East Greenbush Central School District presented its preliminary school budget for 2018-19 at Wednesday evening’s Board of Education meeting at Central Administration. The preliminary budget is $96,436,010, an increase of $4,278,853 or 4.64%.

The preliminary budget maintains all current programs and services, but because of limited state funding, there is a $5,376,518 budget gap. If the district were to set the tax levy at 5.55%, which is the current tax levy threshold, there would still be a budget gap of $2,426,404.

To balance the budget, the district has proposed a preliminary tax levy increase of 10.11%. This figure is expected to change as legislators negotiate the state budget ahead of the new fiscal year on April 1 and as district officials review more information regarding its projected costs for next year.

The District has averaged a 1.24% tax levy increase over the last five years, the lowest among all Suburban Council schools.

Superintendent Jeff Simons indicated that it is likely the final proposed budget will be adjusted to remain within the allowable tax levy limit of 5.55%.

In addition to the District’s school budget, voters will decide on three school bus propositions and select four seats for the Board of Education on this year’s ballot.

Residents can learn more about the preliminary budget at the following public meetings:

Upcoming Budget Meeting Schedule

2018-19 Preliminary Budget Binder Materials

• Section A 2018-19 Budget Process – Superintendent’s Materials and Presentation
• Section B Table of Contents
• Section C Preliminary Expenditure Summaries
• Section D General Fund Revenues, Inclusive of State Aid Estimated
• Section E Budget Review Sessions
• Section F Detailed Preliminary Expenditures