Westhampton Beach School Passes Handily

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — The voters have spoken, and the Westhampton Beach School District's proposed 2024 to 2025 budget passed by a wide margin, 549 to 129.

The Westhampton Free Library's budget also passed handily, 532 to 146.

The budget "once again stays within the New York State tax levy cap," according to the district.

The proposed budget of$64,879,213 represents a budget-to-budget increase of
2.99 percent and carries a tax levy increase of 2.97 percent, which is at the district’s allowable tax levy cap, the district said.

"The budget accounts for costs related to inflation, as well as a declining student enrollment," the district said. It maintains all academic programs, including support programs such as the Middle School WIN Academy and the Elementary School RISE Program. It also supports the maintenance and upkeep of facilities and grounds.

"While the proposed budget was developed in a difficult fiscal climate, it ensures that Westhampton Beach Schools will maintain robust and challenging academic and extracurricular programs for our students," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carolyn Probst. "It is with the community’s support that the district can ensure elementary, middle and high school students will continue to receive the preparation and experiences needed for success beyond our schools."

Voters were asked to elect three members of the Board of Education, for a term of three years commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2027. Six candidates vied for the three seats, including Jennifer Neumaier, Ryan Fay, Daniel Bennett, Bryan Beasley, Robert Macedonio, and Joyce Donneson.

Elected were Neumaier with 303 votes; Fay with 363 votes; and Bennett, with 303 votes. Beasley garnered 279 votes, Macedonio received 174 and Donneson got 286.