Oh, SmAlbany!

School budgets: The local votes on school budgets are set for next week. I live in North Colonie, and I just got the annoucement card in the mail today. Our budget is set to go up 6.4%, more than a trivial amount, although it is only translating into a small increase in property tax. I imagine that it will pass, although the board and the teachers union are always concerned when such a large increase is proposed.

Incidentally, my 11th grade social studies teacher, Linda Harrison, is running for school board in North Colonie. She has my vote.

UPDATE (5/13, 7:15am): As this TU story suggests, it is very important to sort out the numbers when you are looking at the budget votes. A 5% increase in a school budget doesn't translate to a 5% increase in property taxes. A number of other factors - new construction, an influx of students in a specific socioeconomic class, or a change in the assessment procedure for property - can all influence the relationship betwen the budget increase and the property tax increase. In extreme cases, the budget can increase while lowering property taxes. So make sure you have the facts about your district before you cast your vote.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 3:32 PM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.