During the Board of Education meeting on Monday, the board approved certified officials and poll workers for the district’s budget revote on Tuesday, June 17. Voting will be held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the B-Wing gym at the high school. 

The updated budget proposal of $66,513,694 for the 2025-26 school year reflects a reduction of $614,964 from the budget that was rejected on May 20. This new proposal decreases the tax levy increase to 3.25%, which aligns with the state cap, and lowers the estimated tax rate to 1.63%.

If the revised budget is defeated, the Board of Education must adopt a contingency budget by Tuesday, July 1. This would result in significant cuts to staff, athletics, extracurricular activities, and other essential programs. Because the tax levy cannot exceed the prior year’s amount, the district would lose $1,084,331 in anticipated revenue. State law also restricts how these funds may be used, further limiting support for students.

Your vote matters! Make sure your voice is heard in shaping the future of our schools. You have the opportunity to vote before June 17 by requesting an absentee or early voter ballot from District Clerk Jill Busman at (518) 347-3600 ext. 7102, or email jbusman@sgcsd.net. Early and absentee ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, to be counted.

School board starts administrative reorganization and reviews new “ex officio” student board members

Additionally, at this week’s school board meeting, the district initiated the first steps toward reorganizing its administration for the 2025-26 school year. They also reviewed the recommendation of two students who will begin their terms on the board in the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1. Michael Lape, a rising junior, has been selected as an “ex officio” student board member. Caleb Feinberg, a rising senior, has been designated to serve as an alternate for Michael in the event that he is unable to attend a board meeting.