New Riverhead School Superintendent Sworn In

RIVERHEAD, NY — It was the dawn of a new day at the Riverhead Central School District recently when, during the annual reorganizational meeting, newly appointed Superintendent of Schools Dr. Augustine E. Tornatore took the oath of office.

Also sworn in were returning board member Brian Connelly and new trustee Colin Palmer; Laurie Downs was elected and sworn in as board president for a second term, the district said.

After the meeting, Dr. Tornatore met with local residents during an informal meet and greet hosted by the board.

The BOE announced in April during a special board meeting that Dr. Augustine E. Tornatore would take the helm as the next superintendent of schools, effective July 1.

"We'd like to welcome Dr. Tornatore to the Blue Wave family," said BOE president Laurie Downs. "He has had major accomplishments while advancing his career, and we are certain he will prove to be a benefit to our students, staff, and community."

According to the district, Dr. Tornatore, a Long Island native, joins Riverhead from the Liberty Central School District in Liberty, NY, where he has served as superintendent since 2018 and as assistant superintendent starting in 2016. Before that post, he served as the director of social studies for grades K through 12 in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District in Newburgh, NY.

In addition, Dr. Tornatore has served as the social studies department supervisor and administrator for alternative, adult, and community programs in the Baldwin Union Free School District. He began his educational career as a social studies teacher at East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School, the district said.

Dr. Tornatore is a nominee for the 2021 National Superintendent of the Year program and New York Superintendent of the Year, the district said. He won the Sullivan County Health and Wellness Medal for Excellence two years in a row and was recently selected for inclusion in the trademark 'Who's Who Honors' edition for "demonstrating leadership and professional excellence," the district said.

Dr. Tornatore holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Stony Brook University; a master's degree in secondary education/English and a professional diploma in school administration and supervision from Queens College; and a Doctor of Education in administration and supervision from St. John's University, the district said.

He belongs to the American Association of School Administrators and the New York State Council of School Superintendents, for which he serves as an executive committee member.

"I am excited to be returning home to Long Island and helping to guide the district through the challenges of the year ahead," said Dr. Tornatore. "I'm most looking forward to working with a wonderful team and getting to know the students and families. I'm grateful for the trust and support of the Riverhead Central School District Board of Education."

Dr. Aurelia Henriquez, the superintendent of the Riverhead Central School District, resigned in June.

According to a statement from Riverhead Central School District Board of Education President Gregory M. Meyer and Henriquez, she submitted her resignation based upon "certain irreconcilable differences and in the best interests of her family."

Dr. Henriquez's resignation was effective June 30, the statement said. The BOE appointed Christina Tona to serve as acting superintendent.