On May 21, Cohoes City School District voters will consider a $43.9 million budget for the 2019-20 school year that would increase spending by 2.2 percent and carry a tax levy increase of 1.75 percent, an amount below the district’s tax cap. The proposed budget for the coming school year was adopted unanimously by the Board of Education at its April 3 meeting.
In addition to the budget, voters will elect three members of the Board of Education and decide on a proposition that would allow the district to expend funds from its capital reserve. If approved, the funds, not to exceed $1,000,000, would be used to reconstruct and renovate the Cohoes Middle School roof and replace the boiler at Harmony Hill School.
The proposed 2019-20 budget totals $43,867,736, a $945,563 increase over the current budget. Under the proposal, the district would maintain current teacher staffing levels, educational programs, and special education services with a continued focus on social and emotional support for students. The budget would also allow for necessary improvements to district facilities.
What’s new under the proposal?
High School
- Expanding Advanced Placement to include AP Physics I/Regents Physics
- Passport for Good – Community service and career exploration application
- Capital Outlay Project – Upgrade CHS elevator
Middle School
- Expanding Honors to include English Language Arts Grade 7
- CMS gymnasium – Bleachers replaced
- CMS roof replacement
Elementary Schools
- Researching ELA texts aligned with NextGen standards
- Adding Smithsonian science kits
- New boiler at Harmony Hill
Smart Schools Initiatives
- Security camera upgrades – Summer 2019
- More Chromebooks and Dell interactive display units
A historical perspective
Tax levy – 10 years
Year • Levy Amount • Increase
2010-11 • $13,056,499.00 • 1.76%
2011-12 • $13,373,031.00 • 2.42%
2012-13 • $13,731,979.00 • 2.68%
2013-14 • $14,465,707.00 • 5.34%
2014-15 • $14,565,104.00 • 0.69%
2015-16 • $14,710,755.00 • 1.00%
2016-17 • $14,710,755.00 • 0.00%
2017-18 • $14,949,499.00 • 1.62%
2018-19 • $ 15,385,622.00 • 2.92%
2019-20 • $15,654,871.00 • 1.75% (proposed increase)
Annual average increase: 2.02%
Revenue/Expense Charts
More information
Vote Tuesday, May 21, noon to 9 p.m. at one of three polling sites. Find your polling location on our voter information page.