Dear Germantown School Community Supporters,

A community vote on the Germantown Central School District’s 2026-2027 budget will occur on Tuesday, May 19th from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Elementary School Gymnasium. 

The proposed budget totals $18,488,848 and includes a 6.56% tax levy increase. While this increase appears high, it is important to understand that a levy of 3.93% reflects our Capital Project, which voters had approved in December of 2023. The district is budgeting a 2.63% levy increase that represents our school program without the Capital Project. This increase remains within New York State’s Property Tax Cap limit. These two levies combined equal the 6.56% increase. 

As the community has already approved the 3.93% Capital Project portion, we ask that your vote center upon the current 2.63% School Program tax levy.

 Q: If the budget does not pass, will that remove the 3.93% increase from the tax levy?

 A: No. This financial obligation was approved by the voters in 2023. The 2.63% levy increase representing our program would be impacted. 

We have worked hard at streamlining our school operation in response to the rising operating costs. The school district has ensured that student academic and extracurricular programs remain robust, so that every learner has the opportunity to engage and flourish. Our commitment to the maintenance and improvement of our aging facility supports the safety of all school community members. Our annual Capital Outlay project of up to $100,000 will be used to replace asbestos floor tile with modern, safe materials. This work is partially aided by New York State, helping to reduce the local cost while improving the safety and condition of our buildings.

Voters will also be asked to consider two additional propositions for reserve accounts, both which have a 0% impact on the tax levy, current and future.

The Germantown Central School District will continue to ensure every learner is future-ready by providing robust educational and extracurricular experiences. We strive to be the district of choice for all families and need your support in this vote to reach this worthy goal. I am always available for a conversation to answer any questions or feel free to email a question to budget@germantowncsd.org. Your feedback is important to us. 

Sincerely, 

Beverly Meagher, Interim Superintendent

There are four (4) candidates seeking to fill three (3) open seats on the Board of Education. Two seats are available for full four-year terms, and one seat is available for a one-year term due to a resignation effective July 1, 2026. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to the four-year terms, while the candidate receiving the third-highest number of votes will fill the one-year term. The following candidates will be listed on the ballot in the following order (as determined by random drawing):

• Archived Budget Information