Hampton Bays Voters Approve School Budget By Resounding Margin

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Voters headed to the polls Tuesday to weigh in on the Hampton Bays school budget vote and Board of Education race — and approved the budget by an overwhelming margin of 509 to 120.

A proposition to approve $300,000 for repairs and or upgrades to buildings and grounds also passed by a wide margin of 536 to 93.

BOE incumbents Richard Joslin and Kevin Springer ran unopposed. Joslin received 506 votes and Springer, 457.

The proposed 2025 to 2026 budget amounts to $67,495,698 and carries a 2.16 percent budget increase and a 3.32 percent tax levy increase.

"A tradition of continuous, prudent fiscal planning allows the Hampton Bays School District to once again present a proposed budget to the community that remains under the New York State tax levy cap," Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen wrote in his budget message. "This is the 12th year in a row that sound budget planning has resulted in the district’s ability to provide students with a solid educational foundation within the tax levy cap. While increasing costs and inflation drive much of the budget, we will maintain our excellent academic programs that provide the key to college and career opportunities."

He added: "Students will continue to develop skills needed in college, including through Advanced Placement classes and college dual-enrollment courses. We also remain committed to ensuring our students have the option to participate in innovative vocational training. For years, our students have had the ability to earn certifications in culinary arts and early childhood education within the walls of our high school."

In addition, Clemensen said: "We are also preparing our students for their financial futures though our Baymen Financial Literacy Center at the high school. In partnership with Teachers Federal Credit Union, the comprehensive bank-at-school program provides students, faculty and staff with access to financial planning resources and banking services. Additionally, a new financial literacy and money management curriculum has been established where students at all grade levels are learning financial literacy and money management, and high school students can earn college credit through the program of study. The center was made possible through the exploration of grant opportunities, which the district continues to seek out."

Clemensen also said: "Recognizing the important role that clubs, music, the arts and athletics play in students’ educational experience, the district is committed to ensuring their continuation. Students will further refine their artistic and musical skills through courses and experiences that remain with them for a lifetime. They will also gain collaboration, leadership and teamwork skills through sports and clubs that foster social interaction and community spirit. Additionally, we are thrilled to continue our new boys varsity volleyball program that has already seen success."

The health and safety of students and staff remain at the forefront of budget planning, Clemensen said.

"This year, we continue our collaboration with the Southampton Police Department with a new school-police partnership, Handle with Care, that aims to address mental wellness for students. The program ensures that all students who have faced trauma receive the help they need to succeed in school. We are exploring opportunities to bolster our school resource officer program, as well. The budget also maintains our adult education programming. Our hospitality program, the Hospitality Academy at Hampton Bays, has completed its fourth year, and interested community members are gaining key career development skills and good jobs in our community. Our adult programming offers a variety of classes related to health, business and recreation."

Within the proposed budget, the district will continue to maintain and upgrade buildings and grounds, he said. "We will also once again seek voter approval for the expenditure of $300,000 in capital reserves for necessary improvements and upgrades to our facilities. None of this would be possible without the continuous support of the community, for which we are deeply grateful. Without this support over the years, we could not have improved our buildings and grounds, increased technology in our classrooms, improved security, and continually added relevant programs and services for our future leaders."