Crowd Packs Town Hall For Heated Charter School Expansion Debate

RIVERHEAD, NY — A passionate crowd packed Riverhead Town Hall Wednesday night, taking turns at the podium and speaking for more than three hours about a proposed expansion of the Riverhead Charter School on Sound Avenue in Northville that has the students and residents sharply divided.

Riverhead Charter School Superintendent Raymond Ankrum said in November that the plan was to purchase more than 70 acres of farmland for a new high school on Sound Avenue.

The plan has not been formally submitted to the town board — and the town board would need to grant a special use permit for the proposal to proceed, as the parcel is in an agricultural protection zoning district.

Ankrum told Patch before the town board meeting — where the board moved to allow public comment before the evening's scheduled proceedings due to the standing-room only crowd — that the high school expansion is crucial due to the increased demand from students and families. With the closure of other school options like McGann-Mercy High School, the need for additional space has reached an all-time high, he said.

Ankrum also told Patch that the 71-plus acre parcel in question is divided into four parts; three of those parts have development rights intact, covering a total of 12.3 acres of land and space; the remaining parcel consists of 59.2 acres of restricted agricultural land, he said.

"While we are in discussions to potentially purchase both parcels, we fully recognize the strict limitations placed on the restricted farmland. Consequently, no building can occur on this restricted land, except where building is permissible," Ankrum said, quoting from a message to the community the school posted.

He added: "Addressing the concerns of residents, it’s essential to balance their quality of life with the critical need to provide our students with a world-class education. This expansion represents an opportunity to focus on the future, emphasizing the well-being and growth of our students."

Ankrum said currently there are no specific plans to share but the school remains "committed to making informed decisions that benefit our student and the. community."

During the public portion period of the meeting, Riverhead Charter School Director of Academics Nick Timpone said school officials had met with the Long Island Farm Bureau and others concerned about preserving open space and farmland. He said RCS officials were "well aware of the limitations" but only 13 acres were designated as developable, with the remain acreage preserved.

He said charges made by some that the school epitomized "education for profit" are a "straight out lie" and said the school is a publicly funded not-for-profit organization.

Addressing traffic concerns raised by residents, Timponse said, "Me, too. I live out here and I know what Sound Avenue looks like." But, he said, the traffic impacts of the new school would "not be so severe," with buses arriving early in the morning and students' leaving at 3 p.m. "It won't impact the afternoon rush hour," he said.

He noted that other businesses, which are "good for the economy" present traffic issues on Sound Avenue. "Is educating our students not as important?" he asked. "What better way to sustain our economy than by educating our students and letting them know about opportunities in agriculture."

The land surrounding the school, he said, will be used for a farm where students can learn about agiculture and future careers.

Next, one by one, students filed up to speak, some just barely able to reach the podium — and all, advocating fiercely and eloquently for the expansion, and to enhance educational offerings

William Pierce, an 8th grade student at the Riverhead Charter School, said expansion would mean that students would have a cafeteria, something that is not currently available. "Expansion would give me and my peers the same opportunities as students in the districts around us," he said.

Lack of space means that there are currently fewer opportunities, he said, especially in the areas of athletics and clubs. Also, he said, expanding the high school would mean more options for advanced classes and college preparation.

Riley Stark, who is also a RCS 8th grader, advocated for a cafeteria and a gym, giving students an opportunity to socialize; the gym would not only enhance physical education opportunities but also allow for community events such as dances, fundraisers, and game nights, she said. She also said students are hungry for AP classes, where they can earn college credit.

Jasmine Gomez, also in the 8th grade, said no cafeteria means students are eating in "smelly, messy" classrooms; a library, she said, would offer students a quiet place to study.

Others expressed just what the school means to them: "The Riverhead Charter School is a second home to us," one student said.

Another student who currently attends the middle school and lives in Mastic, said the school "plays a crucial role in shaping critical thinking. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge."

He said he'd like to see the school take volleyball to a more competitive level and expansion would mean opportunities for enhanced learning. "It's time to seize this opportunity to build a brighter future for Riverhead Charter School students," he said.

Another student added that a "dilapidated building" can hinder a student's mindset.

Others praised the RCS for shaping their futures. "It's not just a school, it's a second home and sanctuary," one girl said. Another added that she was passionate about advocating for her school, a place where teachers help students reach their full potentials.

The students, from Riverhead, Flanders, and other areas in western Suffolk, shared a strong bond.

"I hold the Riverhead Charter School close to my heart," one girl said.

Others said as the current Riverhead Charter School has expanded, there has been less space for elective classes, for a library, for music, art and theater. "It all starts with you," one student told the board.

Some questioned the community opposition: "Students should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of race," one said.

Another 6th grader said she has seen signs in opposition to the expansion. "This will not affect me or keep me from fighting for my right to have this high school," she said. "I have bad social anxiety. I’m trembling right now — but I love my community and my school. I love my teachers. It’s becaue of them I am here making this speech; they encouraged me."

Student at the RCS are not bullied, one said, "because of the color of their skin," as they might be elsewhere. While the school is excellent, there is need for a cafeteria, an auditorium, she said. "Plants can't grow unless they have the space to do so."

Parents, some with translators, and educators from the charter school also attended the meeting.

Opposition to expansion

Others stood opposed to the expansion.

Virginia Scudder, mother of three Riverhead Central School District students and SEPTA president, spoke passionately against the proposal: "While touted as innovative alternatives, charter schools pose a serious threat to the foundation of public education," she said. "First and foremost, charter schools siphon much-needed funds away from public schools. By diverting taxpayer dollars to privately managed institutions, charter schools weaken the resources available to traditional public schools, exacerbating disparities in funding and widening the achievement gap."

