Albany Voters to Decide School Budget, Board on May 19 | The Locally Times
The May 19 vote will set property taxes, determine school funding, and elect two Board members, with mail-in ballot applications due by May 12.
Albany homeowners face a critical decision on May 19 that will directly impact their property taxes and the educational future of local students. That's when the City School District of Albany holds its annual budget vote and Board of Education election, a key moment for the city's schools. Residents can cast ballots by mail or in person at designated polling locations from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. This vote directly influences the property tax levy and the educational resources available to students. Two seats on the Board of Education are up for election, shaping the district's strategic direction. The upcoming vote aligns with other regional districts, including Troy, which also confirmed a May 19, 2026, date for its budget vote and board election, as The Locally Times previously reported. ## Voting Options and Deadlines Albany residents have multiple ways to participate in the May 19 vote. In-person polling locations will be open across the city, including: New Hope Church, Giffen Memorial Elementary School, Sheridan Preparatory Academy, North Albany Middle School, Arbor Hill/West Hill Library, William S. Hackett Middle School, Delaware Community School, Bethany Reformed Church, Albany School of Humanities (ASH), New Scotland Elementary School, Pine Hills Elementary School, Albany High School's Abrookin Career and Technical Center, Italian American Community Center, Montessori Magnet School, and Eagle Point Elementary School. Specific ward districts are assigned to each location, with full details available from the City School District of Albany. For those preferring to vote remotely, the district offers a mail-in ballot option. Applications for vote-by-mail and absentee ballots are available for download from the district's website or by calling the district clerk. To receive a vote-by-mail ballot by mail, the district clerk must receive a completed application by Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 4 p.m. This deadline is seven days before the vote. Residents wishing to pick up their vote-by-mail ballot in person at the district headquarters in Academy Park must submit their application by 4 p.m. on Monday, May 18, the day before the vote. All completed absentee and vote-by-mail ballots must reach the clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. ## Budget and Board: What's at Stake The May 19 vote will determine the City School District of Albany's budget for the 2026-27 school year, a direct financial impact on homeowners through the property tax levy. While the proposed 2026-27 budget's specific dollar amount remains unreleased, prior year budgets, including the 2025-26 budget, are available for review on the district's website. For context, the district's 2025-26 Contract for Excellence plan, which focused on improving student achievement and building capacity in high-needs schools, totaled $10,460,870. The upcoming budget will outline funding for similar initiatives, staffing, programs, and school operations, directly affecting class sizes, educational offerings, and student support services. In addition to the budget, voters will elect two individuals to the Board of Education. Records do not yet name the candidates running for these positions. The Board of Education sets district policy, approves budgets, and oversees the superintendent, making this election consequential for the future direction and governance of Albany's schools. ## Regional Voting Calendar Takes Shape The City School District of Albany's May 19, 2026, vote date mirrors that of the Troy City School District, which also confirmed May 19 for its budget vote and board election. This establishes a clear, shared election date for school district voting across the region, providing residents with a unified calendar for engaging with their local educational institutions. As The Locally Times previously reported, while Troy's date was set, Lansingburgh's budget vote date remained undisclosed. Albany's confirmation further solidifies May 19 as a key date for voters in multiple area school districts. Beyond school districts, other municipalities are also preparing for budget-related activities. The Village of Ballston Spa has a budget workshop scheduled for April 6, 2026. The Village of Voorheesville will hold an organizational meeting and public hearing for its tentative budget for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2026, also on April 6, 2026. These events highlight the ongoing financial planning across local governments as they approach their fiscal years. ## Key Questions **When is the last day to apply for a mail-in ballot?** Applications for a vote-by-mail ballot must be received by the district clerk by Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 4 p.m. to be mailed to a home address. **Where can I vote in person?** Polling locations are available throughout the City of Albany, including various schools and community centers, and will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 19, 2026. **What information about the budget is currently available?** The specific dollar amount for the proposed 2026-27 school budget is not yet provided in public records, but prior year budgets, including the 2025-26 Contract for Excellence plan, are available for review.