He discovered that his experience as a union steward attracted the interest of district voters, especially the miners.

Of the 40 percent of eligible district voters taking part last week, 1,934 supported the plan and 1,319 opposed it.

On three occasions, angry parents have put measures before district voters to push back the high school's starting time.

Four years ago district voters approved a $20 million bond for a recently constructed high school wing, additional classrooms and computers.

Two years before that, district voters approved a $5.5 million bond for a new high school roof and other building and sports facilities work.

In 2009 school district voters approved a $3.6 million proposal to rehabilitate the library building into an arts and technology center.

The propositions were put on the ballot after district voters had twice rejected the school budgets, which were presented last spring.

Nevertheless, district voters approved the measure, though with several budget-trimming alterations.

More than 60 percent of the registered voters are Democrats, but district voters frequently back Republicans in contested elections.

Riverhead students face the same dilemma after district voters rejected the $83.9 million school budget last week.