What other propositions are on the ballot?

Voters to decide on bus proposition, land purchase, and capital reserve fund for the district

In addition to voting on the proposed 2007-08 budget and electing three members to the Board, on May 15 district residents will also decide on the following propositions:

Bus and equipment: $835,000

A separate proposition will be placed on the May 15 ballot seeking voter approval to purchase 11 new buses and one maintenance plow truck at a total cost of $835,000. Approximately 50% of the bus purchases would be returned to the district in the form of future state aid, offsetting the local taxpayer share of the proposition by $395,000. If approved, this proposition will allow the district to replace school buses that have logged between 105,000 and 168,000 miles over the past 10 years. The new maintenance truck will replace a 12-year-old model with extensive body rust and facing several major repairs including a new transmission. The entire cost of the vehicle purchases will be bonded and paid back over a five-year period. The tax impact of this borrowing will not take effect until the 2008-09 school year.

Land purchase: $175,000

A separate proposition will be placed on the May 15 ballot seeking voter approval to purchase .8 acres of vacant land located in front of Guilderland Elementary School (lots 2209 and 2211 on Route 20) at a total cost of $175,000. Funds for this purchase would be derived from the district’s existing surplus fund balance, and therefore, no additional cost to district taxpayers will be incurred. The property is currently zoned Business Non-Retail Professional, which means that a professional office building could be constructed on the site in very close proximity to GES. The business, if constructed, would also own the rights to a section of the entry driveway leading into Guilderland Elementary School. If approved, this proposition will allow the district to purchase adjoining land to GES which would provide greater flexibility for the long-term needs of the school district.

Establishment of a Capital Reserve Fund: $600,000

A separate proposition will be placed on the May 15 ballot seeking voter approval to establish a Capital Reserve Fund in the amount of $600,000 to address future renovations and additions at the elementary schools. The fund would be established using a portion of the district’s existing surplus fund balance. If approved, there would be no additional cost to district taxpayers. The probable duration of the Capital Reserve Fund is for a period of 10 years. After that time, any remaining funds in the reserve may be applied to outstanding debt and used by the district to reduce the annual tax level. A facilities committee, made up of district administrators, board members, staff, and community residents, has been formed to examine long range needs at our five elementary schools as well as to determine how the district should best use the reserve fund. If approved, this proposition will allow the district to create a reserve fund to offset the costs of a possible Fall 2007 renovation project.