Last Updated: May 5, 2026
The Troy City School District’s proposed 2026–2027 budget totals $146,348,609 and includes a 0% tax levy increase. The annual budget vote takes place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at designated polling locations throughout the district.
Vote date
May 19, 2026
Budget vote & Board of Education election
Total proposed budget
$146,348,609
Districtwide operating budget
Proposed tax levy change
0%
Local share of school funding
Estimated annual tax impact
$0
Example: home assessed at $200,000
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On This Page
What is included in the proposed 2026–2027 Troy City School District budget?
Troy City School District students continued the decade-long upward trajectory of academic gains , and the proposed 2026-2027 budget is built to sustain that momentum, without raising taxes.
The Board of Education adopted a proposed budget of $146,348,609 for the 2026-2027 school year at its meeting on April 21, 2026. If approved by voters, the tax levy will remain flat with a 0% tax increase for the fifth time in six years. Since 2021, the school tax levy has risen by just 1.75%. This also marks the 14th consecutive year the district has proposed a budget at or below the allowable tax cap.
Residents will vote on the proposed budget on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. They will also vote to fill three seats on the Board of Education.
“We continue to see our students grow and achieve in all areas,” said Superintendent John Carmello. “We are incredibly proud that we can provide educationally sound programming that is producing significant and measurable results, in a way that is fiscally responsible to our taxpayers.”
This budget maintains all current staffing, programs and student supports. It also includes targeted additions based on student needs identified by building principals and district directors. The 2026-27 budget includes a new five-year contract with Student Transportation of America (STA). This includes in-district home-to-school, athletics/field trips, and summer school transportation.
Expanding Special Education Services
Troy CSD is adding a new self-contained special education classroom section at the elementary level, a speech therapist, two secondary special education teachers and one secondary special education teaching assistant. These additions reflect the district’s commitment to ensuring every student has access to the support they need to be successful.
Strengthening Attendance Support
Helping students get to school (and stay connected to school) has been a district priority for several years. The district has added attendance support specialists and liaisons who work directly with families to address barriers and offer resources. This budget adds one full-time attendance liaison to continue supporting that work.
Planning for the future
Voters in Wynantskill Union Free School District approved annexation to Troy CSD on March 31. The official start date is expected to be July 1, 2027. Once finalized by the state Education Commissioner, this reorganization will bring approximately $241 million in incentive aid from New York State to Troy CSD over 15 years.
Planning is already underway. This budget includes approximately $1 million to begin the transition work — combining student data systems, centralizing records, addressing central office operational needs, and laying the groundwork for a seamless integration that keeps students and families at the center.
“The future of the Troy City School District is bright, and this budget will allow us to continue building on our successes while ensuring a sustainable future for our students,” Carmello said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the work going on in our schools every day, and I am grateful for the partnership of our families and our community.”
What’s on the ballot on May 19?
Voters will decide three items on May 19. Polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Budget: A proposed budget of $146,348,609 with a 0% tax levy increase for 2026-2027
Capital Reserve Fund: Approval of this proposition would create a new capital reserve fund of up to $6 million, which would act as a dedicated savings account for future building projects approved over the next ten years.
Here is why this matters: because of the Wynantskill annexation, Troy CSD will be eligible for up to 98% state building aid on any capital projects voted on during the 10 years following the merger effective date. That means the district’s share of any project cost is just 2%. With a $6 million capital reserve fund covering that local share, the district could complete up to $300 million in building improvements across all campuses, with no additional impact on the taxpayers.
This vote authorizes the creation of the fund, which would be funded using one-time revenues and surplus funds.
Board of Education Election: Three seats on the Board of Education are open for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2026. Candidate information is available here.
What is the tax impact of the 2026–2027 Troy City School District proposed budget?
The proposed tax levy increase is 0%. This is the fifth time in six years the district has proposed a budget with no tax increase.
How is the 2026–2027 Troy City School District proposed budget funded?
The district’s budget is funded through a combination of state aid, local property taxes, federal funding, and other revenue sources. State aid represents the largest portion of district funding.
- State aid: approximately 63%
- Local property taxes: approximately 27%
- Other revenue: approximately 10%
What does the 2026–2027 Troy City School District proposed budget support?
The budget supports instruction and operations across the district, including:
- Pre-K–12 academic programming
- Special education services
- English language learner support
- School counseling and social work services
- Transportation
- Facilities and operations
- Athletics and extracurricular activities
When and Where Is the 2026–2027 Troy City School District Budget Vote & BOE Election Held?
The vote takes place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where do Troy CSD residents vote?
Polling locations are assigned based on residence and include each Troy Elementary School. Verify your polling place here.
- Carroll Hill Elementary School: 112 Delaware Ave
- School 2: 470 Tenth Street
- School 12: 475 First Street
- School 14: 1700 Tibbits Ave
- School 16: 40 Collins Ave
- School 18: 412 Hoosick St
Residents who need assistance locating their polling place may contact the District Clerk at 518-328-5070
Who Is Eligible to Vote in the 2026-2027 Troy City School District Budget Vote & BOE Election?
To vote, residents must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and have lived in the Troy City School District for at least 30 days prior to May 19, 2026.
Voters must be registered with Rensselaer County to participate. If you are not currently registered, you may do so in person on May 5 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at School 12 (475 First Street) during the district’s Personal Registration Day.
How Do Early Mail and Absentee Ballots Work?
How do voters request and submit an absentee ballot?
Applications for absentee and early mail ballots are available for voters who are unable to vote in person on May 19, 2026.
To request an application, please contact the Board of Education Office at (518) 328-5070 or email boe@troycsd.org.
Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk:
- At least 7 days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter
- By the day before the election if the ballot is to be issued in person
- All completed ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 PM on May 19, 2026.
Absentee Ballot Application | Early Mail Ballot Application
Key Deadlines
- Applications received by mail: 7 days before the election
- Applications received in person: the day before the election
- Ballots returned by: 5:00 p.m. on vote day
Where can residents review official budget documents?
Residents may review detailed budget information using the documents below. Key information is summarized on this page for convenience.
- 2026-2027 Budget Newsletter
- Board of Education Budget Presentations
- Property Tax Report Card
- Budget Statement and Required Attachments
- School Budget Notice
Budget Development Calendar
BOE Adoption: 12/17/2025
February 4, 2026: Budget Discussions (tax cap, projected budget, advocacy, Governor’s proposal)
February 25, 2026: Budget Discussions
March 11, 2026: Budget Discussions – Draft 1
March 25, 2026: Budget Discussions – Draft 2
April 15, 2026: Budget Discussions – Draft 3
April 21, 2026: Adopt Budget
April 27, 2026: Property Tax Report Card/Administrator Salary Disclosure due, Final Budget available to the public
May 6, 2026: Town Hall Budget Hearing
May 7, 2026: Mail budget newsletter with budget notice
May 19, 2026: Budget Vote & BOE Election
May 20, 2026: Certify budget vote