On Tuesday, June 16, North Colonie residents approved the district’s $118 million budget for 2020-21 by a tally of 2,946 yes votes to 999 no votes. The budget passed with 75% approving the proposal.
The $117,979,501 million budget has a tax levy increase of .47%, with an estimated tax rate decrease of .90%. The district will set its final tax rate for the 2020-21 school year in August, based on final assessment figures provided by the Town of Colonie.
There were no other propositions on the ballot.
In the Board of Education elections, incumbent Linda Harrison was re-elected; she ran unopposed. Samuel Johnson was elected to fill the seat of David Gaynor; he ran unopposed.
- Linda Harrison – 3,262 votes
- Samuel Johnson – 2,890 votes
The budget maintains all programs and services and eliminates 12.7 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in the district through staff attrition. However, no staff members are being cut. The spending plan also includes expenses allocated for a safe return to school and maintains educational programs at their current level.
“I know the voting process for this year’s school budget vote and board election certainly was different due to the pandemic,” Superintendent Joe Corr said. “I want to thank our community and taxpayers for continuing to support the North Colonie Central School District by approving the 2020-21 budget. This budget will allow us to continue to provide all of our students with an excellent education in a safe learning environment.”