Guilderland Schools Approve $133.9M Budget, 3.42% Tax Increase

The Guilderland Central School District Board of Education unanimously approved a $133.9 million budget for 2026-27 on April 14, setting a May 19 voter referendum.

The spending plan increases by $6.35 million, or 4.98%, over the current year. The tax levy would rise 3.42%, reaching the maximum allowed under New York's tax levy cap law.

During the meeting, board members restored two special education teaching assistants and added 0.2 full-time teacher positions, raising the budget by $15,150 from its previous draft.

District officials attributed budget pressures to rising costs, inflation, tax certiorari settlements, unfunded mandates, and shifting enrollment patterns amid limited growth in state and federal aid. The plan uses fund balance reserves to support select instructional positions and enrichment programs.

Voters will also consider a $1.75 million vehicle proposition to replace aging school buses and maintenance equipment, including five 65-passenger buses, three 35-passenger buses, and two 29-passenger wheelchair-equipped buses. The district expects to recover approximately $1.02 million of that cost through future state aid, with the remainder financed through bonds.

A second proposition would reauthorize the district's capital reserve fund for 10 years with a $20 million cap. The fund would receive $2.2 million transferred from the existing capital reserve, plus additional transfers from fund balance approved by the board. Money would pay for building and infrastructure improvements.

Three board of education seats with three-year terms beginning July 1, 2026, are also on the ballot.

Polling places open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Altamont, Pine Bush, and Westmere elementary schools. Absentee ballot applications must reach the district clerk at least seven days before the vote if mailed, or by the day before if picked up at the district office.

The board meets May 5 for its next regular meeting, when residents can ask budget questions.