At the May 5 Board of Education meeting, I presented the proposed $133.9 million budget for the 2026‑27 school year as part of the district’s public budget hearing.
The hearing provides residents with an opportunity to review the proposed budget, including projected expenditures and revenues, ahead of the May 19 budget vote and board of education election. During the presentation, I outlined key components of the spending plan that will be considered by voters.
In addition to the proposed budget, voters will decide on a vehicle proposition and the reauthorization of capital reserve funding.
Voters will also elect three members to the Board of Education from the following candidates: Nancy Cavillones, Rebecca Butterfield and Peter Stapleton. Seats carry three-year terms beginning on July 1, 2026. To learn more about the candidates visit our website.
Polling locations for budget
As a reminder, starting this budget season, community members will vote at three, rather than all five, elementary schools for in-person voting: Altamont, Pine Bush or Westmere. These sites were selected for their central locations to make voting as accessible as possible for residents across Guilderland.
Voters who reside in the Altamont, Pine Bush and Westmere school zones will vote at their home schools. Lynnwood Elementary residents will vote at Pine Bush, and Guilderland Elementary residents will vote at Westmere.
Early and absentee voting
Eligible voters who wish to vote early in the annual school budget and Board of Education election must submit an early voter ballot application.
Applications must be received by the district clerk by Tuesday, May 12 for ballots to be mailed. Applications for ballots picked up in person at the district office may be submitted through Monday, May 18, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Likewise, absentee ballot applications must be received by the district clerk at least seven days before the election for ballots to be mailed, or by the day before the election for ballots picked up in person. Completed absentee ballots must be returned to the district clerk no later than 5 p.m. on election day.
To vote, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a resident of the Guilderland Central School District for at least 30 days prior to the vote, and registered to vote. You must vote at your designated polling location (either Altamont, Pine Bush or Westmere Elementary). Click here for polling locations by address.
Bus driver shortage; utilize Stopfinder app for real-time routing information
Like many districts in the region, we are experiencing a significant shortage of qualified bus drivers. When staffing levels are low, the transportation department may adjust routes to accommodate students, which could result in later drop-off times. Families will be notified if a route change occurs.
The shortage is also affecting the district’s ability to maintain its full schedule of late bus routes. With fewer buses covering the same geographic area, routes may be longer and students may arrive home later than usual.
For real-time transportation updates, families are encouraged to download the Stopfinder app, which provides live bus tracking and route information.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a bus driver, we encourage you to apply. Training is provided, with the positions ranging from substitute driver up to permanent positions with benefits. An incentive program is also available for qualifying drivers. For more information or to apply, visit our employment page.
No school Friday, May 22
Friday, May 22, is currently scheduled as a contingent holiday for GCSD students and staff. Barring any unforeseen circumstances that require additional emergency closure days, there will be no school and all district offices will be closed. Families should plan accordingly. The district will provide an additional reminder as the date approaches.
Thank you for your continued support of GCSD students and our school community. We appreciate your partnership. Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Daniel Mayberry
Superintendent of Schools