Voters Turn Out In Support Of Southampton School District's 'Set, Sail, Soar' Spending Plan

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — The voters have spoken, turning out in force to support the proposed 2026 to 2027 budget put forth by the Southampton Union Free School District.

The budget passed by a wide margin of 722 to 211.

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In the Board of Education race, with two candidates running for one seat, Margaret "Midge" H. Fowler emerged victorious, garnering 601 votes, with Germain L. Smith receiving 342.

The public also approved a number of propositions:

- A proposition to expend funds from the property acquisition and facility construction capital reserve fund passed, 369 to 141.

- A proposition to expend funds from the 2017 10-year capital reserve fund passed 374 to 134.

- A proposition to expend funds from the capital reserve for the technology equipment fund passed 357 to 150.

- A proposition to expend funds from the bus fleet replacement capital reserve fund passed 335 to 173.

- A proposition to establish a 2025 bus fleet replacement. cpaital reserve fund passed 333 to 171.

- The Southampton African Museum proposition passed 305 to 199.

- The Parrish Art Museum proposition passed 297 to 205.

- A proposition for the Southampton Historical Museum passed 280 to 222.

- A proposition for the Southampton Youth Association passed 365 to 140.

"The Southampton Union Free School District is pleased to present its proposed 2026-2027 budget, which supports the district’s 'Set, Sail, Soar!' strategic plan while staying within the district’s New York State mandated tax levy limit," the district said in its budget message. "Through comprehensive fiscal planning, management and the sale of the Majors Path property, the district’s proposed budget of $84,536,962 includes a minimal 2.80 percent spending increase. The proposed tax levy is $65,488,022, which represents a 1.0 percent year-over-year increase and an estimated 1.0 percent tax rate increase."

The message continued: "While the budget accounts for inflation, contractual obligations and declining enrollment, it continues to invest in programs outlined in the district’s stakeholder-developed five-year strategic plan."

One key initiative supported by the proposed budget is the district’s new literacy programs, Magnetic and Mosaico, which are rooted in the Science of Reading and were piloted during the 2025-2026 school year, officials said.

The program has already shown success in enhancing literacy development among students in grades K to 6, district officials said.

The spending plan also advances STEAM initiatives across all grade levels by funding equipment for after-school programs focused on robotics and coding, allowing systemic alignment across buildings. In addition, it provides resources for a summer institute for teachers, where educators will receive professional development on the district’s new reading program, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, STEAM in the classroom and curriculum development, the message said.

Professional development aligned with Portrait of a Graduate standards, which focus on multiple pathways to demonstrate proficiency, and the development of real-world skills and readiness that students need to succeed in college, careers and civic life will be included, officials said.

"This budget reflects our commitment to preparing every student for the future while maintaining responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fatima Morrell. "Through our ‘Set, Sail, Soar!’ strategic plan, we are investing in strong literacy instruction, innovative learning experiences and professional development that empowers our educators to help students thrive academically, socially and emotionally."

The proposed 2026-2027 budget will also:

• Maintain and update technology infrastructure, providing one-to-one devices for all students.

• Maintain strong athletic, music and arts programming.

• Secure high school vocational training opportunities. • Continue the upkeep of our buildings and grounds.

• Ensure a high level of security across all buildings.

• Support student mental health initiatives and services.

• Sustain all new cultural programs, including the Shinnecock Infusion project.