East Greenbush Central School District presented its preliminary school budget for 2017-18 at Wednesday evening’s Board of Education meeting at Central Administration. The preliminary budget is $92,870,343, an increase of $2,737,341 or 3.04%.
The preliminary budget maintains all current programs and services, but because of limited state funding, would require a proposed tax levy increase of 8.13%. The current tax levy threshold is set at 3.70%, so the District would need a supermajority of 60% to approve the budget as it stands.
The District has averaged a 0.98% tax levy increase over the last five years.
The preliminary budget, which is expected to change as legislators negotiate the state budget ahead of the new fiscal year on April 1, is impacted by a gap of $715,129 in foundation aid between what Governor Andrew Cuomo has budgeted and what the Foundation Aid formula dictates.
Superintendent Jeff Simons indicated that it is likely the final proposed budget will be adjusted to remain within the allowable tax levy limit of 3.70%.
In addition to the District’s school budget, voters will decide on two school bus propositions, the proposed capital project and select three seats for the Board of Education on this year’s ballot.
Residents can learn more about the preliminary budget at the following public meetings:
Meeting | Date | Time | Location |
Budget Review Session | March 29 | 7:00 p.m. | Genet Auditorium |
Genet PTO Budget Meeting | April 3 | 6:30 p.m. | Genet Cafeteria |
Budget Review Session | April 5 | 7:00 p.m. | Genet Auditorium |
Columbia PTO Budget Meeting | April 6 | 7:00 p.m. | Columbia Library |
Green Meadow PTO Budget Meeting | April 11 | 7:00 p.m. | Green Meadow Cafeteria |
Red Mill PTO Budget Meeting | April 11 | 8:00 p.m. | Red Mill Library |
Bell Top PTO Budget Meeting | May 1 | 7:00 p.m. | Bell Top Cafeteria |
DPS PTO Budget Meeting | May 2 | 6:30 p.m. | DPS Library |
Board of Education Meeting/Public Hearing | May 3 | 7:00 p.m. | Goff cafeteria |
Goff PTO Budget Meeting | May 9 | 7:00 p.m. | Goff cafeteria |
Additional Information
- 2017-18 Preliminary Budget Materials
- FAQ: 2017-18 Budget Process
- Tax Cap Calculation