South Colonie Board of Education Adopts 2026-27 Budget
South Colonie district leaders adopted a second draft of a $147.58 million proposed budget for the 2026–27 school year during an April 14 Board of Education meeting at Shaker Road Elementary School.
The plan reflects a 5.76% increase over the current year, focusing on a dual mission: maintaining all current programs while expanding equitable access and student support. It also advances a third priority of creating safe, modern learning spaces for the next generation of students.
Taxpayers would see a 3.49% tax levy increase, which falls below the state-mandated cap. The figure includes a 1% phase-in to fund the Next Generation Capital Project, approved by voters in November 2022.
"Our goal with this plan is to honor the community’s investment while ensuring our schools remain spaces of high-level opportunity," said Assistant Superintendent of Management Services and Strategic Planning Jacqlene McAllister. “By aligning our long-term fiscal strategy with immediate academic needs, we can expand instructional opportunities for students, support services and extracurricular activities while remaining responsible to our taxpayers.”
Portrait of a Graduate at the forefront
Aligned with the district’s Portrait of a Graduate, the budget includes targeted investments in English Language Arts curriculum across grades K-6 (Arts & Letters) and 5-12 (Newesla) that strengthen literacy skills in ways that support learning across all subject areas.
At the secondary level, the proposal also strengthens college readiness by expanding access to rigorous coursework and increasing opportunities for students to begin earning college credit while still in high school. Under this plan, 79 of 100 course sections at Colonie Central High School would qualify for free Early College Access through Capital Region BOCES, allowing eligible students to earn college credit through the SUNY College in the High School program in partnership with the University at Albany, Hudson Valley Community College, and SUNY Schenectady Community College. This expansion continues to remove financial barriers while helping students build confidence and momentum for postsecondary success.
Meeting students where they are
As part of the 2026-27 budget, the district is expanding its special education infrastructure by adding two 6:1:2 specialized classrooms at Sand Creek and Forest Park. These classrooms provide structured, supportive environments for students who benefit from more individualized attention.
At Veeder Elementary, an additional co-teach section will bring general and special education teachers together in one classroom, allowing students to learn alongside their peers while receiving the specialized instruction they need.
To further strengthen student support services, the district plans to expand its workforce with:
- a new ENL teacher shared between the high school and Forest Park;
- a part-time school psychologist (bringing this to a full-time position);
- a part-time consultant teacher at the high school to provide targeted, one-on-one guidance; and
- a part-time business teacher (bringing this to a full-time position).
The 2026-27 plan also increases funding for outside placements to ensure students with complex needs receive the specialized services and settings necessary to succeed. “This investment is a commitment to every family,” McAllister said. “We are ensuring that every student has access to the appropriate environment for their unique learning journey.”
Extracurriculars and growing Colonie Wolf Pack®
The district is also enhancing student experiences by expanding the reach of Colonie Wolf Pack®, recognizing that participation in extracurricular activities and athletics supports the well-rounded development of a Colonie Portrait of a Graduate.
“In addition to adding several new clubs at the high school we are also funding new coaching positions to meet a surge in student interest in specific sports,” McAllister said. “For the first time in decades, varsity field hockey will have dedicated head and assistant coaches to build a sustainable program. We are also responding to the rapid growth of varsity flag football by adding an assistant and dified 9 coaching staff to give younger athletes a structured pathway to develop.”
The budget further prioritizes the Unified Program with earmarked funding for supplies, ensuring students of all abilities have the resources to compete together and fully participate in school life.
Also on the Ballot
Bus Purchase
As part of the 2026-27 budget proposal, voters will consider a separate $1.68 million proposition to purchase 10 replacement vehicles, a move that supports the district’s long-term fleet plan to improve safety and reduce maintenance costs. The request includes six 66-passenger full-size buses, one 16-passenger small bus, two 24-passenger wheelchair-accessible buses equipped with air conditioning, and one 6-passenger minivan or Suburban. This investment is designed to be cost-effective for the community, as New York State aid is expected to cover approximately 63.5% of the total purchase price.
Capital Project
A proposal to use $4.7 million from the existing capital reserve for classroom cooling as part of the Next Generation Capital Project. Pending voter approval, this would leverage state aid for a $13 million project with no additional tax impact.
Reserve Fund
A proposition to establish a new $10 million capital reserve fund for future facility improvements.
Board of Education Election
Two seats on the Board of Education are also up for election.
Budget Vote & Board Election Details
Tuesday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at their designated polling location
Sand Creek or Lisha Kill Middle Schools
For more information and updates on the budget development process, please visit the budget section of the website.
2026-27 Budget