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Gloversville City School District proposes $82.6 million budget; special education cited as major cost driver
Summary
District presenters outlined a proposed $82,595,972 2026–27 budget (a 5.7% increase) that relies on reserves for several capital purchases, estimates a ~2.26% tax-cap levy increase, and attributes roughly 40% of the increase to special-education out-of-district placements and rising fringe benefit costs.
A district presenter addressed as Kathy presented the Gloversville City School District’s proposed 2026–27 budget, which the transcript lists at about $82,595,972, a 5.7% increase from the previous year.
Kathy said expenses are grouped according to New York State Controller codes and mentioned an additional business-office position, higher legal and auditing fees, electricity cost increases and negotiated salary increases for non-instructional bargaining-unit members. She told the board the district and the CSEA had reached a tentative agreement that will help with recruitment and retention.
Special-education costs were highlighted as a major driver. The presenter said roughly $2 million of the overall increase is attributable to private and residential placements, and that residential placements can average $70,000 to $85,000 depending on program. The superintendent later reiterated that special education represents roughly 40% of the overall increase and noted transportation and program costs rise when students require out-of-district placements.
Kathy said the district plans technology upgrades (including a new phone system paid from the technology reserve) that could save about $60,000 annually; other capital items planned from reserves include 36-passenger buses, a Caterpillar 9838 wheel loader, a large printer and classroom furniture funded by designated capital reserves.
On revenue and fund balance, the presenter said projected fund balance is approximately $4.1 million (about 25% of current fund balance) and noted a tax-cap figure of 2.26% (a projected levy increase tied to that cap). State aid projections were based on the Governor's proposed figures pending a final state budget.
The presenter reminded voters that budget votes, propositions and elections will be held May 19 at Gloversville High School and explained how petition filing works for board and library trustee candidates.
No formal budget vote took place at the meeting; the presentation was scheduled as part of outreach ahead of the May vote.
