BUDGET VOTE & BOE ELECTION: TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025
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Troy High School celebrated its 165th Commencement on June 28, 2024.
Over the past year, we have witnessed our students more engaged than ever, test scores have continued to rise, and our schools continue to provide a strong foundation to ensure future readiness for all students. Behind every success story is a program, a caring adult, and a community devoted to our students’ success.
On April 22, the Troy City School District Board of Education adopted a $142,360,820 budget proposal for the 2025-2026 school year. The proposed budget includes a 1.75% tax levy increase, which is below the district’s tax cap of 2.57%. This moderate tax levy increase follows four consecutive years of no increases at all. This budget is designed to build on our successes and preserve what has proven successful, while always remaining fiscally responsible to our taxpayers.
Residents will vote on the proposed budget on Tuesday, May 20. They will also vote to fill three seats on the Board of Education.
“This budget preserves the programs that have helped drive student success,” said Superintendent John Carmello. “Test scores are up, suspensions are down, and student engagement in the classroom is at an all-time high.”
This proposal does not include budgetary layoffs. Proposed reductions in staffing come from attrition, where we have opted not to replace staff members who have retired or left their positions. Additionally, we continue to utilize alternative funding streams, including grants, as another way to supplement programs and supports without increasing the tax burden of our residents.
Building a budget that prioritizes our students’ needs while also being mindful of our taxpayers has always been a priority for the district.
“Strong schools make strong communities, and this budget is an investment in both,” Carmello said. “This proposal supports not only our students, but also the future of our community, helping to create well-prepared graduates who will undoubtedly make a positive impact in our world.”
Student Impact and Progress
School 2’s second annual Math Sprint competition encouraged students
to work together to solve math problems
Our students continue to make steady progress in every academic area and at every grade level, and we are incredibly proud of the continued growth we’ve seen across the district.
Over the last ten years, student proficiency levels, as demonstrated by the NYS Grades 3-8 Assessments in Math and English Language Arts (ELA), have consistently and steadily increased. Math has improved to 44.1% proficient, up from 12.2% in 2013. ELA has improved from 11.4% to 35.4% during the same time period. Additionally, our secondary students outperformed the 2024 state proficiency levels on several Regents examinations, including Algebra I and Algebra II, Chemistry, Global History, and US History and Government.
These gains reflect the dedication of our teachers and staff, whose commitment to high expectations and rigorous instruction continues to help our students grow and thrive. This continuous and sustained improvement aligns with our district goals, and remains a critical focus for us.
Carroll Hill held a school-wide reading chain to celebrate Read Across America Day in March
Talent Shines Bright in Troy
 TMS students performed “Annie Jr.” last fall |
 School 16 students and art teachers Ms. Bond and Ms. Mancuso painted a mural at the Troy Atrium this spring |
This year, our students displayed their talent and skill outside the classroom as well.
On the field, we had a total of 11 scholar-athlete teams for the fall and winter sports seasons. To be recognized by the NYSPHSAA with this designation, the team’s average GPA must be greater than or equal to 90%. Congratulations to Boys & Girls Cross Country, Golf, Boys & Girls Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Girls Tennis, Boys & Girls Swimming, Bowling, and Girls Basketball on this prestigious honor! In addition, 82 students with a GPA of 90% or higher earned the individual scholar-athlete designation.
On the stage, the Troy Middle School Drama Club performed their second musical, Annie Jr. between the two High School Drama Club performances of “The Play That Goes Wrong” last fall and “Anastasia” this spring. Our student musicians also performed a full schedule of winter concerts in December, with the spring concert series beginning this month. On April 25, ensembles from TMS and THS performed at “Celebrate the Arts,” a showcase of artwork and music performances by Troy students at the Arts Center of the Capital Region.
Student artwork was once again on display across the state at exhibits including the Troy Victorian Stroll, the New York State Art Teachers Association Exhibit at the NYS School Boards Association Convention, the 34th Annual Legislative Student Art Exhibit, and more. In addition to these exhibits, Troy students painted two new murals at the Troy Atrium, adding vibrant colors to the Troy Farmers Market indoor space.
How is the budget funded?
About 65% of our budget comes from New York State. The rest comes from local taxes (27%) and other sources (8%).
Despite rising costs, our school taxes have increased less than 5% over the past nine years, including five years with no increase.
This year’s 1.75% proposed tax levy increase is below our allowed limit and adds approximately $5.25 per month for a home assessed at $160,000, helping us maintain essential programs without layoffs.
What if the budget is not approved?
If the budget doesn’t pass, the district can resubmit it or propose a revised version. If voters reject it again, state law requires a contingency budget with a 0% tax increase, but it comes with serious restrictions.
A contingency budget would mean:
- No new student supplies or technology purchases
- No public use of school buildings
- Staffing reductions
- Fewer student supports
 Fifth graders at School 16 planted flowers and cleaned up litter to celebrate Earth Day with the PTA |
 The Varsity Girls Volleyball team was one of 11 teams to earn the NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete designation for the fall and winter seasons. |
Capital Project Update
The 2019 $56M voter-approved capital project is nearing completion – with zero tax impact to residents.
