Naselli and Oare elected to Board of Education
On Tuesday, May 19, the Greater Johnstown School District community approved the district’s $47,291,679 budget proposal for the 2026-27 school year by a vote of 295-150, a margin of 66%.
The plan represents a spending increase of 4.73% ($2,134,862) and calls for a 3.49% ($440,655) tax levy increase, which was at the District’s maximum allowable levy under state law. This marks the sixth straight year that the tax levy increase was within the cap, requiring just a simple majority (more than 50%) to pass.
To offset lower than expected Foundation Aid (1% increase; $175,855) and maintain a balanced budget, the District will utilize $5,041,076 from its fund balance and reserves. The District will also realize cost savings through attrition, as four retiring teachers’ positions will not be filled following a review of programmatic needs.
“We are deeply grateful that the priorities of our Johnstown community align with our shared vision of becoming the regional model school district for educational excellence for all students,” said Superintendent Alicia D. Koster.
“Tonight’s budget vote reflects our community’s continued commitment to investing in the success and well-being of our students while maintaining strong, long-term fiscal stability. This spending plan preserves and enhances academic programs, student supports, and opportunities that are essential for student achievement and future success, while remaining fiscally stable and respectful of our taxpayers. We remain dedicated to providing every student with the resources, experiences, and support they need to thrive, and we sincerely thank our community for its partnership, trust, and ongoing support of our students, staff, and schools.”
A second proposition on the ballot for a “Small III Capital Project,” not to exceed $2.5 million, also passed 316-131, a margin of 71%. The project will be funded entirely with unspent cash from recently completed capital projects and will have no tax impact. The scope includes replacing lighting towers and fixtures at Knox Field, along with continued ground-floor work at Knox. Pending approval from the New York State Education Department, work is expected to start this summer and conclude in the fall.
The District’s 2026-2027 spending plan prioritizes investments to expand opportunities and support all students. At JHS, a new dedicated Learning Center will provide tutoring, credit and grade recovery, peer mentoring, and additional academic support. A new district-wide Family Resource Center at Warren Street will offer educational resources and community-based services designed to help remove barriers to student success.
The District continues to offer a wide range of high-quality opportunities that support growth and success for every student. Through thoughtful planning and responsible resource management, GJSD is expanding its academic programs, extracurriculars, and student support to meet diverse interests and needs. These include drivers education, Unified Sports, an early career and technical education (CTE) program for ninth‑ and 10th‑grade students, continued development of the business program at JHS, and the addition of a Future Business Leaders of America chapter.
Students will benefit from expanded College in the High School opportunities, electives aligned to the Portrait of a Graduate at JHS and Knox Middle School, and the continued implementation of Conscious Discipline at the primary level. A renewed focus on STEAM, project‑based learning and agricultural education will continue across grades pre‑K through 12.
Board of Education
The community also voted for candidates to fill two open seats on the Board of Education. Candidates Nicole Naselli and Pat Oare ran unopposed and will each begin their three-year board term at the start of the 2026-2027 school year, on July 1, 2026. Naselli had 341 votes and Oare received 335 votes. There were 25 write-ins.
Upcoming Board of Education Business Meeting
The District’s Board of Education will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20, at 6:45 p.m. (new time) in the auditorium at Johnstown High School. The agenda for Wednesday’s meeting is available on BoardDocs, and the meeting is expected to be livestreamed on the District’s YouTube channel.
During the meeting, the District will recognize 12 teachers, counselors and teaching assistants who have been recommended for tenure by Superintendent Alicia D. Koster. Following the recognition, the meeting will briefly recess for a reception celebrating the District’s newly tenured staff members before the business meeting resumes.