Use Of Reserve Funds Helps Bridgehampton School District Remain Under Tax Cap

At its budget hearing on May 11, Bridgehampton School District Interim Business Administrator Dr. Ann Macaluso presented details of the proposed budget and shared good news about the school district.

The proposed budget of $20,957,637 represents a budget-to-budget increase of 1.45 percent, with a tax levy increase of 1.56 percent. The district will not need to pierce the state cap on tax levy increases, although Dr. Macaluso shared that in order to avoid doing that, the district had to pull a total of $530,920 from five different reserve funds.

She explained that, because the district paid off one of its capital bonds this year, it was left with fewer exemptions from the tax levy cap, and the lower tax levy cap results in lower tax revenue. She said the use of the reserves was “slightly higher” than usual but added that the district was working on a “long-term plan” to replenish those reserve funds and reduce reliance upon them.

She also pointed to progress the district had made over the last year in terms of upgrading its facilities and enhancing the education opportunities for students. The district now has a new and improved gymnasium, library and cafeteria, a technology and science lab, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, which is also accessible to members of the Bridgehampton community.

One of the most notable achievements for the district was its designation as a 21st Century Community Learning Center. Superintendent Dr. Mary T. Kelly was instrumental in securing the $2.25 million grant included as part of that designation. Bridgehampton is one of just two schools in Suffolk County to earn that distinction.

The grant, which comes from the State Department of Education, and will be dispersed over the course of five years, will provide after-school and summer enrichment programs for students in pre-K through 12th grade at the Bridgehampton School.

Under the guidance of Kelly, the program will offer a multi-faceted approach to student and adult literacy through effective learning and exploration. Formally titled BEEES HIVE — which stands for Bridgehampton Engaging, Enhancing and Extending School: Harnessing Innovation for a Vibrant Education — it will combine targeted enrichment activities with innovative, project-based learning experiences.

Opportunities and activities will include an after-school interdisciplinary literacy program that is integrated with the arts, the use of innovative STREAM-based (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) activities and technologies to accelerate and enrich learning, such as game design and the implementation of a fabrication lab to prototype and field test new ideas, products and inventions; theater and filmmaking opportunities; programs that are connected to local history and environmental studies; and wellness activities.

The grant also incorporates partnerships with local arts organizations, museums and cultural centers, includes family engagement activities and supports a broad array of youth development and service-learning opportunities.