Public Weighs In On Proposed $96.5M Riverhead School Bond Tuesday

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

Voting on the proposed bond 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 hosted a bond forum, conducted building tours and provided a voter guide that was mailed to all residents. Information regarding the bond is also available on the district's website here.

Not all residents supported the bond. "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."