In Niskayuna, the annual school budget is a reflection of the school district’s strategic direction, values and priorities. The district strives to balance needed and desired investments in education with responsiveness to taxpayers.

In December, the district asked students, families and staff what are the most important things our district needs to think about in order to support all students. The responses of the online survey will help the district plan a budget that reflects the priorities of its many groups.

At its Jan. 28, board of education meeting, the Niskayuna Central School District approved the following budget priorities:

Further a strong academic program that supports student growth and exploration

• • Focus on core curriculum consistency, support, resources at the elementary level
  • Refine academic support models at each level (across all tiers)
  • Continue to align Special Education programming with student needs
  • Provide robust support for professional development connected to strategic initiatives
  • Expand Prekindergarten programming to provide more opportunities for four-year old learners – classrooms at multiple sites

Strengthen and expand safety and security measures, protocols and planning

• • Expand District Security Team (greater coverage districtwide) and reinstate School Resource Officer programming
  • Continue to implement 2024 Security Assessment recommendations
  • Year 2 implementation of Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (research-based C-STAG model)

Successfully transition to our reconfigured Middle Schools

• • Provide for staffing needs in all areas for Grade 6 only at VA and Grades 7-8 at Iroquois
  • Year 1 implementation of program recommendations from Middle School Redesign Team

Support student mental health, well-being and social-emotional learning

• • Ensure adequate student mental health support
  • Continue to support and build capacity for Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools
  • Support successful implementation of new cell phone policy/practices

Promote Niskayuna as an “Employer of First Choice” in the Capital Region

• • Continue to evaluate of and invest in salary and wage competitiveness
  • Strategic use of resources to enhance the Employee Experience
  • Perform outreach across the community, region and beyond to build a diverse workforce