Budget

General Information About Voting on
Sharon Springs’ School Budget

On the third Tuesday of each May, residents across New York State go to the polls to vote on the annual school district budget and to elect members of the Board of Education.

In early May, Sharon Springs residents can expect to receive in the mail a copy of the district’s newsletter that provides details about the budget that residents will vote on. If you do not receive a copy of the newsletter, please contact the district at (518) 284-2266 to request that one be mailed to you. Budget details are also available on the district website and in the local newspapers.

Voter Eligibility

You are eligible to vote if you are a United States citizen, 18 years or older, and a resident of the Sharon Springs Central School District for at least 30 days prior to the annual vote date. Residents wishing to register may do so at the school’s voter registration day or through the county Board of Elections.

Absentee Ballots

Absentee ballots are available to registered residents who are unable to vote in person for reasons of illness or disability or who will be out of town on the date of the vote. Applications for absentee ballots are available in the Superintendent’s Office by calling (518) 284-2267.

Understanding NY State’s Property Tax Levy Cap

Understanding NY State’s Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA)

The Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) law was first introduced for the 2010-11 fiscal year by then-Governor Paterson as a way to help close New York’s then $10 billion budget deficit. Under the legislation, a portion of the funding shortfall at the state level is divided among all school districts throughout the state and reflected as a reduction in school district state aid. The GEA is a negative number, money that is deducted from the aid originally due to the district. Since 2009-10, the state has held back more than $1.7 million in aid to Sharon Springs through the GEA.