Budget & Taxpayer Information

2025-26 Budget Information

  • Budget: $104,680,842.00

  • Budget Change: $7,723,430.00 or 7.97%

  • Tax Levy Change:  0.00%

  • On May 20, voters approved the budget 418 to 146

2025-26 Budget Documents

What's on the Budget?

Greater Amsterdam School District residents will go to the polls on Tuesday, May 20, from noon to 9 p.m. to vote on a $104,680,842 proposed budget for the 2025-26 school year. The budget proposal maintains a 0% tax levy increase and is well below the district’s tax levy limit, or cap, of 7.88% / $1,693,633. Voters approved the budget 418 to 146.

Also approved on the ballot

  • 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 Budget Presentations

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

  • Tuesday, March 18, 2025- Board will be presented propositions

  • Wednesday, April 9, 2025: Board will vote on tentative proposed budget

  • Tuesday, May 13, 2025: Public hearing

  • Tuesday, May 20, 2025: Annual Budget Vote and BOE Election

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

Board of Education Election

On May 20, 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.

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 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:

2023-24 SY
Past year audits

School Tax Information

Contact

Kristin Barnhill
Business Office Manager
kbarnhill@gasd.org
518-843-3180 x7401
Business Office Page

Notices

Past Budgets

2024-25 Adopted Budget

2023-24 Adopted Budget

2022-23 Adopted Budget

2021-22 Adopted Budget