On Tuesday, May 21, North Colonie residents approved the district’s $154.1 million budget for 2024-25 with 1,594 yes votes to 431 no votes.
Results were announced at the North Colonie Central Office shortly after the polls closed at 9 p.m. The results show 78.72% of voters supported the budget.
The $154.1 million budget has a tax levy increase of 2.50 percent, below the allowable tax cap of 3.61%. The projected tax rate impact is 1.62% per updated information received from the assessor. The district will set its final tax rate for the 2024-25 school year in August, based on final assessment figures as provided by the Town of Colonie.
In addition to the budget, taxpayers also voted to approve a $94.1 million Capital Project focusing primarily on Shaker High School. “We’re excited to see the community support for the school budget and Capital Project which will bring sweeping renovations to the high school and other necessary improvements vital to 21st century learning,” said North Colonie Superintendent Kathleen Skeals.
Prior to this year, district residents voted to approve the creation of a Capital Reserve Fund. Today, voters approved spending $5.7 million from the reserve fund which will be used on various improvement projects around the district.
Board of Education
In the Board of Education (BOE) election, three candidates were seeking two, five-year terms. Matt Cannon, seeking re-election unopposed to his seat, received 1,748 yes votes.
Ayesha Geter and Justin John were running for Pennie Grinnell’s open seat. Ayesha Geter received 1,133 votes compared to 696 votes for Justin John. Mrs. Geter will be sworn in on Monday, July 8.
Summary
BUDGET VOTE
1,594 – Yes / 78.72%
431 – No / 21.28%
PROPOSITION 1 – CAPITAL PROJECT
1,558 – Yes / 76.64%
475 – No / 23.36%
PROPOSITION 2 – USE OF CAPITAL RESERVE
1,691 – Yes / 82.85%
350 – No / 17.15%
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Matt Cannon 1,748 (unopposed)
Ayesha Geter 1,133
Justin John 696