Last Minute Write-In Candidates In Two Local School Board Races

EAST HAMPTON, NY — As voters in East Hampton head to the polls to vote on school budgets Tuesday, some last minute contenders have thrown their hats into the proverbial ring for Board of Education seats in two districts.

In the Springs Union Free School District, the 2017-2018 $28.1 million budget reflects a 1.75 percent increase and a 2.15 percent tax levy increase.

"This is the sixth consecutive year that the district has remained within the tax cap while continuing to provide our students with the tools for a successful learning experience. The proposed spending plan preserves all programs and services and includes additional teaching positions due to enrollment growth, as well as the expansion of our athletic program," the district said in a mailer.

In addition, the race for Board of Education heated up recently when incumbent Timothy Frazier, who is seeking re-election, was joined by write in candidates Donna Sutton, Patrick Brabant, and Ivonne Tovar-Morales, all vying for two open seats.

Other write in votes could be cast on Tuesday, district officials said.

Voting takes place through 9 p.m. in the Springs School Library.

Also on the ballot is a proposition to purchase one large bus.

Amagansett Union Free School District

Residents will vote on a proposed 2017-2018 budget of $10.7 million budget, which reflects a 1.96 percent budget increase and a 2.27 percent tax levy increase. A proposition is also on the table to approve expenditure of reserve funds to replace the gymnasium ceiling.

Three seats on the Board of Education are available. Candidates Patrick Bistrian III, Anna Bernasek, and Dawn Rana-Brophy were joined recently in the race by write in contenders Claudia Quintana and Mary Eames.

Voting takes place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the school gym.

East Hampton Union Free School District

There's a new location for Tuesday's budget vote, which takes place from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.: The vote will take place in the board room, located a 4 Long Lane in East Hampton.

The $68.3 million budget for the 2017-2018 school year represents a 2.38 percent increase.

Board of education candidates Jacqueline Lowey and John Ryan, Sr. are running unopposed.

Voters will also be asked to consider a proposition to establish a capital reserve fund for future district-wide and capital improvements.

Montauk School District

The district is proposing an $18.8 million budget for 2017-2018, with a decrease in tax rate of 1.16 percent.

Incumbent Board of Education member Kelly White is running unopposed.

Voting will take place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the gym.