Southampton School Committee Faces Budget Gap and Superintendent Search

Overview: The Southampton School Committee recently convened to address a series of issues, with the most significant being the search for an interim superintendent and a notable budget gap of $212,000 affecting the community. The committee deliberated on the suspension of the superintendent search until September and the appointment of an interim to start by June 30th, 2025. Additionally, discussions included the outdated Hampshire Regional agreement, the possibility of full K-2 district regionalization, and the alignment of academic calendars across district schools.

Southampton Select Board Tackles Budget Management and Land Acquisitions

Overview: The Southampton Select Board held a meeting that focused on the management of the town’s budget, land acquisitions for future development, and the simplification of budget presentations to the voters. The board discussed the potential to give department heads more flexibility in managing budgets, particularly within the police department. Financial transfers, including those for the police station and fire department equipment, were debated. topics included the acquisition of land on Clark Street and off College Highway for public use, the simplification of budget categories, and a review of the town’s financial practices and revenue trends.

Southampton Grapples with School Budget and Election Changes

Overview: The Southampton Select Board meeting was dominated by a careful examination of the Hampshire Regional High School’s budget, while also addressing substantial local governance issues such as the upcoming town caucus and election procedures. The board authorized the rescheduled town caucus for April 11th and entertained a motion regarding the cancellation of in-person voting for the town election, which was withdrawn pending further discussion.

Southampton School Committee Adjusts Budget, Seeks Transparency

Overview: In a recent Southampton School Committee meeting, members made significant revisions to the school budget, emphasizing transparency and accountability. The committee discussed various budgetary concerns, including a revised total operating budget, the status of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and vocational tuition adjustments. Notably, the committee recommended approving a lowered operating budget of $6,562,261, which is a 4.45% increase from the previous year. This revision came after removing anticipated ARPA funds, which are not yet approved, and making adjustments based on accurate salary figures and updated spending projections.

Southampton Select Board Addresses Tax Auction and Town Bylaws

Overview: The recent Southampton Select Board meeting addressed a variety of important community topics, including the closure of a public auction for the foreclosed property on Cottage Avenue due to a lack of bidders, the introduction of new general bylaws, and discussions on budget concerns including the need for ADA-compliant bathroom doors and reconciliation of accounts. The meeting also touched on the potential creation of a 40R district overlay, an agricultural preservation restriction, and updates on the Public Safety Building Committee’s activities.