The Westhampton Beach Board of Education will look different next year now that newcomers Daniel Bennett, Ryan Fay and Dr. Jennifer Neumaier have been elected to the board.
While Westhampton Beach voters came out Tuesday in support of a tax cap-compliant $64,879,213 budget for the 2024-25 school year, 549-129, voters had a more difficult choice selecting three of six candidates seeking a spot on the board. Fay earned 363 votes, while Bennett and Neumaier each received 303.
With current board President Suzanne Mensch and Trustee George R. Kast Jr. choosing not to seek reelection, it left incumbent Joyce Donneson being challenged by the three winners, and business owner Bryan Beasley and attorney Robert Macedonio, who collected 279, 286 and 174 votes, respectively.
“I am thrilled and honored to have been elected to the Westhampton Beach School District Board of Education,” Neumaier said. “First, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of my fellow candidates for an exciting last three weeks and for the relationships we’ve built. With so many incredible choices and such an impressive turnout from the community, it is clear that there is a shared dedication to ensuring our district continues to thrive and provide an exceptional education to every student.”
Residents approved the budget, a 2.99 percent, or $1,884,862, increase from this current year’s spending plan, and also supported Proposition 2, 532-146, which authorizes a $2,633,248 library budget that is a 3.26 percent, or $83,055, increase from this current year’s spending plan.
“I would like to thank the community for its overwhelming support in the school budget and election,” Fay said. “It just reinforced what I’ve always believed about our community: that it’s dynamic, engaged and that it cares deeply about our kids. I can’t wait to start working with my colleagues on the board, and I look forward to supporting our students, teachers, staff and the taxpayers of this incredible district.”
Residents also gave Proposition 3 the green light, 519-163. It authorizes a $100,000 Greater Westhampton Historical Museum budget. The funds help the organization, formerly the Westhampton Beach Historical Society — which serves the communities of Westhampton Beach, West Hampton Dunes, Westhampton, Quiogue, Remsenburg, Speonk and Eastport — expand to have a year-round presence and increases the number of programs it will offer to both schools and the community at large.
“The turnout was amazing and shows this community cares about the future of this district,” Bennett said. “I feel blessed and excited to have this opportunity. I look forward to working with and for the community and being a strong voice for the students, and I’m looking forward to making positive changes and sharing in the successes of the students, faculty, staff and new Board of Education.”
Besides recognizing the community support, Bennett also thanked the outgoing board members for their years of service. Neumaier added that she can’t wait to work with colleagues new and old.
“I am deeply grateful for the community’s trust in me and look forward to representing your needs. I am committed to open dialogue, listening to your concerns and making sure they are addressed effectively. I am also eager to learn from the experienced members of the board who have given so much to this community; their knowledge is invaluable,” she said. “Most importantly, I want to thank the community, our students and the people who make this district incredible, our amazing and talented teachers, for their support. Together, we will continue to work toward a bright future for our district.”
