Board approves 2026–27 budget to present to voters after debate over GED program cut
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Summary
The Granville Central School District board authorized the proposed 2026–27 budget and a 3.9% tax-levy increase for the May vote; members questioned a planned cut to the in-house GED program and asked staff to explore grants or BOCES partnerships estimated to cost $40,000–$50,000 to restore.
The Granville Central School District board moved to present the proposed 2026–27 budget to district voters on May 19, 2026, and also voted to approve a 3.9% tax-levy increase tied to that budget.
During discussion, several board members and public commenters pressed administrative staff about a planned cut to the in-house GED program. A resident told the board the program is vital and described the proposed reduction as ‘‘appalling,’’ arguing the district would be damaging students’ future prospects. The resident framed the $50,000 figure discussed in earlier workshops as a modest investment compared with the program’s potential benefits.
District staff said the GED program originally started with COVID-era federal funds and that restarting an in-house offering would likely require additional funding in the range of $40,000 to $50,000, depending on program scope. Staff said they would investigate alternative funding sources, including hospital grants, regional BOCES partnerships, or other grants, and noted other providers in the region (LEAP and BOCES) offer GED instruction.
The board approved motions to present the budget to voters and to set the budget vote and election for May 19, 2026. The transcript records the motions and calls for votes but does not include a roll-call tally in the public minutes.
Board members also asked clarifying questions about how student counts are tabulated for aid and noted that population figures used in the property tax report card (discussed in a separate agenda item) include UPK pupils; staff committed to circulating corrected report-card materials before final submission.
Next procedural steps recorded: staff will circulate a corrected property tax report card if needed and continue to seek grant or partnership options to support adult‑education programming; the budget will appear on the ballot for voters to decide.
