Budget & Taxpayer Information
2026-27 Budget Information
Greater Amsterdam School District residents will vote on Tuesday, May 19, on a proposed 2026–27 budget of approximately $112.5 million that continues to support student learning, school safety, student services and districtwide improvements while maintaining a 0% tax levy increase.
The proposed budget reflects an increase of approximately $7.8 million, or 7.46%, over the current year. District officials said the spending plan is designed to address rising costs while continuing to protect the programs, supports and opportunities students rely on every day.
Budget at a Glance
Proposed District Budget: 111,956,616
Increase Over Current Year: $7,275,774/6.95%
Tax Levy Increase: $0 (0%)
Budget Documents
Propositions
Budget Highlights
Supports strong classroom instruction and student academic programs across all grade levels.
Builds on robotics, STEM and distance learning opportunities that help students develop future-ready skills and access new learning pathways.
Advances the district’s AI Task Force to help students, staff and families better understand both the opportunities and responsible use of emerging technology.
Maintains student mental health, counseling and family support services through district staff and partnerships with Creative Connections Clubhouse and Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery counties.
Brings classroom upgrades to Marie Curie Elementary School and McNulty Academy, including new flooring, lighting and student storage improvements.
Delivers a redesigned front office and enhanced main entrance vestibule security upgrades at Marie Curie Elementary School to strengthen school safety and visitor management.
Preserves transportation services and access to help students get to school safely and consistently.
Invests in safe, welcoming learning environments and districtwide operational needs.
Preserves existing staff and student programming districtwide.
Adds a Deputy High School Principal position.
Adds two special education teachers plus additional OT, PT and speech services.
Supports additional BOCES and private placements for student needs.
Adds a second school monitor at each elementary building to strengthen student supervision.
Expands early Career & Technical Education opportunities through BOCES.
Supports maintenance, custodial and facility upgrades across classrooms, libraries, grounds, athletic fields and gyms.
Maintains a 0% tax levy increase despite allowable tax cap space of 4.19% ($901,010).
Additional Proposition Highlights
Technology Capital Reserve Proposition
Voters will consider a proposition authorizing the district to use up to $5 million from the existing Technology Capital Reserve Fund for technology equipment and infrastructure improvements. Because the funds would come from an existing reserve, the proposition would have no impact on the 2026–27 tax levy.
District officials said the reserve could help support the replacement of classroom interactive panels that are used by students and staff every day for instruction, along with other technology upgrades that keep learning environments current and effective.
The reserve could also support updated building access systems, including expanded badge-entry security upgrades designed to strengthen safety and improve controlled access across district buildings.
Amsterdam Free Library Proposition
Voters will also consider a separate proposition for an annual appropriation of $629,500 to support the Amsterdam Free Library. Under New York state law, public libraries may place funding propositions on school district ballots. The library operates independently from the school district.
Board of Education Election
On May 19, Greater Amsterdam School District voters will choose four district residents to serve on the GASD Board of Education. Three elected board members each serve a three-year term, and one will serve a one year, six week term.
The board is the official policy-making body of the school district. It is responsible for carrying out the laws and regulations pertaining to the education of children living within the district. The board adopts district policy, curriculum, programs of study and approves the hiring of all personnel, as well as establishing the conditions of employment. The board is also responsible for maintaining district facilities, establishing an annual budget and setting a tax levy.
To qualify for board membership, an individual must be:
A district resident for at least one year,
A U.S. citizen,
A minimum of 18 years of age and
Be able to read and write.
Board of Education Candidates & Bios
Three-Part Budget Summary
All New York state public schools are required by law to report their spending in three categories: administrative, capital, and program. The state dictates which portions of the budget belong in each respective category.
Voter Information
Am I qualified to vote?
You are entitled to vote if you meet the following qualifications:
You are a citizen of the United States,
You are at least 18 years of age or older on the day of the vote,
You are a resident within GASD for a period of 30 days prior to the vote,
You are registered to vote with the Board of Elections in your respective county within the Greater Amsterdam School District. To register, call the Montgomery County Board of Elections at (518) 853-8180.
How do I obtain an absentee ballot?
Applications for absentee ballots for any GASD vote are available from District Clerk at (518) 843-3180 x 7801.
All applications for an absentee ballot must be received no later than one week prior to a vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter. If the ballot is to be picked up personally by the voter, the application can be filled one day prior to the vote.
All ballots must be returned to the district clerk by 5 p.m. the day of the vote.
Where do I go to vote?
You must vote in your Ward/District Poll Site. If you are unsure of your poll site, please contact the District Clerk at (518) 843-3180 x 7801. Polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m.
Residents will now sign in electronically on voting day
When GASD residents go to the polls they will no longer be signing in to vote on paper but using an eSign tablet instead. Checking in voters using eSign vs paper polling books takes a fraction of the time. Voters can check in at any open station or the one with the shortest line. They no longer have to stand in a specific line according to their last name.
Polling sites
If you are unsure which ward and district you live in, please contact Board Clerk Kristi McGaffin at (518) 843-3180 x 7801.
School Budget 101: Understanding the Process
Each year, school boards must develop a balanced school budget proposal for the following school year and put it to a public vote on the third Tuesday in May. In New York, this requirement for a balanced, voter-approved annual budget is unique to public schools.
Check out this visual explanation, which may help you better understand some of the different factors that go into developing a balanced budget proposal.
School Budgets in 60 Seconds
Watch the video below for a quick overview of how school budgets are developed in New York
STAR Program
Homeowners who meet certain eligibility requirements through the New York State School Tax Relief Program (STAR) can have a portion of their home’s assessed value exempt from school property taxes. Learn more about the STAR program.
The Audit Committee & Financial Statements
School district finances are subject to internal and external auditing, which promote both accountability and transparency. The Greater Amsterdam School District Audit Committee, which is comprised of Board members and community members, is charged with providing independent advice and recommendations to the board.
Each year, in accordance with New York State regulations, an independent auditor conducts a review of the districts’ financial statements. After the audit is completed, it is reviewed by the Audit Committee and accepted by the Board. This typically takes place in the fall. Below are the most recent audited financial statements: