Sag Harbor School District's $9 Million Capital Plan in Voters' Hands

The Sag Harbor School District is looking for voters to approve $9 million in capital projects bond on Wednesday.

Voters, who will go to the polls between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., will decide on two bond proposals for school improvements that include renovations and an expansion to the auditorium at Pierson Middle-High School, creating a turf field and two-lane walking track, and replacing windows.

The goal is to provide "a learning environment that is more energy efficient and cost effective," according to interim Superintendent Carl Bonuso.

The Sag Harbor School Board of Education put out to the proposal to the public after months-long discussions and recommendations from the 21-member Educational Facilities Planning Committee, which included community members, parents, business people and school staff.

Proposition one covers the bulk of the capital improvements at about $7.4 million.

The proposal for the auditorium would mean concerts and performances will no longer have to be held by grade level due to the limited seating capacity. Lighting and sight lines would be improved and air conditioning would be installed. "An expanded, renovated auditorium will also open up the possibilities for additional use by the entire school district and community gatherings in general," the district said in informational material.

Under proposition two, a new synthetic turf athletic field and a two-lane walking track at Pierson would allow students in physical education classes and after-school sports to play on a consistent playing surface, the district said. The walking-track would be incorporated into the curriculum and would be available to the community for exercising and events. The pricetag is $1.6 million.

The district also wants to renovate the "Pierson Shop/Technology Education" space by better utilizing the space to create a smaller space for small group instruction.

A store room addition on the elementary school is also proposed so that the entire gym can be used for physical education classes and the morning program. "By removing and relocating the equipment currently stored in the gymnasium, students will have a safer learning environment."

Also included in the bonds is a reconfiguration of parking lots — on Hampton Street and Jermain Avenue, as well as the bus parking lot — to provide more spots, though the plans are not yet finalized. "They are just conceptual schematic drawings. If residents approve the bond, before the final plans are sent to the State Education Department for approval, the community will have the opportunity for additional input," the district said.

Check out the informational video above.

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