangerous degrees affecting entire localities between assisting transients: those without intention, aimless, and opportunistic; and community homelessness. To require people seeking shelter in Saratoga to identify themselves should be considered basic. Other requirements such as past or present residence in Saratoga County or neighboring Counties without their own shelters, and a 3 day time limit for those in true emergency without the preceding criteria, are not unreasonable and should be considered. A person should be able to identify themselves and be identifiable even without a license or social security card; and anybody anywhere can currently input an individual’s name into any internet search engine and receive without cost a list of that individual’s past residences and even personal associations. Because there is no easy remedy for our current situation, shouldn’t make Saratoga Springs dumbfounded into acceptance of the untenable considering our ready access to wealth and resource. We should expect more of ourselves and each other, low barriers to anything lead to complacency and contempt. Facilitating someone’s addiction with resource or location or allowing people to domicile outdoors and thereby become public health risks is not generosity, permitting someone to slowly commit suicide in public does not clear those around them from responsibility, even begging and panhandling should not be considered a right of self determination unless you believe poverty to be a human right. Poverty is fraud profound; the measure of disparity in wealth, access, and resource, within any community, is the measure of active fraud within that community.

– Daniel Fuentes

Saratoga Soundtrack Chorus Captures First Place 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured.

Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On April 25 in Albany, the Saratoga Soundtrack Chorus captured first place in Division A (small chorus containing 12-25 singing members) at the Greater New York/New Jersey Region 15 Annual Convention and Competition, Sweet Adelines International. 

Under the direction of Jennifer Hunter, twenty-four singers took the stage to perform in a four-part barbershop style competition. Seven of the chorus members were first-time competitors.

The chorus performed two songs: “This Could Be the Start of Something Big,” written by Steve Allen and arranged by Larry Wright, and “From the First Hello to the Last Goodbye,” written by Johnny Burke and arranged by Jim Arns. Both songs contained adaptations by Nancy Faddegon. 

Saratoga Soundtrack Chorus is an award-winning women’s a cappella ensemble specializing in four-part harmony. Since its founding in 2008, the chorus has entertained audiences with a diverse repertoire that spans classics, jazz, ballads, and contemporary selections. Their musical performance is visually enhanced through characterization and choreography.

Malta Mile Race on May 9

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Image via Malta Mile.

MALTA — The 2026 Malta Mile is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m. prior to the Malta Veteran’s Appreciation Day Parade.

The race route begins at the Malta Community Center, heads south on Route 9, and finishes near Ellsworth Commons.

Proceeds of the run will help offset the maintenance of bike paths in the winter months.   

For more information or to register, visit roundaboutrunnersclub.com/malta-mile.

Saratoga Wrestling Club Holding Fundraiser on May 4

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Image via the Saratoga Wrestling Club.

MALTA — The Saratoga Wrestling Club is holding a fundraiser on Monday, May 4 at the Active Ingredient Brewing Company in Malta.

Patrons can let the brewery know that they’re with the Saratoga Wrestling Club and 18% of their payment will go directly to the club. Dining hours are from 3 to 9 p.m. (dine-in only).

The club provides year-round training opportunities for wrestlers from pre-k through college.

National Museum of Racing  Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Class

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eleven new members have been elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. 

In the Contemporary Category, racehorse Kona Gold and the late trainers Christophe Clement and John A. Shirreffs earned the requisite votes from the nationwide voting panel for election. In the Historic Review Category, racehorses Gulch and Mongo and the late trainer David A. Whiteley were chosen by a committee vote. In the Pillars of the Turf Category, the late Prince Khalid bin Abdullah, Dr. Robert Copelan, Seth W. Hancock, G. Watts Humphrey, Jr., and the late Joseph E. Widener received the necessary support from the selection committee.

Kona Gold, Clement, and Shirreffs were chosen on the majority of ballots submitted (50 percent plus one vote is required for election). A total of 143 voters (92.8 percent) participated from the 154 eligible to cast ballots. In the Historic Review and Pillars of the Turf categories, 75 percent approval from the respective committees is required for election.

