Dear S-G Families,

I want to take a moment to share my reflections and the next steps following yesterday’s budget vote. While I had hoped for a favorable outcome, achieving supermajority voter approval for a proposition always carries its own set of challenges.

It’s clear that the community has strong feelings about the recommended budget, as demonstrated by the turnout, which increased by over 1,000 voters from last year. As with any budget, there are those who support it and those who oppose it, each with their own valid reasons for their perspective. Thank you to everyone who cast a ballot and participated in the process. 

The Board of Education is expected to meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22 to determine how to proceed after district residents voted against both budget propositions last night. 

Proposition 1, the proposed budget of $67,128,658 that went out to voters, represented a 3.14% increase in spending over the current year, or $2,043,464.

• The plan included a 5.09% increase in the tax levy.
• Because the proposed tax levy exceeded the district’s state-calculated limit of 3.25%, the budget required a supermajority (60% voter approval) to pass.
• It only received 55% of the vote.  While the community was supportive, we fell short of the required 60% voter approval by 108 votes.

Uniform Statewide Budget Revote Day is June 17. The school board must now decide whether to go out with the same budget proposal, a revised budget proposal. Alternatively, they could immediately adopt a contingent budget. A contingent budget cannot increase the tax levy over the previous year, which would reduce revenue by $1,699,295 — less than the amount needed to preserve current programs, positions and services. A contingent budget would also restrict spending on new equipment, and would limit community use of the school building.

Proposition 2, the Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Upgrade, a $2.6 million capital project. 

• The plan would have no impact on the 2025-26 tax levy.
• This project is a step towards transitioning to a zero-emission electric school bus fleet, as required by New York State by the year 2035.
• The upgrade included parking lot reconstruction, installation of conduits, and upgrades to electrical services to support up to 50 electric buses. 

If the Board elects to go out with the same or a revised budget proposal on June 17, Proposition 2 will not be included.

How S-G district residents voted

Out of 2,190 votes cast, 984 (45%) voted against a proposed budget of $67,128,658 for the 2025-26 school year.

Out of 2,185 votes cast, 1,160 (53%) voted against the Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Project.  

There were two open seats for three-year terms on the Board of Education. More people came out to vote for candidates than they did for the budget. Out of the 3,722 votes cast, this is how the four candidates fared: 

• Incumbent Kimberly C. Talbot received 1,015 votes and will serve a third term on the Board of Education.
• Michael J. Torelli received 1,109 votes and will serve his first term on the Board of Education starting July 1.
• Angela V. Piazza received 827 votes and Kristina N. Coughlin received 771 votes. 

I hope you will stay engaged with the district as the budget process moves forward. 

Thank you,

Susan M. Swartz
Superintendent of Schools