Greater Amsterdam School District residents voted 418 to 146 on Tuesday, May 20, to approve a $104.7 million budget proposal for the 2025-26 school year. Voters also approved the purchase of two school buses, the creation of a new capital reserve fund, and a library funding proposition. Voters also elected John Brodie and JoMarie DiTata to serve on the Board of Education. The results will remain unofficial until the Board of Education meeting tomorrow night.
The 2025-26 budget maintains a 0% tax levy increase, staying well below the district’s allowable tax levy limit of 7.88%. The plan preserves all existing programming and staffing while expanding services to meet student needs.
“While developing the 2025-26 budget, we remained focused on maintaining high-quality academic programming, student support services, and expanded opportunities—all while minimizing the financial impact on our taxpayers,” said Richard Ruberti, superintendent of schools. “This budget is aligned with our district’s mission to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging educational environment for all students.”
The budget includes funding for additional positions, including six new special education teachers, a music therapist, a second-shift custodial and security coordinator, a new social worker at Amsterdam High School, and increased aide and clerical support. Other key areas of investment include textbook and supply costs, employee benefits, and BOCES special education services. The plan also accounts for increased transportation costs as the district reduces walking distances to improve safety and accessibility.
Capital Reserve Fund:
The creation of a $5 million Capital Reserve Fund was approved by a vote of 430 to 122. This fund will support future facilities improvements and may only be used with voter approval.
Bus Purchases:
Voters approved the use of $301,121 from the district’s Bus Purchase Reserve Fund to buy two 28-passenger school buses. This purchase aligns with the district’s long-term bus replacement plan and will not increase the tax levy. The vote count was 449 to 107.
Public Library Budget:
Voters approved a $607,920 proposition for the Amsterdam Free Library by a vote of 390 to 168. While the school district is required by law to present the library funding proposition, the library is an independent entity with its own budget and governance.
Board of Education Vote:
Two candidates were elected to the Board of Education. The vote totals were:
Pamela Ladd: 148
John Brodie: 250
Lara Kulpa: 191
JoMarie DiTata: 279
Juan Montalvo: 170