Voters Reject Springs Parking Plan, But Pass Budget

While voters in Springs approved the budget, they were not as receptive to a proposed capital improvement project that would have spent all or most of a $2 million reserve fund on a parking lot and other physical changes to the campus. About 56 percent of the voters rejected that proposition.

By a vote of 232 to 184, voters said no to using $2 million from a capital reserve fund for improvements such as a new parking lot for 150 vehicles, a reconfigured drop-off/pickup loop, changes to Ed Hults Lane, and more. It would not require additional taxes to be collected.

Still, the Springs School District's proposed $27.36 million budget received voter support, passing 293 to 121. Other propositions overwhelmingly passed. The district’s five-year tuition contract with the East Hampton School District was approved in a 321-to-87 vote, and the proposition green-lighting the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible van, 311 to 87.

Barbara Dayton, the lone candidate for one open seat on the school board, received 332 votes. 

Sag Harbor’s $37.55 million budget was approved 720 to 246. With that budget, the district expects to spend more on teacher salaries, library and audiovisual materials, recreational activities, and guidance services. Voters also handily approved the district’s plan to establish a $2.5 million reserve fund for future repairs, with a 709-to-243 vote.

In the race for three seats on the school board, Tommy John Schiavoni, Stephanie Bitis, and Chris Tice emerged the winners. Mr. Schiavoni and Ms. Bitis received 723 and 677 votes respectively, earning three-year seats. Ms. Tice took in 605 votes to earn a one-year term. James Sanford received 348 votes and James Ding got 243. 

RELATED: For results in Amagansett, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Montauk and Wainscott budget votes and elections, click here.