B-P 2025-26 budget proposal expands opportunities, keeps tax levy increase below ‘cap’

On Tuesday, May 20, qualified residents of the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District will vote on a proposed $43,381,000 budget for the 2025-26 school year.

The proposed budget represents a 3.94% spending increase and a year-to-year tax levy increase of 2.80%, which is below the district’s calculated tax levy “cap” of 7.07%. A simple majority of voters (more than 50%) is required for budget approval.

In addition to maintaining all current programs for students, the proposed spending plan also calls for additions of math, Spanish, and Family and Consumer Science (FACS) teachers at the secondary school; the purchase of new marching band uniforms; and a second RISE (Reaching Independence through Support and Education) classroom at the elementary school to serve students with special needs.

“Whenever possible, we try to keep our students with special needs here in their home district,” said Superintendent of Schools Stephen Tomlinson. “Without the RISE program, many of the students the program serves would be loaded onto buses every day to attend programs out of district. As the students in our first RISE classroom get older, we’ve recognized the need for a second classroom to be able to serve a broader age range.”

In addition to the 2025-26 budget proposal, voters will also consider a proposition to purchase new buses as part of the district’s long-standing bus replacement program, and they will elect two people to the Board of Education. The open seats are currently held by Chad Egan and Keith Buchanan, both of whom are seeking re-election. Nominating petitions for residents interested in running for the school board are due to District Clerk Lisa Schimmenti by 5 p.m. Monday, April 21.

The district will host a public hearing on the budget proposal starting at 7 p.m. Monday, May 12, in the lecture hall at B-P Jr./Sr. High School. All in-person voting will take place at the Robert C. Munn Gymnasium at B-P Senior High School, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20. Applications for absentee ballots may be obtained at the district office or by calling the district clerk at 518-954-2501.