At its April 15, 2026 meeting, the Cohoes City School District Board of Education adopted a proposed $57,062,442 spending plan for the 2026-27 school year that will go before voters on Tuesday, May 19. This represents a 4% increase – or $2,196,945 – over last year’s budget.
The proposal includes a 0% increase, or $0, to the tax levy, which is below the allowable levy limit by $4,691. Because the proposed tax levy is within the district’s allowable state-calculated limit, a simple majority (50% plus 1) is needed for approval.
As the NYS budget remains pending, the Governor’s proposal of an additional 3.96% was used for the state aid revenue projections.
Budget process
As part of the budget process, needs assessments are presented by building committees and subsequent proposals are submitted to the district’s budget committee. The committee conducts a review of the return on investment analysis and makes recommendations based on the district’s mission, beliefs and commitments.
Highlights of the proposed budget include a Math AIS teacher at Abram Lansing (1.0), Behavioral Support for Abram Lansing (1.0 TA & 1.0 Teacher Aide), ESL Teacher at Van Schaick (.5), Functional Skills Classroom serving K-2 special needs students at Harmony Hill, Instructional Coaching at the middle and high school, and continued support to the Alternative Learning Program for grades 9-10 transitioning to an offsite location.
The proposed plan also includes several positions that carry no additional budget impact, made possible through identified efficiencies. These positions include a 1.0 Math AIS teacher at Harmony Hill, a 1.0 FTE ESL teacher at Abram Lansing, Tutoring Center at Cohoes Middle School, 1.0 Administrative Support for Guidance/Athletics at Cohoes High School, a Senior Cleaner and Assistant Director of Facilities servicing the districtwide campuses.
Grant funding is anticipated to support a Math AIS teacher at Cohoes Middle School and after school behavior at the elementary level.
Capital Reserve Fund
The community will also vote on a proposition to authorize the creation and funding of a $20 million Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of financing future capital projects with no additional cost to the taxpayers (no tax increase).
The proposed Capital Reserve Fund is prudent planning for future capital project initiatives as identified through the current HVAC Audit, 2026 Building Condition Survey and ongoing facilities needs.
Board of Education election
Voters will also elect two members to the Cohoes City School District Board of Education, each to serve a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026. The Board of Education is responsible for policies and regulations governing public education in the district.
To appear on the ballot, interested candidates have until April 29 to submit completed petitions.
The annual school budget vote and Board of Education election will be held from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at the district’s three polling locations: Abram Lansing Elementary, Harmony Hill School and Van Schaick Grade School. Details of the proposed budget will be mailed to all district residents following the budget hearing on May 6.
For full information, please visit the Budget & Taxes section of our website: www.cohoes.org/budget-taxes.