Superintendent Engages Community Ahead of School Budget Vote

In anticipation of the upcoming school budget vote on May 19, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tricia Murray has been meeting with community groups and local organizations to share an overview of the proposed budget and provide insight into the process.

At a recent presentation at the Community Synagogue on April 13, attendees heard remarks from Rye High School theater director Tom Snowden and enjoyed a series of student performances by Maddy Valdez, Fiona Green, and Luke Gordon. At a second meeting at the Rye Recreation Center on April 22, the program continues with additional student performances by Mia Escaleira, Morgan Anderson, Fiona Green, and Luke Gordon. The students performed a medley of popular songs and Broadway musical hits.

In her presentations, Dr. Murray explained that the tax-compliant proposed budget includes funding for a full-time social worker serving both the middle and high schools, eight academic teams at the high school level, and two STEM teachers for the elementary schools. The plan also provides for upgraded Wi-Fi at the middle and high schools, along with enhanced security camera systems in the elementary schools.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Lauren Santabarbara shared programming and curriculum highlights, while Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Gaby Perruccio answered budget-related questions. Board of Education members Jane Anderson, Jen Boyle, and Shaun Kloepfer were also in attendance and participated in the discussion.

The next community meetings will be held on April 29 at 9:15 a.m. at Rye Middle School, April 30 at 9 a.m. at Rye Rotary, May 1 at 9:15 a.m. with Milton School PTO, May 12 at 9 a.m. with Midland PTO, and May 14 at 9:39 a.m. with Rye High School PTO.