GreenwichCentral School District

I’m a proud GCS Alum—Class of ’93. I am not, however, a Greenwich native. My family moved to Easton during the summer of 1986. I was 11 years old and heading into sixth grade.

Moves are never easy. More than 35 years ago, it was even harder. The world wasn’t as connected as it is today, and the culture gap between Long Island and Greenwich was significant and overwhelming. From the clothes we wore to the music we listened to, how we talked, and how we spent our free time with friends, it all was different.

Also different, the school and culture. The class size of my Long Island school was about 450 students. For a quiet kid like me, it was easy and comfortable to be one of many. At Greenwich, I was one of few, and for mostly better but sometimes worse, I felt it.

I share this because the qualities that attracted my mother to Greenwich more than 35 years ago still hold true today. It is a caring, connected community anchored by a school that prepares students to thrive—throughout their years as students at Greenwich and then beyond.

In fact, I think we do this better now than ever. Our high school ranks in the top 5% of all public high schools in the United States—first in the Glens Falls Metro Area and third in the Capital Region. It’s a testament to the quality of our staff and administration, from the elementary level up, and the character of our kids.

Personally, what I am even more proud of is our awareness that data points don’t define our success. Our true measure of effectiveness is how well our students do when they leave our walls. That a small school like Greenwich can provide students with different talents and academic/career interests a tangible pathway to an individualized outcome is remarkable. It is one of the most valuable, humanizing things we do as a district—and we do it exceptionally well.

The 2024-2025 budget, despite a challenging economic climate, preserves these values. It is responsible, sustainable, and allows us to continue to deliver a top-notch educational program for our community. Furthermore, the tax levy is consistent with past years and achieves our goal of year-to-year stability.

A notable highlight of this year’s budget: we have restructured our special education program to bring more kids back in district. Greenwich students in Greenwich classrooms with Greenwich staff has been a longtime goal. We are thrilled to see it being realized.

GCS has a proud tradition of excellence. I am forever grateful my mother made the decision to raise her family here—where I was fortunate to be one of few…where I was seen, challenged, and cared for by an amazing community and school staff. The experience shaped who I am today. If current and future generations of Greenwich students can say the same thing, we have done our jobs. The tradition of excellence will carry forward.

As always, and on behalf of the GCS Board of Education, thank you for your continued support.

Respectfully,

Michael Conlin
President, GCS Board of Education

The total budget for the 2024-2025 academic year stands at $25,491,551, reflecting a 5.66% increase compared to the previous year. This increase is essential to sustain and enhance the quality of education provided by the school district.

To support this budget, the tax levy will be increased to $12,530,000, representing a 2.7% increment. Additionally, the school district will receive $11,840,359 in state aid, which helps to alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers while ensuring adequate funding for educational initiatives.

A significant portion of the budget, $11,434,297, is allocated towards salaries and wages, reflecting a 2.8% increase over the previous year. Salaries constitute the largest budget portion, accounting for 45% of the total allocation.

Benefits, totaling $7,033,094, make up 28% of the budget. This category experienced the largest increase, amounting to $680,000.

The budget also allocates funds towards educational resources, facilities maintenance, administrative costs, and technology upgrades, ensuring that students have access to a well-rounded and modern educational experience.

Furthermore, $2,130,840 is allocated towards debt service, with an increase of $272,000. However, this increase is offset by additional building aid, ensuring that the school district can effectively manage its financial obligations while continuing to invest in educational excellence.

Presentations

1. Budget Hearing, May 6, 2024
2. BOE Meeting, April 8, 2024 - JSHS Instruction & Athletics
3. BOE Meeting, March 11, 2024 - Pupil Personnel & Elementary Instruction
4. BOE Meeting, February 12, 2024 - Technology, Facilities, & Transportation
5. BOE Meeting, January 8, 2024 Budget Development

Supplemental Reports

•  School Administrative Salary Disclosure
• ESSA Financial Transparency Report
• District School Report Card 2023 (NYSED)
•  NYSED Report Card Glossary

Reference Information

•  Contingent Budget Fact Sheet
•  Public Employee Pensions in New York State

The "Tax Cap" in New York State

New York places restrictions on how school districts (and municipalities) may increase their tax levies. It requires at least 60 percent voter approval for a school budget if the proposed tax levy increase exceeds a threshold, known as the tax levy limit, which is unique to each district and calculated using a state formula. The 2024-2025 tax levy is at the "Cap" of 2.70%.

• Tax Cap Summary 2024-25

Information on Property Tax Levy Cap

• 2024 Tax Exemption Summary
• STAR Exemption Savings 2024
• Tax Base Growth Factor 2024
• New York's Tax Levy "Cap" Formula
• Tax Levy Numbers - what do they mean?
• Understanding New York's STAR Program

Tax Rate = (Tax levy / Assessment) x 1,000

Property Tax = Tax Rate x (Assessed valued / 1,000)

          i.e.  - $15.00 x (250,000/1,000) = $3,750 (before STAR exemption or credit)

Proposed Tax Levy $12,530,000

Tax Levy Increase $ 330,000                 2.70%

Homeowner Impact - How will this affect my property taxes?

The budget adopted by the Board of Education represents an estimated tax levy increase of 2.70%. Any attempt to determine tax rates in May must be regarded as strictly an estimate. All other factors being equal, taxes would increase $40 on a $100,000 home. The following items are required for determining the actual tax rates:

Assessed Valuation by Towns: This information is not officially available from the Town Assessors until July. Increases will lower the tax rate.

Equalization Rates: These rates are established by the New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services and may change each year. In the past, changes have been made to equalization rates as late as mid-August.