She added: "The building that currently houses the charter high school could not be used for anything other than educational purposes and despite many attempts, the Town of Riverhead refused to change that. Now, the charter school wants special consideration for an enormous expansion that adversely affect the character of the area."

The school, she said, is "trying to skirt the rules" by proposing a farm and produce. "Thank you for the offer, but my neighborhood farmers and businesses do just that — and that offer is a way to manipulate the rules."

Also, Scudder said, the RCS has "not been a good neighbor," with its Calverton location bringing "unbearable" traffic.

The Riverhead Central School District, she said, offers a "superior eduation" with advanced and college courses, technical programs, special education services and ENL support, as well as arts and humanities, clubs and sports.

"Where does it end for the taxpayer?" Scudder aske. "The charter school is funded by public school money. The good people of Riverhead are essentially being aked to fund two school districts. It is not our responsiblity to fund two school systems," she said.

She asked how the charter school is able to make such a substantial land purchase and questioned how funds are spent. She also suggested the school has the ability to "pick and choose" students so their "outcomes look good. That means children like my son" — who she said is autistic — "wouldn't go to charter school."

Former Riverhead High School PTSO President Mary Maki, as did many others, commended the students who spoke for their eloquence.

But, she said, preserving open space is critical. "It's very important to save what ever open space we have left," Maki said.

Her own twins thrived in the Riverhead Centraal School District, she said.

She explained how charter schools work, with the RCSD spending $18,000 per each student who went to the charter school, for a total of just over $11 million. If the student doesn't complete the year, the charter school still keeps the unding. "Why are they eating in dirty classrooms?" she asked.

Jennifer Confort of Aquebogue resident also gave credit to the students. " I am not opposed to the charter school itself. I am not opposed to education," she said. "I am opposed to the location."

A 68,000 square foot building, as well as fields and parking facilities will change the character of the area, she said. In addition, the property is near a liquor store and vineyard, as well as a busy road. "I don't know that that's the best location for a school," she said.

As it stands, Confort said, "Traffic is a nighmare. It's just not the right location."

One by one, farmers also took to the podium, echoing the sentiment, "No farms, no food."

Sterling and Raaya Churgin of the Henpecked Husband farm spoke. "We have to allow the next generation of farmers to farm. Farmers are essential," Raaya said. "We are protecting that for the future. The land we have, is all there is going to be. We don't get more land."

Those additional acres where the school hopes to be sites were created originally so farmers could build homes and live on their land, they said.

"I have no fight with the charter school," she said. "This is about protecting agricultural land for the future. We cannot afford not to do so. No farm, no fooed We are essential. We cannot take our resources for granted."

Sterling also spoke, saying that he was contacted by Suffolk County six months ago and asked if he wanted to leave the agricultural protection zone. "We said no, we are voluntarily staying," he said. When they bought their land, they paid the 2.5 percent tax because his goal was to "steward the land."

If the school is built, it sets a precedent, Sterling said. "Whatever is done today has ramifications forever." And, he said: "If this school gets built, why can't I become a multi-millionaire overnight and develop my land?"

Karen Lee added: "We all remember our closings, when we moved out here to paradise. The last check was for the Community Preservation Fund," to preserve land for posterity. "This charter school is not a proper use" for the property, she said.

Others from the charter school said they have exhausted all options in searching for a location.

Phil Barbato of Jamesport said he was lucky to live on a 14-acre preserved farm. "Once it's gone, it's gone," he said. "No farms, no food."

Valerie Raynor, who lives on Vineyard Way, said all of her four children attended the Riverhead Central School District. She said the land, which is beautiful, "should remain that way" and also questioned the impact of chemicals long used for farming and the impacts that would have on students. She also questioned if the parcel would even be big enough for the planned expansion.

In addition, the road is not safe for children walking to and from school.

"It's not the right spot," she said. "There are other places better-suited."

Raynor talked about those planning to sell their home, should the school expand, and implored the board: "Please make the right choice and protect our investment."

A mother, meanwhile, speaking through a translator, said traffic would alway be an issue in that location, whether or not the school expanded.

Aimee Lomonaco, vice-president of the Riverhead Charter School's board, said the school welcomes discussions with the community. "Nothing has been put out there yet before the board," she said. "We're not ready. We're doing our due diligence."

The charter school has been looking for space for seven of the years she's served on the board, she said, adding that Riverhead's zoning has rendered options limited, with EPCAL out, the former McGann-Mercy not an option, and the Kmart site also not a possibility. "We welcome your partnership," to find a new space, she said.

Anthony Confort said he felt for the student who had anxiety. "My goats have anxiety, too," he said, adding that farming was critical. "No farms, no food. It's just the wrong spot."

Some suggested the board consider rezoning EPCAL; the site is close to the present school and a better option, although there is current litigation after the board vetoed cargo airport plans at the site.

Brooke McKay, a 2019 Riverhead High School graduate, advocated for keeping agricultural space protected. "No farmers, no food," she said. "Agriculture is 100 percent the most important thing to the North Fork, in my opinion," she said, urging the board to protect open space for the future of her children and future generations.

Alison Matway of Wading River vehemently opposed expansion. "You cannot fund two systems of education," she said.

Maureen McKay, who launched a Facebook page and petition protesting the plans, spoke with Patch and said she's not against education but is fearful about the impacts on traffic and quality of life.

"We want to save what's left," she said. "I understand that the seller has the right to sell — but the school just doesn't fit."

She added that residents turned out even before plans were submitted to "put the cart before the horse. We wanted to ask them to please, hea us. We're tiny but mighty and we love where we live. "