Developing a school district budget is a months-long process. Beginning in the fall, district administrators discuss long-range goals, enrollment projections, and budget priorities. By early February, revenue projections and estimated costs begin to take shape. Deliberation and development of the budget occurs in public meetings from February through April. Residents then vote on the proposed plan on the third Tuesday in May. This year, the budget vote is on Tuesday, May 20,
The district must adopt a balanced budget where revenues equals expenditures. School district revenues generally include state aid, federal aid, interest payments and miscellaneous income such as PILOTs. A PILOT, or Payment in Lieu of Taxes, is a municipal payment agreement for real property not on the regular tax rolls.
The tax levy, or the total sum the district collects in property taxes, is calculated after all other revenues are determined.
Fund balance (money left at the end of the fiscal year) can be applied as revenue, when necessary, as appropriated fund balance. These monies are generally set aside for future needs, however, districts in New York State are not allowed to keep more than 4% of the total budget in unappropriated fund balance.
School district expenditures include contractual costs such as salaries, health insurance and retirement benefits of teachers and staff, costs for classroom technology, supplies and equipment, transportation operating costs, administrative costs, facilities operation, and debt service costs.
2025-26 Budget Development Calendar
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
BCHS Room D-122, 7 p.m.
State of the Schools & Strategic Plan Update – Superintendent Jody Monroe
- Video – State of the Schools [YouTube]
- Presentation – State of the Schools [PDF]
- Strategic Plan Update
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
BCHS Room D-122, 7 p.m.
Budget Roll-out: Transportation, Technology, Operations and Maintenance
The meeting will also be livestreamed. Video broadcast for the meeting can be found here at 6:55 p.m.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
BCHS Room D-122, 7 p.m.
Athletics, Instructional Programs (Curriculum and Student Services)
The meeting will also be livestreamed. Video broadcast for the meeting can be found here at 6:55 p.m.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
BCHS Room D-122, 7 p.m.
Discussion, Deliberation & Possible Budget Adoption
The meeting will also be livestreamed. Video broadcast for the meeting can be found here at 6:55 p.m.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Discussion, Deliberation & Possible Budget Adoption (if additional discussion is needed)
BCHS Room D-122, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Budget Hearing
BCHS Room D-122, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Board of Education Meet the Candidates Night
Hosted by the League of Women Voters of Albany County
This event will only be held if there are more candidates than open seats on the Board of Education. Voters will elect two members of the Board of Education.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Annual Budget Vote & Board Election
7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Bethlehem Central High School
Gym A