Budget Vote & BOE Election
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Proposed budget keeps taxes flat; plans for a bright future
Troy City School District students have 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.”
What’s in the proposed budget?
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?
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. Please see our website for the biographies of each candidate.
Capital Project Updates – Building on a strong foundation
Troy CSD has made significant investments in its buildings in recent years, all without raising taxes.
- $56M Building Modernization Project
The voter-approved $56 million building modernization project is nearly complete. The final piece — a new technology wing at Troy High School — will be finished in the coming months. The new wing will prepare students for careers in technology, engineering and the trades through partnerships with RPI, HVCC, RIT, local employers, as well as the trade unions.
As part of the Tech Wing renovation, we have redesigned the drop-off loop in front of Troy High. Starting this summer, the entrance from Burdett will change. There will be plenty of signage when the roads open.
- 2023 Small City Capital Outlay Project
Work on the 2023 Small City Capital Outlay project continues across the district, addressing immediate needs including elevator repairs, lighting upgrades, water service improvements and boiler replacements.
- $46M 2024 Project
The $46 million capital project approved by voters in 2024 is also moving forward, adding secure entry vestibules at Carroll Hill, School 2, and Troy High School; new interior doors at THS; LED lighting upgrades; and improvements to sidewalks, HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and ADA accessibility. The project also includes an expanded cafeteria and kitchen at Troy Middle School, as well as a dedicated music suite for high school students.
Troy students shine on the stage and on the field
Masterminds returns (again) to NAQT National Tournament
The Troy High School Masterminds team will participate in the National Academic Quiz Tournaments High School National Championship in Atlanta later this month after another undefeated season at the podium. This is the fourth consecutive undefeated season for the team — they haven’t lost a regular season match since finishing 10-2 in 2021-2022. Senior Demetrios Skordas was once again the league’s top scorer by a wide margin, finishing the year with 1,530 points.
Athletics
Troy student-athletes had a standout year. Ten fall and winter teams earned Scholar-Athlete recognition from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, an honor requiring a team GPA of 90% or higher.
Senior Joey Degnan will compete in the New York State Golf Championship in June after placing fifth in the Section 2 State Qualifier last fall. Degnan is the first Troy golfer to reach the state level in recent memory.
Varsity Football brought the Collar City Cup home from LaSalle and returned to the Class A Super Bowl, finishing the season 8-3. Girls Basketball reached the Section 2 title game, falling to Bethlehem 58-56 in the final seconds. Boys Basketball made a deep sectional run, reaching the semifinals before falling to Amsterdam.
The Arts
Troy students had no shortage of standout moments on stage and in galleries this year. With a full slate of performances and exhibits, our students put their best on display for our region.
In the fall, the THS Drama Club opened the season with their production of “Late Bus”. The TMS Drama Club followed shortly with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” Band, choir and orchestra students filled December with holiday spirit through the winter concert series, capped off with the Troy High School Select Choir performing at Radio City Music Hall before the world-renowned Christmas Spectacular. This spring, the THS Drama Club returned to the stage with “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”.
Troy student artists had their work on display throughout the capital region all year, including exhibits at the New York State School Boards Association Convention, the NYSATA Legislative Art Show, the Juried High School Exhibition at the Albany Center Gallery, the Victorian Stroll and more.
Expenditures – How is the money spent?
| Category | 2026-27 | 2025-26 | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional | $32,628,615 | $29,406,203 | $3,222,412 | 10.96% |
| Employee Benefits | $28,235,834 | $26,828,888 | $1,406,946 | 5.24% |
| Special Programs | $22,941,669 | $22,379,288 | $562,381 | 2.51% |
| Charter School Tuition | $13,025,000 | $12,834,000 | $191,000 | 1.49% |
| Debt Service | $11,598,742 | $11,458,158 | $140,584 | 1.23% |
| Facilities | $12,862,896 | $12,741,480 | $121,416 | 0.95% |
| Transportation | $10,227,615 | $9,194,989 | $1,032,626 | 11.23% |
| Student Services and Athletics | $6,389,004 | $6,048,009 | $340,995 | 5.64% |
| Technology | $4,768,533 | $4,305,902 | $462,631 | 10.74% |
| Central Administration | $2,835,701 | $2,728,903 | $106,798 | 3.91% |
| Interfund Transfer | $835,000 | $4,435,000 | –$3,600,000 | –81.17% |
| Total General Fund Budget | $146,348,609 | $142,360,820 | $3,987,789 | 2.80% |
Revenues – Where does the money come from?
