School Budget, BOE Votes Tuesday In Westhampton, Hampton Bays

Voting began at 7 a.m. Tuesday at Westhampton High School, as residents took the time to weigh in on the district's future.

The Westhampton Beach Union Free School District's budget for 2017-2018, $56,072,052, reflects a 1.86 increase and a 2.82 percent tax levy increase. The budget does not pierce the state-mandated tax cap.

Voting continues through 9 p.m in the Westhampton Beach High School Large Group Instruction Room.

In the Board of Education race, candidates Dawn Arrasate, Kathleen Theune, and Tabitha Spizuoco are vying for one open seat.

Hampton Bays Public Schools

The proposed 2017-2018 $50.8 million budget reflects a 1.77 percent budget-to-budget increase and a 1.52 percent tax levy increase and does not pierce the state's tax cap.

In addition to the typical annual propositions, voters will be asked to consider a bond for a full roof replacement at the high school.

"Over the last seven years, we have made a number of important improvements to the campuses, and maintaining them is a priority. Today, the 'youngest' portions of the high school roof are 21 years old. In 2011, the community approved a Roof Reserve and, to date, the district has saved nearly two thirds of the cost of the project. Therefore, a separate proposition, for a bond not to exceed $2.14 million, will be on the ballot
to partially fund the roof. Funding from the Roof Reserve will provide the remaining $3 million for the project. The roof replacement is anticipated to take place in the summer of 2018," said Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen.

Hampton Bays Board of Education member Dorothy Capuano is running unopposed for her seat.

Voting began at 6 a.m. and will continue through 9 p.m. in the middle school gym.