The Greater Amsterdam School District

The Greater Amsterdam School District’s proposed $12 million capital project would support improvements to student dining spaces, athletic facilities and long-term district planning priorities while maintaining no additional tax impact for local taxpayers.  

District residents will vote on the proposal as part of the 2026-27 budget vote on Tuesday, May 19.

According to Superintendent Richard Ruberti, the proposed project would be eligible for approximately 95% state building aid and funded through a combination of up to $7 million in bonds and up to $5 million from the district’s capital reserve.  

“This project includes a wide range of upgrades that would benefit students and staff,” Superintendent Richard Ruberti said. “These improvements are designed to better support student learning and activities today while helping us plan responsibly for the future.”  

A major portion of the proposed project would modernize Amsterdam High School’s cafeteria and kitchen spaces to better support the district’s growing school meal program and improve the overall student dining experience. Planned improvements include expanded food preparation and serving areas, additional serving stations, improved seating, sound-absorbing upgrades and reusable dishware and equipment to help reduce waste.  

Superintendent Richard Ruberti said the upgrades would create a more efficient, student-centered dining environment while supporting increased participation in school meals following the district’s partnership with Capital Region BOCES food service.  

The project would also address longstanding drainage issues on school property near the main parking lot that have limited the use of outdoor spaces for athletics, physical education and other school activities. Proposed athletic improvements include a new multi-purpose synthetic turf field for sports such as soccer, lacrosse and baseball, along with a dedicated synthetic turf softball field.  

Additional site upgrades would include improved sidewalks and access points, fencing, safety netting, dugouts and spectator seating. Superintendent Richard Ruberti said the improvements would create more reliable access to outdoor spaces throughout the year while improving safety and functionality for students.  

The proposed capital project also includes long-term property planning efforts involving approximately 44 acres of district-owned land near Marie Curie Elementary School along Widow Susan Road. Superintendent Richard Ruberti said the land is no longer needed for school purposes and could potentially generate future tax revenue if developed. Voters will consider a separate proposition authorizing the district to sell the property for $202,000, less customary closing costs.  

“This planning approach is about making thoughtful decisions that support both our schools and community,” Ruberti said. “By making the best use of district-owned property, we can reduce long-term costs, strengthen district resources and create opportunities that benefit our students, families and taxpayers well into the future.”  

Additional propositions on the May 19 ballot include a proposal to use up to $5 million from the district’s existing Technology Capital Reserve Fund for classroom technology and building access upgrades, as well as the annual Amsterdam Free Library proposition.  

Residents can learn more by visiting the district’s budget webpage and capital project webpage.

Budget Page: https://www.gasd.org/o/gasd/page/budget-taxpayer-information
Capital Project Page: https://www.gasd.org/page/capital-project