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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.”

2026 Annual School Budget Presentations, BOE Elections, and Voter Information

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

The Ballston Spa CSD Board of Education approved the proposed 2026-2027 school district budget on April 15, 2026. 

On May 19, 2026, district voters will cast their vote for the proposed school budget of $113,742,988, which represents a 3.1% increase in expenditures over the 2025-2026 budget. The projected tax levy to support the 2026-2027 budget is $65,590,400, which represents a 3.9% increase over the 2025-2026 tax levy. 

District voters will also vote on four propositions on the ballot on May 19, 2026:

• Proposition I: School Budget proposal for the 2026-2027 school year in the amount of $113,742,988.

• Proposition II: School Vehicle Replacement in the amount of up to $1,620,100 to purchase and replace school buses and vehicles.

• Proposition III: The district will spend up to $295,000 to purchase one electric bus.

• Proposition IV: The district will be authorized to collect and contribute $65,902 towards the expense of operating the Ballston Spa Public Library.

The School District Annual Budget Hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2026, at 6:00pm in the Ballston Spa High School Library, followed by the regular meeting at 7:00pm.

A  Meet the Candidates Night will be held on Monday, May 5, 2026, at 6:00pm in the Ballston Spa High School Library for area voters to learn more about the candidates for the Board of Education. There are three Board of Education seats up for election this year, commencing in July 2026.  Voters will select from the following candidates, listed in ballot order, at the polls on Tuesday, May 19, 2026:

• Matthew Dreher

• Katie Whittemore

• Julia Routbort Baskin 

Learn more about each candidate on our Board of Education, Meet the Candidates page on our website. The evening will be broadcast on the district’s  YouTube Channel  for anyone that is unable to attend the live event. It will also be available for viewing after the event.

Community Budget Presentations are offered for residents to learn more about the budget proposal. Interested voters are invited to attend on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Ballston Town Hall, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Milton Community Center or Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Malta Community Center – all at 6:00pm.

If a resident of the school district meets the definition of a “qualified voter” but has not registered to vote, (s)he must first register to be eligible to receive a ballot.  A qualified voter is a United States citizen, at least 18 years of age on election day, residing in the Ballston Spa Central School District for 30 days immediately prior to election day and has registered to vote. A qualified voter must register with the county by contacting the Saratoga County Board of Elections. If you are registered with the county Board of Elections to vote in the general election, you are all set to vote on May 19, 2026.

The annual statewide School Budget Vote and Board of Education Elections will be held on May 19, 2026, from 7:00am – 9:00pm. District residents vote at Ballston Spa High School (residents of the Towns of Ballston, Milton and Charlton) and the Malta Town Hall (residents of Malta). 

Opening Soon:Gaffney’s, Sunset at Saratoga, Old Tavern Farm Distillery, 9 Miles East Cafe

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

The Old Tavern Farm Distillery’s Granary, one of several local establishments opening up shop in the coming days. Photo via Old Tavern Farm.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Spring has sprung and Saratoga is humming.

A host of eateries are set to open up shop soon, just in time for the Kentucky Derby. Here’s a rundown of what’s happening.

9 Miles East Cafe

On Friday, May 1, the 9 Miles East Cafe at the Saratoga Senior Center will open to the public. A full-service café will launch this June, but in the meantime, the public is invited to enjoy a preview all month long. The cafe will offer a selection of fresh, healthy grab-and-go items including soups, sandwiches, pizza, and more. The hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunset at Saratoga

Sunset at Saratoga, the new restaurant located on the second floor of the Saratoga County Airport, opens Friday, May 1 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On Saturday, May 2, the restaurant is hosting an open house event featuring helicopter rides, Common Roots Brewing tastings, and live music by Rich Ortiz from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunset at Saratoga’s hours are 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Gaffney’s

The highly-anticipated reopening of Gaffney’s is set for Saturday, May 2. Under the direction of Mike Malone and Mike Morgan, Gaffney’s will return with a reimagined interior that includes The Parlor, a lounge “designed for conversation and connection.” Also inside the new Gaffney’s: a sports bar, open-air patio, live music, and coastal culinary fare with a Southern influence.

Old Tavern Farm Distillery

On Monday, May 4, Old Tavern Farm’s Granary rickhouse and tasting room will open for the season. The Granary, a restored late-1700’s timber frame grain barn, is at the Old Tavern Farm Village (142 Co. Rd. 71 in Stillwater) and will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Mondays will feature a cigar night from 5 to 7 p.m.

New York State Police Introduces Ford Mustang Patrol Vehicles

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

The State Police have revealed several new Ford Mustangs which are being rolled out across the Capital Region (Courtesy of NYSP)

The New York State Police recently announced the addition of new Ford Mustang GT patrol vehicles to its fleet, marking a strategic investment to modernize traffic enforcement capabilities and enhance roadway safety across the state.

