Superintendent and Business Manager propose cuts to close $2.7 million budget gap; Board directs proposed budget remain within tax levy cap
The Scotia-Glenville budget workshop series began with the Monday, March 2 Board of Education meeting where Superintendent Susan Swartz and School Business Manager Andrew Giaquinto outlined proposed reductions to aid in closing the nearly $2.7 million budget gap. They discussed recently received Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs), including one that arrived late on Thursday, Feb. 26 and required adjustments to tax levy cap calculations.
The outline below summarizes the tax cap impacts and proposed budget adjustments. Please note, this is not the recommended budget.
Tax cap changes
- The district’s maximum allowable tax levy limit for 2026-27 is 1.78%, a decrease from 3.25% last year.
- The allowable levy increase over the 2025-26 budget is $615,267.
- The updated draft budget of $67,580,568 (a 1.60% increase) requires a tax levy increase of $1,169,902 (3.39%), which exceeds the tax cap by $554,635.
- The projected tax rate increase is 4.22%, based on the 2025-26 tax rolls, reflecting an $11.2M reduction from new PILOT agreements.
PILOT agreements
- Best Glenville LLC added $24,947 to PILOT revenue, reducing the tax levy by the same amount. This resulted in a new tax cap of 2.15% and a tax rate increase of 3.75%.
- Belgioioso Cheese, Inc. added $126,660 to PILOT revenue, reducing the tax levy by the same amount. This resulted in a new tax cap of 1.78% and a tax rate increase of 4.22%.
- The Belgioioso PILOT agreement caused an $11.2M reduction in assessed value, leading to a loss of $279,400 in taxes. This loss is partially offset by an increase in PILOT revenue of $126,700. The remaining $152,700 was shifted to taxpayers.
Budget reductions
- The Glen-Worden closure results in a reduction of 17 positions and $1,313,658 in costs.
- Staffing adjustments include the reduction of eight positions due to attrition and vacancies, saving $678,090.
- Other expense reductions include $198,400 in benefits and grant subsidies.
- In total, there are 25 positions impacted, with $2,190,148 in total savings.
Taxpayer impact
- For a property assessed at $160,000, the tax bill is estimated to increase by $168.58 (4.22% increase).
- For a property assessed at $200,000, the tax bill is estimated to increase by $210.73 (4.22% increase).
Student programming
- Despite staffing reductions, no services, programs, or class offerings for students will be cut.
- Guidance services will be added at the elementary level to meet New York State Education Department requirements.
- Secondary class sizes will remain consistent with the previous year, and all current programs, including Fine Arts, Business, and Career and Technical Education, will continue.
After reviewing the proposed changes, the Board discussed whether to present a budget that stayed within the calculated tax levy cap or exceeded it. Because last year’s attempt to exceed the cap did not receive the required 60% majority voter approval, the Board directed that this year’s proposed budget remain at or below the cap.
Capital Project and EV Infrastructure Update
These capital improvement investments are designed to support safe, modern, and efficient learning environments while being fiscally responsible and ensuring no tax impact on our community.
Capital improvements planned for spring/summer 2026
High School
- Resurfacing of the track
- Installation of a secure vestibule
- Replacement of D-Wing doors
- Mechanical upgrades in the main office
- Grease trap replacement
Middle School
- Replacement of the rooftop unit for the small gym
- Renovations to first and second‑floor restroom facilities
- Upgrades to finishes in the cafetorium
Sacandaga Elementary
- Secure vestibule and renovated main office/nurse suite
- New corridor ceilings and lighting
- Construction of a second‑floor storage room
- Electrical transformer replacement
- HVAC control upgrades
2026–27 Capital outlay project at Glendaal Elementary
- Installation of 48″ high chain‑link fencing with pedestrian and maintenance gates
- Floor abatement and finish upgrades (scheduled for May/June 2026)
Preparing for the future: EV Infrastructure Upgrade Project
New York State now requires that all new school bus purchases be zero‑emission beginning in 2027. To prepare for this transition, Scotia‑Glenville is planning an Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Upgrade Project.
Total project cost: $3,000,000
Key components include
- Removal of the Beukendaal building
- Electrical service upgrades
- Installation of initial charging stations
- Electrical infrastructure improvements
- Generator installation
- Parking lot reconstruction and resurfacing
- Stormwater management and fencing
- Overflow parking improvements
Funding and aid overview
We are committed to completing this project without raising taxes. Funding will come from a combination of state aid, grants, rebates, and district savings.
- Building aid: 76.8% (approx. $1.26 million over 15 years)
- Transportation aid: 72.7% (approx. $1.47 million over 12 years for EV‑related items)
- National Grid rebate: 90% of electrical service upgrade costs
- NYSERDA funding (pending): $275,000 toward five chargers
- District contribution: $700,000 to reduce borrowing and ensure no tax increase
Projected project timeline
- Design: June–September 2026
- NYSED review: October–November 2026
- Bidding: December 2026
- Construction: June–September 2027
Recently completed work (2024–2025)
Across the district, several safety and facility enhancements have already been completed, including new secure vestibules at multiple schools, HVAC and heating upgrades, floor abatement, a sewer line replacement, storage improvements, and progress on the Field House water line. These improvements continue to strengthen the learning environment for our students. View the capital improvement presentation slides from the March 2 board meeting, here.
Looking ahead
Thank you for your continued support of our schools. These projects, both large and small, represent long‑term investments in safe, healthy, and future‑ready buildings for our students, staff, and community.
If you have any questions about these plans or would like more information, please reach out to the district office. We look forward to sharing more updates as these projects progress.