East Greenbush Central School District residents approved the proposed school budget for 2024-25 earlier today, as well as a $116 million capital project and the purchase of eight new school buses with the highest voter turnout since 2017 (excluding mail in vote of 2020).
The $111 million budget will maintain programs and services, including average class sizes and the district’s 1:1 chromebook program. It will expand the pre-k program from 97 students to 165 students and upgrade the wireless network and other technology systems.
More than 86% of voters approved the school budget, which comes with a 0.55% tax levy increase. The East Greenbush CSD has stayed within the state tax cap every year since its implementation, all while continuing to maintain programs for students.
Additionally, voters approved a $116 million capital project that will improve facilities and grounds at all seven schools. That proposition was approved by 85% of voters.
“I’m really humbled and grateful regarding the result of this year’s budget vote and the community’s continued support for our school district,” said Superintendent Jeff Simons. “Both the budget and the capital project passing by overwhelming supermajorities is a reflection of how important the students and our schools are to this community.”
The capital project includes the replacement of HVAC systems for improved indoor air quality and adding air conditioning throughout all five elementary schools, classroom additions at elementary schools to accommodate pre-k and increasing enrollment, library renovations in all schools, new playgrounds, athletic field improvements, upgrades to sidewalks and parking lots, and infrastructure improvements at all schools.
Now that the capital project has been approved by both the Board of Education and the public, the district will begin the design phase of the project. Construction is estimated to begin in Summer 2025 and will include multiple phases.
“I want to thank the Board of Education for working with the administration to support the budget as well as the largest capital project ever passed by the East Greenbush Central School District community,” Mr. Simons said. “I also want to thank key members of our administrative team including Public Information Specialist Mark Adam, Director of Business and Finance Jennifer Mulligan and Director of Facilities Paul Bickel, our architect LaBella Associates and construction manager Turner Construction, and everyone who contributed to the overall success of the capital project.”
“Most of all, I am grateful for the support of our community,” Mr. Simons continued.
The eight new school buses, which will replace older buses according to the district’s bus fleet management plan, will be purchased from the district’s Bus Purchase Reserve Fund with no impact to taxpayers. The district will be reimbursed for approximately 69.4% of the total school bus purchase by the state.
In the school board election, Samantha Phillips, Kimberly Turner and Catherine Van Orden were elected to three-year terms on the Board of Education.
The Budget Vote and Board Election was held at four polling locations across the school district on Tuesday, including Goff Middle School, Bell Top Elementary School, Donald P. Sutherland Elementary School and Green Meadow Elementary School.
Results
Proposition #1: School Budget for 2024-25
Yes: 1,518
No: 228
Proposition #2: Bond Proposition for Capital Project
Yes: 1,479
No: 260
Proposition #3: School Buses from Reserve Fund
Yes: 1,529
No: 213
Board of Education Election
The three candidates with the most votes have been elected to three-year terms (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027).
Samantha Phillips: 1,120
Kimberly Turner: 1,076
Catherine Van Orden: 927
JoAnn Taylor: 764
Cheryl Kennedy: 710