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Superintendent warns proposed Long Island project-labor rule could raise school construction costs and delay projects
Summary
Dr. DeLeo, South Huntington superintendent, told the board that a state bill requiring project labor agreements for construction projects of $1 million or more on Long Island could increase costs by an estimated 25–30% and lengthen timelines, potentially delaying voter‑approved projects.
Dr. DeLeo, superintendent of schools for the South Huntington Union Free School District, told the board that a proposed state bill would require project labor agreements (PLAs) for construction projects of $1 million or more on Long Island starting Jan. 1, 2026.
The superintendent said district officials are concerned the requirement would raise construction costs by “about 25 to 30%” and could create workforce bottlenecks that delay projects. He noted that timing matters because districts submit projects for state review and approval; a lack of available unionized labor could add years to the delivery timetable for capital projects that communities approve at budget vote.
Dr. DeLeo said the bill covers only Long Island and that local superintendent and school-board associations were taking positions in response. He asked board members to note the potential fiscal and schedule impacts on planned capital work, including projects already being contemplated for the new capital reserve.
No board action on the legislation occurred at the meeting; the superintendent said his office was communicating with county and state school-board groups and local legislators about the possible consequences for districts.