The 2026 Hall of Fame Class will be enshrined at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, at Fasig-Tipton’s Humphrey S. Finney Sales Pavilion in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The event will be aired live on the Museum website at racingmuseum.org. It is open to the public and free to attend. Broadcaster Charlsie Cantey will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Christophe Clement (1965-2025) won 2,576 races with purse earnings of $184,127,449 (12th all time) in a career that spanned from 1991 through 2025. He trained three-time Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti, winner of four straight Grade 1s on the turf in 2009, as well as 2014 Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Tonalist, who also won consecutive runnings of the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) in 2014 and 2015. Clement won 286 graded stakes.

John A. Shirreffs (1945-2026) trained the winners of 596 races, including 113 graded events, with purse earnings of $58,581,916. Although he had a few starters as early as 1978, Shirreffs did not train full time until 1994. He won the Kentucky Derby (G1) in 2005 with 50-1 longshot Giacomo and later became the conditioner of one of racing’s all-time greats, Hall of Fame member Zenyatta. Shirreffs trained the four-time Eclipse Award winner to 19 consecutive victories, including 13 Grade 1s, from 2007 through 2010.

“American Idol” Winner Headlining Local Charity Concert

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Image via Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Phillip Phillips will headline Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga’s annual Charity Benefit Concert on Aug. 1.

Best known for his five-times platinum hit “Home,” Phillips first captured the nation’s attention as the winner of “American Idol” season 11. Since then, he’s amassed more than 1.5 billion streams and 4.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Phillips has toured with John Mayer, the Goo Goo Dolls, and Gavin DeGraw.

“We are so excited to welcome Phillip Phillips to the farm this year,” said Meg Koloskie, development and communications manager at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. “This event has grown into something really special for our community, and bringing an artist like Phillip here feels like such a natural fit. It is going to be an incredible night, and at the end of it all, it supports the horses and the people who need this work the most.”

Opening for Phillips will be local acts The Wallies (featuring Gianna Robustiano) and Caity Gallagher.

The event’s lineup of food and beverage partners includes Franklin Square Market, Neighborhood Kitchen Pizza, Old Tavern Farm Winery & Distillery, and Druthers Brewing Company.

Previous Charity Benefit Concert headliners include the Spin Doctors (2025) and The Bacon Brothers (2024, featuring actor Kevin Bacon).

Tickets for the event go on sale June 1. For more info, visit thsaratoga.org/phillipphillips.

Flick Fans Flock to Film Forum

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


The Saratoga Film Forum, which hosts weekly independent film screenings at Saratoga Arts, brought in a sizable crowd for its April 23 showing of “Blue Moon,” a Richard Linklater film starring Ethan Hawke that received two Oscar nominations. Next up for the forum: “Sentimental Value” on April 30, “East of Wall” on May 7, “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” on May 14, “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” on May 21, and “Lurker” on May 28. The forum’s initial 12-week pilot program will include four more screenings before wrapping (for now, at least) on June 25.
 Photo by Jonathon Norcross. 

This Week’s Events: May 1-7 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, May 1

Movie Night

Old Saratoga Reformed Church, 48 Pearl Street, Schuylerville | 6 p.m. We will be playing “Sister Act”. Popcorn and drinks will be provided – you are welcome to bring your own snacks as well, but please no alcohol. Admission is free.

Celebrating Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Saratoga Arts Theater, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 7 – 9 p.m. Rock City Falls Trio + Renjie Song -The cross-genre ensemble ROCK CITY FALLS TRIO (Alex Chang, harp; Jason Handron, bass; Adam forman, drums) in collaboration with traditional xiao flutist RENJIE SONG for a set of live improvisations.

Saturday, May 2

Annual Spring Faire

Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, 62 York Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. A family-friendly celebration of the season. Throughout the day, guests can take part in a variety of hands-on activities, face painting, hair braiding, a seedling sale and a selection of local vendors offer opportunities to bring a bit of spring home. Food and drink will be available across campus, with offerings from the outdoor pizza oven, an indoor café serving fresh soups and breads, a bake sale, and a pie and cake auction, live music and performances, puppet shows, and an instrument petting zoo, inviting children to explore and play a variety of instruments. Spend time with gentle animals, including rabbits and a dove. The celebration will culminate in the traditional Maypole dance, bringing the community together in a joyful close to the day. For more information visit waldorfSaratoga.org. 

Craft Show 

The King’s School, 6087 State Route 9N, Hadley | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Come explore a variety of unique, handmade items from many talented vendors. Enjoy delicious food from a local food truck while you shop and take time to connect and fellowship with others in our community. This is a great opportunity to support local creators and spend a relaxing day with family and friends. We hope to see you there! 

