In addition to its proposed over-the-tax-cap budget plan for the 2024-25 school year, the Amagansett School District is planning to float three separate ballot propositions concerning busing and facilities repairs. The school board has yet to formally approve the placing of these three items on the ballot, but it got the conversation started during Tuesday’s budget workshop.
Proposition 2 would allow the school to spend $95,538 on a new school bus to replace one that is aging out of its useful life. The money would come out of the district’s capital reserve account, meaning it won’t have the direct effect of increasing taxes.
Proposition 3 would allow the district to tap the capital reserve account again, for as much as $205,000, to repair the cupola atop the school building. It apparently has a leak that lets water through to the second-floor hallway, attributed to a weathervane that was ripped off by a storm some years ago. There remains some confusion over that, however, as there is still very clearly a visible weathervane atop the cupola. School officials said they would further weigh this proposal.
Proposition 4 would formalize Amagansett’s extension of busing to students who live between a half-mile and one mile from the school. This represents a closer radius than the previous arrangement, providing transportation for students who live in the nearby affordable housing complex. This change requires voter approval. Richard Loeschner, the interim superintendent, said it would be a cost-neutral change.
Should the school board adopt the proposals, it will be required to advertise the details fully in legal notices ahead of the May 21 budget vote.