Superintendent's Update

April 2025

BIG SPRING

Dear Rye Neck Families,

I’ve always been fascinated by words, their roots, and their evolution. Since the Vernal Equinox on March 20th, when the Sun’s path was directly over the equator on its way north, we’ve been in “spring”, when days are longer than nights. Our modern variation of the Old English word spring means exactly what you think it does: “to leap, burst forth, fly up or to spread, grow.”

Our students are often ready to leap because their final marking period begins at this time, the third trimester in mid-March at DW and FEB and the 4th quarter on April 22nd at the MS/HS. But it’s the mood and spirit that’s palpable throughout Rye Neck during April, May, and June. Please check our District and School calendars for the events that lend reality to the idea of bursting forth and growing. Signs of April joy were seen last Saturday at our Panther Palooza track and field fundraiser and will continue with more athletics, the DW Garden, kickball at FEB, the PTSA Panther Party, Earth Day, Incoming 6th grade Orientation, Junior-Senior Day, and of course everyone’s favorite, Spring Break.

Best Regards,

Dr. Eric Lutinski

Superintendent of Schools

BUDGET SEASON

Another big spring event is the state-wide date for citizens to vote on their district’s 2025-26 operating budget is Tuesday, May 20th. In advance of the Rye Neck District Budget Vote, our third public budget presentation is on April 22nd at 6:00 PM in the MS/HS Community Room. Please click the 2025 Budget Information tab on our District website for a full timeline. New information, including presentation material, will be added throughout the spring.

TRUSTEE ELECTION

In addition to the budget vote, Rye Neck residents have the opportunity to elect two trustees of the Board of Education each spring. Candidates seeking to become a Board of Education member must be nominated by petition. Candidates should contact District Clerk Mary Ellen Chiera at mchiera@ryeneck.org or 914-777-5252 to obtain the petition and any other required materials. Further information about qualifications and the timeline can be found under Becoming a Board of Education Member on our District website.

ADVISORY FROM VoMPD: OBEYING PARKING & TRAFFIC RULES DURING SCHOOL PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF

The violation of parking and traffic rules during student pick-up and drop-off in the Rye Neck School District remains problematic. Complaints have been made regarding double parking in illegal spots, passing stopped school buses that are dropping off children, blocking of private driveways, unattended vehicles in the pick-up/drop-off line, and cars stopping in the middle of the road after bypassing the pick-up/drop-off line.

Incidents have occurred in locations including Laura Joy Circle and the intersection of Harrison Ave./Keeler Ave by Daniel Warren, across from F.E. Bellows on Carroll Ave., as well as on Hornidge Road by the Middle School/High School. Such illegally parked cars or vehicles stopped in the roadway obstruct normal traffic flow and are a violation of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. This ongoing problem jeopardizes the safety of students and also affects the quality of life of residents on these streets.

Please be mindful of obeying the parking and traffic rules, as all are advised that enforcement action will be taken if such incidents continue. The safety of all Rye Neck students, including those who walk and bike to school, is a priority and only possible if the community works together.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

We also like to highlight teachers and other staff members each month. Each shares personal reflections on how they got into education, memories from their time as students, and their favorite activities outside of school. To read about a staff member, click on the name below their picture.