Just five days after the class of 2026 graduated, the East Hampton School Board was already looking ahead. At its first meeting of the new school year on July 1, the board took up several key items, including extending the contract of Adam Fine, the superintendent, through 2031.
“He has a five-year contract. One year had ticked off, so we just backfilled it with an additional year so he has a full five-year contract now,” said J.P. Foster, the board president. “We’re hoping he stays through all of the planned projects we have in the next five or maybe longer years.”
In May, voters passed three bond propositions totaling $128 million. Proposition One ($63.96 million) covers major capital improvements across all three district schools, including auditorium renovations, security upgrades, classroom repairs, and new turf and stadium lights at the high school. Because the district is using retiring debt from a 2006 bond to pay for this, it comes at no additional cost to taxpayers. Proposition Two ($45.68 million) funds the construction of an eight-lane indoor pool at the high school, including a one-meter diving board, new locker rooms, and classrooms. The pool will be available for student use, water safety instruction, and the broader community during non-school hours. Proposition Three ($18.5 million) funds an indoor athletic facility, bringing a full-size indoor basketball court and an indoor turf practice field to the high school. Like the pool, it will also be open for community use. The second and third propositions have a combined estimated tax impact of approximately $285.79 per year for 20 years for an average home assessed at $6,000.
“I am excited for the future of East Hampton,” Mr. Fine said. “As we embark on these incredible projects, I see all the positive changes in store for the students of the district. This new era will be one for the ages for the community. The upgrades to our facilities and our infrastructure will be the envy of other schools and communities. I am so deeply appreciative of the community’s support and commitment.”
Mr. Fine joined the district in 2010, when he was appointed principal of East Hampton High School. He became assistant superintendent in 2020 and took over as superintendent on July 1, 2021.
The board could not be happier to have him stay another five years.
“He’s a gift to our district, quite frankly,” Mr. Foster said. “He could go anywhere in Suffolk County, and beyond, if he wanted to. And we’re happy that he wants to be here.”
The feeling is mutual.
“I am forever grateful for the commitment the district has given me. I look forward to many more years leading our district and its dedicated staff and incredibly talented students,” Mr. Fine said.
At the meeting, the board also welcomed its newest member, Kimberly Sarris Royal. She received more votes than any other candidate in May’s election, with 348. She replaces John Ryan Sr., who served on the school board for a total of 28 years. Upon its completion, the new pool at the high school will be named the John J. Ryan Sr. Aquatic Center in his honor.
Additionally, the board made some changes to its leadership. After 12 years, Christina DeSanti has stepped down as first vice president. She will be replaced by Sarah Minardi, who served as second vice president last year. Emily Agnello, who was re-elected to the board in May, will become second vice president.
“Both are fantastic voices for the students and are very involved in the community -- and both have children currently in the district, so they have a great perspective for what is truly happening daily,” said Ms. DeSanti. “My focus this year is going to shift more to the facilities committee, which will be handling all of the recently approved construction projects.”
Ms. DeSanti and Mr. Foster are both planning their exits. She has served on the board for 15 years and will not run for re-election if a new candidate emerges next spring.
“I would love to see a promising new candidate step forward, in which case I would not run again. In these times, fewer community members are willing to step up, in which case I would be happy to stay on and contribute. These years have been very rewarding and fulfilling. It truly has been a pleasure. This district has a staff and administrative team that has taken education, student mental health, and wellness, arts, and athletics to a whole new level. East Hampton is seen as a leader across the state, and that should make us all proud.”
Mr. Foster has served on the board for 13 years and is planning to step down as president next year before his term ends in 2028. He called the leadership changes “succession planning” and thanked Ms. DeSanti for all she has done.
“She’s been a tremendous help to me. She’s always had my back so to speak. If I couldn’t be at a meeting, she always stepped up and took charge of it. And we helped each other out. She was a tremendous asset to both me and the district,” Mr. Foster said.
The board also appointed Lilah Brown, a rising senior, as its ex officio student board member. The position was created last year to give students a voice at board meetings. Lilah has already held a leadership position at the high school, having served as a captain on the flag football team last year. She also plays on the field hockey team.