April
19, 2004
Dear
Community Residents,
Riverhead is growing. Some
might even say it is exploding, with the residential
and commercial development underway and planned for
in the near future. This growth is having
a direct impact on the schools with the added student
population, and their demands are being placed on
all of our resources – facilities, programs,
class sizes, etc. We are operating at capacity or
near capacity at each of our school buildings.
The
2004-2005 revised budget information
reflects the increase
in student growth and other anticipated needs required
to continue to operate an effective school organization.
The Board of Education and administration have worked
very hard to present a budget to the Riverhead school
community that is reasonable and takes into account
the concerns of every taxpayer. Creating a
budget that meets the educational needs of the diverse
student population that we serve, while being sensitive
to the taxpayer’s burden, has become a mighty
challenge, especially in light of the state aid received
by the school district.
Among some of the challenges that we
are confronted with are the following:
• Dealing with steady student population
growth - Riverhead Central School District
had a student enrollment in 1994 of 4,165 students.
In September 2004 estimated student enrollment will
be 4,982 students increasing to 5,435 students by
2009.
• Meeting the state-higher learning
standards and federal mandates —No
Child Left Behind, for student achievement. These
mandates are not fully funded and impose
severe requirements on our district concerning delivery
of required services.
• Meeting cost increases related to
health insurance and Teacher/Employee Retirement Systems
for the district employees - These costs
are reflected throughout the region and impact directly
on our premiums.
• Not receiving the amount of State
Aid that is reflective of the diversity of our student
population and their needs - The state aid
formula is under review by the Zarb Commission appointed
by the Governor. As a result of our “land wealth”,
the amount of state aid received is approximately
the same as ten years ago, despite enrollment growth,
increased mandates for student achievement and the
need for facilities improvement.
One of the major responsibilities of the Board of
Education and its administration is to develop and
present a budget to the community. This budget reflects
the needs of the Riverhead Central School District
in order to continue the positive momentum that has
begun. I ask you to review the budget proposal for
the 2004-2005 school year, with an eye toward the
equitable education of all children that attend our
seven schools, and cast an informed vote.
Very truly yours,
Robert D. Pinckney, Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools
