2026-27 school budget development

The school budget is the biggest investment the community collectively makes with its tax dollars. District leaders work to make the most thoughtful and effective use of resources to benefit students, to develop and manage the budget in a responsible and transparent manner and to be accountable to taxpayers.

Updates and resources related to the 2026-27 budget process will be added to the budget section of the website as they become available.

School Budget Vote and Board of Education Election – May 19, 2026

Each spring, the board of education adopts a budget for the coming school year for a community vote. New York state has designated the third Tuesday in May as the date for school budget votes.

This year, the school budget vote and board of education election will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The vote will be held at the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library from noon to 8 p.m.

Please mark your calendars and be sure to vote!

Board of Education adopts proposed 2026-27 proposed budget

During its regular meeting on April 15, 2026, the Fort Plain Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a proposed $24,240,000 budget for the 2026-27 school year.

The school budget represents an increase in spending of $240,000 or 1.00% over the current year budget. The spending plan will allow the district to maintain all current academic programs and personnel, and will provide for additional supports and learning opportunities for students.

Under this proposal, the tax levy would increase by 1.25%, which is below the district’s allowable tax cap of 2.61%. Because the tax levy increase remains below the district’s allowable limit, as determined by the state’s tax “cap” formula, a simple majority of voters (50% + 1) is needed to pass the budget.

Opportunities to learn about the school budget

Since the start of the year, district administration and the Board of Education have been at work developing a budget for the 2026-27 school year. The goal is to maximize the district’s resources to create a fiscally responsible budget for the district’s academic, athletic and extracurricular programs and essential services in order to meet students’ needs.

Public Hearing – Proposed 2026-27 Budget

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 6 p.m., District Office, 25 High Street, Fort Plain.

Early Voting/Absentee Ballots

Early voting/absentee ballot applications may be obtained from the District Clerk, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.

Early/absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on May 19, 2026, the day of this year’s vote.

Please call 518-993-4000 ext. 1000 to request an absentee ballot or visit the Budget section of our website to learn more.