This story was updated with certified vote totals on Wednesday, May 22.
On May 21, Guilderland Central School District voters approved a $125,192,817 proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year by a vote of 1,699 (yes) to 648 (no), a 72.39% approval. The budget carries a 4.53% increase in spending over the current year’s budget and will result in a 2.74% tax levy increase, which is within the district’s tax levy limit.
“We would like to thank the Guilderland community for voting today and for your ongoing support of our students and staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Marie Wiles. “This budget enables the district to prepare for the 2024-25 school year with a continued and renewed commitment to empowering each and every student to achieve success now – and in the future.”
School Bus Proposition
Residents approved the purchase of six 65-passenger buses, three with chains and three without, one 24-passenger wheelchair bus, a maintenance truck and a skid steer by a vote of 1,728 (yes) and 672 (no).
Electric Vehicle Proposition
Residents approved the purchase of two zero-emission electric vehicles (EVs), one 30-passenger school bus and one-65 passenger school bus and one Level-2 charger by a vote of 1,696 (yes) and 723 (no).
Cobblestone Schoolhouse Proposition
Residents approved the transfer of the district’s one-room Cobblestone Schoolhouse, built in 1860, to the Town of Guilderland for $10,000 by a vote of 2,071 (yes) and 324 (no).
Board of Education Election
Five candidates sought election for three open board of education seats. They are:
Tara Molloy-Grocki 1,380 votes;
Blanca Gonzalez-Parker 1,256 votes;
Nina Kaplan 1,212 votes;
Elizabeth Floyd Mair 1,071 votes;
Mateo Dunagan 536 votes
Nina Kaplan will serve a term that will begin on May 22, 2024 and end on June 30, 2027, to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Board President Dr. Seema Rivera.
Tara Molloy-Grocki and Blanca Gonzalez-Parker will fill three-year terms beginning on July 1, 2024.