Budget & Taxpayer Information

GASD 2024-25 School Budget

The 2024-25 school budget is in development. Eligible residents will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed budget on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

Board of Education Budget Presentations

Board of education budget presentations have been scheduled for the following dates:

March 20, 2024

April 17, 2024

May 14, 2024

Power Point versions of presentations will be posted below shortly after they are presented.

Budget Workshop #1

Budget Workshop #2

When is the Vote?

Tuesday, May 21, 2024
noon - 9 p.m.
Amsterdam High School Gymnasium (140 Saratoga Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010)
Signs will direct you to the polls

School Budgets in 60 Seconds

Watch the video below for a quick overview of how school budgets are developed in New York

Board of Education Election

On May 21, Greater Amsterdam School District voters will choose two district residents to serve on the GASD Board of Education. Board members each serve a three-year 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.

The terms of the following incumbents expire on June 30, 2024: Gavin Murdoch and Curtis Peninger.

Early Voting Ballots

A qualified voter may vote as an early mail voter. Each person entitled to vote as an early mail voter and wanting to obtain an early mail ballot must submit a written application to the District Clerk. Any questions regarding the vote or running for the board, please contact Kristi McGaffin, District Clerk, (518) 843-3180 ext. 7801 or kmcgaffin@gasd.org.

The application is available for request on April 3, 2024, and must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election/vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election/vote if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Applications cannot be received any earlier than 30 days prior to the budget vote, this would mean the application cannot be received before April 22, 2024.

Upon receipt and approval of the application, a ballot will be mailed. The completed ballot must be received by the District Clerk by 5 p.m. on May 21, 2024.

Absentee Ballots

Absentee ballot applications will be available on April 3 for the Greater Amsterdam School District 2024-25 budget vote. A district voter must request an application for an absentee ballot in advance of the vote date. The voter must complete the application and state the reason they will not be able to appear in person on the day of the district election/vote for which the absentee ballot is requested.

A qualified voter in the district may use an absentee ballot if, on voting day, they are a patient in a hospital or unable to appear personally because of illness or physical disability; is required to be outside the country because of duties, occupation or studies; is on vacation outside the country; or is detained in jail awaiting conviction of an offense other than a felony.

If the absentee ballot application form does not provide a reason that you are entitled to an absentee ballot, the application will be processed as an application for an early mail ballot and you will be sent an early mail ballot if otherwise eligible.

The application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election/vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election/vote if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Applications cannot be returned any earlier than 30 days prior to the election, which is April 22, 2024.

Upon receipt and approval of the application, a ballot will be mailed. The completed ballot must be received by the District Clerk by 5 p.m. on May 21, 2024.

If you are registered as a permanently disabled absentee voter with the Montgomery County Board of Elections, an absentee ballot will be provided to you after April 22, 2024, without having to request an application.

Any questions regarding the vote or running for the board, please contact Kristi McGaffin, District Clerk, (518) 843-3180 ext. 7801 or kmcgaffin@gasd.org.

Military Application Ballots

Members of the United States Armed Forces may request an application for a military ballot to vote in the upcoming Greater Amsterdam School District budget and board of education election on May 21. Please contact Kristi McGaffin, District Clerk, (518) 843-3180 ext. 7801 or kmcgaffin@gasd.org.

For a military voter to be issued a military ballot, the District Clerk must receive a valid ballot application no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 26, 2024.

If you have any questions please contact Kristi McGaffin, District Clerk, (518) 843-3180 ext. 7801 or kmcgaffin@gasd.org.

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:

2022-23 SY

Past year audits