May 9 update: budget and capital project; Meet the Candidates Night; art shows; honoring teachers and school nurses

A message from Dr. Wiles:

Dear GCSD Families,

This past Tuesday, at the May 6 board of education meeting, the Guilderland Central School District held its public budget hearing. Assistant Superintendent for Business, Dr. Andrew Van Alstyne, provided a presentation on the proposed $127,547,392 budget for the 2025-26 school year. The purpose of the hearing is to allow the public to understand the proposed budget, including planned expenditures and revenues, before voting on it. In his presentation, Dr. Van Alstyne explained all aspects of the proposed spending plan that Guilderland residents will approve on Tuesday, May 20. You can watch the budget hearing here.

In addition to the spending plan, voters will be asked to decide on a vehicle proposition and on the $57.3 million 2025 Future Ready Capital Project. If approved, this improvement plan will begin the multi-year process of transforming GCSD facilities into future-ready learning environments. The proposed capital project aims to modernize outdated learning spaces with increased storage, upgraded lighting, flexible-use furniture and updated flooring. Other key components of the proposed capital project are addressing necessary internal and external infrastructure needs and the renovation and enhancement of the performing arts spaces at Guilderland High School to resolve the ongoing challenges of limited rehearsal and storage space.

Meet the Candidates Night, Tuesday, May 13, 6 p.m.

Also on the ballot is the election to fill four seats on the GCSD Board of Education. To introduce the candidates to the school community, the Guilderland PTA Council is hosting Meet the Candidates Night. The in-person forum will be livestreamed on the GHS Media YouTube channel and will be recorded. Four candidates are running at-large to fill four seats on the GCSD Board of Education; candidates are elected to unpaid terms. In the order they will appear on the ballot, the candidates are: Meredith Brière, Kelly Person, Peter Stapleton, Katie DiPierro. Read the candidates’ profiles on the district website.

Student art shows

I hope you’ve had the opportunity to view some of the student artwork displayed at the Guilderland Public Library for the elementary and high school art shows. These exhibits showcase student artwork and the kick-off receptions give students the chance to proudly show off their pieces while viewing the work of their classmates. The Farnsworth Middle School Art Show and Reception will be held at FMS on Tuesday, May 13, 3:30-5 p.m. If possible, please consider attending to view some wonderful artwork and some very proud student artists!

A small child is sitting on a man's child. The boy is pointing at a piece of artwork posted on the wall. The wall is covered with student artwork

Three young boys are standing in a row, their arms are around each other. They are standing in front of student artwork

A young student kneels down in front of a display case; she is pointing to a piece of artwork

A high school student wearing large headphones around her neck is standing in front of a wall that has a lot of student artwork posted. She is pointing to a piece of artwork. Her t-shirt is light tan and her hair is red

A high school student is pointing to a piece of artwork in a display case. She has long hair and is smiling

A high school student is standing in front of a wall with a lot of student artwork hanging on it. You can see many pieces. He is holding a certificate and is pointing to a piece of artwork and smiling

Honoring teachers and school nurses

Finally, this week we recognize some very important individuals in our school community. This Wednesday, May 7 was National School Nurse Day and this week marked National Teacher Appreciation Week. These commemorations present an excellent time to express our sincerest gratitude for all that our teachers and school nurses do. We would like to thank them for their hard work,support and commitment to our students, not just this week, but throughout the entire school year.

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. Future communications will update families as the date approaches.

Thank you for your continued support of Guilderland Central School District students and our school community. Have a wonderful weekend and a Happy Mother’s Day.

Sincerely,

Marie Wiles, Ph.D.
Superintendent