Brian Connelly, 49, of Riverhead is seeking his third term on the school board. He has been a district resident for more than 25 years and is the father of one Riverhead High School freshman and one high school graduate.
He currently works as a firefighter for the New York City Fire Department. He holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Albany.
Why are you seeking election for the Board of Education?
Every day that I send my child to school, I know that they are in great hands academically and emotionally. Being a New York City firefighter working shift work, there are days when the Riverhead administration, faculty and staff interact with my child more than I do. How do I repay a community for this level of care? I am seeking re-election to continue to invest in the future of our schools and our children.
What will be your top three goals as a board member?
Hiring a qualified Superintendent.
Maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders and actively listen to their concerns and ideas.
Preserve the programs that we have in place to meet the needs of all students.
What needs the most improvement in Riverhead schools? How would you work as a board member to improve it?
Class size is of great concern and needs to be continually addressed. Riverhead Central School District has outstanding teachers, staff and programs. Student growth and academic achievement is strongly linked to smaller class sizes. Overcrowded classrooms makes it difficult for teachers and students to physically move around their classroom and utilize this space as a learning area. This would not only help each child’s academic achievement but it will support their social and emotional well-being. We have achieved smaller kindergarten class sizes through budgeting and planned staffing. As a board member I will continue to monitor all class sizes especially at the elementary level.
Do you think there is a district policy that should change? If so, what is it, why should it be changed, and how would you work on the board to change it?
The regents weighting policy is a district policy that should change. I believe that the policy should be designed to help students, not harm them. I will continue working with all stakeholders (administration, the board, community, students, RCFA etc.) to find a common ground to develop and implement a policy that is beneficial to all, especially the students.
In light of the recent turmoil and turnover in the district’s leadership, how would you, as a board member, ensure there is more stability in the school district’s administration going forward?
The BOE should meet with all stakeholders to involve them in the process of hiring a Superintendent. The BOE will work with BOCES and our interims who collectively have a depth of experience and skill set that will guide us during the vetting process to help us identify a superintendent that can effectively serve our district and provide the needed stability to our school community.
What are your views on the school district’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives? What should the district be doing differently to reach out to minority and marginalized groups within the surrounding community?
It is important to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty and staff. It is important for the district to acknowledge the unique needs and experiences of these groups and ensure that our communication and support reflect this understanding. Engaging with community leaders and organizations to establish trust and build relationships is essential.
Do you favor the district asking voters to approve a capital construction plan to increase classroom capacity in the high school? If not, how should the district deal with overcrowded classrooms?
I would be in favor of a capital construction plan that only dealt with addressing the educational needs of our students. The Board of Education along with the Superintendent, with input from all stakeholders, needs to formulate a strategic plan to combat overcrowding. Every space needs to be evaluated to ensure that it is being used proficiently.
What skills or abilities would you bring to the school board and how would you put these to work to improve how the board functions?
I bring a common sense approach to the Board of Education. I am approachable and listen to the comments and concerns of all stakeholders when making informed decisions pertaining to district matters.
Have you accepted contributions, either financial or in-kind (such as accepting the donation of literature, signs, phone bank staffing, social media services, advertising, etc.) from any source? If so please identify source, type and amount.
I have accepted the endorsement of the RCFA (Riverhead Central Faculty Association). I have not received any financial contributions.
Read Kelly Freeborn’s responses.
Read about the upcoming vote on proposed budget and proposition.
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