Meet the Candidates Night – Wednesday, May 13

Residents will have the opportunity to meet the four Board of Education candidates on Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Howard L. Goff Middle School cafeteria for Meet the Candidates Night. There are three open seats in this year’s election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. Each of the four candidates will discuss their qualifications and answer questions. The event will be hosted by the League of Women Voters.

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East Greenbush CSD Balances Proposed School Budget Amidst Financial Challenges

Apr 16, 2026 | Budget, District

The East Greenbush Central School District presented an updated version of its proposed school budget for 2026-27 during Wednesday evening’s Board of Education meeting. The proposed budget totals $118,872,000 and stays within the New York State tax cap at 3.33%, requiring a simple majority for approval.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kurtis Kotes led the presentation which outlined how the budget has evolved over the past few months. Since the first budget workshop in March, administrators have closed a budget gap of approximately $9 million through use of reserves and strategic reductions.

Despite the financial challenges affecting school districts – most notably rising health care costs – the East Greenbush CSD is able to maintain all core academic programs, including special education, college credit courses, AP courses, career and technical education, intervention services, extracurricular activities, and pre-k.

“We remain committed to preserving a high quality educational program for all students,” Dr. Kotes said. “We must continue to work diligently to create opportunities that will best prepare our students for a successful future while being sensitive to the community that supports our schools.”

Note: The current proposed budget was developed using estimates for state funding, as the final New York State budget has not yet been approved.

Rising Expenses Affecting School Districts

School districts across New York State are grappling with surging expenses, driven primarily by increasing health care costs for employees. Health insurance premiums are the primary driver of the increase with medical premiums increasing 16.5% and prescription drug premiums increasing 17%. The total employee benefit budget increase of 5.5% accounts for half of the total budget increase.

Use of Reserves and Fund Balance

To help close the budget gap, the district plans to apply $7.7 million in reserves and fund balance. Fortunately, the district and Board of Education has been able to save responsibly over the years to allow this flexibility.

However, as Dr. Kotes noted in his presentation, the district cannot continue to rely on reserves to keep up with expenses. The district must continue to evaluate costs and ways to reduce expenses moving forward.

“The district must work harder than ever before to seek out cost savings measures,” Dr. Kotes said. “We are not immune to the stress that all employers are faced with in balancing employment costs and recruiting highly talented educators. We have and will continue to look for ways to reduce that burden so that we can preserve resources to be dedicated to students in the classrooms.”

Strategic Reductions

Through strategic reductions, and with input from school principals and the Board of Education, the district is able to maintain core academic programs and keep class sizes within district guidelines. Most reductions can be accomplished through attrition, such as retirements and resignations.

  • Salary and Benefit Reductions ($1,070,362)
    • Instructional ($352,594): Elimination of the Jump-Start Program (1.0 FTE Teacher and 1.0 FTE Teaching Assistant, both via retirement); elimination of the MAP Program (2.0 FTE Teaching Assistants via retirement, with the teacher re-absorbed into teaming); and cost reductions from the implementation of a new tutoring model.
    • Non-Instructional ($497,768): Elimination or attrition of a 1.0 FTE Database Specialist, 1.0 FTE Transportation Typist, 1.0 FTE Assistant Transportation Supervisor, and 1.0 FTE Floating Nurse. Additionally, a 0.25 FTE Food Service Custodial position will be moved to the School Lunch Fund.
    • Prescription Drug ($220,000): Achieved by reducing the premium rate increase from 20% to 17%.
  • Non-Salary Item Reductions ($994,808)
    • State Aid and Placements: Anticipated UPK State Aid to cover the local share; and reduction in available contingency seats for Special Education Placements.
    • Equipment and BOCES Services: Removal of a Front-End Loader purchase; reductions in BOCES expenses including an unutilized Arts in Education line item, eliminating an added day for a Communications Specialist, and eliminating the Health & Safety service.
    • Operational and Line Items: Reductions in new printer leases, curriculum writing, digital textbooks, garbage collection, auto insurance, and utilities (gas/electric).

Looking Ahead

The final budget workshop is scheduled for the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Green Meadow gym. During that meeting, the board will consider adopting the proposed budget so it can be voted on in May.

Key Upcoming Dates:

  • Expected Budget Adoption: Tuesday, April 21
  • Budget Hearing and Presentation: Wednesday, May 6
  • School Budget Vote and Board Election: Tuesday, May 19

What’s On the Ballot?

  • Proposition 1: School Budget for 2026-27
  • Proposition 2: Purchase of Six School Buses from Bus Purchase Reserve Fund
  • Board of Education Election: There are three open seats in this year’s election

Budget Vote and Board Election

The School Budget Vote and Board Election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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