The Greater Amsterdam School District (GASD) Board of Education adopted a 2024-25 school budget proposal that would preserve all existing programming and maintain low-class sizes. The $96,957,412 million spending plan calls for a $5,535,432, or 6.05%, increase over the current year’s budget.
The district’s calculated tax levy limit is 4.85%. The budget proposal carries a tax levy increase of 0.00%, which will require a majority (50% + 1) of voters to authorize the proposal.
The proposal, which the board adopted on April 17, emphasizes student-centered expenditures. New staff positions and initiatives would be offered to better meet student needs, including continued support for students’ social-emotional and mental health. Additionally, hall monitors would be hired at the elementary levels to provide the necessary safety precautions for our students.
Next Steps
You can learn more about the proposed 2024-25 budget in a community newsletter and postcard that will be mailed to district residents in May.
A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for May 14 at 5 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Media Center of the Amsterdam High School.
The annual budget vote and election will then take place on May 21. Polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Absentee and early voting information can be found on the district’s Budget and Finance webpage.
A list of propositions are below:
Proposition 1: 2024-25 Budget Proposition
Proposed Budget: $96,957,412
Budget Change: $5,535,432 or 6.05%
Tax Levy: 0.00%
Proposition 2: Bus Purchases
Also on the ballot is a proposition for the district to use $302,602 from its Bus Purchase Reserve Fund to buy one 50-passenger and one 66-passenger school bus, which follows the district’s bus replacement schedule to maintain a safe and efficient bus fleet. Because the money would come from a reserve fund, which is like a savings account for school districts, the purchase would not increase the tax levy.
Proposition 3: Capital Project
The district is proposing a capital improvement project that prioritizes facility needs district-wide, with a focus on enhancing HVAC systems to tackle aging infrastructure and implementing improved air filtration and ventilation systems in all school buildings.
Valued at $62 million, this initiative stands out because it will have 0.00% taxpayer impact. If approved by voters, state building aid would reimburse the district for 95.30% of the project cost and the remaining funds, $4.5 million, would come from the district's Capital Project Reserve Fund, covering the local share of the project.
The proposed capital project has a range of upgrades, including revamped parking lots to improve traffic flow, updates to plumbing fixtures, and the installation of charging stations for electric buses. The stations will be necessary as the state is requiring school districts to transition to a 100% zero-emission electric school bus fleet by 2035. Electrical system enhancements are also on the agenda to ensure optimal functionality.
Proposition 4: Board of Education Election
On May 21, voters will also elect candidates to two three-year Board of Education seats. Terms begin July 1, 2024. Gavin Murdoch, Janice "Nana" Newbold, Dennis P. Boice Jr. submitted nominating petitions to be placed on the ballot for election.
Polling Locations
School Election District #1
Amsterdam High School – 140 Saratoga Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010
Ward 1- District 4
Ward 2- District 3
Town of Amsterdam - District 1, 2, 4 District 3 and 4 merged it is now district 3
School Election District #2
Lynch Literacy Academy – 55 Brandt Pl., Amsterdam, NY 12010
Ward 1- District 1, 2, 3
Ward 2- District 1, 2
Ward 3- District 1, 2, 3
Ward 5- District 3
School Election District #3
Marie Curie Institute – 9 Brice St., Amsterdam, NY 12010
Ward 2- District 4
Ward 4- Districts 1, 2 - There is now only 1 district in Ward 4
Ward 5- District 1
Town of Amsterdam- District 3 district 3 and 4 merged it is now district 3
School Election District #4
Barkley Elementary – 66 DeStefano St., Amsterdam, NY 12010
Ward 5- Districts 2, 4
Town of Florida- District 1, 2, 3 district 1,2,3 merged now just district 1