School Board Approves Bond Proposal Vote

After months of efforts, the Riverhead School Board decided on Tuesday night to present to the public a two-part bond proposal which would authorize over $78 million to make repairs and improvements to district schools and nearly $7 million to construct a new gymnasium at Riverhead High School. 

The two bond proposals will be separate referendums on the ballot, and the smaller bond cannot pass unless the larger one does. The vote will be held at four schools across Riverhead on Oct. 11, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

The first proposition, A, would authorize a $78.3 million bond to be used to construct new classrooms and cafeteria space, repair windows and doors, repair parking, sidewalks and plumbing, as well as other building improvements. "Proposition B" calls for a bond of $6.95 million to build a new 16,000 square-foot gym at the high school. 

"We've got roofs that are 20 years out of warranty, meaning they're 40 years old," said Board President Ann Cotten-Degrasse in an interview after the meeting. "Proposition A is something that absolutely has to be done." 

"We are desperately in need of repairing our infrastructure," added Superintendent of Schools Nancy Carney.

The board also approved new voting districts for the bond vote and all future votes. Voters will go to Riverhead High School, Aquebogue Elementary School, Riley Avenue Elementary School, and Phillips Avenue Elementary School, depending on which district they live in. 

"With people not having to drive as far, we're hoping to encourage more people to vote." Carney said.

The school board said they will mail voters additional information about their voting station as the vote nears.