Voters approve 2018-19 budget and establishment of capital reserve fund

On Tuesday, May 15, North Colonie residents approved the district’s $111.1 million budget for 2018-19 by a tally of 1,434 yes votes to 489 no votes.

Results were announced at the North Colonie Central Office shortly after the polls closed at 9:00 p.m. The results show 75 percent of voters supported the budget.

The $111.1 million budget has a tax levy increase of 3.10 percent, with an estimated tax rate increase of 1.90 percent. The district will set its final tax rate for the 2018-19 school year in August, based on final assessment figures as provided by the Town of Colonie.

Voters also approved “Proposition 2,” which establishes a capital reserve fund, by a tally of 1,503 yes votes to 417 no votes. The results show 78 percent of the voters supported proposition 2. The fund will allow the district to set aside money for future construction projects.

In the Board of Education elections, Michelle Dischiavo was elected and incumbent Sandy Pangburn was re-elected; Pangburn ran unopposed. Dischiavo and Pangburn will serve five-year terms.

Sandy Pangburn–1,565 votes 
Michelle Dischiavo–869 votes 
Timothy J. O’Connor–626 votes
Alexandra Kane–267 votes 

This year’s budget was built on three pillars; safety & security, mental health, and 21^st century learning. The budget includes a School Resource Officer who will be assigned to Shaker High School; a mental health clinic in a district school building that will provide 24-hour/12-month access for enrolled students and families; several programs and courses to further prepare students for college and careers in the 21st Century; a 21^st Century Performance and Fitness Educational Center (to be created by re-purposing existing physical education space), and a Director of K-12 Teaching, Learning & Innovation who will work with building principals and K-12 district supervisors in the subject areas of English Language Arts, math, science, social studies and world languages.

“We are pleased that the taxpayers of North Colonie voted to support the 2018-19 budget,” said Superintendent Joseph Corr. “I believe this a strong budget that will address the district’s safety and security needs, our students’ social and emotional welfare, and promotes continued academic excellence. I’d like to thank the community for their ongoing support of our children and our families.”

Web articles

May 9: Functional fitness program part of proposed budget
May 7: Four candidates seek two Board of Education seats
May 3: Proposed budget includes establishment of capital reserve fund
April 25: Proposed budget built on three pillars 
April 16: Board of Education adopts 2018-19 proposed budget

Category: District News