On May 21, voters will head to polls at their local schools to cast ballots in local school budget and school board elections. Here is a rundown of some key issues and fast facts to know before you go.
WHAT ARE SOME KEY EDUCATION ISSUES IN NEW YORK STATE?
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds expire
Additional funds supplied as relief from the COVID-19 pandemic expire at the end of the 2023-24 budget year. The Greater Johnstown School District will eliminate three of 18 positions created with ARPA funding. The Johnstown Teachers’ Association opposes the move.
Mayfield schools, however, will retain three positions created with ARPA funds. A second security guard, an elementary substitute teacher and an instructional coordinator will all be made permanent in spite of the expiring funds.
Electric buses
By 2035, districts statewide must have an entirely electric bus fleet. Starting in 2027, districts will no longer be able to buy gas-powered buses.
For Scotia-Glenville schools, an electric bus proposal, again, at no increase to tax levy, is contingent on receipt of state or federal funding to offset purchase.
In the Middleburgh district, voters will vote on the creation of a $2 million fund that will prepare the district for upcoming costs.
State Aid
In the state FY2025 budget passed last month is a switch up to how school aid is calculated. According to the New York Times, the new formula will change how the state decides an area’s cost of living. Currently, the state allocates aid based in part on what it costs to live in an area in the past year. Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed using the average cost of living over the past 10 years, which would result in all districts receiving less aid than anticipated.
WHAT ARE SOME KEY EDUCATION ISSUES IN THE CAPITAL REGION?
Staffing
Schenectady schools will create seven positions for the upcoming school year. The positions include two social workers, two speech & language pathologists, two school psychologists and one occupational therapist.
Amsterdam schools will seek to create 14 positions across multiple grade levels including several teachers, a receptionist and an array of therapists.
Niskayuna Central School District will prioritize creating three positions: a cleaner, a security monitor, and an academic director.
More about buses
In Ballston Spa, voters will weigh in on two separate propositions regarding transportation. They will approve or deny both additional buses and two bus lifts.
The Shenendehowa school district will seek to purchase 23 buses this upcoming budget year. The buses will all be gas powered while the district prepares for electrification.
Scotia-Glenville is seeking approval for the purchase of three additional buses.
Fonda-Fultonville’s proposed budget has a referendum for a 5-year lease for one bus.
HOW MANY SEATS ARE UP FOR SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION?
Citizens vote on the budget and for school board members at the same time. Check the school websites for more information on the candidates running for the available seats listed below.
- Amsterdam (2 seats)
- Ballston Spa (2)
- Broadalbin-Perth (1)
- Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (2)
- Canajoharie (1)
- Cobleskill-Richmondville (1)
- Duanesburg (3)
- Fonda-Fultonville (3)
- Fort Plain (3)
- Galway (2)
- Gloversville (3)
- Johnstown (3)
- Mayfield (1)
- Middleburgh (2)
- Mohonasen (3)
- Niskayuna (2)
- Northville (2)
- OESJ (2)
- Saratoga Springs (3)
- Schalmont** (2)
- Schenectady (2)
- Schoharie (2)
- Scotia-Glenville (2)
- Sharon Springs (1)
- Shenendehowa (2)
DO I NEED TO BE REGISTERED TO VOTE?
Districts have varying requirements for voter eligibility. In accordance with state law, all districts require voters to be at least 18 years old and a United States citizen. All districts also require voters to reside within the district and some may ask for proof of residency prior to voting.
The following districts do require voters to be registered to vote with their county Board of Elections:
- Amsterdam
- Ballston Spa
- Broadalbin-Perth
- Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake
- Cobleskill-Richmondville
- Galway
- Gloversville
- Johnstown
- Saratoga Springs
- Schenectady
The following districts do not require voters to be registered to vote with their county Board of Elections:
- Canajoharie
- Duanesburg
- Fonda-Fultonville
- Fort Plain
- Mayfield
- Middleburgh**
- Mohonasen
- Niskayuna
- Northville
- OESJ*
- Schalmont**
- Schoharie
- Scotia-Glenville
- Sharon Springs
- Shenendehowa
*You do not need to be registered for U.S. elections, but must register to vote within district
**must be qualified to register, but not necessarily registered
WHEN AND WHERE DO I VOTE?
All school budget elections will be held on May 21. Times vary and polling usually takes place at one specific building.
- Amsterdam, high school gym, 12 to 9 p.m.
- Ballston Spa, high school/Malta Town Hall, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Broadalbin-Perth, Jr./Sr. High school, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, high school, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Canajoharie, East Hill Elementary library, 12 to 8 p.m.
- Cobleskill-Richmondville, high school, all day
- Duanesburg, elementary school, 1 to 9 p.m.
- Edinburg, Edinburg Common School, 12 to 8 p.m.
- Fonda-Fultonville, auditorium, 12 to 9 p.m.
- Fort Plain, Harry Hoag Gym, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Galway, high school gym, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Gloversville, high school/Bleecker Town Hall, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Johnstown, high school auditorium, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Mayfield, Jr./Sr. High school gym, 12 to 8 p.m.
- Middleburgh, Junior-Senior High School Gym Lobby, 12 to 9 p.m.
- Mohonasen, high school gym, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Niskayuna, high school, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Northville, school gym, 12 to 8 p.m.
- OESJ, Jr./Sr. High school and elementary school auditoriums, 12 to 8 p.m.
- Saratoga Springs, all elementary schools, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Schalmont, high school gym, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Schenectady, multiple, see website for assigned polling place, 12 to 9 p.m.
- Schoharie, Jr./sr. high school, 12 to 8 p.m.
- Scotia-Glenville, high school B-wing gym, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sharon Springs, district offices, beginning at 12 p.m.
- Shenendehowa, Gowana Gym, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.