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• 2012-13 proposed budget (PDF) • Board of Education candidates • Contact your elected officials
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Budget news In the News
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2012-13 Budget
Thank you for your support!
2012-13 budget approved by district voters
On Tuesday, May 15, Guilderland Central School District residents
approved an $89,259,860 budget for the 2012-13 school year by a vote of
2258 (yes) to 954 (no). This budget represents a 0.34 percent increase
in spending over the current year’s budget and will result in a 2.20
percent tax levy increase for district residents. Tax rates are also
estimated to increase by the same amount.
Voters also approved a $1,050,800 bus and equipment proposition to
purchase ten new buses and a maintenance box truck by a vote of 2100
(yes) to 1087 (no) and elected three members to the Board of Education.
While affidavit ballots and write-in votes have yet to be counted, the
unofficial election results are as follows:
• Christine Hayes (1855 votes)
elected
• Catherine Barber (1843 votes)
elected
• Jennifer Charron (1574 votes)
elected
• Emilio Genzano (1550 votes)
Thank you to everyone who came out to exercise their right to vote.
Guilderland's budget proposal passed with the highest approval margin
(over 70%) in more than 20 years!
Board of Education adopts 2012-13 spending plan
At its meeting on April 3, the Guilderland Board of Education unanimously adopted an $89,259,860 budget for the 2012-13 school year by a vote of 9-0. The budget, which represents an increase in spending of 0.34 percent over the current year, would result in a 2.20 percent tax levy increase in the coming year. The plan will now go before district residents for a public vote on May 15, 2012. Learn more
• View a sample ballot for the May 15 vote (PDF)
Budget FAQs
Do you have questions about the proposed spending plan? Visit our frequently asked questions page to see common questions and answers about topics such as voting, the property tax levy cap, salaries and benefits, changes to programs and services, and much more.
Good things are happening at GCSD...
Want to learn more about some of the many good things happening at Guilderland Central School District? If so, we invite you to take a few minutes to watch a new video produced by the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service in cooperation with GCSD (produced at no additional cost to the district). The video highlights just some of the exciting ways Guilderland is serving our 5,000 students and also highlights some of the challenges facing our district this budget season. Learn more
Voter registration dates announced: May 3, 7 and 9
Voter registration is required in the Guilderland Central School District. If you are not registered with the school district or the county, you must do so prior to the vote. Learn more
Fact sheets on our toughest challenges
Want to learn more about some of the biggest challenges schools throughout New York State are facing this budget season? If so, please take a few moments to read through the fact sheets below: (click on the title of the fact sheet to open the PDF)
• Budget votes: Explains the new supermajority and contingency rules
• New York State's Property Tax Levy Cap: Provides FAQs and answers about the new legislation
• The three tax levy numbers: Explains the different tax levy figures that schools will be talking about
• Tax levy limit formula: Provides an annotated explanation of the tax levy "cap" formula
• Mandates and mandate relief: Explains what mandates are and recaps the decades-old efforts to provide relief
• Pensions: Explains public pensions, the latest pension "reform" changes and how the tax levy "cap" exclusion works
We want to hear from you!
Do you have a question or comment about the 2012-13 school budget or budget process? If so, please complete our online feedback form. Tell us what you think
District rebuts rumors of cutting core classes, increasing class sizes at secondary level
Budget rumors: Fact or fiction?
Preparing a school budget is a complex process. While the district makes every effort to explain the nuances of all proposed changes in a clear and concise manner, rumors are bound to arise. For clarification on some of the more common questions and concerns being heard around town, visit the new Budget Rumor: Fact or Fiction Web page.
Q & A regarding proposed changes to middle and high school schedules
A member of the Board of Education was recently asked a number of questions related to proposed scheduling changes at the middle and high school. Answers to all of the questions were shared at the February 14, 2012 meeting of the Board of Education. Read the Q & A (PDF)
Superintendent presents 2012-13 budget proposal
on March 1
at a special meeting of the Board of Education
Understanding New York's new property tax levy cap
As mentioned above, Assistant Superintendent for Business Neil Sanders spoke about the new property tax "cap" during the Oct. 25 Community Conversation event. In addition to the information shared in the opening presentation, participants were also given a six-page brochure of common "Q & A" about the tax "cap" and its implications for school districts and taxpayers. Download a copy of the tax "cap" brochure (PDF) or visit the "Understanding New York's new property tax levy cap" Web page
Contact information for our elected officials
Do you have a concern about the new tax “cap” law? Do you want to ask your local representative for mandate relief? Would you like to see education aid restored? If so, now is the time to act! All voters can have a “say” in the laws and regulations affecting our schools by contacting their elected officials to share their opinions. The more officials hear from their constituents, the better. View contact information for our elected officials and download a sample letter to submit
Thank you for your feedback!
Community discusses areas of potential change for 2012-13
Looking ahead
To date, more than 150 community members have participated in the district's
Community Conversation events. While there are no additional community
conversation events scheduled at this time, there are still plenty of
opportunities to get involved in the Guilderland Central School District
budget process. From Board of Education meetings to contacting your local
elected officials, you can let your voice be heard.
Learn more about how to get involved! (PDF)
Continuing the conversation...
Community members discuss several areas of potential change for 2012-13
Looking Ahead: Innovation and the Future of GCSD...
First of three Community Conversations held on October 25
