Springs Adopts 2022-23 Budget
On May 17, voters in Springs will cast their ballots for or against a $32,888,886 spending plan that stays within New York State’s cap on tax-levy increases.
The school board adopted that budget proposal at its April 12 special meeting. The year-over-year spending increase is $2.088 million, or 6.78 percent. The associated tax-levy increase is 5.46 percent. According to budget documents shared last week, if approved, the school tax on a house with a market value of approximately $1 million would rise by about $366.
Also on the ballot will be a proposition to buy a school bus not to exceed $135,000 and another to authorize spending $480,000 on a new kindergarten playground. The latter, school officials said, would not increase taxes because the money has already been set aside in a capital reserve account.
A public hearing will take place on May 9 at a time to be announced.
LTV Offers Scholarship
For the second year, LTV is sponsoring a scholarship for students who demonstrate “a commitment to community, a love of media, and a strong belief that all communities need to have access to accurate and unfiltered information,” according to a release.
In their applications, students should showcase their academic achievements and school and community involvement. It is open to high school seniors in both East Hampton and Southampton Towns who are planning to study communications and related fields after graduation.
Applications will be accepted through May 31, and the recipient will be announced in June. Details can be found at ltveh.org/ltvcommunityscholarship.
Addiction Forum Next Week
East Hampton High School will host two experts, Nick Kardaras and Kym Laube, on Wednesday at 6 p.m. for a talk and question-and-answer session about addictions in young people. Titled “Protecting Our Children From Screen Addiction and Substance Abuse,” it is open to parents, teens, and educators from East Hampton and neighboring school districts.
Organizations such as the Family Service League, OLA, the Retreat, and other social service agencies and health care providers will be on hand to share information about their programs and services. Spanish-language translation will be available. Questions can be directed to Sara Smith, the high school principal, at [email protected].
Makeup Dates Announced
Having used two of its three inclement-weather days so far this year, the East Hampton School District has announced that school will be in session for students and staff on Friday, May 27, and Tuesday, May 31.
Had the two “snow days” gone unused, classes would have been canceled on those dates. Adam Fine, the district superintendent, explained that having school on those dates also eliminates the need for teachers to come back for one more day after the school year ends for students on June 24.
By state law, students must have at least 180 days of instruction. School districts generally plan for 182 days, though that varies by district, in case of big snowstorms or other emergencies.
Mr. Fine said any student or staff absences on the makeup dates — even in the case of prior travel plans — will be considered “unexcused” absences.