For the first time, the Wainscott School District and the Bridgehampton School District have come together to put a contract on the ballot that would offer a third choice for Wainscott families with children in fourth grade and up.
Children previously had to choose from either East Hampton or Sag Harbor, but if the contract is approved, Bridgehampton will also be an option. Voters in Wainscott can cast ballots for or against the new, five-year contract during Tuesday's school vote. The potential impact on the Wainscott budget depends on the schools that families choose for their children.
"There are two major reasons for the board taking this action," David Eagan, Wainscott's school board president, said in an email to The Star. "First, our board is very impressed with the significant strides that Bridgehampton has taken in its academic programming, particularly the offering of additional Advanced Placement classes. Now that the district has successfully completed their impressive facilities expansion, we believe that they are in the position to take their academic offerings to the next level."
The second reason, Mr. Eagan said, is that Bridgehampton's tuition rate is far less expensive per student than the rates at East Hampton and Sag Harbor. Rates still vary by students' grade and placement in general or special education classrooms.
"In short, our board sees our new relationship with Bridgehampton as an additional way to manage our escalating tuition expenses, which comprise the majority of our annual budget," Mr. Eagan said.