At its April 7 meeting, the Scotia-Glenville Board of Education approved a budget spending limit of $67.1 million, which will be presented to the community for a vote on Tuesday, May 20, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the High School B-wing Gym.
The proposed budget exceeds the state tax levy limit of 3.25%, requiring a supermajority (60%) for approval. This budget prioritizes preserving instructional programs and student services while also funding the maintenance of our facilities, operations, and equipment. For a home with a market value of $160,000, the estimated tax increase would be approximately $136 per year, or about $11.33 per month, before any STAR savings are applied.
Proposition 2: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Upgrade Project with no cost to taxpayers
In addition, the school board approved a capital project referendum to support the district’s transition to a zero-emission electric school bus fleet, as mandated by New York State by 2035. The $2.6 million project will not result in a tax increase on residents and includes parking lot reconstruction, installation of conduits, and electrical service upgrades. The referendum will appear on the Tuesday, May 20 ballot alongside the annual school budget vote and the election of two board of education candidates.
A representative from SEI Design Group, Alastair Aitchison, appeared before the board to provide an update on the Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Upgrade Project, outlining progress and remaining challenges. This was a follow up to the presentation done on November 4, 2024.
A fleet electrification study is underway to assess bus routes, charging needs, and battery usage. National Grid has confirmed sufficient capacity for up to 50 EV buses. The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process is ongoing, which includes documentation related to the Beukendaal Building.
The building must be demolished to create space for the necessary infrastructure, as it restricts room for buses and chargers. A RFP will be issued for potential buyers interested in relocating the Beukendaal Building at their own expense.
The EV project includes the following key components:
- Removal of the Beukendaal Building: $213,840
- Electrical service upgrade: $256,608
- Initial EV charging stations: $249,480
- Expanded electrical infrastructure: $718,208
- Generator installation: $356,400
- Parking lot reconstruction and resurfacing: $520,344
- Overflow parking: $42,768
- Stormwater management and fencing: $242,352
The project is designed to minimize tax impact on residents. Through a combination of state aid and external funding sources, the district anticipates receiving:
- Building Aid based on$1.03 million in expenses (76.8% aid ratio, paid over 15 years)
- Transportation Aid based on$1.35 million in expenses (72.7% aid ratio, paid over 12 years)
- $275,000 in NYSERDA funding for EV chargers
- $133,650 rebate from National Grid for electrical service upgrades
In addition, the district plans to contribute $550,000 in local funds to further offset borrowing, ensuring that the project will not result in an increase in taxes. The EV Infrastructure Capital Project represents an important step in ensuring the district is ready for the state’s clean transportation mandate while being fiscally responsible to taxpayers.
Timeline and Next Steps
The capital project planning process began in November 2024, with the board resolution for the voter referendum approved on March 24. If approved by voters on May 20, the project timeline is as follows:
- Design: June-September 2025
- NYSED Review: October–December 2025
- Bidding: January 2026
- Construction: June–August 2026
- Building removal (pending RFP process): June 2026
- Electrical work during school breaks
- Parking lot reconstruction: Summer 2026
- EV charger installation: August 2026
- First electric bus arrival: Late August 2026
Budget Hearing and Meet the Candidates Night
At 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, the Scotia-Glenville Board of Education will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2025-26 budget in the Middle School Cafeteria. Immediately following, the community has an opportunity to hear from the candidates running for the school board. Here’s an overview of the candidate biographies for the Board of Education.
The public hearing and Meet the Candidates Night is open to the public and will be streamed live on the district’s YouTube Channel.
Community Discussions
From 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, and Thursday, May 15, at the Glen-Worden Library, 30 Worden Road, Scotia, residents are invited to a discussion about what this year’s vote means for students, schools, and the community.