A total of 19 Mustangs has been acquired, including a prototype that has been used for training and evaluation, and will begin its initial patrol deployment in Troop G (Capital Region) this week.

The rest of the Mustangs are in the process of being outfitted with emergency lighting, communications, and safety equipment before being deployed statewide in the coming weeks.

“These vehicles represent a thoughtful and strategic addition to our fleet,” said Superintendent Steven G. James. “Our goal is to provide troopers with the tools they need to safely and effectively carry out their mission. The Mustang enhances our ability to conduct traffic enforcement while reinforcing our commitment to protecting the public on New York’s roadways.”

The Mustang patrol vehicles are being introduced as part of the Division’s ongoing effort to adapt to evolving traffic enforcement challenges.  As the State Police transitions its patrol fleet to SUVs for their improved visibility, safety, and all-weather capability, the Mustangs’ performance and maneuverability will provide an effective tool for addressing aggressive driving, excessive speeding and other hazardous driving behaviors that put public safety at risk.

The Mustangs, which cost about 30% less than the patrol SUVs, will be deployed in a targeted manner in each State Police Troop on highways to support high-visibility enforcement details and complement existing patrol vehicles. Their introduction is expected to improve enforcement effectiveness and officer safety, and to serve as a visible deterrent to dangerous driving.

Council Votes To Audit Accounts Department Over Fee Waivers Under Previous Administration

Written by John Kaufmann on . Posted in Featured.

Todd Shimkus, the president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, recently met with the Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Safety to demand that he waive payment for the invoices the Chamber had received for services performed by the Fire Department for special events the Chamber had held in the city. The meeting did not go well.

According to the Chamber’s federal 990 form, Shimkus’ compensation for being the Chamber president is:

  • Base salary (recent filings): about $198,000–$205,000 per year
  • Additional compensation/benefits: roughly $29,000–$35,000

That puts his total annual compensation typically in the ~$225,000–$240,000 range in recent years.

At the risk of appearing snarky, this blogger has observed that Mr. Shimkus’s salary does not begin to match his ego or the imperious, toxic way he often deals with people..

Commissioner Coll brought Shimkus’s demand for a fee waiver to the City Council for a discussion and vote. The Council voted unanimously not to waive the fees, and was also clearly disturbed about how extensive these apparent waivers were in the city.

Commissioner of Public Works BK Keramati said there was an established practice in his department of providing services for the Chamber that cost his department money but not charging them for it. He found it difficult to say no.

Accounts Commissioner Jess Troisi pointed out that it was the taxpayer who ended up paying for the expenses of putting on special events when fees were waived whether they supported the event or not.

Commissioner of Finance JoAnne Kiernan explained to her colleagues that the city’s written procedures are clear. Only the Council has the authority to waive special event fees. Any Commissioner waiving fees without Council consent would have acted improperly.

Commissioner Coll said it had come to his attention that special events fees had been waived arbitrarily in the Accounts department under the previous administration and asked if the Finance Department could do an audit to determine the extent of this practice.

The Council then supported Kiernan’s offer to audit the Accounts Department.

An Unhealthy Relationship?

Todd Shimkus enjoyed a close working relationship with Dillon Moran. This blogger would speculate that through Moran, Shimkus exerted considerable influence over city practices.

In fact, Moran was Shimkus’s recent appointment to the planning committee for the upcoming Belmont Stakes.

New Tour Brings Saratoga’s Prohibition-Era Underworld to Life

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured.

Image provided by the Saratoga Springs History Museum.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new collaborative event will transport guests into one of the most fascinating and rebellious chapters of Saratoga Springs history. 

On Thursday, May 21, the Saratoga Springs History Museum will partner with the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Holiday Inn, Putnam Market, and Wishing Well Restaurant to present “Bridles & Bootleggers: When the Mob Owned the Spa City — The 2026 Trifecta Tour.” 

This one-night, multi-location experience will explore Saratoga’s 1920s era, a time when Prohibition laws were widely ignored, underground casinos flourished, and the worlds of Thoroughbred racing and organized crime collided. While much of the nation went dry, Saratoga remained vibrant with illegal liquor, high-stakes gambling, and behind-the-scenes deals that shaped the city’s identity. 

The Trifecta Tour guides attendees across three locations via a complimentary trolley. The evening begins at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, continues to the Holiday Inn, and includes a featured stop at the Saratoga Springs History Museum, before returning to the Racing Museum for the final portion of the program. 

At each stop, guests will hear from historians who bring this decade to life through site-specific storytelling. The experience also includes curated snacks and drinks. 

