On Tuesday, May 21, residents of the Saratoga Springs City School District will have the opportunity to vote on a $148,709,136 proposed budget for the 2024-2025 academic year. This budget reflects a 3.49% tax levy increase, which falls within the allowable local tax cap limit.
2024-2025 Proposed Budget Overview
The proposed budget reflects the district’s commitment to providing a high-quality education and is designed to support and enhance the academic, social, and emotional well-being of every student in our district.
Expanding Academic Opportunities: The proposed budget will support the introduction of an alternative education program at the high school, tailored to meet the unique needs of students who thrive in non-traditional learning environments. The district also continues to invest in career and technical education, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
The proposed budget also includes an ongoing commitment to support the social and emotional well-being of our students. Through tailored programs and services, we aim to equip them with the skills necessary to thrive both academically and personally. Also, funding has been allocated for the addition of the girls’ flag football team that began this past spring, expanding athletic opportunities for our students.
Operational Efficiencies and Investments: This year’s budget includes nearly two and a half million dollars in savings through strategic operational efficiencies and staff reallocations. The district also continues to invest in technological advancements, ensuring our students have access to resources that enhance their learning.
2024-2025 Proposed Budget Booklet
Watch a recording of the 2024-2025 budget presentation.
Learn more about the budget development process.
Also on the Ballot:
Bus Bond Proposition: This would authorize the school district to spend an estimated $1,723,000 to purchase eight 66-passenger buses, two 35-passenger buses, and one 25 + 6 wheelchair-passenger bus. State aid would reimburse the district for approximately 40 percent 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.
Board of Education Election: District residents will elect three individuals to the Board of Education for three-year terms. The candidates, in the order that they will appear on the ballot, are Matt Kopans, Connie Woytowich, Joe Sabanos, Amanda Ellithorpe, and Deb Amory. A Meet the Candidates Forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters, was held on May 14 in the Saratoga Springs High School Teaching Auditorium. Click here to view the recording of the forum.
Visit vote411.org to read candidate bios. Search your address, click on “Saratoga Springs Board of Education, “and click on each candidate.
Polling Locations
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 after reviewing the list, click here to look up your polling place.
Voter Eligibility
Voter registration is required in the Saratoga Springs City School District. Anyone who is registered to vote in general elections and has voted within the past four years may vote in school district elections. District residents may also register at the Saratoga County Board of Elections Office in Ballston Spa from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those who prefer to register by mail may pick up voter registration forms at post offices, public libraries, state government offices or the MacFadden Administration Building at 3 Blue Streak Boulevard in Saratoga Springs. Completed forms should be mailed to the Board of Elections. To register, residents must be United States citizens, at least 18 years old, and have resided in the school district for at least 30 days prior to the vote.
Absentee Ballots
Residents who will be out of town or unable to vote in person can vote by absentee ballot. You must complete an application to receive an absentee ballot. Completed applications can be printed, completed, and mailed to the following: Brenda Roberts, Saratoga Springs City Schools, 3 Blue Streak Blvd., Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866.
Click here for the SSCSD Absentee Ballot Application. Applications may also be requested by calling the district clerk’s office at (518) 583-4703 or picked up at the district offices, located in the MacFadden Administration Building at 3 Blue Streak Blvd. on the high school campus.
Early Mail Ballots
All qualified voters of the Saratoga Springs City School District my vote as an early mail voter. There is no requirement for a reason to vote by early mail.