Guilderland board outlines $127.6 million budget, bus and capital propositions ahead of May 20 vote

Guilderland Central School District Superintendent Andrew presented the proposed 2025-26 budget on May 6, saying the district is proposing a $127,600,000 spending plan, a $2,354,000 increase (1.88%). The proposal goes to voters on May 20 alongside a school bus proposition, a capital project question and four board seats.

Andrew said the budget would be supported by an estimated $1,800,000 tax-levy increase (about 2.22%), which the district reported is compliant with New York Statetax-cap rules and therefore requires only a simple majority for approval.

The superintendent provided a breakdown of spending: program expenses account for 76% of the proposed budget, administrative costs 11.2% and capital 12.8%. Salaries and benefits make up nearly 80% of expenditures, the presentation said. The district would use reserves and interfund transfers where appropriate and cited an $84.3 million protected levy as the primary revenue source.

If voters reject the proposal and a subsequent revote also fails, Andrew said the district would face a contingency budget that would require roughly $1,800,000 in reductions and would cap the levy at this yearlevel and limit certain administrative expenses.

On the vehicle proposition, the district proposed buying five full-size electric buses and one utility dump truck. Andrew said state incentives and the current transportation-aid calculation mean the purchase would have "no net cost to taxpayers" under the existing incentive structure; five full-size buses were listed at just over $1.2 million. He said this would be the last year the district can buy buses under the current incentive package.

Andrew also described a Future Ready capital project totaling $57,259,705, with an estimated tax impact of 2.74%. He said the State Education Departmentwould contribute an estimated $0.70 for every eligible dollar and projected that about 75% of the project would be eligible for building aid. For an average town assessment of approximately $283,000, the district estimated an annual tax impact of just under $150.

Board members asked clarifying questions during the presentation; no formal vote was taken at the hearing. The superintendent directed residents to the district website for detailed budget materials and noted that the voters will also see library propositions on the same ballot.

Why it matters: The proposed budget and capital project together determine tax and capital spending levels and shape classrooms, transportation and long-term facilities investments. The bus proposition ties the districtto state incentives for electric vehicles, and the capital project would leverage substantial state building aid if voters approve it.