Riverhead School Supe Resigns Over 'Irreconcilable Differences'

RIVERHEAD, NY — Dr. Aurelia Henriquez, the superintendent of the Riverhead Central School District, has resigned.

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

The district and Dr. Henriquez have executed a separation agreement; Dr. Henriquez’s resignation will be effective June 30, the statement said.

"The Board of Education wishes to thank Dr. Henriquez for her commitment to the students, staff and community during her tenure with the district," the statement said. "Dr. Henriquez extends her appreciation to the students, staff and community for their support of her leadership as superintendent of schools."

The Board of Education appointed Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Christina Tona to serve as acting superintendent, effective July 1.

The BOE intends to begin a "thorough search process to identify the best candidate to serve as the district's next superintendent of schools," the release said. "Since this is a confidential matter of personnel, the Board of Education, the district and Dr. Henriquez will have no further comments regarding this matter."

The news comes soon after residents voted down the proposed 2020 to 2021 school budget; in February, residents also said "no" to a$96.5 million bond resolution that would have funded repairs and renovations throughout the Riverhead Central School District.