Riverhead School Budget Vote Tuesday: What You Need To Know

RIVERHEAD, NY —Riverhead voters will head to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots in the 2022 to 2023 school budget and school board candidate vote.

The Riverhead Central School District's budget has been a source of much discussion in recent years: The budget was voted down twice in 2020 before passing in 2021.

Here's a rundown of what you need to know Tuesday before you cast your ballot.

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 will also weigh 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.

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.

Three candidates are vying for two open seats on the BOE, including incumbents Laurie Downs and Matthew Wallace, and Andrew G. Nadeau.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday. For information on where to vote, click here