Saratoga School District Residents to Vote on ’25-’26 Budget on May 20
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday, May 20, residents of the Saratoga Springs City School District will vote on a proposed $159,398,849 budget for the 2025-2026 academic year. This spending plan includes a 3.97% tax-levy increase, which remains within the allowable local tax cap.
The budget includes funding to enhance elementary social worker services and strengthen support for English Language Learners. Continued investments in Advanced Placement (AP) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are designed to help students with the skills and experiences needed for success in college and career.
New this year, funding has been allocated to launch a Participatory Budgeting initiative at the high school. This opportunity will engage students directly in the decision-making process, allowing them to determine how a portion of the school budget is spent—providing them with experience in civic engagement and leadership.
This year’s budget also includes nearly $2 million in savings through what the district calls “strategic operational efficiencies and staff reallocations.”
More details about the proposed budget can be found at: www.saratogaschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25-26-Budget-Booklet-Final-1.pdf.
Also on the Ballot:
• Bus Bond Proposition: This would authorize the school district to issue an estimated $2,060,000 in serial bonds to purchase 70-passenger buses, 64-passenger buses with wheelchair lift, and Suburban vehicles for facility or student transport. State aid would reimburse the district for approximately 40% of the cost. These purchases are part of the district’s plan to replace buses near the end of their useful lives to reduce maintenance costs and help ensure a safe fleet of vehicles.
• Bond Proposition for Legacy 2025 Capital Project: This would authorize $142,872,000 for scope of work and authorize the use of $7,500,000 of fund balance ($3.5M 2017 Capital Reserve / $4M Unassigned Fund Balance). This would also authorize the issuance of Serial Bonds totaling $135,372,000. To learn more, visit www.saratogaschools.org/about-us/capital-project/2025-legacy-capital-project/.
• Capital Reserve Fund: This would authorize the district to create a reserve and fund it up to $10M for future capital projects after July 1, 2025. The useful life of the reserve would be 10 years.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Caroline Street, Division Street, Lake Avenue, Geyser Road, Dorothy Nolan, and Greenfield elementary schools. If you are uncertain where to vote, visit https://vip.ntsteamed.com/.