Saratoga Comic Con

Saratoga Springs City Center and Hilton Hotel, 522/534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  From anime and gaming to comics, cosplay, and family fun—this is the ultimate weekend destination for fans of all ages. Get up close with iconic voices and fan-favorite stars from gaming, anime, and beyond. Meet talented creators, commission custom artwork, and explore unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Prepare for incredible costumes and fan-favorite characters brought to life. A full weekend of non-stop entertainment. For more information visit http://www.saratogacomiccon.com. 

Ballston Spa Cemetery Association Annual Meeting 

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, 10:30 a.m.  The community is invited to attend, and Association Members (lot owners) are eligible to vote on cemetery business issues.

Luther Forest: A Family, A Woodland 

Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 4 – 6 p.m. Celebrating the opening of our new exhibition, Luther Forest: A Family, A Woodland, A Legacy, focusing on the history and evolutions of the private forest in Malta and Stillwater. We welcome community members to a reception with light bites and sparkling water, where they will be among the first to view our new exhibit. For more information, and to register for this event, please visit brooksidemuseum.org.

Sunday, May 3

Eating Disorder Awareness Walk

Congress Park Canfield Casino, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. Flutters of Hope is hosting an Annual Eating Disorder Awareness Walk.  All are welcome to join. Friendly dogs are welcome. The walk is approximately 1 mile.

Chiaroscuro: In Light & Dark

Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 5th Ave., Saratoga Springs | 3 p.m. Join us for an exploration of light and shadow, featuring quintets and sextets by Felix Medelssohn, Arnold Schoenberg and Jörg Widmann. Jill Levy & Jessica Tong, violins; Nicholas Cords & David Rose, violas; Ashley Bathgate & Kee-Hyun Kim, cellos. Felix Mendelssohn String Quintet in B-Flat Major; Arnold Schoenberg Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night); Jörg Widmann 180 beats per minute. For tickets, www.saratogachamberplayers.org. 

Monday, May 4

The Bacon Hill Cemetery Association Annual Meeting

Bacon Hill Church, 560 Rt. 32N Schuylerville | 6:30 p.m. All lot owners are welcome to attend.

Drop-In Tech Help 

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 4 – 5 p.m. Tech troubles? Our high school volunteers can help with basic tech support during this drop-in session. Bring your devices, along with cords and passwords, to get assistance with tasks such as navigating apps, setting up accounts, connecting bluetooth devices, or general troubleshooting. Help is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteers cannot repair equipment or resolve complex hardware or software issues. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org.

Galway Preservation Society Meeting

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:45. This month’s program, “The Galway Fire of 1908” presented by Arlene Rhodes.  Eight major buildings in the heart of Galway Village were lost, including the MacPherson and Galway Hotels and two stores, one of which housed the post office.  Arlene is a retired English Teacher, historian and was a project leader for the Galway Preservation publication, Galway 1900-1949, A Photographic History. Our programs are always open to the public, free of charge.  If you choose, annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year.  Please join us for some fun and to learn more about our history.  

Tuesday, May 5

May Networking Breakfast

Sterling Real Estate Group, 1487 Saratoga Rd., Ballston Spa | 8 – 9:30 a.m. The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association (BSBPA) will host the breakfast. Light breakfast fare and coffee will be provided by Iron Roost, a downtown Ballston Spa favorite recognized for its scratch-made breakfast and brunch menu, including its signature waffles. The cost to attend is $10. Guests may RSVP in advance by emailing info@ballston.org  or pay at the door. The event is open to the public, and membership in the BSBPA is not required. For additional information, visit www.ballston.org or email info@ballston.org. 

Cinco de Mayo Cultural Celebration

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Center with a full day of cultural programming, including a historical presentation, language experiences, music, and a live virtual trip to Puebla, Mexico. For more information, to RSVP, or to become a member, call 518-584-1621 or visit www.saratogaseniorcenter.org.

Catholic Daughters of America Meeting

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs | 5:45 p.m. CDA Court McLaughlin #422 members gather for recitation of the Rosary, followed by refreshments and fellowship.  Business meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.  All members and those interested in joining are invited to attend.  Questions? please contact our Regent, Dawn Weber 518-226-5641 or by email  CDA422Saratoga@gmail.com.

