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'It’s crazy' | East Hampton residents outraged at town council vote in favor of nearly $800,000 in school budget cuts

Parents, students and staff spoke out strongly against this, saying that these budget cuts will be a disservice to everyone but specifically students.

EAST HAMPTON, Conn. — Sounds of disappointment rang out in the East Hampton Town Council Chambers as the council voted, 4-to-3, in favor of adopting the budget that would bring almost $800,000 in cuts to the school district, rather than sending the budget back to the board of finance.

“I’m a little bit disheartened that they didn’t take the opportunity to send it back to the board of finance when that hall in two different meetings has clearly stated that that is their hope,” said Superintendent Paul Smith.

These cuts could have major ramifications on the East Hampton school district, including terminating at least 5 teachers, expanding class sizes, and the potential for eliminating a part-time school psychologist and math specialist.

Parents, students and staff spoke out strongly against this, saying that these budget cuts will be a disservice to everyone but specifically students.

“It’s crazy. I mean if you don’t value education then where are we as a society,” said an East Hampton freshman.

Another controversial topic discussed was an open letter to the superintendent from a town council member. In her letter, she stated he created emotional turmoil in the students and parents and said, “You are doing exactly what we abhorred in the Vietnam War.”

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When we asked her about the letter she said no comment.

Though this isn’t the outcome many wanted, in just a few more weeks the entire town will be able to vote on this budget at a town referendum

“If they are truly against the budget that’s when they have their voice and that’s when the other 13 thousand people in their town have their voice. This isn’t a dead item. People have the right to vote and if they come out and vote like they say they are going to do, ok made a mistake, we’ll increase the budget,” said council chair, Mark Philhower.

The referendum meeting is set for May 30.

DeAndria Turner is a multi-media journalist at FOX61 News. She can be reached at dturner@fox61.com. 

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