At the May 5 board of education meeting, Superintendent Daniel Mayberry provided an outline of the proposed $133.9 million budget for the 2026-27 school year, along with several ballot propositions voters will consider later this month. The proposal carries a 4.98% spending increase over the current year and a 3.42% increase to the tax levy, which is within the district’s levy limit. A 50% voter approval is required for passage of the budget.
The proposed budget prioritizes instructional programming, which accounts for about 75.6% of total spending. Administrative costs make up roughly 11%, while capital expenses, including facilities and transportation, represent about 13.4%.
Despite fiscal challenges, proposed budget plan supports high-quality academic programming
The district faces ongoing fiscal pressures as mandated and essential costs continue to outpace projected state aid and allowable tax levy growth.
The proposed 2026-27 budget is fiscally responsible, addresses near-term student needs and supports long-term sustainability. It preserves robust academic programs, enrichment opportunities and student support services, equipping Guilderland students with the knowledge and skills they need for the future.
Where reductions are necessary, they are largely driven by declining enrollment or achieved through staff attrition.
Voters to decide on a two additional propositions
In addition to the budget, voters will consider a vehicle purchase proposition totaling $1.75 million for new buses and equipment. State aid is expected to offset approximately 65.6% of that cost.
A second proposition would establish a new capital reserve fund with a maximum of $20 million and a 10-year term. The reserve would support future building improvements, site work and vehicle purchases. It would be financed by transferring $2.2 million from the district’s existing capital reserve fund, approved by voters in 2017, along with additional transfers from the district’s fund balance when available as authorized by the Board of Education.
Voters to elect three members to the board of education
Three candidates are running for three seats on the board of education and will appear on the ballot in the following order: Nancy Cavillones, Rebecca Butterfield and Peter Stapleton. The Guilderland PTA Council is hosting a Meet the Candidates Night on Monday, May 11th at 6 p.m. in the GHS LGI to introduce candidates.
Voter information
Polls will be open on Tuesday, May 19th from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters should note that polling locations have changed. Residents in the Altamont, Pine Bush and Westmere Elementary zones will continue to vote at their home elementary schools. Residents of the Lynnwood attendance zone will vote at Pine Bush, while Guilderland Elementary residents will vote at Westmere. The change follows the county’s decision to no longer provide voting machines, requiring the district to purchase its own system and adjust operations.
Qualified voters who wish to vote early or by absentee ballot must submit an application to the district clerk at least seven days before the vote if the ballot is to be mailed, or the day before if the ballot is to be picked up at the district office.