Summer Improvements Prepare RCSD Schools for the New School Year

While students and staff enjoyed summer break, Rye City School District was busy completing several facilities enhancements and maintenance projects to prepare its schools for the 2026-27 school year. 

On the secondary level, summer work at Rye High School and Rye Middle School included the replacement of the high school gym roof and updates to egress corridors near the art hallway. The egress improvements were completed as part of ongoing work to ensure district facilities meet current building and safety requirements. Additional work in the area included improvements to an art display space.  

The high school and middle school also saw the transformation of the courtyard adjacent to the Library Media Center into a welcoming outdoor space for students. The updated courtyard includes a paved area, gravel pathways, furnishings, power access and Wi-Fi. Designed as an outdoor study and gathering space, the courtyard will provide students with an additional space to read, study, collaborate or gather during the school day.  Funding for the courtyard was provided by the RHS Parent Organizations.

At Midland School, an existing space was renovated to create the GARNETS apartment, a life skills space designed to reflect elements of a home environment. The space includes a kitchenette and appliances, a washer and dryer, and bedroom and living areas where students can develop and practice everyday life skills in a supportive setting. The GARNETS apartment was funded through the Rye Fund for Education (RFE) and the district's special education budget.

Throughout the district, summer facilities work also included extensive cleaning and routine maintenance to prepare school buildings for the return of students and staff. At Milton and Osborn schools in particular, the summer focus centered on deep cleaning and general maintenance.  

While minor finishing work may continue for some projects, it is being scheduled so that it will not interfere with school operations. Together, these improvements reflect RCSD’s continued work to maintain and enhance safe, welcoming and functional learning environments for students and staff as the new school year gets underway.