| Category | 2026-27 | 2025-26 | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Aid | $92,259,564 | $91,546,857 | $712,707 | 0.78% |
| Tax Levy | $38,605,063 | $38,605,063 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Fund Balance and Reserves | $8,137,482 | $5,100,000 | $3,037,482 | 59.56% |
| Real Property Tax Items | $4,340,000 | $4,240,000 | $100,000 | 2.36% |
| Miscellaneous | $775,000 | $675,000 | $100,000 | 14.81% |
| Charges or Services | $685,000 | $710,000 | –$25,000 | –3.52% |
| Interfund Revenue | $250,000 | $250,000 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Federal Aid | $170,000 | $233,900 | –$63,900 | –27.32% |
| Sale of Property & Comp for Loss | $25,000 | $0 | $25,000 | — |
| Use of Money & Property | $1,101,500 | $1,000,000 | $101,500 | 10.15% |
| Total General Fund Budget | $146,348,609 | $142,360,820 | $3,987,789 | 2.80% |
2026-27 School District Budget Notice
| Overall Budget Proposal | Budget Adopted 2025-26 | Budget Proposed 2026-27 | Contingency Budget 2026-27* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Budgeted Amount, Not Including Separate Propositions | $142,360,820 | $146,348,609 | $145,281,741 |
| Increase/Decrease for the 2026-27 School Year | $3,987,789 | $2,920,921 | |
| Percentage Increase/Decrease in Proposed Budget | 2.80% | 2.05% | |
| Change in the Consumer Price Index | 2.63% | ||
| A. Proposed Levy to Support the Total Budgeted Amount | $38,605,063 | $38,605,063 | |
| E. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy (A + B + C – D) | $38,605,063 | $38,605,063 | $38,605,063 |
| F. Total Permissible Exclusions | $1,236,881 | $1,073,286 | |
| G. School Tax Levy Limit, Excluding Levy for Permissible Exclusions | $37,677,840 | $38,393,933 | |
| H. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy, Excluding Levy to Support Library Debt and/or Permissible Exclusions (E – B – F + D) | $37,368,182 | $37,531,777 | |
| I. Difference: G – H (Negative Value Requires 60.0% Voter Approval) | $309,658 | $862,156 | |
| Administrative Component | $12,090,089 | $13,047,696 | $12,818,959 |
| Program Component | $104,266,192 | $111,197,205 | $110,734,074 |
| Capital Component | $25,556,815 | $22,103,708 | $21,728,708 |
Download the 2026-27 School District Budget Notice in its original form here.
* Under a contingency budget the district may not raise the tax levy over the prior year. In addition, the district cannot purchase any equipment, transfer funds to the Capital fund, allow buildings and grounds to be used by the public, or provide salary increases to non-contractual personnel.
Estimated Basic STAR Exemption Savings (under proposed 2026-27 budget): $443
The basic school tax relief (STAR) exemption is authorized by section 425 of the Real Property Tax Law.
The annual budget vote for the fiscal year 2026-27 by the qualified voters of the Enlarged City School District of Troy, Rensselaer County, New York, will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., prevailing time, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting ballot or machine. The polling locations will be PS2, PS12, PS14, PS16, PS18, and Carroll Hill schools.
Polling Sites
Poll Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Many Troy election districts have recently changed. Please verify your voting location at troycsd.org/budget.
Voter Information
Property Tax Information
- The district’s Tax Levy will increase 0% for the 2026-2027 school year.
- The estimated basic STAR tax savings for homeowners in the City of Troy is $443.
- The estimated basic STAR tax savings for homeowners in the Town of Brunswick is $445.
- 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
Voters who wish to cast their ballot by absentee or early mail must first submit an application. To request an application, please contact the Board of Education Office at 518-328-5070.
- If you want a ballot mailed to you, your completed application must be received seven (7) days prior to the vote.
- If you plan to pick up your ballot, your application must be received by the district no later than one (1) day prior to the vote.
- All completed absentee or early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk at School 12 no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19.
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 this year is 2.23%. The district is proposing going below this figure at 0%.
Official Ballot Language
2026-2027 Budget
RESOLVED, that the proposed budget of expenditures of the Enlarged City School District of Troy, New York for the 2026-2027 school year in the amount of $146,348,609 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.
Creation of a Capital Reserve Fund
SHALL the Board of Education be authorized to establish a Capital Reserve Fund (savings account) in an amount not to exceed $6,000,000, with a probable term of ten years, for the purpose of financing the construction of additions to, and reconstruction of, various School District buildings, site work, and acquisition of land, original furnishings, equipment, machinery or apparatus, required for the purposes for which such buildings are to be used, with such Capital Reserve Fund being funded with such portion of the available funds as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Education?