Springs Voters Easily Approve 2012-13 Budget

In a margin bigger than last year, Springs voters approved a $24.64 million school budget for 2012-13 and re-elected incumbent in one of the few contested races in the Town of East Hampton.

In a 434-to-139 vote, the district approved a tax rate increase of 3.19 percent for a budget that for seventh and eighth grade sports at East Hampton Middle School, junior varsity and varsity levels, and some teaching positions. 

Grant was elected to a second term on the Springs School board with 381 votes, while challenger  received 153. 

The budget is actually $208,000, or .84 percent, less than the current school year's budget. In order to stay under the state-mandated cap and avoid asking voters to pierce it, the board made $791,969 worth of cuts to existing programs, including the elimination of nearly six teaching positions and two teaching assistants.

The tax rate, which is the highest of the school districts in town, is estimated at $88.97 per $100 of assessed value. The tax rate is up from $86.22 in the .

A total of 548 turned out on a rainy Tuesday to cast their ballots, Fran Silipo, the district clerk said. A total of 25 absentees were turned in.

The tax levy increase of 2.97 percent is a figure allowed under the new law due to some exemptions.

For results from the East Hampton, Amagansett, Montauk, and Wainscott district votes, .

For results from Sag Harbor School District