This investment is transforming every school in our district, creating modern, flexible spaces that support today’s learners.
We are now in the final phase, which includes building a new technology wing at Troy High School. The current tech wing has reached the end of its useful life. The new space will better prepare students for careers in technology, engineering, and trades – equipping them with real-world, 21st-century skills.
Voters also approved a Small City Capital Outlay Project in the 2023 budget, which allows us to address some immediate needs district-wide, also with no tax impact. Athletic field improvements are underway, and elevator repairs, lighting, and water service upgrades, and boiler replacements have been completed or are underway.
Construction on the new THS Technology wing began in April.
Expenditures – how is the money spent?
| Category | 2025-26 | 2024-25 | Difference | % Change | % of Budget |
| Instructional | $29,215,203 | $27,489,442 | $1,725,761 | 6.28% | 20.52% |
| Employee Benefits | $26,828,888 | $26,651,001 | $177,887 | 0.67% | 18.85% |
| Special Programs | $22,379,288 | $21,368,174 | $1,011,114 | 4.73% | 15.72% |
| Charter School Tuition | $13,025,000 | $12,834,000 | $191,000 | 1.49% | 9.15% |
| Debt Service | $11,458,158 | $10,454,805 | $1,003,353 | 9.60% | 8.05% |
| Facilities | $12,741,480 | $12,756,946 | -$15,466 | -0.12% | 8.95% |
| Transportation | $9,194,989 | $8,279,056 | $915,933 | 11.06% | 6.46% |
| Student Services and Athletics | $6,048,009 | $5,726,670 | $321,339 | 5.61% | 4.25% |
| Technology | $4,305,902 | $4,143,552 | $162,350 | 3.92% | 3.02% |
| Central Administration | $2,728,903 | $2,699,139 | $29,764 | 1.10% | 1.92% |
| Interfund Transfer | $4,435,000 | $665,000 | $3,770,000 | 566.92% | 3.12% |
| Total General Fund Budget | $142,360,820 | $133,067,785 | $9,293,035 | 6.98% | 100.00% |
Revenues – where does the money come from?
| Category | 2025-26 | 2023-24 | Difference | % Change | % of Budget |
| State Aid | $91,546,857 | $83,960,691 | $7,586,166 | 9.04% | 64.31% |
| Tax Levy | $38,605,063 | $37,941,094 | $663,969 | 1.75% | 27.12% |
| Fund Balance and Reserves | $5,100,000 | $3,750,000 | $1,350,000 | 36.00% | 3.58% |
| Real Property Tax Items | $4,240,000 | $4,240,000 | $0 | 0.00% | 2.98% |
| Miscellaneous | $675,000 | $675,000 | $0 | 0.00% | 0.47% |
| Charges or Services | $710,000 | $711,000 | -$1,000 | -0.14% | 0.50% |
| Interfund Revenue | $250,000 | $500,000 | -$250,000 | -50.00% | 0.18% |
| Federal Aid | $233,900 | $290,000 | -$56,100 | -19.34% | 0.16% |
| Use of Money & Property | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $0 | 0.00% | 0.70% |
| Total General Fund Budget | $142,360,820 | $133,067,785 | $9,293,035 | 6.98% | 100.00% |
View the School Budget Notice Here
On the Ballot for the May 20 Vote:
RESOLVED, that the proposed budget of expenditures of the Enlarged City School District of Troy, New York for the 2025-2026 school year in the amount of $142,360,820 and for the purposes shown in the statement of estimated expenditures adopted by the Board of Education be the same hereby is approved and the amount thereof shall be raised by a levy of a tax upon the taxable property of the school district, after first deducting the monies available from state aid and other sources as provided by the law.
Property Tax Information:
- The District’s Tax Levy will increase 1.75% for the 2025-26 school year.
- The estimated basic STAR tax savings for homeowners in the City of Troy is $470.
- The estimated basic STAR tax savings for homeowners in the Town of Brunswick is $467.
- The tax rates will be established upon receiving the equalization rates from the New York State Office of Real Property Services and the final assessments from the City of Troy and Town of Brunswick.
Voter Eligibility:
To vote, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and a resident of the Troy City School District for at least 30 days prior to the vote date. You must be registered before you are permitted to vote.
Absentee Ballot/Early Mail Voter Information:
To vote by absentee ballot or early mail, you must fill out an application. Please contact the Board of Education Office at 518-328-5070. If you want a ballot mailed to you, your application must be received seven days before the vote. If you plan to pick up your ballot, your application must be received one day prior to the vote. Completed absentee or early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk at School 12 by 5 p.m. on May 20, the day of the vote.
Understanding the Tax Cap Laws:
The law does allow for tax levy increases greater than 2%, despite how it has been described. The law requires districts to calculate their own tax levy limit based on the law, which includes exemptions for voter-approved local capital expenditures, increases in pension rates that exceed two points, and court order judgments. The Troy City School District’s maximum allowable tax levy increase is 2.57%. The District is proposing going below this figure at 1.75%.