On Tuesday, May 21, Cohoes residents will decide on a $53,439,681 spending plan for the 2024-25 school year that preserves all student programs, including critical positions and student support services. Additionally, voters will also elect two members to the Board of Education. Richard Jackson and Renee Snyder, current board members, are running for two open seats.
This plan represents a 2.1% increase over the current year, with the majority of the additional expenses ($900,000) funded by an increase in state aid, which stems from the state legislature’s continued commitment to fully-funded foundation aid.
The budget proposal represents a 1% increase — or $179,273 — to the tax levy, which is the total amount of money the district can raise through property taxes. Because the proposed tax levy is within the districts’ allowable limit under the state’s tax “cap” formula, a simple majority (50% plus 1) is needed for approval. District leaders estimate that taxes on a home with a market value of $150,000 would increase by about $30 annually, or $3 per month before factoring in the STAR rebate.
Budget development
The planning process began with each of the district’s schools and departments conducting a needs assessment, which were submitted to the district’s budget committee. The budget committee then conducted a return on investment analysis and made recommendations to the Board of Education of what should be included in the 2024-25 budget.
Budget proposal
The following positions were previously grant-funded through the American Rescue Plan. With these funds set to expire, these positions are now included in the general district budget:
- 1.0 intervention specialist at Abram Lansing
- 1.0 SEL behavior coach at Harmony Hill
- 1.0 teacher at Harmony Hill
- 1.0 dean of students and 1.0 social worker at the middle school
- 1.0 dean of students at the high school
- Weight room supervision at Cohoes High School
The proposed budget also includes the following highlights:
Elementary
- 0.4 speech teacher, 0.4 physical therapist and 0.4 occupational therapist for special education programming
- 1.0 campus safety monitor at Abram Lansing and 1.0 campus safety monitor at Harmony Hill
- 1.0 special education aide
- Part-time ELL support aides at Harmony Hill
Middle School
- 1.0 Spanish teacher (currently 0.6)
- 0.2 physical education teacher
High School
- 1.0 Tutoring Center instructor
- 0.3 special education teacher (currently 0 .7)
- 0.2 health teacher
Operations
- 1.0 maintenance mechanic
- Health & safety equipment
Voting
Voting will take place from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21 at the district’s three polling locations: Abram Lansing Elementary, Harmony Hill School and Van Schaick Grade School. Click here to read the 2024-25 budget newsletter.