Laurie Downs
Board of Education
Riverhead Town is again late remitting school taxes to district, BOE president complains
The Riverhead Central School District, which last July filed a notice of claim against the town demanding remittance of school tax revenues, has again not received the full property tax remittance due on June 30.
Board of Education
Downs returned to school board president post, but board fails to agree on VP
The school board reappointed Laurie Downs as president but could not agree on a vice president last night. Trustees Brian Connelly and Colin Palmer were sworn in, as was the new Superintendent Dr. Augustine Tornatore.
Board of Education
Riverhead school budget revote set for July 28; Laurie Downs elected school board president
The school board voted unanimously to schedule the revote on July 28, the date established by Gov. Andrew Cuomo for school budget re-votes across the state.
Board of Education
Angry parents, board members clash over school district transparency issues
Angry words flew at the Board of Education meeting last night over the question of how much salary and other information should be provided to the public about employee salaries and credentials when the board is acting on personnel resolutions.
Board of Education
On the other side of the podium: board ‘watchdog’ Laurie Downs takes her seat
The Riverhead school board's newest member was uncharacteristically quiet through most of her first meeting as a district trustee.
Board of Education
No high school ‘shooting threat’ ever existed, police and school board say, but angry parents push back
“There was no threat made toward the school,” Riverhead Police Captain Richard Smith said in an interview today. “There were no shooting plans mentioned, nothing like that.”
Board of Education
School board: 20 district retirees honored, concerns about medical emergency treatment on buses
The school board honored 20 school district retirees last night and heard concerns from a school bus driver about the district's procedure for medical emergencies on buses.
Board of Education
School board recap: ‘swan song’ for meeting videographer volunteer
Volunteer videographer Laurie Downs puts away her camera after 15 years; McKillop Field will be ready for graduation ceremonies, superintendent says; board discusses staff training for EpiPens, Family Community Life Center; parent complaints about home instruction.
Guest Column
We should all respect each other’s right to express our opinions
Freedom of speech is a precious right. Why can't we just respect the right of others to exercise that right. Blog by Laurie Downs.
Board of Education
‘Outraged’ at contract buyout, former candidate demands school board resignations
Former school board candidate Laurie Downs blasted the Riverhead Board of Education for approving an administrators union contract that allowed former assistant superintendent Joe Ogeka to collect more than $376,000 in wages for the year after his retirement. Ogeka was the highest paid school administrator in NY last year, according to a report by an Albany think tank.
