Riverhead BOE Candidates Speak To Public

Two incumbents and one newcomer running for a seat on the Riverhead school district's board of election stepped up to the podium at this week's board of education meeting to introduce themselves and share their campaign platforms.

Running for two seats on the seven-member BOE are incumbents Amelia Lantz and Jeff Falisi, with Chris Dorr also a candidate, according to Superintendent Nancy Carney.

Both Lantz's and Falisi's terms are up, and they are seeking re-election.

The vote takes place on May 21.

At Tuesday night's BOE meeting, the three stepped up to the podium to greet the public.

"Let's give peace a chance," said Lantz, reflecting on her term in office. Her first school budget season was a "baptism by fire," Lantz said, but was ultimately successful in maintaining current programs and activities for students. 

"I think there is a place for the budget for the arts and sports," she said.

While in the process of crafting the budget for the 2013-2014 school year, Lantz said she was "elated" to hear about 30 retirements that would, combined with an influx of additional state aid, mean no cuts to invaluable programs for students.

"Let's keep this momentum going -- this momentum of integrity and respect for one another -- without it, we are an island unto ourselves. Let's keep this momentum of preserving programs for schoolchildren. School is so much more than academics," Lantz said.

She added, "This is not a dress rehearsal for all the kids who make up our community. Let's keep this momentum going strong and try to do our best with the hand we have been dealt so we can continue to educate our children in a responsible manner."

Incumbent Falisi said he has lived with his wife and four children in the school district for 13 years. His children have blossomed in the district, achieving honors,  making the honor roll, and serving as president of the class, he said.

"All my children have benefitted greatly from the programs offered in the Riverhead school district."

Falisi said he has coached a full slate of boys baseball, girls softball, basketball, and Little League and PAL teams. He has coached Riverhead's Blue Waves football team, he said.

Since joining the school board in 2010, Falisi said under Carney's helm, the BOE  established the Community Partnership for Revitalization  and worked to come up with a revised bond proposal for school projects; the $78 million bond was ultimately approved by the voters.

Falisi said he has also visited other school districts through his efforts to upgrade Riverhead's security systems and met with heads of security in that regard.

"With your vote on May 21, I'll continue to look out for your children," he said.

Newcomer Christopher Dorr said he has three children and has coached PAL football and lacrosse.

With an MBA in marketing, Dorr said he is employed by Nassau BOCES as a data coordinator. He hopes to bring his talents to the table, to help in the light of the "ever-increasing tasks of state reporting. I'm familiar with the new state mandates and reporting system," he said.

Dorr said he decided to run for school board because of the skills he has acquired -- and to give back to the community he said he enjoys being a part of.

"Schools are the focus of any community," Dorr said, adding that a good school system can raise property values and bring new residents to the community.

Under the two percent tax cap, Dorr said, the BOE will "need to consistently build budgets without sacrificing programs or courses. New mandates are coming," he said.

Dorr discussed the new mandates, and said additional development is needed.

"My skills will help as the board faces many new challenges," he said.

Discussing his decision to throw his hat into the ring, Dorr said, "If you truly care about your community and want to give back, why would you not run?"