A message from Dr. Wiles:
Dear GCSD Families,
Earlier today the Guilderland High School Business Department and Counselors held the second annual GHS Career and Trades Fair. GHS students had the opportunity to engage in discussions with more than 100 business professionals from 14 Career Clusters, while also participating in hands-on activities. This event allowed students to connect with the local business community to explore career opportunities and is a wonderful example of how GHS staff prepares students to make informed decisions about their futures.
Board approves Future Ready capital project and continues budget development
At their meeting on Tuesday, March 25, the Board of Education approved the 2025 Future Ready capital project referendum. The objective of this $57.3 million improvement plan is to begin the multi-year process of transforming GCSD facilities into future ready learning environments. You can learn more about the Future Ready capital improvement project here.
Additionally at this meeting, the board continued budget development discussions. As the budget is prepared, the district is navigating a complicated financial environment, where both uncertainty and necessity are considerations in decision-making. Factors that are beyond the district’s control, such as changes in enrollment, essentially flat state aid and increased operating costs, are having a significant impact on the budget and are critical considerations in the development process. You can learn more about the 2025-26 budget development to date on the district website.
Both the Future Ready capital project and the 2025-26 general operating budget will go before Guilderland voters for approval on Tuesday, May 20.
Recent student accomplishments
Athletics
Congratulations to three GHS seniors who recently became state champions in their sports! As part of the Section 2 cross country ski team, Landon Kinal and Nathaniel Burke recently capped off a historic season when they were crowned state champions. Additionally, at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Boys’ Swimming and Diving State Championships, Isak Brkanovic won a state title in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 20.52 seconds. Kudos to all three GHS athletes and their coaches on these exceptional accomplishments!
Music
March is “Music in our Schools Month,” a time to spotlight the role music plays in education and its profound impact on students, schools and communities. Visit the district website to read about the many ways GCSD students raised awareness of the importance of providing high-quality must programs, including by performing at Empire State Plaza and at a Naturalization Ceremony. Special congratulations go to GHS senior Siyi Guo on her award-winning original composition, “Rose-colored Glasses and Hatred-filled Eyes.” Guo’s piece was selected as part of the first student composition contest hosted by the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) and Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). She’ll perform her acclaimed work at the Festival of Young Artists on Sunday, June 1.
Upcoming school events
As we head into the last few months of the school year, we also enter a time when our school calendar is filled with events that celebrate the achievements of GCSD students. In addition to elementary spring concerts, the GHS Cultural Fair on April 11, and a Night of Jazz on April 30, there will be art exhibitions showcasing the work of students across all grade levels. Please visit the district calendar on the website for details.
Educational opportunities
The Community page on the district website is continually updated with events and learning opportunities in our community, such as Camp Invention. This summer day camp is a hands-on STEM experience designed to spark creativity and ignite a lifelong love for learning for children entering grades K-6. Please be sure to check this page on the district website often, as items are frequently added.
No school on Monday, March 31
In observance of Eid al-Fitr, there will be no school for all students on Monday, March 31.
Thank you for your continued support of Guilderland Central School District students and our school community. Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Marie Wiles, Ph.D.
Superintendent