Woodcock Walks

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton | 7:45-8:45 p.m. Learn about this amazing bird then take a guided walk at dusk. In the meadow we will look for their mating displays and listen for their calls. Registration is required for most of our programs at least one business day in advance. 

Register on our website wiltonpreserve.org or by calling the office at 518-450-0321.

Wednesday, May 6

Ham Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Curbside pickup only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: baked ham, scalloped potatoes, vegetable, apple sauce, roll, tossed salad. Dinner $15 (cash only).

Pickin’s    

The Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Doors open 6 p.m. 

Open to the Public, Free Admission & ample free parking. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share, Beverages provided. Call-Earl 518-248-9922 with questions.

America and the Holocaust

Zoom Program, 7 p.m. A panel discussion of the public television documentary. America and the Holocaust explores the decisions that President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his State Department made to block news about the growing genocide in Europe, as well as to keep Jewish immigration drastically below the limits of an-already tight quota system, both before and during World War II. The documentary is available to stream free on YouTube. Pre-registration is required. Click the blue box above or enter the URL below in your browser:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/59bIfbh/AmericaHolocaust.

Thursday, May 7

Gardens Tour Kickoff 

Sunnyside Gardens, 345 A Church St., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. Shop and sip and enjoy a free, informal Saratoga Soroptimist Secret Gardens Tour Kick-off Party. Enter to win gorgeous raffle baskets. Find great Mother’s Day gifts. Pick up herbs, plants, décor and more, and buy tickets to the 31st Saratoga Secret Gardens Tour, set for Sunday, June 28. A percentage of all Sunnyside purchases, including gift cards, will be donated to Soroptimists International of Saratoga County, a nonprofit volunteer organization whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls. Questions? Visit soroptimistsaratoga.org or email secretgardensinfo@gmail.com.

Community Night at Saratoga Outdoors

Saratoga Outdoors, 490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs |5 – 8 p.m. You’re invited! Stop by for a special Community Night. The evening will feature Saratoga PLAN, who will be on-site sharing more about their mission and impact. 30% of all sales during this event will be donated directly to Saratoga PLAN. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a $100 Saratoga Outdoors gift card that will be raffled off. Come support their cause while shopping for quality outdoor gear!

 Upcoming Events

Famous Brown Bread & Bake Sale

Spring has sprung and Mothers’ Day is right around the corner.  Simpson United Methodist Church, 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls will hold its semi-annual Brown Bread & Bake Sale.  A loaf or two of our brown bread can be a unique, tasty gift for mom.  Cost is $8 per loaf. Pick-up dates: Friday, May 8, 4 – 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Bake sale on Saturday.  Call 518-885-4794 to place your order.  Please leave your name, telephone number and the number of loaves you would like to reserve; and if possible, let us know if you will be picking up on Friday or Saturday.  A representative from Simpson will call back to confirm your order.

 Gateway Mother’s Day Plant Sale

Gateway House of Peace, located at 4709 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa, will hold its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or until sold out. Beautiful hanging baskets, potted flowers, annuals, veggies and more will be available. New this year will be items for sale from our Gateway Thrift Shop, including gardening tools, vases, flowered glassware, wreaths, spring related items and more. All proceeds benefit Gateway House of Peace which is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, caring residence for terminally ill patients in need of a home during their final days.

Adirondack Folk School Forge Fest 

The Adirondack Folk School, located at 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne is hosting a Forge Fest Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Everyone is welcome to attend for free. There will be blacksmithing demonstrations by Jonathan Nedbor and others.  Live forging contests with cash prizes for all levels of ability as well as open forge time.  Free Tailgating for selling and buying.  Iron-in-the-hat where tickets are sold for each lot with the winner determined by drawings.  Wood-fired pizza will be available for purchase.  Free T-shirts for all who register to participate in the forging contests.  For more information and to register go to AdirondackFolkSchool.org/events/. The Folk Fest is sponsored by the Adirondack Folk Blacksmiths.  

2026 Historic Homes Tour

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, along with Honorary Chair Julie Furey, will welcome spring with the 2026 Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, May 9. This highly anticipated annual event held between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. offers the rare opportunity to see the interiors of private historic homes and buildings. This year the tour will be of the East Side of Saratoga Springs. Private residences on Circular Street, Lincoln Avenue, Spring Street, and Caroline Street, among others, will be featured. For more information, to purchase tickets, or join to receive discounted prices, please call 518-587-5030 or visit www.saratogapreservation.org. 

