March 4, 2026
Riverhead Central School District approved a $211.4 million budget for 2025-26, cutting three admin roles amid rising costs. No program cuts or layoffs hit classrooms at Riverhead High School on Osborn Avenue.
Riverhead Central School District voters approved a $211.4 million budget for 2025-26 on May 20 at Riverhead High School on Osborn Avenue, passing 1,004 to 793 despite ongoing fiscal strains from declining pandemic funding.
This budget marks a $9.9 million or 4.95% increase over 2024-25, staying under the state tax cap with a 2.16% levy hike adding $2.3 million from property taxes in Riverhead and nearby Peconic Lane areas.
The district eliminated three central admin positions: executive director of elementary education, director of STEM, and director of humanities, as announced by Interim Superintendent Cheryl Pedisich at the May budget hearing. These cuts aim to control costs without legacy payouts or benefits for former admins, confirmed Marianne Cartisano, interim assistant superintendent. No classroom teachers or programs face reductions, preserving fine arts, music, and athletics at schools like Riverhead Middle School on 700 Harrison Avenue.
Projected $86 million in state aid, up $5 million, plus retirement savings and $6.5 million from fund balance, offset the end of $19 million COVID funds. Enrollment history on the district site shows pressures, but expansions continue: universal pre-K, dual language, and a second elementary literacy coach. The budget funds cafeteria projects drawing $1.9 million from reserves.
Unlike feared staff cuts last year, grants rehired elementary teachers. Board President James Scudder and Trustee Matthew Wallace won reelection with 1,193 and 1,272 votes. Riverhead residents can stay informed on education challenges — with school districts across Long Island grappling with budget deficits and Riverhead home sales dropping amid shifting market conditions, explore more LI Daily stories on local schools today. Long Island families navigating these pressures may also want to review free training and grant opportunities available to Long Island businesses this spring.
