Public Votes Down Proposed $96.5M Riverhead School Bond

RIVERHEAD, NY — The public has spoken, voting down a $96.5 million bond resolution Tuesday that would have funded repairs and renovations throughout the Riverhead Central School District.

Residents of the Riverhead Central School District defeated both bond Proposition No. 1 and Proposition No. 2. Proposition No.1 failed with a vote of 1,151 "yes" votes to 2,626 "no,", with a total of 3,777 votes. Proposition No. 2 failed with 993 "yes" votes to 2,775 "no," for a total of 3,768 votes.

“The board of education and administration wish to thank all residents who participated in the vote,” said Board of Education President Gregory Meyer. “We are, of course, disappointed and very concerned that the work proposed in both Proposition No. 1 and Proposition No. 2 was not approved by voters. The facilities issues included in Proposition No. 1 are real and will only get worse and cost more to rectify the longer we wait to address these problems. The work proposed in Proposition No. 2 to improve our athletic facilities would have directly benefited our student/athletes and children enrolled in our community athletic programs that use district facilities."

Looking ahead, Meyer added, "The board of education and administration will meet to analyze our options and share our plans with the community once decisions have been made.”

Included in the bond were two separate propositions totaling $97,049,340, of which $500,000 would have been funded through the district's voter approved capital reserve fund.

Proposition #1, the district said, totaled $88,249,340 and covered 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, totaled $8,800,000 and covered 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, would not have moved forward unless Proposition #1 was also approved.

Before the vote on Tuesday, the board hosted a bond forum, conducted building tours and provided a voter guide that was mailed to all residents.

Some residents were vocal in their opposition to the bond before the vote. "Vote 'no' for the RCSD bond tomorrow," wrote Susan Tocci on Facebook. "Based on my assessed value today — mind you my assessed value has gone up each year on Southampton side — I'm currently paying $6843.71 to RCSD and if both bonds pass based on 2019 assessment, you can add on another $404.00 for a whopping $7,247.71 tax dollars solely towards the school. As well, they are pushing for the school budget vote right behind this vote. My vote is no!"

Others implored the public to think of the students. "Dear Riverhead friends," wrote Riverhead Town Councilwoman Catherine Kent, "As a 38 year teacher, I have always been a strong advocate for children and their right to a sound education. If the school bond in Riverhead gets voted down, the children of our town will be hurt the most. I certainly understand the frustration of taxpayers, but we need more classrooms. Education plays a crucial role in social and economic progress. If we don't properly maintain our schools, it could hurt our reputation as a town and negatively impact our economy. Please vote 'yes' for our children, tomorrow."