Community Asked To Vote On $96.5M School Capital Improvement Plan

RIVERHEAD, NY — The public will soon be asked to weigh in on a 96.5 million bond resolution that would fund repairs and renovations throughout the Riverhead Central School District.

On Tuesday, the Board of Education unanimously adopted the bond resolution; residents will have an opportunity to vote on the proposed bond on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Voting will take place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at polling locations including Riley Avenue Elementary School, Phillips Avenue Elementary School, Roanoke Avenue Elementary School and Aquebogue Elementary School.

Included in the bond are two separate propositions totaling $97,049,340, of which $500,000 will be funded through the district’s voter approved capital reserve fund.

“We have held numerous presentations and community meetings and have listened to the concerns and wishes of the community,” said Board of Education President Greg Meyer. “The board took this information into consideration as we prioritized the needs of our school district to develop a proposed bond we believe is fiscally responsible and addresses our immediate needs to repair and improve our schools. We encourage all residents to vote on Feb. 25.”

Proposition #1, the district said, totals $88,249,340 and covers the construction of additions and/or renovations and improvements to all district schools including the construction of building additions to provide for new classrooms, cafeteria, gymnasium and other space; interior reconstruction and space reconfiguration; roof replacement and/or reconstruction; safety and security upgrades; heating, air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing, lavatory and locker room improvements; improvements to facilities access by the physically challenged and building envelope, paving and walkway improvements.

Proposition #2, the district said, totals $8,800,000 and covers the McKillop Field synthetic turf conversion; stadium track and field; varsity baseball field and softball field relocation; multi-use courts at Pulaski Elementary School and Riverhead Middle School; parking expansion and bus parking at Pulaski Elementary School; a fairgrounds entrance and Riverhead Middle School baseball field improvements.

Proposition #2, even if approved by voters, will not move forward unless Proposition #1 is also approved.

Before the vote on Tuesday, Feb. 25, the board will be hosting a bond forum, conducting building tours and providing a voter guide which will be mailed to all residents. Information regarding the bond is also available on the district’s website here.