Spring Festival

Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, located at 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton. Shoppers will have fun choosing from a variety of crafts and products by local artisans and vendors. Crafters and Vendors can email office@charltonfreehold.org or call 518-399-4831. 

Schuylerville Budget Public Hearing to be Held May 5

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education, Featured.

A public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 budget will be held May 5 at 6:00 p.m. in the Schuylerville CSD Board of Education room. 

Following the hearing, qualified voters of the Schuylerville Central School District will vote on a $40.8 million proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year on May 19, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the District Office Board of Education room. 

The proposed budget calls for a 2.12% spending increase and an estimated tax levy increase of 2.99%, 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. 

Expenditures 

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. The 2026-27 budget proposal reflects several areas of increased expenditures, including salaries, payroll taxes, and employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement contributions. The district is also seeing higher costs related to student services, particularly BOCES special education placements and private tuition. In addition, utility expenses for natural gas and electricity continue to rise. 

Revenue 

State aid continues to make up a significant portion of Schuylerville’s revenue, accounting for roughly half of the district’s overall budget. In NYS Governor Hochul’s executive budget proposal, Schuylerville received a modest increase in foundation aid of approximately one percent. While expenditures continue to rise at a steady rate, annual revenues are not keeping pace due to the limitations of the state’s tax cap and minimal growth in foundation aid. This ongoing imbalance has created a structural gap in the budget. To address this, the district plans to use $1.687 million in fund balance to help offset the difference between revenues and expenditures. 

“While the district continues to navigate a widening gap between revenues and expenditures due to minimal growth in foundation aid, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting strong academic programs and ensuring high-quality opportunities for all students,” said Dr. Ryan Sherman, Schuylerville CSD Superintendent.

In addition, the district is taking measured steps to control costs, including restructuring outside counseling services, reducing staffing through the elimination of one math position, and not filling two upcoming vacant teaching positions due to retirements. 

“This is a fiscally responsible, forward-thinking budget that keeps students at the forefront and positions the district to continue delivering strong educational opportunities,” said Bernie Buff, Schuylerville CSD Board of Education President.

Bus Lease Proposition

As part of the May 19 budget vote, voters will also consider a proposition that would allow the district to renew a five-year bus lease agreement. If approved, the lease would replace eight, 65-passenger buses. The proposition reflects the five-year total cost of $1,334,500 and will be budgeted annually over five years. Keeping an up-to-date fleet allows the district to reduce and simplify the parts inventory, eliminate large repairs (the buses are all warrantied for five years), and cut down on fuel usage due to the industry standards regarding emissions. The district has a fleet of 35 buses and four vans. The vehicles travel more than 371,000 miles a year, between daily runs, private school runs, sports trips, field trips and summer travel.

Contingent Budget

If the 2026-27 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.

Schuylerville Board of Education Election 

On May 19, voters will elect one member to the Schuylerville Central School District Board of Education for a five-year term beginning July 1, 2026. The seat is currently held by Katie Brunson, who is running for re-election unopposed.

Brunson is seeking her second term on the Board of Education, having first been elected in May 2021. She has served as vice president of the Board for the past two years. A graduate of Schuylerville High School, Brunson earned an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Cobleskill, a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta, and a master’s degree in Literacy Education from The College of Saint Rose.

Brunson has been a reading teacher in the Ballston Spa Central School District for more than 20 years, where she provides small-group literacy support to students in grades K-5. She remains actively involved in the Schuylerville community, volunteering with the Middle School Drama Club and Schuylerville FFA, and serving on the Board of Trustees for the Schuylerville Public Library. When her children were younger, she was also active with the Old Saratoga Athletic Association (OSAA), serving as a softball commissioner and sponsorship coordinator. Brunson has a daughter who is in 10th grade at Schuylerville High School, and a stepson who graduated in 2023.

“I am running for reelection for my board seat because I have found my service to the district to be incredibly rewarding,” Brunson said. I have heard many times, we are a small school with big opportunities. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. It is amazing to have a front row view of our students having amazing experiences and thriving in our district. As an educator myself, I feel I continue to have a strong understanding of what our students, teachers, staff, and administration need to be successful. I want to continue to see Schuylerville Central School District thrive and be the best that it can be.”