Sag Harbor Union Free School District

No. If the Bond Referendum is approved on January 22, 2026, the district does not go out and immediately borrow the full amount of the Bond plan. Borrowing is done in phases, based on the construction timeline. In years 1-5, the district will be using Bond Anticipation Notes. Long-term borrowing will begin in year six, with each borrowing amount commensurate with the cost of the projects included in each of the phases of the Bond plan.

No. Money approved in the Bond plan can only be used for those projects specifically detailed in the Bond plan. Approved Bond funds cannot be used to pay teacher salaries, hire additional teachers, or pay for school district services or programs.

No, not without another vote. The district is bound by the amount of the Bond Referendum. Not a penny more can be spent above that amount approved by the community. Alternatively, if projects come in at a lower cost than projected, the district would simply spend and borrow less, with a related reduction in the tax impact.

Yes. The district’s Moody’s bond rating is Aa1, which reflects solid financial health and very low risk. The positive bond rating allows the district to borrow at advantageous interest rates, which in turn benefits Sag Harbor taxpayers.

Over the life of the bonds, the estimated average cost to a homeowner with a home assessed at $1 million will be $7.37 per month, based on current assessed value and equalization rates.

Better schools – both educationally and in terms of the conditions of the district’s physical assets. Providing the necessary space and educational tools for today’s students as well as generations of students to come helps maintain high property values by attracting more families to the district. In fact, Sag Harbor is the only district on the east end experiencing enrollment growth. The projects proposed will help to maintain Sag Harbor’s reputation as a cutting-edge, high performing district. It is also the district’s intention to provide community access to the new weight/fitness center, similar to what is done in surrounding school districts. Additionally, making these improvements now will help mitigate emergency, more expensive repairs/replacement in the future.

Local contractors and tradespeople who meet specific requirements as set forth by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and in bid documents, including the required bonding, insurance, Wick’s Law regulations, adherence to prevailing wages and benefits, and other statutes controlling municipal capital projects, can bid on Bond projects.

Assuming all aspects of the Bond plan process remain on schedule (required document submissions to SED, approvals from SED, bid awards, etc,), it is anticipated that all projects will be completed by Spring/Summer 2029.

Yes. Approval of the Bond plan will provide for facility and utility upgrades resulting in the enhancement and suitability of Pierson Middle/High School as a Red Cross Emergency Shelter location.