Board approves preliminary 2026–27 budget and salary schedules

The Albany County School District #1 board voted to approve the district's preliminary 2026–27 budget and the proposed salary schedules during its May 14 meeting.

District fiscal staff summarized the budget and noted limited changes since a presentation the prior week. "There has not been many changes in any information that I provided last week," the staff member stated, while flagging unresolved guidance from the state on health‑insurance eligibility that could affect reimbursements. The staff member said the state's health‑insurance FAQ currently "pretty much eliminates everyone" from reimbursement under its current hour definitions and the district is awaiting legal clarification.

Trustees pressed staff about timing and impacts, particularly after recent state recalibration proposals. Trustees were told that any statutory fix would likely require a special legislative session and timing is uncertain. The board heard that the activities category in the budget model shows a projected deficit of roughly $1,000,085 and that the district will prepare options for addressing deficits with recommendations or options presented to the board by January.

After discussion, a trustee moved and the board approved the preliminary budget including the salary schedules. The board also approved routine monthly financial reports and preauthorization for recurring payments; staff said an amendment will likely be presented in June to adjust specific line items.

The board will revisit program‑level impacts and bring specific options to a future meeting before making permanent decisions.