Dear East Quogue Residents,

As you are aware, the East Quogue Union Free School District has scheduled the 2018 bond referendum for Wednesday, March 21. After much deliberation, given the weather's uncertainty and lack of a precise weather forecast, we have decided to hold the vote as planned.

I realize some of our residents may question this decision, and I would like to take this opportunity to share some insight. If we were to postpone the vote tomorrow, we run the risk of losing the potential construction start date of summer 2019. The importance of this has been discussed many times throughout the planning process. It would cost the district approximately $20,000 to ensure the summer construction period if the vote were not held tomorrow. This would be due to requesting the New York State Education Department to expedite the review process.

Additionally, we would have to start our planning and legal process all over again. This includes all legal notification requirements, staffing requirements and Board of Elections notifications. The district would not be able to hold a rescheduled vote until much later in the school year. Furthermore, it is not legally permissible to reschedule a vote within the next couple of days or weeks.

The East Quogue Board of Education will meet as scheduled tomorrow, March 21, at 7 p.m.

The polls will be open on March 21 from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., and voting will take place in the gymnasium.

We thank you for your understanding and attention. Please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Long if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Long, Jr.
Superintendent/Principal