Hampton Bays School Budget Vote: What You Need To Know

HAMPTON BAYS, NY —Hamptons Bays residents are heading to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots in the 2023 to 2024 school budget vote and school board candidate election.

The Hampton Bays Public Schools' proposed $63,945,545 budget carries a 7.40 percent budget-to-budget increase and a 0.89 percent tax levy increase.

"This is the 11th year in a row that sound budget planning has allowed the district to continue to provide students with a strong academic foundation while also maintaining the line on taxes and taking advantage of significant increases in state aid from Albany," said Hampton Bays Superintendent of School Lars Clemensen. "Specifically, the budget accounts for inflation while also maintaining our academic programs that support high standards and provide opportunity for students to excel inn Advanced Placement classes, college dual enrollment courses and innovative vocational training. Students have opportunities to earn certifications in culinary arts and early childhood education and enter college with credits."

Voters will also be asked to weigh in on a proposition for repairs and upgrades to facilities and grounds at a maximum estimated cost of $300,000 with the amount of up to $300,000 to be transferred from unappropriated and unassigned fund balance from the school year 2022 to 2023 to the general fund to pay the costs for such repairs, reconstruction and upgrades. The tax levy will not be impacted by the proposition, the district said.

One candidate, incumbent Dot Capuano, is running unopposed for a 3-year seat on the Board of Education.

The vote takes place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Hampton Bays Middle School.