Local museums and youth programs ask voters for district support

Multiple local museums and youth organizations addressed the board during the budget hearing and urged voter support for propositions that would keep their school‑linked programs and free admission available to students and families.

Sarah Kauf, executive director of the Southampton History Museum (Proposition 7), said the museum is asking for $290,000 to support school field trips, free admission to its historic sites and curriculum development tied to local history. "One thing that this funding helps us do is offer free admission to all of our historic sites," Kauf said, describing partnerships with teachers and plans to expand school programming.

Monica Ramirez Montaguer, director of the Parish Art Museum (Proposition 6), described a decade‑old access program that serves people with disabilities and a year‑round schedule of school visits. She emphasized free, hands‑on student programming and internship pathways for teenagers. The Parish Art Museum representatives said their work includes exhibition programs that reach more than 2,000 students annually and that district support enables free field trips and in‑school collaborations.

The Southampton Youth Association (Proposition 8) and the Southampton Arts Center (requested $175,000) also described partnerships with district schools, summer camps, internships and ADA upgrades. Presenters highlighted workforce development, scholarship programs and efforts to expand access and inclusion.

Why it matters: The propositions supporting cultural institutions and youth programming are pitched as investments in school enrichment and community partnerships; several presenters noted that school visits and free admission are integral to classroom learning and equity of access for students with limited means.

Next steps: Each organization’s request will be decided by voters along with the district budget on May 19.