The Riverhead Central School District Board of Education meeting on October 29, 2024, spotlighted the urgent need for a supportive superintendent who understands the unique challenges facing the district. During the meeting, board members emphasized the importance of community involvement and the critical role of educators in enhancing student experiences.

A key highlight was the discussion surrounding the upcoming superintendent search. Board President, who has served for six years, expressed frustration with candidates who claim they can "fix" the district's low test scores. He stressed that Riverhead does not need fixing but rather a leader who can support and understand the community's complexities. "We do not need someone to fix us. What we actually need is someone to support us," he stated, underscoring the diverse socio-economic backgrounds of students and the various challenges they face.

The meeting also celebrated the achievements of staff members, with congratulations extended to Griselda Aguilar and Daniel Regini for their tenure. The board members donned red shirts in solidarity with the "Red for Ed" movement, which advocates for teachers' rights and voices in the workplace, drawing inspiration from the teacher-led initiatives in West Virginia.

In a poignant moment, a board member shared a story illustrating the daily struggles of students, highlighting the importance of understanding their backgrounds. He recounted an incident where a teacher showed compassion to a student who had gone without food over the weekend, emphasizing that the district's mission goes beyond academic performance—it is about survival and meeting the basic needs of students.

As the district prepares for the next steps in the superintendent search, the board remains committed to finding a leader who will embrace the unique identity of Riverhead and work collaboratively to support its students and educators. The meeting concluded with a call for continued community engagement and understanding as they navigate these challenges together.