Prior to this evening’s [Aug. 10, 2026] Board of Finance meeting, I am providing another summer budget update regarding the status of the Board’s initial proposal. Since last Tuesday’s referendum, we have been receiving many inquiries regarding next steps as it relates to the BOE budget. I am hopeful this communication helps with understanding where we are in the process, as well as draws attention to some of the recent changes since my previous budget communication.
It is anticipated that the Board of Finance will be discussing the BOE budget during their deliberations this evening (Monday, August 10 at 7:00 pm). It is also planned that the Town Council will be having a subsequent discussion tomorrow evening (Tuesday, August 11). It is not known at this time whether a final recommendation will be finalized during either of these meeting; however, we encourage everyone to continue to follow the budget process as we prepare for the next referendum. Once a referendum date is set, the district is limited in our use of ParentSquare – so please follow closely and actively engage whenever possible.
Important to note, please be reassured that our schools will be ready for our Student First Day of School on August 27th. We still have some critical vacancies to fill; however, a plan was finalized at last Thursday’s Board meeting to move forward with the hiring for these final positions. Once this is completed, our school principals will be finalizing teacher assignments, class lists and student schedules to be sent home as early as the week of August 21st. We are requesting your support as we take some additional time this summer to finalize our plans for a successful start to the school year.
In terms of budget impact to the school year, I am linking the July 21st correspondence that was sent regarding program reductions
Notice on Program Reductions – School Year 2026-27. As a follow-up to what was noted in the July 21st correspondence, there are two important updates we would like to provide.
Smart Start Preschool
- The Office of Early Childhood (OEC) has provided the East Hampton Public Schools a one-year stabilization grant to offset the Board’s cost of operating the district Smart Start Preschool Program. Smart Start families have already received district communication surrounding this, and we are grateful for the additional funding received by the OEC to keep Smart Start in place for the 2026-27 school year. We also thank the parents who were instrumental in securing this funding source.
Middle School Athletics
- Parents and community groups are continuing to work together to find alternate funding sources to preserve middle school athletics programming. At this point, the following programs are in the final phases of reinstatement due to alternate funding sources:
Girls Soccer
Boys Soccer
Boys Cross Country
Girls Cross Country
Cheerleading
We will keep our families updated if additional athletic programs are restored. In addition, our Parks and Recreation are continuing to develop an afterschool recreation program for our middle school students. We greatly appreciate the support of our families and the Town Parks and Recreation in support of our middle level students. Here is a copy of the communication provided by the East Hampton Soccer Club (EHSC) regarding their sponsorship of the middle school soccer programs - EHSC Message Statement.
On a final note, please continue to follow the budget deliberations and please vote in the next referendum. We have strongly advocated to preserve the quality of education our district provides to our children, and this cannot be achieved without the community’s support. The budget represents a very reasonable and fair proposal, and we are very hopeful to be able to move forward with a budget approved by the community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Van Tasel, Superintendent