East Hampton School Budget Vote Passes Handily

EAST HAMPTON, NY — East Hampton voters headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots in the 2023 to 2024 school budget and school board candidate vote — and gave the budget the green light by a wide margin of 287 "yes" votes to 48 "no."

The proposed $79,079,317 budget reflects a 3.37 percent budget-to-budget increase and a proposed tax levy of 3.08 percent.

"Several external challenges existed in developing this budget, including record increases in costs for insurance, fuel and benefits that are entirely out of our control," said Adam Fine, Superintendent of School. "Nevertheless, the Board of Education is pleased to present you with a budget that preserves the educational, co-curricular and athletic programs of our district. Students truly do come first in East Hampton, and I am so very pleased that our proposed budget ensures that the 2023-2024 school year offers ample opportunities for our children to learn and thrive."

The proposed 2023-2024 budget is tax cap compliant, he said.

In addition to the budget, voters were asked to approve expenditures from or capital reserve savings account to pay for needed renovations in each of the buildings. The public voted to approve the measure, 296 to 36, the district said.

"Approval of this second proposition will not impact your taxes; funds for these improvements are already in the bank and are only usable for improvements such as the ones in the proposition. I hope you will join us in continuing to provide a superior educational experience to all East Hampton UFSD students," Fine said.

Three contenders are vying for two seats on the Board of Education in a contested race, including Emily Keogh-Agnello, George Aman — a former BOE member — and John Ryan Sr., an incumbent seeking to retain his seek. The winners were Keogh-Agnello, with 257 votes, and Ryan, with 243; Aman garnered 92 votes.

BOE member Jacqueline Lowey did not run again this year.