07/21/2026
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Also, you can review budget documents on our website here: https://www.easthamptonps.org/page/budget
Notice on Program Reductions - School Year 2026-27
July 21, 2026
Dear East Hampton Public Schools Community,
We would like to provide an update regarding the status of FY27 budget deliberations, as well as raise awareness surrounding changes that are currently planned for the 2026-27 school year.
At last evening’s Board of Finance meeting, an additional reduction of $350,000 was made to the education budget. The total decrease to our initial BOE proposal has been $600,000 to-date. The Town Council will review this recommendation at their meeting this evening, and we anticipate a third referendum will be scheduled for early August. It is important that our community continues to engage in the budget process and to vote at the next referendum.
Following the two failed budget votes, the Board of Education and administration are required to make reductions to programs and services that we believe have made the East Hampton Public Schools a outstanding and competitive public school option for the community and its residents. With this being said - and the start of the school year just over a month away - it is important that we share where we currently stand as we make budget adjustments and prepare for our students’ arrival.
The Board of Education and administration have continued to review our proposed expenditure plan, and it has been determined that the following reductions will need to be made in response to the $600,000 reduction in funding. In alignment with the reductions that have been previously shared in the budget flyer, we are planning the following for the 2026-27 school year:
Memorial School
Smart Start Preschool Program – Program elimination
STARS Special Education Paraeducator reduction
Special Education Interventionist reduction
Classroom Teacher reduction - Grade 3
Administrative Reduction – Assistant Principal (12 month reduced to 10 month)
Center School
Art Teacher Reduction (full time to part time)
East Hampton Middle School
EHMS Athletics – Program elimination
Afterschool Clubs – Partial reduction of club activities
East Hampton High School
English Language Arts Teacher reduction
Family and Consumer Science Course reduction
Afterschool Clubs – Partial reduction of club activities
Out-of-District Changes:
Vinal/Voag Bus reduction – 1 bus will be provided with centralized pickup locations
We recognize the significance of these reductions and the impact they will have on our students and families. The district believes all of these programs and services bring significant value to our school system, and the decision to eliminate or reduce them was not made lightly. If you have questions regarding these reductions, please reach out to the district directly to ensure that you are receiving accurate information regarding these cost avoidance measures.
We remain hopeful that future budget votes will not result in the outcomes we have experienced over the last two years, and we are asking for your understanding and support of our schools as we navigate our current and future fiscal challenges.
Sincerely,
Dr. Van Tasel, Superintendent