Tickets are now available, and space is limited. 

“This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Saratoga’s history in the very places where it unfolded,” said James Parillo, director of the Saratoga Springs History Museum. “By combining storytelling, movement, and collaboration across institutions, we’re able to bring this remarkable era to life in a way that is both educational and unforgettable.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.saratogahistory.org.

Saratoga Youth Boxer Crowned Champion in Buffalo

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Camdyn Hull with his trainer Tyrone Jackson at the 2026 Buffalo Golden Gloves earlier this month. Photo provided.

BUFFALO — Saratoga Springs High School senior Camdyn Hull captured a championship title after defeating Buffalo’s Rocco Marchione at the 2026 Buffalo Golden Gloves event on April 12.

Hull won the 16-17 year-old, 132-pound final bout by unanimous decision. The fight was a draw heading into the last round, when Hull pulled off the victory.

“It was pretty one-sided,” said Hull’s dad Billy, who witnessed the fight.

Hull’s first boxing match occurred when he was just nine years old. He trains with local boxing coach Tyrone Jackson, who has been working with Hull for the past few years.

“He’s very dedicated to the game,” Jackson told Saratoga TODAY. “That’s what makes me interested in training him. I know he’s going to put in the work. He dedicates himself to it.”

Hull’s passion for the sport, his dad said, centers around accountability.

“You can’t blame a team,” Billy said. “It’s all him.”

Next up for Hull is a King of the Ring tournament in New England, followed by another tournament in California. Once he turns 18, more options will be available to him. But until then, “we’re going to keep going and see how far he can go,” said Billy.

New Social Wellness Club Aims to Bring Saratogians Together  

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business, Featured.

Image provided by the Saratoga Social Wellness Club.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Few things are more damaging to a person’s quality of life than lack of social connection.

According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness and social isolation increase the risks of premature death, anxiety, depression, and dementia. Loneliness and isolation are also associated with lower academic achievement and worse performances at work. “This represents an urgent public health concern,” the report states.

“Extensive scientific findings from a variety of disciplines, including epidemiology, neuroscience, medicine, psychology, and sociology, converge on the same conclusion: social connection is a significant predictor of longevity and better physical, cognitive, and mental health, while social isolation and loneliness are significant predictors of premature death and poor health,” says the report.

Evidence of what’s been called a loneliness epidemic in America seems to be everywhere, including local Facebook groups.

Natalli Amato—a therapist, journalist, and yoga teacher—noticed many anonymously-authored posts in the various “What’s Going on Saratoga” Facebook groups that sought friendship and connection. 

“I wondered in my head if any of these people, do they connect?” Amato told Saratoga TODAY. “Is that even really a comfortable or safe option? Is that how people want to make friends?”

For some, like Erin Joy—a yoga teacher and yoga therapist-in-training—being more introverted can make the search for connection even more of a challenge.

“I know that there’s other people out there that maybe have a tendency to do things alone, but maybe in the back of their head, they’re wishing that there’s a couple other friends that they could do things with, but maybe they just don’t know how or where to find them,” Joy said.

Enter the Saratoga Social Wellness Club, which was recently soft-launched by Amato and Joy. The club is designed to “give people a platform for turning fellow Spa City neighbors into new friends by coming together to enjoy events rooted in nature, wellness, and movement.”

Since creating their Instagram account (@saratoga_socialwellnessclub) a few weeks ago, Amato and Joy have already amassed more than 400 followers. And the responses they’ve received seem to indicate that Saratogians are hungry for meaningful connections. Amato said she’s been approached by people excited about the club, and Joy said she’s received enthusiastic Instagram messages. 

“It seems as though people are giving us the seal of approval,” Joy said.

Amato and Joy both arrived in Saratoga from somewhere else, giving them first-hand experience with seeking connection and socialization in the Spa City. Amato said she “moved around a bunch” before landing in Saratoga, and Joy is originally from Rochester. The duo connected at Yoga Mandali, where they both worked as teachers.

“I feel completely at home here, even though I’ve been here for a couple of years,” Joy said.

“I think we were inspired [by] great running clubs and walking clubs and cycling clubs that are built around a shared passion and this want to make friends and have fun,” said Amato. “And so, inspired by the liveliness that we already see here, we were like, ‘We could do something like that around the things that light us up.’”

The club’s first in-person social event, Wellness in the Park, will take place on Sunday, May 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Spa State Park. Participants can expect some icebreakers, group dialogue, a nature walk, and an outdoor yoga class. Those interested in signing up, either for the event itself or to receive future communications from the club, can fill out a form at form.jotform.com/260905687423059.

The club is also open to future collaborations with local businesses and organizations.

“We want this to not just be about us or benefit us, but really be for Saratoga,” said Amato.