Education

Riverhead, SWR school budgets approved; challengers win board seats

Riverhead Central School District

BUDGET APPROVED
Yes: 1,635

No: 948

Proposed budget $130,669,295 with an estimated 0.50 percent tax levy increase

School board election: (Three open seats. The top two vote-getters will be appointed to full three-year terms. The third qualifying candidate will serve the one year remaining in Lori Hulse’s unexpired term)

Incumbent Amelia Lantz and challenger Laurie Downs were elected to full three-year terms. Incumbent Christopher Dorr will complete the final year of Lori Hulse’s unexpired term.

  • Christopher Dorr 1,210
  • Laurie Downs 1,217
  • Gregory Fischer 977
  • Bradford Harnig 618
  • Thomas Kruger 1,129
  • Amelia Lantz 1,305

“I finally won,” Ms. Downs said. “For 16 years, I’ve been grooming for it. I have more time here than any of the sitting administrators … The people spoke and I’m going to continue to call for open government and open transparency and I’m going to do my best.”

“I’m glad the budget passed and I’m excited to work with Laurie on the board,” Mr. Dorr said.

“I’m very happy that Laurie Downs won and I have every confidence in her ability and commitment to improving our school rating,” Mr. Fischer said.

“Hard work pays off,” Ms. Lantz said. “It’s a sign that we’re moving forward and we just keep moving forward. That’s all we can ask for. I think the people know we’re doing good.”

“I’m very appreciative to the community for passing the budget,” Ms. Carney said. “We worked very hard to be sure we presented a budget that was within the tax levy and a budget that will enable us to provide our students with the support and services they need with all the challenges that we’re faced with.

“I welcome Laurie Downs as the new board member and Amelia Lantz and Chris Dorr who are coming back to the board,” Ms. Carney added. “I also appreciate Mr. Kruger, Mr. Harnig and Mr. Fischer for their interest in running for the board.”

Previous coverage — [Riverhead candidates: Student programs, overcrowding and ‘politicking’ claims]

Shoreham-Wading River School District

BUDGET APPROVED
Yes: 855

No:545

Proposed budget $72,664,934 with an estimated 5.24 percent tax levy increase

“It’s wonderful,” Superintendent Steven Cohen said following the vote. “It’s a very important budget and it’s gratifying to see the community support all our measures.”

School board election: (Two open seats carrying three-year terms)

Challengers Michael Lewis and Kimberly Roff defeat incumbent Richard Pluschau.

“It’s exciting and overwhelming at the same time,” Mr. Lewis said. “I’m looking forward to the next three years to really sink my teeth into the capital improvement bond.”

  • Michael Lewis 792
  • Richard Pluschau 621
  • Kimberly Roff 957

Previous coverage — [Two newcomers, incumbent on SWR school board ballot]

Check back here for complete coverage of Tuesday’s school board elections and budget votes.