Riverhead Central School District Budget Passes By Wide Margin

RIVERHEAD, NY — Residents turned out Tuesday to vote on the Riverhead Central School District's budget for 2022 to 2023.

Voters approved the budget, 1658 to 993.

According to the district, the proposed $169,750,296 budget represents a budget-to-budget increase of 6.49 percent and a tax levy increase of 1 percent.

Voters also weighed in on a proposition to expend $56,000 from the cafeteria capital reserve fund established on May 15, 2018 , to complete cafeteria-related updates at the Phillips Avenue School, Riley Avenue School and Riverhead High School. Although there is no tax impact to the project, voter approval is necessary. That measure also passed by a vote of 2,048 to 590.

Three candidates vied for two open seats on the BOE, including incumbents Laurie Downs and Matthew Wallace, and Andrew G. Nadeau. Downs and Wallace won, with 1,897 and 1,915 votes, respectively. Nadeau garnered 822 votes.

Initiatives in the budget include extending the secondary school day from eight to nine periods to allow students to enroll in additional electives.

In addition, mindful of the impact the budget has on residents, the board of education said the district continues to seek other forms of revenue. This year, through grant funding, the district will be offering a full-day Universal Pre-Kindergarten, a summer learning program, and a multi-tier of supports for students.