Springs parents plead for after-school program

Several Springs residents urged the East Hampton Town board at last week’s budget hearing to add whatever money it can to its 2012 budget to support the Project Most after-school program in their community.

None of the residents asked for a specific amount of money, but most told the board it is important to have a place where their children can go after school and which provides a learning environment.

Last year, the town -- which was millions of dollars in debt because of mismanagement by a previous administration -- ended its financial support for the Homework Club, another program in Springs that had been costing $3,700 per student each year. Overall, the town was forced to borrow $30 million and eliminate dozens of jobs.

Project Most provides similar services, but unlike the Homework Club -- which was free --  it charges parents on a sliding scale.

“My children enjoy Project Most,” said David Lys of Springs. “I can’t get home as soon as I want. Project Most allows me to make that extra dollar and pay that extra bill.”

The town board is expected to adopt its budget at a regular meeting Thursday at 7 p.m.