On Tuesday, May 20, residents of the Saratoga Springs City School District will vote on a proposed $159,398,849 budget for the 2025-2026 academic year. This spending plan includes a 3.97% tax levy increase, which remains within the allowable local tax cap.
Community Presentations will be offered at 6 p.m. on April 30 at Dorothy Nolan Elementary School and on May 13 at Saratoga Springs High School.
2025-2026 Proposed Budget Booklet
Learn more about the 2025-2026 budget development process.
2025-2026 Proposed Budget Overview
The proposed budget reflects the district’s continued commitment to providing a high-quality education while supporting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of every student.
Investing in Students and Their Success
To expand academic opportunities and student support, the budget includes funding to enhance elementary social worker services and strengthen supports for English Language Learners. Continued investments in Advanced Placement (AP) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs ensure students are equipped with the skills and experiences needed for success in college and career.
The district also remains focused on educating the whole child. Through targeted programs and services, we continue to promote social and emotional wellness, helping students build the resilience and confidence they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Empowering Student Voice
New this year, funding has been allocated to launch a Participatory Budgeting initiative at the High School. This innovative, hands-on opportunity will engage students directly in the decision-making process, allowing them to determine how a portion of the school budget is spent—providing valuable experience in civic engagement and leadership.
Operational Efficiencies and Investments
This year’s budget includes nearly two million dollars in savings through strategic operational efficiencies and staff reallocations. The district also continues to invest in technological advancements, ensuring our students have access to resources that enhance their learning.
Also on the Ballot:
Bus Bond Proposition: This would authorize the school district to issue an estimated $2,060,000 in serial bonds to purchase eight 70-passenger buses, two 64-passenger buses with wheelchair lift, and Suburban vehicles for facility or student transport. State aid would reimburse the district for approximately 40 percent of the cost. These purchases are part of the district’s plan to replace buses near the end of their useful lives to reduce maintenance costs and help ensure a safe fleet of vehicles.
Bond Proposition for Legacy 2025 Capital Project: This would authorize $142,872,000 for scope of work and authorize the use of $7,500,000 of fund balance ($3.5M 2017 Capital Reserve / $4M Unassigned Fund Balance). This would also authorize the issuance of Serial Bonds totaling $135,372,000. To learn more, visit the Legacy 2025 Capital Project page.
Capital Reserve Fund: This would authorize the district to create a reserve and fund it up to $10M for future capital projects after July 1, 2025. The useful life of the reserve would be 10 years.
Board of Education Election: District residents will elect three individuals to the Board of Education for three-year terms. The candidates for the Board of Education, in the order they will appear on the ballot, are Natalya Lakhtakia, Leigh Wilton, and Ashley Fogarty.
- Natalya Lakhtakia was elected to the Board of Education in 2019 and is running for her third term on the school board. She is a speech-language pathologist at a public elementary school. She is married and has one child. Natalya holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from Penn State and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Utah. Her community involvement includes volunteering with Saratoga Stronger, community organizing with CDDSA, and volunteering within the Division Street PTA, in addition to supporting the district at the Board level.
- Leigh Wilton is running for her first term on the Board of Education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Rutgers University. Leigh currently serves as an Associate Professor at Skidmore College, where she has been actively involved in educational leadership and service. In addition to her work in higher education, she serves as the Regional Coordinator for Princeton Alumni Interviewers.
- Ashley Fogarty is running for her first term on the Board of Education. She is a 2001 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Siena College and a master’s degree in Special Education from the College of St. Joseph. She has worked as a special education teacher in Boston and New York City and most recently served as the Director of Universal Pre-Kindergarten at the Saratoga Regional YMCA. Her past community involvement includes volunteering with the Special Olympics and the I Can Bike program.
Polling Locations
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Caroline Street, Division Street, Lake Avenue, Geyser Road, Dorothy Nolan, and Greenfield elementary schools. If you are uncertain where to vote after reviewing the list, click here to look up your polling place.
Voter Eligibility
Voter registration is required in the Saratoga Springs City School District. Anyone who is registered to vote in general elections and has voted within the past four years may vote in school district elections. District residents may also register at the Saratoga County Board of Elections Office in Ballston Spa from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those who prefer to register by mail may pick up voter registration forms at post offices, public libraries, state government offices or the MacFadden Administration Building at 3 Blue Streak Boulevard in Saratoga Springs. Completed forms should be mailed to the Board of Elections. To register, residents must be United States citizens, at least 18 years old, and have resided in the school district for at least 30 days prior to the vote.
Absentee Ballots
Residents who will be out of town or unable to vote in person can vote by absentee ballot. You must complete an application to receive an absentee ballot. Completed applications can be printed, completed, and mailed to the following: Brenda Roberts, Saratoga Springs City Schools, 3 Blue Streak Blvd., Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866.
Click here for the SSCSD Absentee Ballot Application. Applications may also be requested by calling the district clerk’s office at (518) 583-4703 or picked up at the district offices, located in the MacFadden Administration Building at 3 Blue Streak Blvd. on the high school campus.
Early Mail Ballots
All qualified voters of the Saratoga Springs City School District my vote as an early mail voter. There is no requirement for a reason to vote by early mail.