BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa CSD Board of Education approved the proposed 2023-24 school district budget at the April 19 meeting. The proposed 2023-2024 budget is $104,232,811, which represents a 5.7% increase in expenditures over the 2022-2023 budget. The projected tax levy to support the 2023-2024 budget is $58,016,479 - which represents a 3.1% increase over the 2022-2023 tax levy. The adopted budget supports all current programs in place and adds additional staff support for both academic programs, as well as for struggling and accelerated students.
The mandated School District Annual Budget Hearing was scheduled for May 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Ballston Spa High School Library. There are also two Community Budget Presentations being offered this spring for residents to learn more about the budget proposal. Interested voters are invited to attend on Tuesday, May 9 at the Malta Community Center or on Thursday, May 11 at the Milton Community Center – both at 6:30 p.m.
If a resident of the school district meets the definition of a “qualified voter” but has not registered to vote, (s)he must register to be eligible to receive a ballot. A qualified voter may register with the county by contacting the Saratoga County Board of Elections, or at the district’s registration day on May 9.
Absentee ballots are available for voters who are unable to visit the polls on May 16. An application for the absentee ballot is available for pickup at the District Office or by calling 518-884-7195 ext. 1320. Absentee ballots must be received no later than 5 p.m. on May 16.
There are three Board of Education seats up for election this year, commencing in July 2023.
Voters will select from the following candidates at the polls: Katie Whittemore, Julia Routbort Baskin and Matt Dreher. A Candidates’ Information night will be held on May 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the BSHS Library for area voters to learn more about the candidates.
District voters will also vote on three propositions on the ballot on May 16. Proposition I is the School Budget proposal for the 2023-2024 school year in the amount of $104,232,811. The second is for School Vehicle Replacement in the amount of up to $965,000 to purchase and replace school buses and vehicles. Proposition III is for the Ballston Spa Public Library in the amount of $62,102 towards the expense of operating the public library.
The annual statewide School Budget Vote and Board of Education Elections will be held on May 16 from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. District residents vote at Ballston Spa High School (residents of the Towns of Ballston, Milton and Charlton) and the Malta Town Hall (residents of Malta).
Additional information is on the district website and/or in the newsletter being mailed to district residents. Questions and/or comments may be sent via the comments section on the district website at www.bscsd.org or call the District Office at 518-884-7195.
