A message from Dr. Wiles:
Dear GCSD Families,
I am so pleased to announce that for the fifteenth time the Guilderland Central School District music department is a recipient of the Best Communities for Music Education honor. This award celebrates the intrinsic value of music education and recognizes the outstanding efforts of GCSD students and teachers as well as the families and community members who support and promote music as part of a well-rounded education. Our music program is truly a source of great pride for the entire Guilderland community!
School budget vote day is Tuesday, May 20
In just a few days, the Guilderland school community will decide on the proposed $127,547,392 spending plan for the 2025-26 school year. This represents an increase of 1.88 percent in spending over the current year. If approved, the tax levy would increase by 2.22 percent, which is at the district’s levy limit, as defined by New York State’s tax levy cap legislation.
This budget is fiscally responsible because it is structured to meet student needs in the short term and over time, while aligning with the district’s mission to prepare student to succeed after they leave our schools by:
- maintaining existing class size guidelines, which allow for individual attention and improved academic performance;
- preserving programs and services that engage students in a variety of ways, to encourage a lifelong love of learning;
- proposing necessary reductions where savings can be realized without a significant impact on students.
Future Ready Capital Project
In addition to the spending plan, voters will be asked to approve the $57.3 million 2025 Future Ready Capital Project. If passed, this improvement plan will begin the multi-year process of transforming GCSD facilities into future-ready learning environments. The proposed capital project aims to address necessary internal and external infrastructure needs as well as the renovation and enhancement of the performing arts spaces at Guilderland High School to resolve the ongoing challenges of limited rehearsal and storage space.
Another key component of the proposed capital project is modernizing outdated learning spaces with increased storage, upgraded lighting, flexible-use furniture and updated flooring.
If you follow the district’s social media channels you may have seen these videos which show the need for updated learning spaces and enhanced performing art spaces.
Vehicle proposition
Voters will consider a separate proposition to purchase five zero-emission full-size electric school buses with air conditioning. This purchase includes Level-2 chargers and setup. The district is also proposing to replace a 2007 Chevy Utility Dump Truck. The total cost of this proposal is $1,352,700. Because of a New York state electric vehicle incentive program, only the dump truck, which costs approximately $110,000, would be a net cost to the community.
Board of Education election
Four candidates are on the ballot, running for four open seats on the board of education. The candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot: Meredith Brière, Kelly Person, Peter Stapleton, Katie DiPierro. Learn more about the candidates here.
Last week, all district residents were mailed a newsletter that provides detailed information about the proposed 2025-26 budget and propositions, including the Future Ready Capital Project. Please be sure to read it or follow the links above to visit the district website. It’s important all residents feel fully informed to make a decision on Tuesday, May 20. Polls will be open at your home elementary school, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
No school, Friday, May 23
Please note that Friday, May 23 is indicated as a contingent holiday for GCSD students and staff on the school year calendar. If the district does not use more than one additional emergency closure day before that date, there will be no school and all district offices will be closed.
Thank you for your continued support of Guilderland Central School District students and our school community. Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Marie Wiles, Ph.D.
Superintendent