School Vote 2019: Riverhead Budget, BOE Candidates

RIVERHEAD, NY —Residents in Riverhead will vote on the proposed budget for the 2019-2020 school year on Tuesday, May 21.

Voters will weigh in on the district's $144,430,212 proposed budget; the proposal calls for a 2.88 percent increase in spending over the current year and the tax levy increase is 2.21 percent, which is within the tax levy cap.

“We are proud that we are able to offer our community and taxpayers a budget that holds the line on taxes while also providing our students with an exceptional education,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Aurelia Henriquez.

Voters will also cast ballots on propositions including a five-year bus purchase plan that includes the purchase of 44 new diesel, propane and gasoline buses at a cost not to exceed $3,993,000. The new buses will replace vehicles in the district’s fleet over the next five years.

In addition, voters will consider the cafeteria capital reserve proposition that would allow the district to spend funds that voters approved in May,2018 to be appropriated for improvements to the district’s cafeteria. Specifically, the district is asking voters for approval to spend up to $275,000 from the Cafeteria Capital Reserve to convert the walk-in refrigerator at the high school loading dock to a walk-in freezer; replace doors and improve the loading dock at the high school; convert the dry goods storage at the middle school kitchen to a walk-in freezer; and improve the kitchen entryway at the middle school.

Four candidates are facing off for two Board of Education seats; those . candidates include Jerome J. Bost, Matthew Wallace. Elizabeth C. Silva and Laurie A. Downs.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. For additional information and to view all budget presentations, visit the budget page on the district’s website here.