School Budget Vote and Board Election - May 21

The East Greenbush CSD has proposed a school budget for 2024-25 that maintains all programs and services with a 0.55% tax levy increase, which is within the NYS Property Tax Cap. Residents will also vote on a $116 million capital project that would improve school facilities and grounds across the district with no impact to local taxpayers, the replacement of eight school buses, which if approved by voters, will be fully paid for by the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund, and elect three individuals to the Board of Education.

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Board of Education Adopts Proposed School Budget for 2024-25; Public Vote Scheduled for May 21

Apr 25, 2024 | Bell Top, Columbia, District, Genet, Goff, Green Meadow, Pre-K, Red Mill, Sutherland

The East Greenbush Central School District has proposed a school budget for 2024-25 that maintains all programs and services with a 0.55% tax levy increase, which is within the NYS Property Tax Cap. The proposed budget, totaling $111,660,557, would maintain current average class sizes, expand the Pre-K Program from 97 students to 165 students, continue the district’s 1:1 chromebook program and upgrade the wireless network and other technology systems.

The proposed budget was adopted by the Board of Education at Tuesday evening’s public meeting. Residents will vote on the proposed school budget on Tuesday, May 21.

Other propositions on the ballot include a $116 million capital project that would improve facilities and grounds at all seven schools at no additional cost to the local taxpayer, as well as, replacement of eight school buses from the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund. Voters will also select three individuals for the Board of Education.

“After several weeks of carefully examining the impact of reductions in state operating aid and its impact on our district’s fiscal position, I am pleased that our board of education is able to offer the community a budget next year that preserves all of our programs for students and keeps the tax levy increase within the NYS tax cap,” said Superintendent Jeff Simons.

“Utilizing Universal Pre-K grants provided by New York State, our district is also able to expand Universal Pre-K classes through partnerships with local providers without increasing expenses next year within our general fund budget,” said Simons.

What’s On the Ballot

  • Proposition 1: School Budget of $111,660,557 with 0.55% Tax Levy Increase
    • Maintains all current programs and services
    • Expands Pre-K Program from 97 students to 165 students
    • Maintains current average class sizes
    • Continues 1:1 Chromebook Program
    • Upgrades wireless network and other technology systems
  • Proposition 2: Bond Proposition (Capital Project)
    • Proposed capital project includes items such as replacement of HVAC systems for improved indoor air quality and adding air conditioning throughout all five elementary schools, classroom additions at elementary schools, library renovations in all schools, new playgrounds, athletic field improvements, upgrades to sidewalks and parking lots, and infrastructure improvements at all schools
    • Estimated cost for the proposed project is $116 million, but due to state building aid and expiring debt, there would be no additional impact to local taxpayers
    • It is estimated that the state will reimburse the district approximately 72% of eligible costs for this project ensuring no additional tax burden for district residents
  • Proposition 3: Replace Eight School Buses from Bus Purchase Reserve Fund
    • Replace eight older buses with new buses that have better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, improved safety features and lower costs for maintenance and repairs
    • Purchased at a cost of $1,044,301 from the district’s Bus Purchase Reserve Fund with no impact to taxpayers
    • Two of the eight school buses would be electric buses (dependent on rebates and grants)
    • Reimbursed for approximately 69.4% of the total purchase with those funds going back into the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund
    • Bus Purchase Reserve Fund acts like a savings account, allowing the district to store money for the sole purpose of purchasing buses and avoiding the costs that come with borrowing
  • Election of Three Members to the Board of Education
    • There will be five candidates on the ballot (listed in alphabetical order)
      • Cheryl Kennedy
      • Samantha Phillips
      • JoAnn Taylor
      • Kimberly Turner
      • Catherine Van Orden

Budget Vote and Board Election Resources

Upcoming Presentations
Residents can learn more about the proposed budget and capital project at one of the following public meetings.

  • Capital Project Community Presentation – Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Columbia High School Auditorium
  • PTO Presentation – Tuesday, May 7, 6:30 p.m., Virtual Meeting
  • Budget Hearing and Presentation – Wednesday, May 8, 7 p.m., Central Administration Conference Room
  • Town of East Greenbush Presentation – Wednesday, May 15, 6:00 p.m., East Greenbush Town Hall

Voting Information

Polls will be open to eligible voters on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The school district is divided into election zones as follows:

  1. Bell Top – Residents of the Town of North Greenbush
  2. Goff – Residents of the Town of East Greenbush
  3. Donald P. Sutherland – Residents of the Towns of Sand Lake or Chatham or Residents with a Nassau mailing address
  4. Green Meadow – Residents of the Town of Schodack who do not have a Nassau mailing address

You may also contact the Business Office at 518-207-2535 to find your polling place.

Polling Place Finder

Absentee Ballots

Qualified district residents who are unable to go to the polls (e.g., illness, out of town for business or vacation) may cast their votes by absentee ballot. An application is required first and may be obtained by calling the District Office at 518-207-2535.

Early Voting by Mail
Early voting by mail for school budget votes and board elections is now available to New York State residents. Registered, qualified voters of the school district may apply for an early mail ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk.

Early Voting by Mail Application (due by May 14, 2024)