Voters Turn Out In Support Of Westhampton Beach School Budget

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — Westhampton Beach residents headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots in the 2025 to 2026 school budget vote and school board candidate election — and passed the budget by a wide margin of 262 to 71.

Two BOE candidates, Elizabeth T. Lanni-Hewitt and Dawn Arrasate, ran unopposed for three-year terms. Arresate garnered 259 votes and Lanni-Hewitt, 256.

The Westhampton Beach Union Free School District's proposed budget of $66,756,249 represents a budget-to-budget percent change of 2.89 percent and an estimated tax levy percent change of 3.18 percent, within the district's allowable tax levy cap.

"The Westhampton Beach School District is pleased to present to the community its proposed 2025 to 2026 budget, which maintains the district’s educational programs while staying within the New York State tax levy cap," the BOE said. "Developed through a careful planning process, it
ensures that all students will continue to learn and thrive through a comprehensive curriculum, unique learning opportunities and engaging extracurricular activities."

"With a focus on fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability, the proposed budget ensures that our students receive an education that will prepare them for future success,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carolyn Probst said. “Through continued community support, the Westhampton Beach School District strives to remain the pride of our community.”

The budget message added that the proposed budget takes into consideration increased costs related to inflation and contracts while continuing to maintain all offerings, including academic, athletic, extracurricular, and academic and support programs. "It also supports the maintenance and upkeep of our buildings and grounds, as well as safety and mental health initiatives."

Voters were also asked to weigh in on propositions for the museum and library budgets: The library budget passed 273 to 59, and the museum budget passed 265 to 67.