Hampton Bays School Budget, BOE Vote Tuesday: What You Need To Know

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Voters will head to the polls Tuesday to weigh in on the proposed 2026 to 2027 school budget for the Hampton Bays school district.

"The Hampton Bays Union Free School District is proud to present the community with another fiscally responsible budget that remains below the New York State property tax cap," Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen said in his budget message.

The proposed 2026-2027 budget, totaling $69,540,846, includes a 2.57 percent tax levy increase, he said.

"This marks the 14th consecutive year the district has maintained a budget within the state tax levy cap while continuing to preserve and enhance the quality of its schools and programs," Clemensen said. "The spending plan supports strong academic opportunities for students through rigorous academic programs, including the addition of two new Advanced Placement courses designed to encourage academic exploration. Beginning in the fall, the high school will offer AP Personal Finance and AP Cyber Security."

The budget, he said, also broadens extracurricular activities through collaboration with neighboring school districts.

Starting this fall, the Hampton Bays and Southampton school districts will combine their football and field hockey teams to provide additional opportunities for student-athletes, he said.

In addition, the district will continue its partnership with Eastern Suffolk BOCES, giving students access to 29 career and technical education programs.

"Through responsible fiscal planning, the proposed budget also maintains all educational and extracurricular programs that the community values while keeping taxes low," Clemensen said.

These include all athletic programs, including 24 varsity athletic programs; 20 Advanced Placement classes; 18 college dual-enrollment courses that offer a total of 64 college credits; comprehensive music and arts experiences with national recognition as a Best Community for Music; in-district vocational training in culinary arts, hospitality and tourism management and early childhood education; adult education courses, including the Hospitality Academy at Hampton Bays, as well as courses related to health, business and recreation; the maintenance and preservation of the buildings and grounds, for school and community use, on the Ponquogue Avenue and Argonne Road campuses; initiatives related to the health and safety of our students and staff, including social, emotional and mental health professionals and curriculum in each school and a comprehensive school safety program; a full complement of co-curricular club offerings based on service activities, leadership, hobbies and enrichment, including art, robotics, Mock Trial and more.

"The district is grateful for the community’s continued support that has helped maintain facilities, strengthen school safety, and expand academic and extracurricular opportunities that prepare students for success beyond graduation with a conservative approach to spending," he said.

In the Board of Education race, incumbent Dot Capuano is running to retain her seat unopposed.

Voting takes place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Hampton Bays Middle School gymnasium.