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:

Additional Information

• 2017-18 Preliminary Budget Materials
  • Section A 2017-18 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
• FAQ: 2017-18 Budget Process
• Tax Cap Calculation